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Thirty Years On

Highlights from our Learned Kindred of Currie Story

(1990 - 2022)


An amazing journey of research and discovery by both the Society and leading educators, historians and scholars which started in the 13th century

and continues to this day.

The 1990's


Sending Out The Call


A period of organization, registration, advertising and promotion,Highland Games and Gatherings and the beginning of original special events and programs.



1990 - 1991 - A group of Curries with roots from the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland form the basis for a Currie Family Society. Aims of the Society are to research, promote and celebrate the history of the MacMhuirich (Currie) Bardic Dynasty which began in Scotland in 1213 AD. Aside from some groundbreaking research by Professor Derek Thomson of Glasgow University in the late 1960's, little is known of this once prominent family of bards, storytellers and historians. This organization aims to restore the Learned Kindred of Currie into their rightful place in Scottish history.

- Prepared first draft constitution, by- laws, officers. File documentation for non-profit status.

- William McMurdo Currie publishes a brief history of the MacMhuirichs in "GAIRM" - a Scottish Gaelic quarterly magazine in 1991.

1992 - Launched the Clan Currie Society as a US, tax-exempt organization. The Society makes its formal debut at the Bonnie Brae Scottish Games in Millington, NJ.

- The Society's first board of directors is formed with Rev. Dr. David Currie named as Clan Chaplain and Officers Donald Currie, Alan Currie, Thomas Barr and Matthew Sinclair.

- The historic Currie of Balilone tartan, created in 1822 is released as tartan for all Kindred. Tartan production begins immediately in the Scottish borders.

- Col. William McMurdo Currie (1916-1992), founder an earlier Clan Currie Society (1959 - 1977) dies in Glasgow, Scotland.

- In his book, "Clans and Tartans" author Dr. Christopher McNab profiles the newly-released Currie tartan and includes a brief history of the family.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie is chosen as the Honored Clan at the 20th Annual Scottish Heritage Festival at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.

-Organized by Wayne Currie, the Currie Family Gathering in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia brings together 475 Curries.

- First print newsletter for the Society is published.

1993 - The Society joins the Commissioning Committee of the USS John Paul Jones in San Diego, CA. Society president Robert Currie delivered an address during the Commissioning Ceremonies.

- Dr. Alan Titley of the University of Cork publishes "An Fear Dána" - a fictional account of Currie namefather Muireadach O'Daly and his escape from Ireland to Scotland.

- Society Treasurer and piper Tom Barr leads Scottish Heritage Days at grade schools in Pine Beach and Summit, NJ.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie is the Honoured Clan at the Bonnie Brae Scottish Games in Millington, NJ. Two-page coverage appears in the Arran Banner and inScotland West magazine.

1994 - Dr. Micheil MacDonald publishes "The Clans of Scotland - The History of the Scottish Clans." The book includes a write up on the Learned Kindred of Currie and a color plate of the Currie tartan.

- The Society makes their first appearance at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina.

- A good number of MacMhuirich poems are presented in their original Scots Gaelic and translated into English in "Glair Nan Clarsach - The Harp's Cry" edited by Colm OBaoill and translated by Meg Bateman.

1995 - The Society holds their first fundraising event in the form of a Kirking of the Tartans service. This program continued until 1998.

- The Society along with support from the NY Caledonian Club stage a mini-highland games which airs on "Good Day New York" on Fox Television.

- Society president Robert Currie attends the Brodick Highland Games on the Island of Arran, Scotland. As titular Chieftain, Currie delivers an address and hands out competition prizes.

1998 - Historian Thomas Owen Clancy publishes "The Triumph Tree" which includes numerous citations and poetry attributed to the Learned Kindred of Currie.

- Society president Currie is tasked by NJ Governor Christine Todd Whitman to serve as cultural ambassador for the NY-area visit of the Simon Fraser Pipe Band from British Columbia, Canada.

