http://www.george-maclean.com/index.htmlHot News!enen2018-12-23T08:09:28+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:26:03 +00002018 Diary2018-12-23T08:09:28+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/ac2fdb73a9374c7df8f52b3cd0d485a2-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/ac2fdb73a9374c7df8f52b3cd0d485a2-33.html#unique-entry-id-33So that means he is faffing around the kitchen making coffee and himself right at home. It is lovely to have him here again for another festive period, and there is football in McKays today so that will cheer him (should they win!). Last night we were at the "Wizard of Oz" which was great. They put on a wonderful show at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.]]>2018 Diary2018-12-23T07:50:47+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7359fb60aa25bf75b8199387d9a31c26-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7359fb60aa25bf75b8199387d9a31c26-32.html#unique-entry-id-32
Since September we have both been busy. October saw us in Belgrade for the Fall meeting of OSMTH, my first chairing such an event. It was a huge success. Then I worked for a week in Latvia which is always great. We had a new hot water boiler installed which was a struggle for the engineer to bore a hole through the thick walls, but four drill bits later it was done. Later in November I attended the 10th birthday celebrations of OSMTH Bulgaria and was interviewed on TV, and in newspapers and got introduced at the Parliament. I was also honoured with the award of Knight Commander of the Cross of Honesty which was a huge surprise and I was very humbled to receive it. Here I am on the masthead of the daily "Labour" newspaper!


Winter came last weekend but only for a day, but what a day! Freezing rain, then snow and there are still patches of snow and ice around in Killiecrankie.

Of major note was that I received official notification that I have been awarded a papal knighthood. The documentation arrived this week but the lovely bling was already here. I am now a member of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great, First Class. This is commonly known as Grand Cross of St Gregory and I get to add GCSG after my name.
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Farewells are always difficult to make, but we are all meeting up again in a few weeks in Serbia, so not long to wait!

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Everyone was dressed up in OFH and I shuttled groups down to KHH where they were to pick up the local coach to Blair Castle for the party. Peter was in my Thin Kilt (fat one does not fit me anymore!) and I took AC up with Adam (in his international superstar DJ mode) and Mark and John in my car which I was leaving overnight.


The castle looked amazing! Red carpet entrance was weighed down by curling stones and wonderfully welcoming staff greeted everyone as they arrived.

The first coach load came up from Pitlochry and the second was from Killiecrankie. I got a wonderful surprise when Wee Cath and Kathleen Clarke and spouses arrived as they had omitted to say they were coming up. Wonderful to see them! And then Helen Maria and Aileen Wilson (she has not ben a Wilson for almost 30 years, but so what…) and Paul and Aileen's husband John whom I have not seen since he was courting! The Victorian Ballroom started to fill up with loud whoops of happiness as old friends met up, so it was time for me to grab the microphone and call out the Scottish Contry Dancing steps. I had bought highland pumps the week before as I was not going to hit that dancefloor in brogues - perfect for the dancing. My guest partners of Pauline Cartwright May, Caroline McMahon and Wee Cath were fantastic.



I almost killed the dancers by our final dance of the Swedish Masquerade which is fun to watch but dangerous to perform. I got the opportunity to criticise the poor quality dancing at the end of each set.





Mostly it was a disaster but so much fun and enjoyment. Just before the delicious food (I am told that as I did not have the time to sample) Caroline made AC sit down as she recited her PoYum to him which was wonderful.



The rest of the evening was Adam in full flight as a DJ and everyone had a great time. I hope I managed to get around everyone to make sure they were having a great time! Coaches home and then up the hills. Our great friends from Bulgaria and Serbia had a wonderful night too and it was lovely to get to dance with the ladies in their beautiful gowns.

