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The Clan MacMillan of the Rockies Branch, USA
A Highland Games Debut: Where Tartan Dreams Meet Rocky Mountain Reality
Anne (McMillan) Guy, Secretary, reports
Sometimes, the best adventures begin with a healthy dose of ambition and just a pinch of glorious madness.
We are a new Scottish-USA Branch, representing the Clan MacMillan—so new, in fact, that the ink on our charter has barely dried. We formed in July 2025 and became official in mid-August 2025, which means we’re essentially the enthusiastic toddlers of the clan tent scene. With the Colorado Highland Games right around the corner, we gathered around our virtual hearths (also known as Zoom calls) and made a collective decision that was equal parts brave and bonkers: we were going to “go for it” and represent our Clan for the first time in this region.
What followed was a whirlwind of planning that would make any military operation look leisurely by comparison. Plans began between the officers, and we finalized everything at the very last second—because apparently, we enjoy living on the edge, Highland style.
Friday: The Great Tent Raising
We met at the Denver Polo Field on Friday afternoon, September 19th, our arms laden with poles, banners, and dreams of tartan glory. The Colorado sun blazed down with an enthusiasm that we hadn’t quite anticipated—turns out, the Rockies have a different definition of “autumn” than the Scottish Highlands. There we were, fair-skinned sons and daughters of Scotland, suddenly realizing that perhaps we should have packed more sunscreen than tartan. We put our tent up, our tables out, and set up our displays with the kind of determined optimism that only first-timers possess. As we stepped back to survey our handiwork, adjusting a banner here, straightening a table there, we looked at each other with a mixture of pride and trepidation. We felt as ready as we could be.
Which is to say: we had absolutely no idea what we were doing, but by the spirits of our ancestors, we were doing it with style.
Saturday: Baptism by Bagpipe (and Sunburn)
Saturday, September 20, 2025, found us arriving early, powered by coffee and clan spirit. The sun returned with a vengeance, beating down on the polo field with the kind of intensity that makes pale Scots glow like lobsters in kilts. You could practically hear our ancestors laughing from the misty Highlands, watching their descendants wilt under the Colorado blaze. By afternoon, our tent had become less of a clan gathering spot and more of a desperate refuge, though we wore our pink-tinged complexions as badges of honor—or perhaps folly. But despite our sun-kissed (red, slightly scorched) state, what happened next was nothing short of magical.
Throughout the day, we were received with great warmth and enthusiasm by the other Clans and event attendees. It was as if the Highland Games community had been waiting to wrap us in a collective tartan embrace. The President of these Games stopped by our tent to welcome us personally—a gesture that simultaneously made us feel honored and slightly terrified that we might accidentally break some unwritten clan tent protocol.
We taught our Clan history and diaspora out of Scotland to those interested, discovering that nothing makes history come alive quite like sharing it with someone whose eyes light up at tales of Scottish lands and MacMillan legacy. We had several sign up to be potential Clan MacMillan members, each conversation a thread weaving into the larger tapestry of our growing branch.
But here’s where the real education began: We took a lot of notes as the other “older school” Clans taught us tent must-haves, do’s and do-nots, as well as kid-friendly games between the tents. These seasoned veterans shared their wisdom generously, like Highland fairy godparents bestowing gifts upon the newest members of the gathering. We learned about proper flag etiquette, the art of the tent stake, and which games would keep wee ones entertained while their parents discussed lineage.
And then there was the whiskey.
We enjoyed Scottish whisky shots with other kinsmen and kinswomen, toasting to heritage, to new friendships, and to the overall Clan camaraderie extended to us. There’s something profoundly bonding about sharing a dram with fellow Scots—it’s as if the spirit itself carries centuries of stories and connection.
Saturday afternoon brought us the joy of welcoming our Branch President, James MacMillan, and his wonderful wife, Mary, whose presence felt like the official seal of approval on our fledgling adventure. Our full roster of member participation for the weekend included David McMullan, Vice President; Ian MacMillan, Treasurer; myself, Anne (McMillan) Guy, Secretary; and Paul Walker, Outreach. Five MacMillans, one tent, infinite Enthusiasm.