- Historian/author Bill Lawson publishes, The Lost Churches of Howmore," which covers in detail the MacMhuirich Learned Kindred on South Uist.

1999 - Building on the success of their Kirking of the Tartan program, the Society debuts the "Pipes of Christmas" concert as our primary and longest-running fundraising event. Donald Currie and Robert Currie are co-producers with James S. Little as music director. The concert is still held annually and enters its 24th year in 2022.

- Society membership fees are removed in favor of more formal fundraising.

2001 - 2009


Setting the Course


The Society implements emerging media, film-making, exhibition production, and expands their impact to benefit third-party charities and educational institutions.


Participation at Highland Games and Gatherings increase across the US, Canada and Scotland.



2001 - Launched the Society's first website in place of their print newsletter. Although visually stunning, the site was quite costly as web design was still in its infancy for small organizations and development software required trained third-party designers. Membership jumped from approximately 400 annual members to over two thousand.

- The Society hosts their first Burns Night fundraising dinner led by renowned Diageo Brand Ambassador, Evan Cattanach.

- The Society becomes a supporting sponsor of the National Capital Tartan Day gathering in Washington, DC.

- Alan Currie, Commissioner for Scotland, hosts information tent at the Blairgowrie Highland Games in Scotland.

- In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, the Society commissioned a new pipe tune entitled, "Lament for the Lost." Composed by Pipe Major Kevin Blandford, the piece premiered at the 2001 Pipes of Christmas concerts.

2002 - Under the supervision of Donald Currie, the Society hosts their first annual Burns Night Dinner.

- Debuted the annual observance of "Tartan Day on Ellis Island." Believed to be the largest Tartan Day event according to National Park Service attendance records. The annual program continues to this day, twenty years on.

- The Society marched in the first "street" version of the NY Tartan Day Parade led by Sir Sean Connery on Sixth Avenue.

- Proiseact nan Ealan (the Gaelic Arts Agency) publishes "An Leabhar Mòr," ("The Great Book of Gaelic.") The book contains an anthology of poetry in Irish and Scottish Gaelic from the 6th to the 20th century. MacMhuirich/Currie poetry is featured. The book's release leads to a new exhibition curated by Malcolm Maclean is being prepared for display on Ellis Island in 2003.

- The annual Pipes of Christmas concert is recognised as part of HM Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebration. A new pipe new composition is performed in memory of the Queen Mother.

- Concert highlights televised over community access cable. Program receives the first of many prestigious Telly Awards for Broadcast Production Excellence. By 2021, the concert has been the recipient of 11 productions awards.

2003 - The Society releases their first documentary film; "The Crafters Song" narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Scottish American Cliff Robertson. The film is directed by David Dessell.

- Scotland commissioner Alan Currie brings the Learned Kindred of Currie tent to the Glenfinnan Highland Games and the Bute Highland Games in Scotland.

- The release of "An Leabhar Mòr" leads to a new exhibition curated by Malcolm Maclean for the annual Tartan Day exhibition display on Ellis Island. In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of poetry readings are held at the Poet's House in Lower Manhattan.

- The Society establishes the "Harper of the Day Award" at the Richmond (VA) Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

- Member Lola Bailey hosts the first Currie tent at the Clanjamfry Scottish Festival in Memphis, TN.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie receives the 2003 "Videographer Award" for production excellence for their televised "Pipes of Christmas" concert.

2004 - Hamish Moore screens "The Crafters Song" in both Dunkeld, Scotland (as a fundraiser for the Friends of Dunkeld Cathedral), and New Jersey, USA.

- With consultation from NJ historian Donald Peck, the Society sponsored the National Tartan Day ceremonies in Perth Amboy, NJ. Historic community which was first successful Scottish settlement in the American Colonies named for the Earl of Perth.

- Alan Currie, Commissioner for Scotland, participated in the annual memorial service at Culloden Battlefield. He places a wreath at the cairn in memory of the MacMhuirichs that participated in the battle.

