Bicycles, castles and The Clan Maclean collide in Pictou

A bicyclist hopes his pedaling will help maintain a castle in Scotland.
Ian MacLean of Tidnish, NS, whose ancestors trace their roots back to Pictou County, decided to do something to raise funds for The Duart Appeal, a fundraiser to restore Duart Castle. That something, is a 400km bicycle ride from Tidnish to Washabuck, Cape Breton, stopping along the way at many points of interest for the Scots that settled in Nova Scotia. Of course Pictou County is on the list.
Duart Castle is a stately fortress on the Isle of Mull overlooking the inner seas of the West coast of Scotland. It is the residence of the chief of clan Maclean, Sir Lachlan Hector Charles
Maclean. The castle was built in the 13th century. In 2014 Duart Castle suffered significant water damage that required the clan Chief to issue an appeal for the restoration of the
ancestral home of clan MacLean.
On June 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Hector Heritage Quay, Ian MacLean will give a brief talk on his ride and the appeal for the restoration of Duart Castle. This will be of interest to anyone who enjoys learning about Scottish history. There will be refreshments including oatcakes and shortbread from Mrs. MacGregor’s Tea Room.
Following the talk, MacLean will lead a Tartan Ramble through the Town of Pictou. A Tartan Ramble is a relaxing and fun bicycle ride where you get to show off your favourite Scottish attire and clan pride. The ride will begin at the Hector Heritage Quay on Caladh Avenue at 11 a.m. following the talk. It will travel along Caladh Avenue to the Jitney Trail and on to Brown’s Point where there is a plaque commemorating the arrival of the ship Hector and the arrival of early Scottish settlers to Pictou County. From Brown’s Point the ride will continue through the streets of
Pictou returning to the Hector Quay. A total of approximately 5 km of easy bicycling. Everyone is encouraged to wear at least one item with a Scottish Tartan. A hat, sash, pin or wear a kilt and all the regalia to show your Scottish side. There will be a prize for the “most Scottish”.