Sunday: Finding Our Highland Stride
Sunday dawned with intermittent clouds drifting across the Colorado sky—a mercy from the heavens, and our poor sunburned shoulders breathed a collective sigh of relief. The cooler, shadier conditions felt like a gift, as if Mother Nature herself had taken pity on the sun-dazed Scots and decided to give us a proper Highland atmosphere to finish strong. By this point, something remarkable had happened: we were nearly pros. Well, perhaps “nearly pros” is generous, but we had certainly graduated from “adorably clueless” to “confidently competent.”
We took in more of the festivities with eyes that now understood what we were seeing. Our Queen, yes, Queen Mary, and her court graced us with their presence as well, adding a touch of regal splendor to our humble tent. The competitions from the athletes—those magnificent specimens hurling cabers and stones with seemingly superhuman strength—the pipers whose music could make your heart soar and your eyes mist simultaneously, and the dancers whose feet moved faster than thought, and were very enjoyable to witness.
Whisky tasting (yes, more whisky—it’s research, really), sword fights that made us flinch and cheer in equal measure, Highland cows with their magnificent horns and shaggy coats that demanded to be photographed, the food that made us forget our diet resolutions, and the vendors who tempted us with everything tartan and Scottish—it was all amazing.
But if I’m being honest, and as Secretary, I feel duty-bound to record the truth, the best part of this weekend was meeting each other and meeting our other Scottish Clansmen and Clanswomen. There’s something extraordinary about looking into a stranger’s eyes and recognizing kinship, whether by blood or by spirit.
We are already planning our next event!
Personal Reflections
“As a new Clan member, with both the International Society and Rockies Branch, I was not sure what to expect at a large event like the Colorado Highland Games. My personal experience was amazing and I’m so glad I was able to participate. With humble beginnings and a small membership, we all worked hard to pull our tent together and represent our Clan.Throughout the weekend, I learned a lot from the other Clans - their tents, tartans and about my Scottish heritage. It was fun sharing our Clan history and one kinswoman was even in tears over us being there as our own tent. Another father and son were near speechless with excitement. It is amazing to be a part of this. I am very proud to be Scottish, and more proud to be in the Clan MacMillan!”
Anne (McMillan) Guy, Secretary
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“I was amused by the stuff toy stealing game. I wonder if other games have that tradition or was it started in Colorado?”
Ian MacMillan, Treasurer
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“I really enjoyed meeting the other founding members of the Clan MacMillan of the Rockies. The festival was really good and it was great to meet some of the other clans attending. I look forward to a bright future with our young branch!”
Dave McMullan, Vice President
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“As the others have pointed out, it was great fun at a great festival with great people. It had been years since I last attended the Colorado Highland Games. I saw many old acquaintances, met many new friends, and listened to new and old pipe bands. Being part of Clan MacMillan has helped rekindle my love for all things Scottish.”
James “Jim” MacMillan, President
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"It was an educational experience to go to the Colorado Highland Games as a Clan MacMillan member helping man the tent instead of just visiting as I have done in previous years. So many people came up to our tent expressing excitement that Clan MacMillan was finally represented at a Scottish event in Colorado! Most of them were just people that were interested in joining Clan MacMillan, but several others were just people from other clan's who were aware of our history. I was able to connect with and was made aware of so many Scottish American societies to include the St. Andrew's Society of Colorado, the Scottish-American Military Society, and many others. It was eye-opening for me to realize how many Scottish-American organizations were active in my local community. It really gives me a sense of how strong and prevalent Scottish-Americans are in Colorado and really has motivated me to help represent Clan MacMillan and the Scottish-American community as a whole where I live."
Paul Walker, Convener, Historian, Outreach and Activities
Alba gu bràth!
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