Doig Digests

Newsletter of The Doig Family Society

Dear Doig Cousin,

A Scottish and Chinese Guid New Year to you all once more! As you can see we are still in the year of the Dog. 13 dogged months it is. Well as most of you know the “Doig’s” celebrated the year of the Dog in August 2006 at the Doig Gathering. Although many cousins from around the globe attended we were disappointed with the numbers attending. Having hoped and planned for over 100, we only had 60 on average attendance, which was similar to 2004. However this did not distract from the splendid occasion which was highlighted by the talk, I think we all agree, by the Whyte & McKay Master Blender Richard Patterson. His talk on whisky and tasting included not only facts about Charles Cree Doig the famous 19th century architect, (famous for his pagoda style air ventilators on whisky distilleries), but the sight, smell and taste of a Dalmore malt whisky whose youngest age was 62yrs and oldest from the 1860’s. The bottle cost £32,000 and Peter Doig is on DVD drinking ~ £2-3000 in one gulp!

Our Archivist Ken Doig from California is to be congratulated once more for his continued work compiling the data. A great step has been taken both with the Doig DNA project, (see later), and advances on the Web.

Did you know that you can now look at archives on www.ancestorsonboard.com for people travelling on passenger ships from 1890.
Please let Ken have copies of old photos of Doig’s, new ones also welcome and give permission or not to publish on the Web. We also thank Kerr, our Chairman, for this time literally pulling the Dog Cart along; He visited major cities in Scotland to promote our Gathering and stood on the corner of main streets with a placard “DOIG’S WANTED”, he was so effectual that he nearly got a Dog for nothing! :-)

NOW A WORD FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
The Great Search for the Clan Doig

Canada has two, Scotland has one pending, and therefore we still require seven Armigers.

What is an Armiger?
A person who has petitioned and has been granted a Coat of Arms by the Lord Lyon of Scotland. See www.lyon-court.com
To be considered for Clan status we require a total of 10 armigers!

Who can apply?
Scotland
Any person who wishes to apply to use Arms in Scotland must submit a petition to the Lord Lyon King of Arms who is responsible for exercising the Royal Prerogative and may grant Arms to “virtuous and well deserving persons”.
In Scotland Arms are heritable property, and on their original owner’s death, they descend to his heir.

Proofs
To support the petition original Birth & Marriage certificates are required. This is for a Grandfather ancestor who lived in Scotland but applied for to Lord Lyon

1a  Your Marriage Certificate
1b    "      Father in Law's Marriage Certificate
1c/e      All the Children's Birth Certificates (eldest son first, then any daughters)
2a   Your Birth Certificate
2b    "      Fathers Marriage Certificate
3a    "      G/Fathers Birth Certificate
3b    "            "        Marriage Certificate

Cost
New Grant of Armorial Bearings including shield alone - £880.
A New Grant of Armorial Bearings, including shield and crest - £1,334. (Prices correct as at 1st April 2005.)

Why not spread the cost by asking family members to contribute?
Please look to your family to achieve this aim. For more details and information see www.doig.net

British Commonwealth
Anyone domiciled in Her Majesty’s overseas realms or the Commonwealth who has Scottish ancestry can apply.

Foreign Countries
Anyone with Scottish ancestry can apply for a posthumous Grant of Arms to a Scottish ancestor.

Time Scale for an application
I applied 3rd September 2005, no monies were requested until 30th Nov 2006, estimated completion time - June 2007.

Please support me by applying for your own Coat of Arms now!
My dream in my lifetime is to see official Clan Status granted for the Doig Clan. So please hurry!

Yield Not to Adversity
Kerr Doig, Hon Chairman

SEARCHING FOR DOIGS
by Kenneth Frank Doig
Doig Family Society Genealogist

Died lately at Maybole, upwards of a hundred years of age, Mr. David Doig, late master of the Grammar school of that place." (Notice in "The Edinburgh Advertiser," 24 Sept 1784).

This David Doig holds two distinctions, one being that he is the longest-lived male Doig at age 104 (one of our ladies made it to 105). He was also the grandfather of John Doig who sired our line of cousins in Peru. For tales of piracy and success see www.doig.net/Peru.htm

My wife Linda and I attended the 2006 Doig Gathering at the home kennel at Thornhill. One of our side trips was to Maybole to see if we could get more info on David Doig’s family. The main highway cuts a congested swath through the center of Maybole, a loud complaint of the historian in their local history center. What did they have on our David? Nada.