- The Society contributes to the rebuilding fund for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games headquarters building and their gift is recognized with a donor stone built for the memorial cairn.

- Society president Currie is awarded the "An Ceud Fear" award from the Caledonian Foundation for leadership in the Scottish-American community.

- The Society participated in the Saint Andrew's Day Parade in Scotland.

2005 - The Society produces "No One Is Alone" - a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief.

- Commissioner Alan Currie led our first official presence at the Battle of Culloden ceremony. Currie resented a wreath in memory of the MacMhuirich men and women affected by this battle.

- Member Lee Hutchinson hosts the Curries as the Honoured Clan of the Day at the Clanjamfry Scottish Festival in Memphis, Tennessee.

- Led by Rev. Dr. David Currie, a thorough review of the Society's By-Laws were conducted and changes made to fit the changing role of the Society in the Diaspora.

- Society officers participate in the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina and the Brodick Highland Games on the Isle of Arran.

- Member Jim Currie attends a Currie gathering in Kintyre with historian Ian MacDonald.

- Society president Robert Currie delivers an address at the 10th Annual Scottish Symposium hosted by the Caledonian Foundation in Tampa, Florida.

- With performances by the Shot of Scotch Highland Dancers and piper Christopher Layer, the Society performs a free concert at "Miracle on Madison" - popular holiday fundraising program in benefit of children's charities on New York City's Upper East Side.

- Historian Ronald Black publishes "The Gaelic Otherworld" which includes numerous citations and poetry attributed to the Learned Kindred of Currie.

2006 - The Clan Currie Society is granted Corporate Arms by the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh, Scotland. Additionally, personal arms were also granted to Robert Currie.

- The Society establishes the Alex Currie Memorial Scholarship for Bagpipe at the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia.

- A conference entitled, "The Life and Legacy of Alexander Carmichael" is held in Benbecula, Scotland. Sponsored by the Islands Book Trust, the conference includes a paper written by Professor Willie Gillies entitled, "'Alexander Carmichael and the Folklore of the MacMhuirich poets."

- The Society launches a YouTube channel to share their growing video library with the world.

- The "Pipes of Christmas" concert debuted in New York City to a sold out audience.

2007 - Scholars Wilson McLeod and Meg Batemen publish, "The Songbook of the Pillagers - Anthology of Medieval Gaelic Poetry" featuring many MacMhuirich works.

2008 - The Society produced a concert entitled, "Dunkeld's Genius" - a concert featuring the music of 18th century fiddler Neil Gow and 20th century piper, Gordon Duncan. Concert was a fundraiser for Friends of Dunkeld Cathedral and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. The concert featured Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion Calum Pasqua and pianist Susie Petrov.

- Lang Syne Publishers releases a new book entitled, "Currie: The Origins of the Curries and Their Place in History." The book is based on Victorian-era history and outdated and incorrect facts. The publishers placed a tartan of unknown origin on the cover stating it was the Currie tartan. This action would start a decade-long campaign with Lang Syne to withdraw this piece from bookstalls and Internet sales.

- The Society launched the PM Kevin R. Blandford Memorial Piping Scholarship at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.

2009 - The Learned Kindred of Currie participated in the worldwide Gathering of the Clans in Edinburgh, Scotland. A new pipe march entitled, "The Currie Tartan" is composed by Pipe Major Stuart Samson, MBE for the occasion.

- The Kindred hosts a dinner at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the first Clan Currie Society in 1959. Peter Currie of Campbletown, Scotland arranges for a limited edition anniversary bottling of Springbank Single Malt Whisky is released.

- The William McMurdo Currie Memorial Scholarship for the clarsach is established at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow City Hall. William Currie's widow, Irene Currie is present for the announcement made by Glasgow Lord Provost Bob Winter.

- Professor Hugh Cheape of Sabhal Mor Ostaig publishes in "Scottish Gaelic Studies," a MacMhuirich-themed paper entitled, "A Mock Euology on a Bad Piper."

