Ashbourne Highland Gathering

The Chieftain

Alan Mudie (Chieftain 2004) writes about the roll of the Chieftain

Alan Mudie was the Chieftain for the 2004 Ashbourne Highland Gathering. Here Alan writes about the role of the Chieftain and gives an insight into his day and his preparations.

In 2004 it was my privilege to be asked to be Chieftain of the 20th Ashbourne Highland Gathering. That year, my employer, Rolls-Royce Plc had agreed to be the main sponsor as the Company was also celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the historic first meeting between Sir Henry Royce and the Honourable Charles Rolls. I thought it may be of interest to describe how it came about and what happens on the day from the Chieftain's point of view.

Each year the organisers seek main sponsors for the event. Often they attract large local firms who in turn are invited to nominate a Chieftain. Sometimes the Chieftain is a private citizen prominent in public life. Ideally the Chieftain should be local and preferably Scottish.

I happened to be the Chairman of the Rolls-Royce Derby Charitable Donations Committee which exists to make small grants to organisations or individuals who are trying to address charitable needs in the region as part of it's Corporate Social Responsibility. In October 2003 I was intrigued to be considering a request for sponsorship for our gathering as a community event and we decided to follow it up.

I met with representatives of the Gathering committee and we secured the sponsorship for 2004. I was then asked if I would like to take on the role of Chieftain but only after the representatives had established that I a) lived in the area and b) could prove some Scottish connections.

I was delighted to accept and over the forthcoming months became increasingly excited.

As the day approached I had to hire a kilt, hose and brogues. I chose to buy a daywear jacket and sporran as by then I had been made aware that my duties as a former Chieftain would last for many years ahead. I have since bought the rest of the kit. Finding my correct tartan was the subject of hours of research!

David Frith invested me with the ceremonial Cromach [Shepherds Crook] in the Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre in Derby. This lead to a series of questions from my work colleagues. I was not able to answer as when a Chieftain is invested between Gatherings the publicity has to be carefully timed.

The big day came and at about 11.30am I made my way to Compton accompanied by Vice Presidents and former Chieftains. We formed up to March to the showground preceded by the pipes and drums of the 'Pride of Murray' and followed by the Strong Men as a personal bodyguard. We arrived a little early and as we entered the pipeband went right, the rest of the procession went left and I went straight on to take up my position on a very lonely dais facing the crowds.

I made a brief speech formally opening the event and gratefully retired to have lunch!

The rest of the day tends to be mapped out for the Chieftain according to an 'anticipated' timetable. In my case a live broadcast on Radio Derby ensured that I was refocused immediately after lunch. I then officially started the Hill Race, judged artworks, visited the Tug o' War, encouraged the Field Gun Display competitors and looked insignificant alongside the Strong Men.

Presenting the Competition prizes is a highlight in itself but taking the salute from the massed pipes and drums is an unforgettable yet peculiarly emotional experience.

That was the end of my official duties on the day. I chose to march through the town with the pipe bands before settling down to my first Chinese meal whilst wearing a kilt!

In the months to come I was invited to become a Vice President of The Ashbourne Highland Gathering and since then I have had an additional ambassadorial role speaking at various community events.

I wouldn't have missed it for the world!