We also stayed at a B & B overlooking Largs, famous for the Scots repulsing the Vikings in 1263. The earliest mention of our family was the Dog who fought with Sir Walter Stewart at the Battle of Largs. What did the local library or history center have on the participants of the battle? Zero.

Linda and I visited the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, next to Cellardyke in Fife. John Doig (born 1896) retired from fishing as a guide at the museum. Besides the fine exhibits was a small library which contained early photographs of our Doig seamen, including John. Ah, for a scanner, but I managed some digital photos which you will find at www.doig.net/DOIGF.html One photo from about 1871 includes John Reid Doig (1797-1882).

At Thornhill we stayed at a farmhouse on the edge of Flanders Moss. The owner remembered the mention of a Doig in a volume about grazing rights on the moss. The 1810 testimony of Paul Doig, his mother Margaret Paterson, and others is now preserved at www.doig.net/JOHN1751.html This was a first confirmation for Kerr Doig that these ancestors were more than names and dates in a parish register. The previously uncertain link has been confirmed by a DNA match to Henry Doig and me. Congratulations to Kerr on adding the third Doig Coat of Arms for the required ten for clan status.

David Doig (1761-1847) sired 19 children by two wives. See http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=alex1723&id=I9. Maybe they wore name tags. Who can top that?

What’s in a name? In the earliest records our ancestor’s name (from the Celtic) appeared as DOG. After English King Edward Longshanks sent his troops into Scotland, our Dogs found out what it meant in English. Then the records find our ancestors as Dogg, Doeg, Doig, Doige, Doak, Dook, Dock, Doick, etc. Most of Scotland settled out as Doig with a few Doeg in northern Perthshire and Doak in Ayrshire. Many of our refugees in Ireland and England retained some of these variations. Check out Adam Doig / Dock / Dook / Doak http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=adam1753&id=I279. Adam had a nasty end.

Our name was derived from gillie doc, or Servant of St. Cadoc. The initial returns from our Doig DNA project suggest that there were more than one servant. Please consider joining our Doig DNA project at www.doig.net/DNA.htm. Brave the swab.

Yield Not to Adversity
Ken

DOIG DNA PROJECT
Dog, Doig, Doige, Doeg, Doegg, Doigg, Dogg, Doak, Dock

In our last Digest we mentioned we were looking for volunteers to participate in the DOIG DNA PROJECT, whose aim was to try to find links between the various Doig lines. Yours truly led the project by getting the first one done, others followed and the DNA presentation at the August gathering led to more than another half dozen. The identical Y chromosomes between Ken Doig Kerr Doig and Henry Doig was not surprising as they were already known to be on the same family tree. However the fact that the others were not closely linked was of interest. Recently James Gibb Doig and I have identical haplotypes. This is the first link between two lines and the connection has to be before 1700. We need more volunteers. Please assist you, could be pushing back history! See www.familytreedna.com Costs will have to be met by the individual unfortunately. So if you are willing to volunteer please let the Society know via - ken@doig.net A mouth swab is all it takes.

We are scraping the bottom of the barrel for written references to our early ancestry. DNA testing gives us the opportunity to look under the barrel. DNA can confirm those uncertain links and bind our family together.

Our family name comes from Gille Doc or Servant of Saint Cadoc. It is likely that should read Servants of St. Cadoc, as he had churches in several locations. There may be multiple ancestors instead of one. As the ad goes for the US Marines, "We are looking for a few good men." Joining our Doig DNA Project will not require jumping out of airplanes or powder burns. It only requires $99.00 US and a vigorous swabbing of the inside of one's mouth. Are you man enough?

The earliest family name recorded was Dog. With the Reformation some of the early family fled to Ireland, there known as Doak or Dock. In Scotland the spelling typically became Doig, with some Doeg and Doak. We have spread to the world as Dog, Doig, Doige, Doeg, Doegg, Doigg, Dogg, Doak, and Dock. If you have any of these surnames you are likely a cousin. Are you Doig enough?

Kerr and Henry are 5th cousins, once removed - Common ancestors John Doig (1707) and Susanna Coupar.
Kerr and Ken are 6th cousins, once removed - Common ancestors Paul Doig (1676).
Kerr and Ken are 14th cousins, twice removed - Common ancestors Walter Doig (1420) and Elizabeth Nory.
Kerr and Ken are 15th cousins - Common ancestors James Doig (1449) and Margaret.
Henry and Ken are 6th cousins - Common ancestors Paul Doig (1676).
Henry and Ken are 14th cousins, once removed - Common ancestors Walter Doig (1420) and Elizabeth Nory.
Henry and Ken are 14th cousins, once removed - Common ancestors James Doig (1449) and Margaret.