- Ian Skone-Rees debuts the Learned Kindred of Currie at the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, CA.

2010 - 2014


Growing from Strength to Strength


Kicking into high gear, making a measurable impact on the Scottish Diaspora. Achieving recognition as a senior contributor to promoting Scottish heritage and culture worldwide.



2010 - The Society co-sponsors the Private Bill Millin Statue Fund in memory of the famous D-Day piper of Sword Beach.

- In conjunction with the passing of Bill Millin, the Pipes of Christmas pays special tribute to the piper by inviting D-Day veterans to attend all performances as special VIP guests. The Society also used the opportunity to raise funds for PoppyScotland.

- In addition to the above concert-related events, the Society commissioned a new tune entitled, "The Lad from Kingussie" from Pipe Major David Palladino to mark the passing of longtime cast member Evan Cattanach.

- The Society assumes leadership role in the clarsach community by becoming Title Sponsor of the US National Scottish Harp Championship.

- Member Bryan Macpherson of Benbecula, Scotland publishes his watershed research paper on how the MacMhuirichs of Benbecula and the Uists had their names incorrectly changed from MacMhuirich to MacPherson. The article appeared in the March edition of Am Paipear.

- In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Society hosts a fundraising event for the American Red Cross. Program includes Live music, a scotch tasting and a silent auction.

2011 - Launched the MacMhuirich Symposium - an annual gathering of historians and scholars presenting papers on the Learned Kindred of Currie. Inaugural symposium held in Edinburgh, Scotland.

- VisitScotland - in cooperation with Collins Bartholomew, LTD - releases an "Ancestral Map of Scotland" depicting Currie lands.

- "The Gaelic of Niall MacMhuirich', a research paper by Professor Willie Gillies is published in "Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness."

- Designed and dedicated a new memorial paving stone to famed bard Lachlan Mòr MacMhuirich in Makars Court to mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw. Located adjacent to the Scottish Writers Museum in Edinburgh, MacMhuirich joins such illustrious Scots writers as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

- The Society commissioned the design for an Ellis Island tartan from Matt Newsome of the Scottish Tartan Center in Franklin, North Carolina. A tartan for all with immigrant ancestors. Registered in Edinburgh on Tartan Day 2011.

- The Society establishes the Private Bill Millin Memorial Piping Scholarship.

- Led by Ian Skone-Rees, the Society hosts their first Harp Glen at the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, CA.

- Society president Robert Currie delivers an address on the history of American tartans and the US Capital Tartan Day Committee Symposium in Washington, DC.

2012 - The Curries launch Facebook and Twitter pages to enhance communications. New media outlets prove invaluable to engaging with the worldwide family. Immediate growth experienced.

- Constructed and dedicated the MacMhuirich Memorial Cairn at Stilligarry on the Isle of South Uist built from stones provided from Curries around the world. Event covered by BBC Alba television. Renowned piper Alan MacDonald from the Isle of Uist composers a new signature pipe tune, "The Clann Mhuirich." The song premieres at the cairn dedication ceremony.

- The Society and the Ceolas School in South Uist co-host a ceilidh at the Dark Isle Hotel in Benbecula.

- Created in collaboration with Professor Hugh Cheape, the Society visits Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye to announce the creation of a new research prize – the ‘Duais Clann MhicMhuirich’ – to be awarded by the Society annually to a student in Gaelic history and literature. The gift announcement was featured on BBC Alba.

- The Currie tartan is included in publisher C. Collins' "Tartans Map of Scotland" for the first time.

- Led by Ian Skone-Rees, the Society expands their harp program at the Seaside Highland Games into the West Coast Harp Gathering.

- The Society and the Canadian Friends of Scotland co-host a fundraising dinner in New York City. Proceeds from the evening benefited the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Alberta, Canada and a planned documentary film on James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and Governor General of the Province of Canada.

