Royal Troon golf course is well known to players around the world as one of the homes for the British Open. Mostly, the Ayrshire coastline where I spent my romping years is rich with castles, both impeccable (Culzean) and ancient (Dundonald). As a wee boy I remember scrambling over the ruins of Dundonald castle, a major stronghold of the Royal Stewarts from the mid eleventh century.
Later, my Dad, Murdoch, an engineer, joined the Guinness Brewing Company in Northern Ireland. (There IS a science behind serving a frothy Guinness at 'room temperature', 45-50 °F in the UK!).
We lived in Coleraine, Co. Derry, which was an easy bike ride to many more castles that caught my imagination and seeded something much deeper in me. At the time, 'The Troubles' were building in Northern Ireland and our family being foreigners, were targeted in many forms by the restless elements of the times. So, we immigrated to America, on a boat, well, a cruise ship, with ping-pong tournaments, movies and fancy dress parties. Because the educational systems between the UK and America were different, I was placed in the 9th grade at age twelve. I graduated high school at 16, then University five years after that.
I make my keep as a computer systems analyst and spend every other waking moment pursuing my Scottish heritage. I am the PR/media/web person for 'The Pipes in The Valley' Celtic music festival in Hartford, CT. I proudly wear my grandfather's WW1 Royal Scots Fusiliers Black Watch kilt whenever I can! I keep a family genealogical database and I look forward to working with Kenneth Bain, the MacKay 'Seanachaidh' to encourage and help potential members pursue this very rewarding hobby.
I am married to
Robin (nee Smith) and we have two active boys, Malcolm Iain and Duncan Iain.
We travel to Scotland as often as we can. I believe the boys would like to
ride on the real Hogwart's Express and I’d like to clamber over Dundonald
castle again…We'll see...
I want to thank Connie & Jim Bain (CT Commissioner) and Michelle Sandelier
(NE-VP) for sponsoring me for the position of Public Relations! I enjoy
every minute of it!
I became webmaster on January 1, 2009 and National Vice President in
February!
In April 2010, with the early retirement of Michelle Sandelier as President, I became the Interim President of Clan Mackay U.S.A. This term will run until January, 2011.
I truly appreciate all these opportunities
and look forward to spreading the word about our wonderful Clan Mackay!
You can contact me anytime at mackaypr@yahoo.com .
Yours Aye!!!
Mark Ian Bain
My son,
Duncan Iain Bain at a local Highland Game.