The DNA match is for the male line. John Doig (1707) was the son of Paul Doig (1676). Paul married twice, and Kerr and Henry are descended from his first wife Jean Paterson. Ken is descended from his second wife Elizabeth Ferguson. The 14th and 15th cousin matches are because Paul and Jean Paterson's son Andrew married Janet Doig from the other side of the tree, an 8th cousin, once removed. In summary, Kerr, Henry, and Ken have the common ancestor Paul Doig (1676), whose family line runs back to the earliest known Doig.

Are you willing to spend a $99 pittance (charge it to a credit card) and brave that swab?
DNA Project Coordinator: Dr. Andrew Doig, The University of Manchester, England

LATEST UPDATE ON THE DOIG DNA PROJECT
19th January 2007
Andrew James Doig

Distance Matrix
The numbers show the number of haplotypes that differ between each person. The smaller the number, the closer the relative. A distance of 4 more suggests that the two individuals have not had a common ancestor for thousands of years.

Rootless Phylogenetic Tree
This information can be shown in the form of a tree. The nodes are individuals or putative common ancestors (where 3 lines meet). If we know who any of these common ancestors are, dates can be added. The numbers show the number of haplotypes that differ between nodes. You can follow a line between any 2 individuals to get their distance. This may not always agree perfectly with the table, as drawing up a perfect tree is not possible, but it will be close. IB is included, but this branch is highly dubious, as IB is not at all related to any of the others. The 3 branches (GW/CD/D, KF/GK/HP/C and DJ/DA/JG/JA) are reliable in themselves, but how, and indeed if, they really join each other is also questionable. Its fun to link them all up though. Additional results should help.

With regards to John Alexander and James Gibb
James Gibb Doig is on file GEOX1685, and his earliest confirmed ancestor is Charles Doig (born about 1756) at http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=geox1685&id=I22
John Alexander Doig is on file DAVE1620, and his earliest confirmed ancestor is George Doig (born about 1768) at http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=dave1620&id=I550

The above Charles Doig and George Doig must have a common male ancestor.

Late News
Virgilio Doig from Peru has indicated his willingness t o participate with a DNA Test.

THE STIRLING CASTLE BALL c.16th CENTURY Did Jame Dog collect this football for King James IV which is now lying in the Smiths Art Gallery and Museum? Since we reported this football in our last news letter it has contributed to Global warming just a bit by travelling to many foreign parts, returning from time to time to The Smith’s. Doig Football postcards for sale, are available 50p or $1US / per card (postage extra).
THORNHILL AND ITS ENVIRONS A Social History by Stuart J. McCulloch. This short history of Thornhill and the parish community of Norreiston is a must for all Doigs to have in their home library. It is a bountiful guide to the local history that surrounded the Doigs of the area, 9 pages where they are mentioned. The Society has obtained all the copies currently in print and they are available at £10 incl. p&p to the U.K. $20 US plus p&p to abroad.
THE SCOTTISH GENEALOGIST This Scottish Genealogist booklet is available at £4 + p& p it contains an article by the Society Archivist and our Chairman. Only a few are remaining. For any of these books Contact GkerrDoig@aol.com by e-mail prior to purchase.

SUBSCRIPTIONS REMINDER!
Subscriptions now due for 2007! See Minutes of various committee meetings on the web site
www.doigsden.co.uk

At the end of 2006 Financial Year,the Society’s second year of operation, the Doig Family Society had a healthy £2000 in its bank account after expenses had been paid. These funds have been generated by a combination of members’ subscriptions and the fund raising proceeds from our two Doig International Gatherings in 2004 & 2006

2007 subscriptions to the Doig Family Society became due on the 1st of January 2007, at the rate of £10 per person per year. Your financial support would be greatly appreciated to enable the Society to move towards its objective of achieving official Clan status through the Lord Lyon’s Office.

Society Members are requested to set up an ANNUAL Standing Order of which there is an example here.
The Treasurer requests that when a subscription Standing Order is set up by a member that they let him know so that he will know who the subscription is from. An e-mail to our Treasurer ianpdoig@yahoo.com would be appreciated; this would save a lot of confusion and head scratching!

Alternatively, subscriptions may be paid by cheque, payable to the “Doig Family Society” and sent to the Doig Family Society Treasurer”, 2E Gillsland Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BW. The Treasurer is willing to answer any questions and provide further information (0131 228 2947). People abroad can send their donation / dues via Swift banking ask Ian for details.

