We have just received the very sad news that Peggy, Lady of McBain, wife of our Games Chieftain, has passed away after a long struggle with cancer.

Lady McBain, as she was known, was fiercely proud of her family’s Scottish roots and regularly accompanied her husband, James McBain of McBain, the 22nd hereditary International Chief of Clan McBain, to events, functions, and Scottish gatherings.

Peggy, who lived in Tucson, was among the highest profile Scottish clan representatives in the US. Her husband is one of only a small number of Scottish clan chiefs who live in the United States.

Over the years she traveled throughout the US and abroad representing the McBain (or McBean) clan, including the Gathering of Clans in Edinburgh.

She and James were proud of the fact a piece of Mc Bain tartan is on the moon, having been put there by Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean.

Peggy often visited McBain Park, a property near Dores in the Scottish Highlands which is owned by the McBain clan. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to McBain Park, as it was close to her heart. Visit the Clan MacBean Shop page, all the way at the bottom.

Lady McBain’s maiden name was Peggy Stephenson. She and James McBain were married in 1967. He was recognised as Clan Chief by Lord Lyon King of Arms and matriculated his arms in 1979.

Peggy, who worked as a real estate agent, died shortly after midnight on Sunday (1 August). She had been in a hospice for a short time. Details of her funeral service will be published in coming days.

David McBee, President of the Caledonian Society of Arizona, and a member of the Clan McBain, paid tribute to Lady McBain. He said, “She was devoted to her husband the Chief, and always made time for members of the Clan. I have lost a friend today.”

Join us on Saturday 7 August for a guided tour of the Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe, followed by a meal and drinks in their premises.

Four Peaks are our most recent Scottish Games sponsors and we have enjoyed a close relationship with the brewery over the years.

The tour starts at 11.15am on Saturday and will be given by staff member Carter Nacke. Tickets are $5 per person. (Does not include the cost of lunch)

We look forward to seeing a good turnout of Society members. We have only been able to meet infrequently of late and this will be a good opportunity to catch up with each other.

Four Peaks is located at 1340 East 8th Street, Tempe. It would be advisable to get there no later than 11:00!

Thank You
Thanks to the following for either Renewing their dues, or becoming a new Member: Cynthia Coniam; Carla Dunlap; Jennifer Kitchens; and Diane Nunez.

Your support is appreciated.
Don Finch, V P Membership

Membership News

We have re-aligned our membership year to coincide with the annual Phoenix Scottish Games, thus March 1st through February 28th. Although we can't host a Games this year because of State and City regulations pertaining to Covid, we're looking forward to some kind of a Gathering later in the year.

Enjoy the many Membership Benefits:

  • help preserve Scottish culture in the Valley
  • fun & camaraderie with fellow Scots (multi-generational)
  • free admission to most CSA Gatherings
  • free monthly Desert Highlander newsletter
  • free annual consultation session with Our Genealogist
  • volunteer opportunities galore!

Use of your annual Dues:

Because of Covid, we’re unable to finalize plans for our two large group gatherings: the Phoenix Scottish Games and the Robbie Burns Supper. The resulting loss of Sponsor dollars and advance Vendor Fees means that Membership Dues are our only source of income..

Please renew your 2021 Membership now.

  • $30 Individual
  • $50 Family (at the same address)

Visit the On-Line Membership page
where you can register and pay by credit card.