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Friday night we came back to a house full of guests so we had decided that we would dine out at Killiecrankie House Hotel where AC had booked his extended family to stay. That was a good idea! Mark and John arrived mid afternoon with John on crutches having had a rugby incident (read: Lego injury) so was mostly out of action. Sat up far too late as usual drinking on our return from the hotel. Steven and Rebecca were left in the hotel as they were having a birthday celebration there too!]]>2018 Diary2018-08-19T09:16:08+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/ab5557f350b75507cb54fb9568c976c3-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/ab5557f350b75507cb54fb9568c976c3-27.html#unique-entry-id-27
Off to the UN in New York later in the year to get my entry pass there and that will just leave Geneva to collect and I have the full set!]]>2018 Diary2018-08-17T22:54:06+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7a77b94b8b0756f2d85ee9c35a0bb333-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7a77b94b8b0756f2d85ee9c35a0bb333-26.html#unique-entry-id-26
Should all be fine now.

Just counting down the days until AC50 and all that entails before relaxing before a very, VERY busy autumn for the Highland Gentlemen of OFH!]]>2018 Diary2018-08-12T08:48:22+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/2b18329728c2f3231475991266753b19-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/2b18329728c2f3231475991266753b19-22.html#unique-entry-id-22
We have had lots of visitors this year so far, with KevinR coming up from Southampton for the Soldiers of Killiecrankie weekend (rain, rain, RAIN and wind!) but nevertheless a great time. My replacement at GPUK is taking a while to happen but it is well on course.

I was in Vienna last weekend to pick up my UN pass. I was met by some members of GP Austria after my tour of the complex. It is a very "Champions" type building for those old enough to remember that iconic TV show. I had the feeling I was under interview conditions as I met the permanent delegation members, but I must have done OK as I was then whisked off for an Austrian whisky tasting on the banks of the river. Lovely. Click image for more


I was staying with Helen Maria of course and we spent Friday night over dinner putting the world to rights and Saturday on a coffee and cake safari in 36-40C weather. Phew! Vienna in that heat is surprisingly quiet as everyone is outside in the country but Vienna remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Here is a chandelier from a cake shop - lovely!
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Kevin from Southport came up for the weekend and brought bad weather with him - he is to blame. Still we have had a lovely summer without that weekend. ]]>2018 Diary2018-06-26T22:48:48+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/6b23bb7f5a0cc6f8b9bafc7d8c26b69c-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/6b23bb7f5a0cc6f8b9bafc7d8c26b69c-24.html#unique-entry-id-24]]>2018 Diary2018-06-11T13:03:30+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/9fb7962b447dd0a6dd961cd855867047-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/9fb7962b447dd0a6dd961cd855867047-23.html#unique-entry-id-23


Since the UK missed out on the Baroque, I was quite taken by this other church we visited:

]]>2018 Diary2018-05-27T18:57:17+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/e5c3646a55629477744fa8cfe2629f85-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/e5c3646a55629477744fa8cfe2629f85-21.html#unique-entry-id-21]]>2018 Diary2018-05-13T03:02:25+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/b82db5e1c8241436a62518728e5a6f5d-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/b82db5e1c8241436a62518728e5a6f5d-20.html#unique-entry-id-20

Sunday night we met up with some of Fiona's Italian Classmates and had one of the most wide ranging conversations ever. So many topics discussed, TV shows recommended and generally the world put to rights!

Of to Taigh Murphy tonight for even more fun and laughter.]]>2018 Diary2018-05-12T02:57:05+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/0a06cacea956711444fbcfeda836c663-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/0a06cacea956711444fbcfeda836c663-19.html#unique-entry-id-19
The above image is me trying to coax a young friend to return my borrowed sword. It was a struggle!

