The Strathnaver Fairy Circle: a children's charity
I found this little badge recently, which bears the inscription "Strathnaver Fairy Circle. Dinna Forget". Intrigued, I have tried to find out more about the Fairy Circle. It appears it was a charity, formed early in the 20th century by James Mead Sutherland. According to David Watson, he was born in 1861, and was a member of the Clan Sutherland Society, and Vice President of the Scottish Clans Association. An article by John Slavin on "Piping in London" gives more details. Mr Sutherland hailed from Strathnaver, but was by 1900 a solicitor in London. The address of the charity was Elflyn Knowe in Shaftesbury Avenue, and the aim was generally to help the poorest children.
Events were held in London, including a large gathering of up to 1500 children in Camberwell, and on another occasion, 200 at Bermondsey who were entertained with a sumptuous tea and piping by Donald Mackay, the charity's official Piper. But Slavin also records teas in the Highlands, with one tour incorporating events at 'Strathnaver, Farr, Bettyhill, Melvich, Strathy, Tongue, Melness, Durness, Blair Atholl, Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Leith.'
A report on an event in London for 500 children gives the rather touching picture: ‘Brightness and joy ever followed in the wake of these latter day fairies and to the children this was another and brighter Christmas. With the gramophone selections provided, and the songs and tales by members and friends of the Fairy Circle, it was to them fairyland indeed. During the afternoon the echoes were awakened by Piper Donald MacKay; while Mr James Mead Sutherland, in his Gaelic dress, and as chief of the circle, well saw that the poor mites present were sheltered under the tartan plaidie of the clan Sutherland, at least for one happy day.’