- The Pipes of Christmas concert marks the Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen with a new composition, "Balmoral Snow." The concert also marked the passing of astronaut Neil Armstrong with an original composition entitled, "Sea of Tranquility," composed by James Ross of Wick, Scotland.

2013 - The Society launches a new annual prize at the Royal National Mòd for Young Adult Literature.

- The annual Ellis Island observance of Tartan Day relocated to NYC's South Street Seaport in wake of Hurricane Sandy which closed the island to the public.

- Society president, Robert Currie awarded an Honorary Doctorate in the Arts from Edinburgh Napier University. The ensuing family reception in Edinburgh was covered in a two-page photo spread in "Scots Heritage" magazine.

- Dr. Sim Innes presents a paper entitled, "Heroic Choices in MacMhuirich Poetry" at the Centre for Scottish and Gaelic Studies in Guelph, Canada.

- The Society celebrates a new exhibition at the Scottish Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh featuring the works of Scottish artist Ken Currie.

- The Currie Society is profiled in "Celtic Life Magazine."

- A "Pipes of Christmas" Facebook page is launched.

- In association with writer Alexander McCall Smith and Edinburgh Napier University, the Society launches a music composition prize. The inaugural winner is Jason Sweeney of Coatbridge, Scotland. The piece, entitled "Christmas Card from Ettrick Bay" has its world premiere in New York City at the annual Pipes of Christmas concert. An additional composition, "Lullaby for a Prince" is composed by Steve Gibb of Inverness, Scotland.

- A new music CD; “The Best of the Pipes of Christmas” is produced in honour of the concert’s 15th anniversary. To date over two thousand copies have been sold.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie begins an annual food drive tradition at their Pipes of Christmas concerts. Food collected is delivered to the Community FoodBank of NJ.

2014 - Society Chaplain, The Rev. Dr. David Currie becomes a Scottish armiger.

- Hosted a family information tent at the Battle of Bannockburn commemoration event (Bannockburn Live) in Scotland.

- Meeting with new Lord Lyon King of Arms, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Joseph Morrow. Morrow encourages Curries to consider holding a family convention to identify candidates for family Chief.

- The Society enters into a production and sales agreement with House of Tartan in Comrie, Scotland to produce the Currie tartan for members.

- Society member Joe Cash represents the Learned Kindred at the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Georgia.

- Society member Andy Currie establishes the Currie Ladies Caber Toss Trophy at the Cowal Games in Scotland. Lucy Marshall is the first winner of the prize.

- Member Ian Skone Rees hosts a Currie information tent and harp performance booth at the BritWeek celebrations in Santa Monica, CA.

- Society members led by member Pat Currie participate in the Currie Family Gathering at the 150th Antigonish Highland Games in Nova Scotia.

- Scotland Now magazine releases a documentary video short on the history of the Learned Kindred of Currie hosted by historian Carl MacDougall.

- The Society co-sponsors the Struileag Gaelic Arts initiative in Glasgow including the "Children of the Smoke" music and CD program.

- The Society hosts a Harp Stage at the Queen Mary Highland Games in Long Beach, CA.

- Scottish territories of the Learned Kindred of Currie appear in the new (upgraded) edition of publisher C. Collins' "Tartans Map of Scotland."

- Society president Robert Currie and Lord Charles Bruce co-host a whisky tasting fundraiser at Highlands Restaurant in New York to benefit the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program.

- Dr. Bruce Durie delivers a presentation of "Recent Research Findings on the MacMhuirichs" in Laurinburg, NC.

- The Society joins the worldwide "Ice Bucket Challenge" in support of ALS medical research.

- Pipes of Christmas launches the Angel Award for leading concert patrons and supporters.

- A concert Twitter page was launched - @PipesofXmas.

- To mark the 350th anniversary of the State of New Jersey, the Society commissions the "Garden State March." The march is composed by renowned piper Duncan Bell and arranged by Jeff Rickard of Redlands, CA.