This was possibly my last task of Grand Prior of the UK, so here I am looking pensive and vacant…]]>2018 Diary2018-05-10T06:18:44+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/038a5a55b10d35282f4504c180916e42-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/038a5a55b10d35282f4504c180916e42-18.html#unique-entry-id-18Fiona is on fine form, they are all freezing to death here as it is a low 17C. I think the blue skies are lovely as are the puffy clouds. Paid a visit to my Wee Jean last night in her Maximum Security Twilight Home. She was on great form.
Some events tomorrow and then relaxing for the rest of my time here, with visits for home cooking on the cards next week!]]>2018 Diary2018-05-08T06:18:19+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/4c9f67e558f91db8483698e1fd8e2fd3-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/4c9f67e558f91db8483698e1fd8e2fd3-17.html#unique-entry-id-172018 Diary2018-05-04T09:26:13+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/fad0e21c9a943ade98ac35647789529b-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/fad0e21c9a943ade98ac35647789529b-16.html#unique-entry-id-16
Now back to loving them too, and according to their owner, the gardens survive once they are two years old…]]>2018 Diary2018-04-22T14:02:16+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/d90d745ecb6038f8f773240d3f167eee-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/d90d745ecb6038f8f773240d3f167eee-15.html#unique-entry-id-15
Saturday morning, after a night of not much sleep and the last time I could address the electors in person before the secret ballot. So by 10:00 I was elected to great acclaim. My number of votes was kept secret which is a nice thing, but it was also good to be elected on the first round, so decisive. The day was spent in a round of congratulations from far and wide and then later in the day I was installed, but not before Anthony got his well-deserved Grand Croix which you can see here. He almost out-blings me with his Meritorious Service and his Greek award proudly displayed.



I was installed as GC, which is the equivalent of the CEO of the international organisation. I have already since Athens had so many emails and phonecalls and now I first have to learn what takes priority! My plan is to visit as many member countries as possible during my term of office.

Here is me taking my Affirmation of Office.



After my official acceptance of the post, the Armenian archbishop of Greece and several Greek Orthodox bishops then blessed me as you can hear below by following the link

George's Blessing

Later in the evening I took this action shot of our Bulgarian and Serbian friends, who were all complaining that I did not give them time to pose…




So now it begins. This new position has been described as being the President of a small nation, and with the amount of work so far, I cannot disagree!]]>2018 Diary2018-03-31T14:26:12+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/8dbd51aae87315dc8006b4bcc0c0bb91-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/8dbd51aae87315dc8006b4bcc0c0bb91-12.html#unique-entry-id-12

Managed to get an upgrade to the reading glasses, not quite re-entry shields yet! Looking forward to heading to Athens later in the month and next month to Australia!]]>2018 Diary2018-03-28T14:44:29+01:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7deb2d140483397e54ed21cde1de85bf-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7deb2d140483397e54ed21cde1de85bf-14.html#unique-entry-id-14]]>2018 Diary2018-03-15T14:25:28+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/8c475fa301e30d5f15e48c5b55c2f6cc-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/8c475fa301e30d5f15e48c5b55c2f6cc-11.html#unique-entry-id-11
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A quiet birthday at home preparing for a visit from Wickes for the new bathroom and from the painter and decorator. So busy here! A couple of hospital appointments and it seems I am well on the way to recovery which is good news. It will take ages but I can wait!]]>2018 Diary2018-03-04T14:27:59+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/402ff7e15a61f59547c7d7433dff36bb-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/402ff7e15a61f59547c7d7433dff36bb-13.html#unique-entry-id-13
Arriving in Inverness I was so pleased, and as Anthony had been updating me on the status of the food shelves in Pitlochry (no vans coming to Perth and beyond!) I did a quick shop there and arrived in Pitlochry at 1930, having been traveling for four days! I could have been in Australia quicker (and returned!).

Managed a safe return from London a fortnight later, and took this image:
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This first one is difficult to see what way round he is sleeping!

Sneaking on to the kitchen table again and looking naughty!
Tired from his climb onto the table.

Back at work this week for my first full week of work in 2018. Had a trip to the hospital for follow-up of the Christmas Disaster and all is on the mend. Still some way to go though and I am not out of the woods quite yet but it looks as if the heart and kidneys are repairing themselves nicely. Beginning to think of the Speech of My Life which I have to deliver in April but nothing written down as of yet, but some ideas are coming to the fore.
Anthony is in London for a few days of mixed activities and we cross overnight as he returns on one Sleeper and I head to London on the other. He has been working very hard on his University subjects recently and I hardly see him during the days. Sharp contrast indeed to the four months of summer vacation he had!]]>2018 Diary2018-02-17T14:49:08+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/d7e97dc7c73a48f2b10f189ad5fa418e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/d7e97dc7c73a48f2b10f189ad5fa418e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8
Off to Loch Faskally for some images, and then our first daytime stroll around Loch Drumore which is where Enchanted Forest is sited in October. It was still frozen there but lovely.

