*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*

Please join us in welcoming Chief William of Clan MacAlister as an honored guest to the 2025 MSF&HG! He is returning to the Minnesota Scottish Fair to celebrate the return to Macalester College after 23 years.

“The Hereditary Chief of Clan MacAlister is William St. John Somerville McAlester of Loup and Kennox, Chief of the Clan and name MacAlister.

William St John Somerville McAlester of Loup and Kennox was recognised as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, in 1991. The Gaelic designation of the chiefs of Clan MacAlister is Mac Iain Duibh in reference to Eoin Dubh, from whom the MacAlisters of Loup claim to descend.

William was born in Barbados, his father Jacko McAlester was a retired Army Colonel. William had lived in multiple countries including Malta, Israel, and attended school in the UK. He returned to the UK and began training with the GRP for the marine industry, he left this work to join the Royal Marines where he was awarded his Green Beret in 1978 and Parachute Wings in 1980. He served in many places around the globe, including the Falklands War in 1982, where he received the South Atlantic Medal with the Combat Rosette. He received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for his service.

After his military service he returned to the GRP marine industry and began his studies in marine engineering. In 2013 he started his company as an industrial Courier working in the aviation industry, which has taken him to many different places across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. He also started a wine company that has become more of a hobby than a business.

William is the father of 2 children, Keely and Ranald, and earlier this year Ranald and his partner made him a proud grandfather. William currently resides in the family home in Christchurch, Dorset, England. He is excited to be returning to Macalester College and the Minnesota Scottish Fair after his last visit in 2002.”