2015 - 2019


Reaching New Heights


The "Clan" Currie transitions into the "Learned Kindred of Currie" as ground-breaking research reveals the Kindred's important significance and incredible history.



2015 - The "Tartan Day on Ellis Island" Facebook page is launched.

- The Society provides financial sponsorship for the NY Tattoo.

- The Society delivered a lecture on the rebuilding of the Learned Kindred of Currie at St. Andrew's University in Laurinburg, NC. The University bestows Robert Currie with their 2015 Saltire Award for outstanding contributions to Celtic culture.

- The Society commissions piper Craig Weir of Dundee, Scotland to compose the "Immigrant's Lament" which premieres on Ellis Island.

- Commissioner Ian Skone Rees hosts the Currie tent at the Queen Mary Highland Games in Long Beach, CA. Rees also hosts a Clan/Family information tent at the Pleasanton Highland Games in Northern California.

- Professor Alan Titley participates in the "Canon in Irish Language" conference in Dublin. He speaks on the life of the bard Muireadach O'Daly.

- Scotland Magazine publishes a feature article on the Learned Kindred of Currie.

- Celtic Family Magazine names Robert Currie as best "Celtic Community Leader" of the year.

- The 2015 Alexander McCall Smith Composition prize is awarded to James Hind of Edinburgh, Scotland for his Scots Gaelic tune, "Mo Ghaol aig Cheann An T-Saoghal" (My Love at the End of the World).

2016 - Launched a worldwide “Call for Representers” to stand as possible Commander of the Name and Arms of Currie.

- The Gaelic College in Nova Scotia hosts a concert called "The Piper's Ceilidh - The Currie Connection" to honor late piper Alex Currie.

- The Society hosted a lecture by genealogist/historian Dr. Bruce Durie at the Players Club in NYC.

- Ellis Island program became the centerpiece of Ellis Island's NPS Centennial celebration. Exhibit on John Muir ran for the entire summer with visitor numbers exceeding one million.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie wins the Silver Medal for Best Clan/Family tent at the Victoria Highland Games in British Columbia.

- Member Miranda Bailey-Peetz hosts first information tent at the Springfield Highland Games in Springfield, IL.

- Author Carla Sassi publishes the "International Companion to Scottish Poetry" with many references to the MacMhuirich bards.

- The Society hosted their first Currie Culture Tent at the Richmond (VA) Highland Games. Tent featured all-day performances of harp, fiddle and Gaelic singing.

- North American Games Commissioner David Currie Wendell hosts the first information tent at the Pacific Northwest Highland Games and Celtic Festival in Enumclaw, WA.

- The Pipes of Christmas concert debuts the "John Muir Suite" composed and arranged by Steve Gibb from Inverness, Scotland.

- Footage from the Pipes of Christmas was filmed for BBC Alba's "Guth Ag Aithris" (A Lone Voice) television documentary.

2017 - Broadcaster Lorna Moloney presents a podcast on the Learned Kindred of Currie for her "Genealogy Show" series on Clans and Surnames.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie conducts first Family Convention in Glasgow under the supervision of the Lyon Court. Family unanimously affirmed Robert Currie to fulfill the role.

- As part of the international convention, the Currie family dedicates a memorial on the Isle of Arran in memory of the many Curries who live or lived on Arran.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie was featured as an Honoured Clan at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as part of the “Splash of Tartan” celebration.

- The Society donates to the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust in memory of the fourteen-year-old piper from the Isle of Barra that tragically lost her life at the Manchester Arena bombing on 22nd May 2017.

- James Currie of Tucson, AZ organizes first Currie gathering in Bendigo, Australia. The Kindred also assembles for the Australian production of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

- Stuart Currie of Dumfries, Scotland named official piper to the Learned Kindred. He composed the jubilant pipe march, "The Curries Are Coming" to lead the Kindred up the Royal Mile from our family banquet to Edinburgh Castle.

- Society launches the "Inspire" award to recognize family members whose contributions and character demonstrate the best of our Kindred's ideals. Andy Currie of Rutherglen, Scotland is the inaugural recipient.

