After a long and welcome sleep we rose in time for a big and hearty breakfast. The weather outside didn't look too welcoming, but at least it was dry (ish!) In fact the weather improved as the day went on and we were hopeful that the very pessimistic weather forecast might actually be wrong.

We wandered back down to the waterfront near the Aros Hall to see what was going on and were amazed to see the vast numbers of Macleans of all shapes and sizes and from all corners of the globe who could be seen every which way we turned, Most were wearing an item of Maclean tartan of some kind and many were wearing full Scottish regalia. It seemed a bit early in the morning for all that, but you really can't fault the enthusiasm!

We wondered what the locals must be thinking about such an invasion of international Macleans and were soon to find out. We decided to have a drive in search of the school playing field where a marquee had been pitched for some of the events. We drove past the school gates and, as we passed, a man rushed out waving his arms and shouting 'You can't park in here!!' As if we would even dare to try!! We inquired after the marquee and he firmly denied all knowledge of it which was slightly strange as it could clearly be seen a couple of hundred yards behind him! Ah well! We decided to drive round the other way, park at our hotel and walk. This plan was foiled because a single decker bus was stopped just at the entrance to our road so that we could not drive up. We waited for 10 minutes but the driver didn't budge so we eventually decided to drive round and come in the other entrance to our road. Just as we got there the bus driver reversed back up the road at full speed and blocked our entrance from that end as well! Was he trying to tell us something? Well, we were far too polite to ask. Seriously though, all the Tobermory people we met were very warm and welcoming and we think the two afore-mentioned incidents probably had perfectly reasonable explanations if we had asked, but it was much funnier not to!!

We eventually found the marquee, and there was a run through of Scottish dances and a Pipe band practice later in the day which was fun to watch. Back on the waterfront we ate the most amazingly good cod and chips from a van, which we ate sitting on the war memorial steps and then we had a good look round the Tobermory museum. It is fascinating with lots of history both ancient and much more recent, and not only about the Maclean clan. It was interesting to see a wallet of coins from Decimal Day (which I remember) and some public information pamphlets from the second world war (which I definitely do NOT remember!!)

At 7 pm we were in the Distillery car park boarding a coach to take us to Duart Castle for the Grand Ceilidh. Unfortunately it decided to rain at this point, after such a lovely day too, but luckily it was down to a few spots by the time we all piled out at the gates of Duart. There was a huge marquee on the lawn and it was almost full of people already, with plenty more milling around outside and frequenting the beer and food tents. What an impressive array of Macleans! They were there in their hundreds, all ages all shapes and sizes and many nationalities, all here to enjoy the festivities.

It was a wonderful concert with a good variety of performers, all of a very high standard, There was a Gaelic choir, a Scottish orchestra, several excellent singers, an accordion and much more, including of course, a piper. All were very well received. The only slight downside at all was that it was very difficult to see when sitting down because the ground sloped the wrong way, that is the ground nearest the stage was highest and was gradually lower towards the back! Never mind though. We all had ears and that was all we really needed in order to enjoy.

In the interval a huge 'Strip the Willow' was organised with hundreds of Macleans taking part. It was all good fun and very good natured ... and surprisingly successful! Nevermind the ever present rain drops and the cunningly positioned rabbit holes to trap unwary ankles!

As the sky gradually began to darken the castle was lit up in bold pink and purple. The grand finale was quite a surprise as they re-enacted an attack on the castle with men with pike staffs and muskets running amongst us in the dark. This culminated in a speech from the castle ramparts followed by a truly spectacular firework extravaganza which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Back to the coaches and the long trip back to Tobermory. Time to fall into bed at 1 am and hope to be revived and ready to do it all again tomorrow!