THE KILMADOCK TRUST & SOCIETY

The Kilmadock Development Trust runs the Information and Heritage Centre at the Development Trust shop 52 Main Street, Doune, FK 16 6BW. It is involved in a wide range of activities, e.g. development of the Youth Project, interpretation boards on the path to the Doune Castle, runs walking festivals and provides a base and meeting place for a number of local groups. It also has two employees. Membership of the Trust is £1 life membership; one gets very little for this as it is a way to support the Trust. Membership forms can be obtained. Two newsletters have been produced since the Trust was formed.

The Kilmadock Society is composed of volunteers; and has an annual fee, £5 adults, £2 Senior Citizens (over 60yrs of age), and junior. There are talks and periodic news letters and again membership forms can be obtained. It is of note that the Society and the Development Trust are run in the main by the same people.

DOUNE & DEANSTON This book about Doune & Deanston is available as are many other books & pamphlets about the area which are available from the Heritage Centre which is well worth a visit.

DOIG SOCIETY MEMORABILIA ARCHIVE

We are also setting up a Doig Society memorabilia archive; Our Genial Genealogist Ken Doig has donated his collection over the years to the archive which we hope will be established in Doune.

We have been buying artefacts on E-bay, recently one book by Dr Andrew B. Doig a former Moderator of the Church of Scotland who participated in the Wedding of Prince Charles to Diana, this book is entitled “It’s People that Count”.
Also an historic whisky flagon inscribed 'David Doig Scotch Whisky Merchant Dunoon'

KILMADOCK GRAVEYARD

Kilmadock Graveyard has close links with our Doig ancestors. Stirling Council have done some repairs to the graveyard walls to keep the herborous animals out, (slugs are welcome), the nettles still abound but access is possible. and upkeep of the Kilmadock graveyard is hoped to be an ongoing project. There is a new access map to the graveyard and it is hoped this is available at The Kilmadock Trust & Society: - The Kimadock Development Trust runs the Information and Heritage Centre at the Development Trust shop 52 Main Street, Doune, FK 16 6BW

RICHARD “TARTAN” DOIG

RICHARD “TARTAN” DOIG has Doig Tartan goods available, ties, scarves, plaids, etc. Order your Doig Tartan Kilt see www.thekiltshop.co.uk Richard has shops in Aberfeldy, Blairgowrie, Brecin, Carnoustie, Dundee, Forfar, Montrose & Kirriemuir

DOIG GATHERING DVDs

The only 2nd International Doig Gathering DVDs in the World are available.
£10 incl. p&p in UK, $20 US outside UK.
First International Gathering DVD’s are still available.
Contact Secretary John Doig for copies at john@doigsden.co.uk

Sorry if you missed the Doig International Gatherings? Contact our Kennel Master John Doig Liverpool who will be pleased to assist you if foreign Doig’s stray to the U.K for a holiday or other reason.

STIRLING, SCOTLAND

Stirling, Scotland. – For those of you who wish to know more about the area including places to visit,/accommodation please see www.visitscottishheartlands.com more available accommodation at www.upmystreet.com - search Hotels in the village of Deanston & Doune close to Stirling and Thornhill.

THE SCOTTISH GENEALOGY SOCIETY

The Scottish Genealogy Society promotes research into Scottish History encouraging the collection, exchange and publication of material relating to genealogy and family history. E-mail; info@scotsgenealogy.com and web www.scotsgenealogy.com they reside at 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL 0131 220 3677

They produce a quarterly journal “The Scottish Genealogist” and recently in L11 Vol 2 had a 7 page spread written by Kenneth Frank Doig, (our Genealogist California) Dr Suzanne Mary Doig (NZ) & George Kerr Doig our Chairman.
For details on subscriptions etc please see the above contacts.

DOIG INTERNATIONAL GATHERING IN CANADA 2010

IT IS INTENDED TO HOLD OUR NEXT DOIG INTERNATIONAL GATHERING IN CANADA IN THE FALL OF 2010 :- before the winter Olympic Games start?

If we are to have an International Gathering in Canada in 2010 we will require some organisation.
Ian Doig reidoig@perth.igs.net has agreed to become the Canadian representative. Ian lives in Perth Ontario and we will require those other Doig’s in Canada to come out of the woods and assist. Please contact Ian, we need to look at a venue and will require star attractions / ideas.

