Frank McGregor Named Chieftain of the Day for Bundanoon 2026

The Bundanoon Highland Gathering Inc. has announced that Frank McGregor, the High Commissioner and Chiefs Lieutenant for Clan Gregor Australia, will serve as the Chieftain of the Day during the 2026 event. The gathering is scheduled for April 18, 2026, in Bundanoon, New South Wales, a picturesque location in the Southern Highlands.

Frank McGregor has a notable history with Clan Gregor, having been elected as the Overseas Representative for Australasia on the Council of the Clan Gregor Society in Scotland in 2015. This society, one of the oldest clan organizations in the world, was founded in 1822. McGregor’s contributions have included coordinating a documentary about the clan, titled “No Surrender,” which aired on Sixty Minutes in 2016. That same year, he was appointed as the Honorary Consul for the United Kingdom in Tasmania, a position he continues to hold.

In 2018, McGregor received the title of High Commissioner for Clan Gregor in the Commonwealth of Australia, an honor bestowed by Clan Chief Sir Malcolm MacGregor. This title was officially recognized by the Lord Lyon Court of Scotland, allowing him to wear the feathers associated with his role. Most recently, in October 2025, he was appointed Dean of the Consular Corps of Tasmania during a ceremony at Government House.

Frank McGregor is a passionate advocate for Scottish heritage, frequently representing Clan Gregor at various events across Australia. He serves as the Patron of the annual Tasmanian Highlands Gathering, which takes place each June. McGregor shares his life with his wife, Fiona McGregor, and their two sons, William and Angus. In his free time, he enjoys driving classic cars, reflecting his appreciation for history and tradition.

Clan Gregor is recognized as one of the most ancient clans in Scotland. Historians regard it as a pure branch of the ancient Gael, claiming descent from Griogar, the son of King Alpin, Scotland’s first united king. The clan’s motto, “Royal is our Race,” speaks to its noble lineage.

The clan’s history has not been without challenges. In 1589, an edict from King James VI declared the name MacGregor to be “altogidder abolished,” which forced members to abandon their name under the threat of death. This act of persecution led to the clan being referred to as the “Children of the Mist” as they sought to evade capture. Notable figures from Clan Gregor include the legendary Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and John McGregor, who served as the piper at the Alamo.

In Australia, Clan Gregor has maintained a strong presence at the Bundanoon Highland Gathering since its inception. Under Frank McGregor’s leadership, the clan has consistently outnumbered others, with as many as seventy MacGregor kin participating in the parade and activities each year.

The Bundanoon Highland Gathering promises to be a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture and heritage, with McGregor at the helm as Chieftain of the Day. For additional information about the gathering, interested individuals can visit www.brigadoon.org.au.