- The Society launches the Carol Hassert Memorial Scholarship for Fine Arts.

- The Society produces and televises "No One Is Alone" - a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Hurricane Maria Relief.

- Member Ian Skone Rees hosts a Currie information tent at the Costa Mesa Highland Games in California.

- Scholarship director Roy Currie hosts a tent at the Edinboro Highland Games in Edinboro, PA and presents the annual US National Scottish Harp Prize.

- With the aid of US National Scottish Harp Champion, Haley Hewitt, the Society acquires two Scottish harps (clarsach) for loan to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT to launch a new harp performance program.

- Society president Currie is awarded the International Cultural Ambassador Award. Issued by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the award recognizes a non-UK citizen who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting Gaelic language, arts and culture.

- Society member and Gaelic consultant John Grimaldi leads the Kindred in the Scottish Christmas Walk in Alexandria, VA.

- The Society commissions harper Cormac de Barra of Dublin to compose a new tune entitled, "Beautiful Things" in commemoration of John Curry and the 1879 witnessing of the visions at Knock Parish Church in Knock, Ireland.

2018 - Following a review of the 2017 Family Convention proceedings, the Lord Lyon commissions Robert Currie as Commander of the Name and Arms of Currie.

- A new harp tune was gifted to the Learned Kindred by the Scottish Harp Society of America entitled; "The Old Bard of Stilligarry." The new work is composed by Eyler Coates.

- In April the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band from Benbecula, Scotland traveled to Ellis Island as part of their trip to New York. They were invited to perform on the island as part of Tartan Week.

- The Society co-produced a Gaelic music CD entitled, "Freumhan Falaichte" featuring Gillebride MacMillan. The title track, "Baile nam bàrd" is based upon a poem written by Robert Currie. The tune is filmed as a music video and receives wide acclaim in the Scots Trad Music Community.

- The Society helps produce another music CD entitled, "A Quiet Uniqueness" by Champion harper Rachel Clemente.

- Piper Stuart Currie of Dumfries, Scotland joins a nationwide chorus of pipers to play, "The Battle's Over" to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.

- Performers and harp historian Simon Chadwick of St. Andrews, Scotland composes "Failte MacMhuirich." The tune salutes the appointment of a Clan Commander for the Learned kindred of Currie.

- An original composition entitled "Carolina Christmas" composed by Jonah Stead of Leiccestershire, UK. The piece has its world premiere in NYC at the Pipes of Christmas.

- The Society contributes to the production of "Rise Up," a Traditional Celtic CD performed by The Outside Track recorded in Edinburgh.

2019 - The volume two edition of “The Best of the Pipes of Christmas” CD is released.

- Commander Currie participates in an on-line learning initiative - The Scottish Highland Clans ' - produced by Glasgow University. This course uses the expertise of University of Glasgow and outside academics to explain the structure, economy and culture of the clans.

- Renowned Scottish-American balladeer, Charlie Zahm, performs at Tartan Day on Ellis Island.

- Led by North American Games Commissioner, David Currie Wendell, the Society was awarded Second Place in the clan/society tent display competition at the Victoria Highland Games in British Columbia.

- Led by Josh Taylor, the family debuts tents at the Scots on the Rocks Festival in Moab, UT and the Estes Park Highland Games in Estes Park, CO,

- Society board member Michael Currie hosts the first Currie tent at the New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain, New Hampshire.

- Andy Currie, renowned Scottish athletics director named Honorary Chieftain of the Peebles Highland Games in the Scottish Borders.

- The Society debuts at the Phoenix (AZ) Highland Games under the leadership of Linda Sullivan McGuire.

- The Society retains writer Neil Gunn to serve as copywriter for family projects. At our persistent request to the publisher, Gunn is hired by Lang Syne Publishing to draft an updated, definitive history of the Learned Kindred based largely on research compiled by Family Historian, the late Angus MacMillan of Benbecula.