Where shall we meet on the West Coast ? East Coast? We need your views and ideas. It will be a 2-3 day meeting? with if required a tour of parts of the country organised. Are you interested in attending? Please let us know. Also let us know if you will not attempt to attend.

Are you willing to volunteer to assist? Let Ian know.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW NOW IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ATTENDING AS WE NEED TO KNOW IF THE VENTURE IS WORTH WHILE at john@doigsden.co.uk

Ian Doig in Sydney Australia has also agreed to become the Auzzie representative, these duties entail the rustling up of Doig descendents, encouragement to join the Society, assisting to becoming a Clan and if the country hosts a Gathering to act as a key role in the organization.

DOIG REPRESENTATIVE REQUIRED IN EACH COUNTRY
Are you willing to be your Countries Doig leader? Let us know.

TALK FOR FREE ON SKYPE (NOW WITH A VIDEO LINK) SO FAR THERE ARE NOW NEARLY 300 DOIGS ON SKYPE AN INCREASE OF 500% IN A YEAR. I JUST WISH THEY ALL WOULD LET ME TALK TO THEM :-)
IF YOU ARE ON SKYPE MY SKYPE NAME IS doigjohna PLEASE CALL!

Do you know of a location or a street near you named after the Doig Family? Please let us know. Due to our Gatherings in Thornhill in 2006 we have had another named after us. Doig Park in Thornhill just off Doig Street.

Contact e-mails

Ken is at - www.doig.net
Archivist & Web Master

Kerr - GkerrDoig@aol.com
Hon Chairman

John - john.doig@tiscali.co.uk
Hon Secretary

Ian - ianpdoig@yahoo.com
Hon Treasurer

Henry - sunnysidehouse@hotmail.com
Lineage

THE DOIG SOCIETY EXTENDS TO YOU ALL A WISH FOR
PEACE, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN 2007 AND BEYOND!

OH! I NEARLY FORGOT
Have a yard sale or event on behalf of The Doig Family Society and...

Doig Digests

Newsletter of The Doig Family Society

A Scottish and Chinese Guid New Year to you all! We will celebrate the year of the Dog in August and it looks as though the Doig Gathering in August 2006 is to be a good one, with many cousins from around the Globe attending. We are currently planning the event in more detail. As more interest is shown it has become apparent that the venue of the Smith Museum in Stirling is too small and therefore another venue, just outside Stirling , the Village Hall at Thornhill, has been booked. This will give us room with capacity to spare. We were very reluctant to move from the Smiths but we will still have their support and that of the Kilmadock Society.

What a difference a year and a bit has made since our last Gathering. We must once again thank our Archivist Ken Doig in California who has been able to tie in some ancestor lines with the information received at the first International Doig Gathering at Stirling in 2004. Also thanks to Ken for the improved web pages that he has produced, which now have some photographs on. If you are willing to have photographs of any of your family, old or present, let Ken have e-mail copies. We must also thank Kerr, our Chairman, for pulling the Dog Cart along; he is / has delegated writing this Digest (thanks Kerr!) and is embarking on a book about the Doigs. Title to be decided but I think the “Big Dog Book” could be a best seller J . The book is to be a journal of Doig's, Dog's and Doige's past and present, famous and infamous.

If you have a story Kerr will be pleased to accept it along with any background information & evidence (newspaper cuttings etc) / photographs at GkerrDoig@aol.com

John Doig, Secretary Doig Society

*** BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION NOW ***

The Doig Society in order to achieve Clan Status requires ten armigers to become a clan. At this point we have two, with one application in process by Kerr Doig . We really need others to follow suit and align these armigers via the Office of Lord Lyon. What is required is as follows: - This is for a Grandfather ancestor who lived in Scotland but applied for to Lord Lyon.

1a  Your Marriage Certificate
1b    "      Father in Law's Marriage Certificate
1c/e      All the Children's Birth Certificates (eldest son first, then any daughters)
2a   Your Birth Certificate
2b    "      Fathers Marriage Certificate
3a    "      G/Fathers Birth Certificate
3b    "            "        Marriage Certificate

Cost is around £1000 but not paid up front.
Please look to your family to achieve this aim for more details and information see www.doig.net

Subscriptions now due for 2006! See Minutes of the November 14 th 2005 on the web site http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/doigsden/

