GOVERNOR PATRICK WELCOMES ATHOLL HIGHLANDERS TO MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE
BOSTON – Wednesday, June 6, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined Senator Stephen Brewer in welcoming the Duke of Atholl, his family and the Atholl Highlanders to the State House, as a commencement to their week-long tour of Massachusetts to celebrate the town of Athol’s 250th anniversary. Governor Patrick presented the Duke with a proclamation recognizing June 6, 2012 as “Athol Day.”
Governor Patrick welcomes the Duke of Atholl and the Atholl Highlanders to the State House. (Photo credit: Jeremiah Robinson / Governor’s Office) View additional photos.
“The Duke of Atholl and the Atholl Highlanders have a rich and prestigious history,” said Governor Patrick. “I am honored to welcome them back to Massachusetts in celebration of the historic town of Athol.”
“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to host His Grace, Bruce Murray and the Atholl Highlanders,” said Senator Stephen Brewer. “This is the Duke of Atholl’s first international visit and we are proud to have them in Massachusetts.”
The Highlanders performed a musical selection in military formation to Governor Patrick, Senator Brewer and the Duke of Atholl, His Grace Bruce Murray, before entering the State House for a reception with Massachusetts legislators.
The Duke of Atholl is a hereditary title granted by the English Crown to noble families in Scotland and held by the head of Clan Murray. The Highlanders are a Scottish infantry regiment that is privately employed by the Duke of Atholl, and is among the most renowned bagpipe bands in Europe. John Murray, the first Duke of Atholl and a proprietor of the Massachusetts town formerly known as Pequoiag, renamed the town Athol in 1762.
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