In July 2027, we're bringing the family together for a long weekend at The Free Company and House of Cockburn in Balerno. We're calling this one a "jamboree" (not a reunion) because we wanted something that felt less formal and more rooted in the great Scottish outdoors. We're planning all the hallmarks of past reunions, plus a cookout, camping, time to walk the hills, explore Edinburgh, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to reunite.

We're fortunate to have Angus and Charlie (our cousins who run The Free Company) host us during the height of their busiest season. The Free Company's Michelin-starred kitchen will be one of the highlights of the weekend, with meals designed around exceptional ingredients from the farm and their renowned hospitality. They've turned The Free Company over to us for the weekend and extended some generous family rates.

Likewise, House of Cockburn is normally booked solid this time of year, but Jamie and Helen are offering that at a discounted rate to more senior members of the family and those of us who have traveled from afar (all proceeds will go to the GALAS Fund). All that’s to say: this is a gift, and without all these members of the family, this gathering wouldn’t be possible.

There’s so much in store for this weekend. Although we don’t have final numbers yet, and given obvious room constraints, we are still planning for there to be a bed for everyone—be it a room at the Free Company, a bell tent on the farm, or just a spot to pitch your own tent. And being that this is Scotland after all, we are building in weather contingencies for everything.

Please explore this site, and then register here (by October 1, 2026).

THE MAIN SCHEDULE

• Thursday, July 22: A Casual Welcome Dinner | The Free Company

• Friday, July 23: The Cookout in the Field | The Free Company

• Saturday, July 24: The Big Dinner with Speeches & Country Dancing | The Free Company

• Sunday, July 25: Farewell Lunch | The Free Company

ACTIVITES

Beyond the core jamboree events, a few special daytime experiences to explore Edinburgh and our family's connection to the city are being organized. Details are still being finalized, but we'll have everything locked in well before July.

ORGANIZERS

The jamboree is being organized by a small, dedicated committee of family members: Janet Arnold, Peter Buchanan-Smith, and Katherine Soanes. We're working closely with “wranglers” across all the branches of the family to keep everyone in the loop and gather RSVPs.

• Buchanan-Smiths: Edward Henderson Howat

• Clarkes: Katherine Soanes

• Drews: Buck Drew

• Graafs & Thomsons: Katherine Scott

• Roberts: Jessica Mellor-Clark

If you have questions, please get in touch.

See you next July!