Clan MacVicar

Precious are the Ties that Bind is the outworking of a bereavement. I watched over a period of nine years the deterioration of my dad from the los of most of his sight to the point of death when he was too weak to speak. Like after reading Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem 'Felix Randall', I was left pondering the loss of a big personality. Like in an empty room I ws left with echoes. But after writing this book I discovered that there were echoes of echoes. Perhaps it is the same experience of every family.

Ancestral hunting is very fashionable. However, this pursuit raises two critical questions: What do people wish to find and what do they do with what they find? The answer to the first question is probably some distinguished ancestor - a famous general or politician perhaps, or a royal connection. Ironically the ancestral trail leads to other families. The second question seems to be less clear. Of course, there are the family trees. These rarely reveal, yield more than the trees in winter - the bare branches of names. The leaves and fruit - the characteristecs - are missing. Then there are the shields and mottos. The MacVicar shield and motto are included not so much as trophies as tangible evidence for historical background, and family qualities.

For a materialistic age, the words of the late Angus John MacVicar present a challenge: 'Knit together by an invisible bond of friendship and loyalty'.

Nevertheless, I have often proved the reality of his words. I have proved them in the faceless telephone conversations where invitations and offers of help have been forthcoming. I have proved them in the material, which has been sent to me. Often the mere mention of MacVicar has been like a key opening a door. I have been mystified. For example, I was in conversation on the telephone with a MacVicar whose family came from Inverness to Llanelli. The gentleman knew of the existence of my great uncle Gavin who had travelled from Kilmarnock to Llanelli.

Family connections? There is no doubt a story to tell of migration for the very tangible reason of employment, perhaps of looking out for others as one Macvicar has said. These homely suggestions - of livelihood, of home - of family values alike may underlie all family stories.

Like all family stories they begin with experience and continue into analysis and reflection. Precious are the Ties that Bind has been throughout every stage from preparation to publication a journey of discovery and self-discovery. May it be so for all who read this book.

This book is published by and can be purchased direct from:

The James McVicar Printing Works
Colour Printers and Publishers
97 Dykehead Street
Queenslie Industrial Estate
Glasgow, Scotland

G33 4AQ