Click image for our lochside adventures!
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Such a tiny puppy (not!) and now a gorgeous bear from Killiecrankie who is a show-stopper when we go down Atholl Road for a promenade. Such a handsome chap!

The day he arrived at OFH:

Hugs for Daddy and posing on the table!

Recent images, and finally on his second birthday!

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Snow came again today and is coupled with blue skies. Vincent and I went to Pitlochry for some shopping and had a stroll about so that was good although even in gloves my hands were freezing. I love living here in the Wilds as we get all the seasons in technicolour and 4-D so I cannot complain.

We have lots of green shoots across the garden and I hope this is the year for the lily-of-the-valley to come up as it did the first spring we were here. Last year not a single flower, but millions of snowdrops and of course the painfully beautiful 15 different kinds of daffodil which mainly survived Vincent and Alfie running across and sitting on them.]]>2018 Diary2018-02-01T14:23:43+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/3be9747274ea3e22902513f06ed54873-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/3be9747274ea3e22902513f06ed54873-5.html#unique-entry-id-5
No images as my hands were FREEZING!]]>2018 Diary2018-01-24T15:50:00+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7053565b384563eb4e9415c5c1cec246-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/7053565b384563eb4e9415c5c1cec246-4.html#unique-entry-id-4
On the upside, a new season of Grace & Frankie has started on Netflix and the one liners are as fab as the first three seasons. That should keep me occupied in the next week or so.

Anthony is back from Spain today on the 1830 train so it is back to normal in the house once more…]]>2018 Diary2018-01-23T15:00:00+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/5aac53029a2024e6fb20c1f53d6d24cf-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/5aac53029a2024e6fb20c1f53d6d24cf-3.html#unique-entry-id-3
Of course it was left to me and the 70 year old electrician to off-load them and sign for them. Thankfully I have my man-loader delivery trolley (every time I use it I think it was the best purchase of our first year in OFH). I have now downloaded the app for my phone and will start setting rooms up on the app later this week. Not only are they wifi programmable, but manual too, so they will be on, On, ON in the first rooms later this afternoon and I can start to thaw out.

Anthony is going to LOVE the amount of cardboard we will need to take to the recycling later this week…

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However for some reason I am without a voice and not even a croak escapes from my mouth at the moment. I am sure this is not helped by the new heating system being installed (radiators taken out on Saturday when it was -06C) and electricians started work on Sunday (-07C) with all the doors open. I am spending my time in the dining room where the log burner is on full blast as the rest of the house is Baltic. Anthony is in Spain at the moment and missing all of this fun!]]>2018 Diary2018-01-16T10:27:08+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/ce76511ab2b6931740e6f88a7e89dbdf-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/ce76511ab2b6931740e6f88a7e89dbdf-0.html#unique-entry-id-0
Christmas and New Year I was spoiled rotten by visitors doing all the cooking and entertaining and whilst that was great and I am happy to have been on the receiving end, my kitchen drawers will take until Easter to get back to normal!]]>2018 Diary2018-01-08T10:32:33+00:00http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/b10610954f04eff65169c43b672b5017-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.george-maclean.com/styled-4/blog/2018-Diary_files/b10610954f04eff65169c43b672b5017-2.html#unique-entry-id-2
The campaign started off with a website http://www.killiecrankie1689.scot and has a Change.Org campaign, Facebook and Twitter account too. We are pleased with the campaign as it has meant TV interviews, international radio interviews, local, national and international press coverage. Not bad at all for a little village in the Highlands! You can read of our campaign on the website and access the press releases and news.

The deadline for submissions at this stage is 23rd January but the campaign will have to go on, perhaps at a less frenetic pace thereafter.]]>