5th International Gathering
16-18th June 2018
Chicago, USA

Dear Clan Members,

 It is with great excitement that we announce the 5th International Merrilees Clan Gathering will be in Chicago (USA) June 15^th, 16^th  and 17^th 2018!  We are inviting and encouraging you to attend but also to direct the attention of your family members to our clan website so that they can attend also.  We want to make the 2018 Gathering the most attend Gathering thus far.  If you have never been to an International Merrilees Clan Gathering or always wanted to visit Chicago this is a wonderful opportunity to do both.

The 5^th International Merrilees Gathering will coincide on the same weekend and at the same venue as the Chicago Highland Games, one of the largest Scottish Festivals in North America.  The website has details and web links to the Hotel, Highland Games website, things of interest to do while in Chicago, etc.  The Westin Hotel is 15 minutes away from O’Hare International Airport and a short free shuttle bus ride away from the Train that take you to Chicago in 45 minutes.

We are working hard to bring great value and to keep costs down so that more members can attend. 

We will also host our 5^th  Merrilees International Golf Society Tournament, men and women of all ages and  all levels of play are encouraged to compete for the Robert Merrilees Claret Jug.  The current Champion, Dale Wieringa (Chatham, Ontario Canada) will be competing to win the cup back to back which has not yet been done.  Will yours be the next name inscribed on the Robert Merrilees Claret Jug?  The lucky golfer coming in second place traditionally receives a bottle of Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky from the Clan Chief, and Lady Merrylees ie. Mike & Bunny.

Previous Champions:

• Scotland Darryl Merrilees of Saskatoon, Canada (2003 at Broomieknowe Golf Course Bonnyrigg, Scotland)
• Gary Barnes of Toronto, Canada, (2005 at Chatham, Ontario)
• John Cornelius of Dunedin, New Zealand (2008 at Chisholm Park Golf Links Dunedin, New Zealand)
• Dale Wieringa of Chatham, Canada (2010 at Leamington, Ontario) 

Things you need to do:

1. Tell your Merrilees friends and family about the 5^th International Gathering,
2. Save the date June 15th, 16th and 17th, 2018.
3. Check transportation costs flying in to O’Hare International Airport or driving directions to the Westin Hotel Itasca, Illinois.
4. More details can be found on the MFA website including a list of things to do
5. Register your attendance or interest on attending here via MailChimp
   This will ensure you are kept up-to-date on all information regarding the gathering.
6. Be at liberty to contact me with questions or ideas at michael.mirrilees@gmail.com

Warmest Regards,
Merrylees