With the new year, plans by the numerous chapters and branches of Clan Cameron North America are placed on the proverbial “front burner.” Mostly behind the scenes, over one hundred officers from throughout the U.S. and Canada meet and work during the “off season” to make the upcoming games and festival season a memorable one for members of the Clan Cameron Association. These dedicated men and women take great pride in their efforts, which preserve and promote our collective heritage. On behalf of the Regional Presidents, the Cameron of Lochiel family, and myself, I offer sincere gratitude for a job well done.

Speaking of the regions, there has been a change in the Rockies. Rocky Mountain Regional President Michael Bozeman has stepped down, with the desire to “pass the feather” to another clansman to serve the region’s interests. His 15 years of work for the Association have been noteworthy within the Rockies, where Clan Cameron has prospered. I am pleased to report that Lochiel has appointed Robert Cameron of Clifton, Colorado as Mike’s successor. Bob is the past-president of the Rocky Mountain Branch, and has been a dedicated, enthusiastic member for years.

As many members realize, in addition to the significant work that hosting tents requires, and publishing newsletters for nearly 1000 families, the Association has convened numerous projects. The DNA and Outreach Programs, in addition to countless online resources, are among the many initiatives launched by Clan Cameron North America. Later this year another project will be unveiled, one of immense value to our worldwide clansfolk. “Virtual Lochaber” will be a computer-based mapping application similar to GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Imagine knowing that distant ancestors hailed from near a small lochan or stream, somewhere north of Loch Arkaig. Or perhaps family lore relates that the burial ground where generations were laid to rest is somewhere in the remote corners of Lochaber. Virtual Lochaber will be an interactive graphical computer application that allows users to identify and actually learn more about nearly every location throughout “Cameron Country.” At this time the thousands of waterways within Lochaber are being digitized and future data will include settlements and churches, past and present, cemeteries, historic sites, roadways, mountains and anything else that is deemed of interest. Look for Virtual Lochaber on a laptop, PDA or CD at your local Clan Cameron tent, beginning this autumn.