Friends of Kilbride

17/06/2026

Our notice boards in place again. Thanks to Heritage Builders for a tidy job and to Carraig Ghael Wind Farm for funding the repairs via a microgrant approved by Kilmore & Kilbride Community Council.

05/06/2026

Catherine Gillies will be speaking about ‘The comparison of the three turreted brooches, the silver analysis and theories about the making of the brooches’ at the Brooch of Lorn study day. Catherine trained as an art historian with a particular focus on buildings and material culture, before diverting to a career as a journalist for press and BBC Radio for many years. A chance meeting with the noted social history collector Hope MacDougall in Oban reignited her passion for material culture and led to a 30 year association with the MacDougalls of Dunollie and their collections. She became a Trustee then project director of the Hope MacDougall Collection, and began to advise the Dunollie Preservation Trust, working initially on the Brooch of Lorn before expanding focus to the whole private collection. She was tasked with leading the opening of Dunollie Museum, castle and grounds to the public in 2011. She has also worked extensively as a heritage consultant specialising in independent museums and heritage sites throughout Scotland. She founded the Scottish Community Heritage Alliance in 2020. She retired from formal consultancy late last year, focussing instead on passion heritage projects and a squad of small grandchildren.

Book your place for the Brooch of Lorn study day at https://argyllestatesarchives.org/shop

19/05/2026

Bluebell and apple blossom time!

25/04/2026

Kilbride mentioned here!

21/04/2026

Carpets of celandines, pretty daisies and the last of the daffodils - spring sunshine in Kilbride 😎🌞☺️

12/02/2026

This is the link to Morag MacDougall's funeral service tomorrow at 12 UK time.

The Funeral ForMorag MacDougall of MacDougall (Morley) 31st Clan Chief will take place at St. John's Cathedral, George Street, Oban on Friday, 13th February ...

01/02/2026

Just a small reminder that it’s the dandelion, not the snowdrop, associated with Saint Brigit Scottish gaelic name bior nam Brìde (spike(?) of Brìde or another name beàrnan-Brìde. Beàrnan refers to someone with crooked teeth or a gap so Brìde’s broken teeth.

This might refer to the hagiographical traditions referring to the saint. She prayed to become ugly so awful men would leave her alone. When she took her vows she became beautiful again …

There’s a folklore tradition of Brìde leaving medicinal brews out at this time and I think in some areas people used to brew or bring out the dandelion “wine”, I think it’s mentioned in the Irish folklore collection ? (Help)

Where as Snowdrops were introduced in the 16th century. First mentioned being seen in the wild in Scotland in the 18th century - still they are naturalised today and a modern symbol of this moment but least we forget the humble dandelion (it’s also yellow a very important colour in Scottish folklore and tradition).

27/01/2026

Very sad news. She was a supporter of Friends of Kilbride since the very beginning and will be sadly missed by all here.

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥

It is with deep sadness that the Clan MacDougall announces the death of Madam Morag Hadfield MacDougall of MacDougall, Chief and Head of the Honourable Clan MacDougall.

Madam Morag MacDougall, the 31st Chief of the Clan, succeeded her aunt in 1990. She served her clan with dedication, quiet strength, and a profound sense of responsibility to heritage and community.

In 1998, she founded the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust, entrusting part of the Dunollie estate to charitable stewardship to safeguard Dunollie Castle and the clan’s legacy for future generations, a lasting contribution to both the worldwide clan, Scotland and community of Oban.

Madam Morag MacDougall was, and will remain, a much loved mother and grandmother, whose warmth and care were deeply felt by her family and all who knew her.

Further details regarding commemorations of Madam MacDougall of MacDougall and the formal arrangements for her succession by Robin MacDougall who will become the 32nd clan chief, will be shared in due course.

20/01/2026

Snowdrops making their appearance today ☺️

15/12/2025

🚨 We’re hiring – freelance opportunities available!

Dunollie is entering an exciting new stage of development and we’re looking to appoint two experienced freelancers to support our future growth and sustainability.

🔹 Freelance Charity Strategist – Work with our Team and Trustees to lead us into our next stage of development, supporting long-term financial and fundraising strategies. Funded by Museums Galleries Scotland

🔹 Collections Strategy Consultant – Help create a 10-Year Collections Development Strategy as part of a The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland project.

✨ Make a real impact on a much-loved heritage site.

📅 Deadline for both roles: 11 January 2026
👉 Find full details and apply now via our website (work with us page) or link in bio.