URGENT TRAVEL NOTICE FOR THOSE ATTENDING HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009
July 04, 2009
The email below is being widely circulated along U.S. Scottish Clan Societies.
Dear Homecomer,
The Dunollie homecoming week is getting closer and many of you will be counting down to your departure.
There is an important change to border controls which you should be aware of.
We have just had to fight a battle royal to stop an American homecomer to Dunollie being turned back at Edinburgh Airport because she indicated she was here to help out as a volunteer.
Under new regulations anything that could be construed as work, either paid or unpaid (as a volunteer) will mean you are rejected at the border.
When you arrive, simply say 'I am here on vacation'. Do NOT say you will be helping out at a Clan stand at the Gathering, or pouring teas at Dunollie.
"I am here on vacation" is all you should say!! If pushed, say you will be attending some Homecoming events. Don't even say 'taking part in'.
Lots of people are getting caught by this and are being sent back on the next plane. You will be fine as you now know what to say!
Yours,
Catherine Gillies
Project Officer
Dunollie House
Oban (Argyll, Scotland)
AS A CONFIRMATION OF THIS INFORMATION, THE ARTICLE "Not made to feel at Home" APPEARED IN THE OBAN TIMES (SCOTLAND) ON JULY 03, 2009.
Please take this alert seriously. Be careful what you say to the immigration officers upon entry. Please pass this on to your friends and clan members planning to go to Scotland for Homecoming Scotland 2009.
The 2009 Clan Campbell Family Gathering
And Annual General Meeting
Excited To Host The XIII Duke Of Argyll.
Deadline For Registration Is August 27, 2009.
Our chief, MacCailein Mor, His Grace Sir Torquhil Ian Campbell, XIII Duke of Argyll, will attend this year's AGM in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on National Constitution weekend September 17-20, 2009. Come and meet our Chief on his first official visit with the Society!
Full details for registration and forms are in the CCS(NA) JOURNAL. Deadline for registration and special rate at the host hotel is August 27, 2009. Old City walking tour and visit to the City Hall tower are planned. Further information is available from the Clan Campbell Society (North America) Secretary and AGM organizer, David Stedman at secretary@ccsna.org .
Friday meetings of the Society and the Clan Campbell Educational Foundation and the Saturday night formal banquet will be held at the Union League of Philadelphia, one of the nation�s most impressive private clubs. Host hotel is the totally refurbished Holiday Inn Historic District where you may reserve your room using the group code CLN. www.holiday-inn.com/philadelphia-historicdistrict