- A new collection of Scots Gaelic poetry entitled, "The Highest Apple" is published. Written by historian Mark Newton, the book contains a sizable amount of MacMhuirich poetry.

- Melana Currie of New Brunswick, Canada is appointed webmaster and digital marketing director to the Learned Kindred of Currie.

- The Society debuts a new composition, "The Mystical Nativity," based upon the Botticelli painting. It is composed by Steve Gibb from Inverness, Scotland.

2020 and On...


With the Kindred Leadership solidly in place and a worldwide following exceeding

five thousand kinfolk, the Learned Kindred of Currie marches

forth in confidence and strength.



2020 - Due to Covid restrictions, most US Tartan Day programs are canceled. The Society, in partnership with Pipe Major Bethany Bisallion of Ottawa, Canada establish "Project 1320;" a virtual celebration of Scottish music.

- The new Currie history book hits the market. Sales are brisk.

- Society member David Currie of Waterloo, Ontario sponsors the 12th tee box (Clan Currie) at the Askernish Golf Club in South Uist, Scotland.

-The Society produces a virtual “Pipes of Christmas.” Filmed across Scotland in 5K HD video, the production featured leading Scottish artists. In the absence of live events, also developed a video Advent Calendar entitled the "Festival of Advent." Each Sunday during Advent, a new musical selection and candle lighting took place over the Society's YouTube Channel.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie hosts an information stall at the Inverness Highland Games in Inverness, Scotland.

- Commander Currie is named Honourary Chieftain of the Scotland County Highland Games in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

- The Society becomes one of the first financial donors to support the restoration of the grave of celebrated 19th century Gaelic singer Jessie MacLachlan in Glasgow, Scotland.

- The Society hosts an information tent at the Southern Maryland Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

- In celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth and in recognition of his Currie roots, the Society co-produces "Lauder," a televised concert filmed in Edinburgh.

2021 - The 2020 virtual "Pipes of Christmas" concert is nominated for an MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award for production excellence.

- In collaboration with Lang Syne Publishing in Newtongrange, Scotland, a new and revised Currie history book is published replacing three previous publications.. Written by Neil Gunn, it is the most accurate depiction of the Learned Kindred of Currie ever produced.

- Led by board members Rev. Dr. David Currie and Michael Currie, the Society participates in the Maine Highland Games.

- The Society commissions a new pipe lament, "My Strength and Stay" in memory of The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

- The Society helps produce the inaugural music video for the new traditional band named the Pishy Cloots from Aberdeen, Scotland.

- The Society's Facebook page exceeds five thousand Followers for the first time.

- Commander Robert Currie invited to join the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

- A new podcast entitled, "Clan MacMhuirich - A Bardic Family," is produced for the Stories of Scotland series hosted by Annie MacDonald and Jennie Johnstone.

2022 - The Learned Kindred of Currie is the subject of a podcast produced by the NY Genealogical and Biographical Society.

- The Kindred commissions and broadcasts a new harp composition, “Steadfast” to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Similarly, Kindred piper Stuart Currie of Dumfries, Scotland performs and releases, "Diu Regnare" - A Piping Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen composed by Stuart Liddell.

- The Society makes a financial gift to the Isle of Arran Music School.

- Commander Robert Currie is awarded the US National Tartan Day Award in recognition of 30 years service to the Scottish Diaspora.

- The Kindred becomes the inaugural American supporter/member of the Lord Lyon Society.

- The Learned Kindred of Currie establishes an Instagram account as another means of connecting the worldwide family.

- The Pipes of Christmas concert receives the "Arts and Beautification Award" from the Suburban (NJ) Chamber of Commerce.

- Member Jen deFouw hosts an information tent at the inaugural Holland Celtic Festival and Highland Games in Holland, MI.

- The Society launches a "30 for 30" fundraising campaign to build financial reserves for future activities and programs.


Apologies for any errors or omissions.




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