At the end of 2005 Financial Year the Doig Family Society had a healthy £734 in its bank account after expenses had been paid. 2006 subscriptions to the Doig Family Society became due on the 1st of January, at the rate of £10 per person per year. Your financial support would be greatly appreciated to enable the Society to move towards its objective of achieving official Clan status through the Lord Lyon's Office. Society Members are requested to set up an ANNUAL Standing Order of which there is an example to use below. The Treasurer requests that when a subscription Standing Order is set up by a member that they let him know so that he will know who the subscription is from. An e-mail to our Treasurer ianpdoig@yahoo.com would be appreciated; this would save a lot of confusion and head scratching! Alternatively, subscriptions paid by cheque, payable to the “Doig Family Society” and sent to the Doig Family Society Treasurer”, 2E Gillsland Road , Edinburgh , EH10 5BW . The Treasurer is willing to answer any questions and provide further information (0131 228 2947). CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE STANDING ORDER FORM

Accounts are required to be audited and that this could be carried out at the Gathering, Ian P. Doig Treasurer

The Kilmadock Trust & Society :- The Kimadock Development Trust runs the Information and Heritage Centre at the Development Trust shop 52 Main Street , Doune, FK 16 6BW. It is involved in a wide range of activities, e.g. development of the Youth Project, interpretation boards on the path to the Doune Castle , runs walking festivals and provides a base and meeting place for a number of local groups. It also has two employees. Membership of the Trust is £1 life membership; one gets very little for this as it is a way to support the Trust. Membership forms can be obtained. Two newsletters have been produced since the Trust was formed.

The Kilmadock Society is composed of volunteers; and has an annual fee, £5 adults, £2 Senior Citizens (over 60yrs of age), and junior. There are talks and periodic news letters and again membership forms can be obtained. It is of note that the Society and the Development Trust are run in the main by the same people. If you have any “Doig memorabilia” it would be appreciated if paper copies were sent to the Kilmadock Heritage Centre who would be most grateful to receive them.

PLEASE COPY THE POSTER BELOW AND PLACE IT IN YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
(CLICK ON POSTER TO OPEN IN NEW WINDOW)

The Stirling Castle Ball c.16th Century: - Did Jame Dog collect this football for King James IV which is now lying in the Smiths Art Gallery and Museum?
When workmen found this small leather ball hidden within the Queen's Chamber at Stirling Castle in the 1970s, little interest was stirred. With its dried up bladder still inside the casing, the ball was merely classified under 'leather goods' and deposited in the Smith museum. More recent research by the Scottish Football Museum , however, suggests that it may be of considerable historic significance. The ball's age may partly be deduced from the location of its concealment, behind a wall erected as part of James V's reconstruction of the castle between 1537-42. From the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer during the reign of James IV, dated 11 April 1497, we also find an order from Stirling , 'giffin to Jame Dog to by fut ballis to the King.' So might this ball be one of Mr Dog's? Football was certainly being played at this time in Scotland , at least by the brave (as depicted below). Sir David Lindsay, a satirist in the court of James V, listed 'futeball' among the pursuits of his protagonist Squyer Meldrum, while during Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment at Carlisle in 1568, according to a letter from Francis Knollys, `20 of her retinue played at football before her for two hours very strongly, nimbly, and skilfully...' 'Theyr fairer play,' wrote Knollys, was owing to `the smalness of theyr balle'. But it is the very smallness of the Stirling ball which has led the National Museum of Scotland to suggest that it was not used for football, but for pallone, a tennis-like game in which players strike the ball with wooden sheaths attached to their forearms. Popular at European courts in the 16th century and still played in Italy today, Pallone- the Italian for ball or balloon - uses a bladder-­inflated ball similar in size to the Stirling example. If this is a pallone it adds intriguing evidence to what is already known of Scotland 's close ties with European fashion during the Stewart period. But if it is indeed a football, it is, as far as we know, the oldest surviving example in the world.

Kilmadock Graveyard update : - Stirling Council have awarded a £15,000 funding for repairs and upkeep of the Kilmadock graveyard , which has close links with our Doig ancestors. There will be a new access map to the graveyard and it is hoped this will be available for our August 2006 Gathering.

DOIG INTERNATIONAL GATHERING 2006: - OUR VENUES and PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Stirling, 4 th and 5 th August 2006 Commencing at 10.30 each day at THORNHILL in the village hall, starting with mix and mingle / lunch / speakers - finishing around 4.30. We will welcome both “kent faces” and new Doig cousins attending for the first time.

On the Friday there will be an “Evening Soiree” with entertainment from two bands - our own Wullie Doig 's band and “The Twa Daves” with singers including Katie Costello.

“STRIKEBOUND” the only Doig Feature film in the world will be will be available Friday and Saturday.

On the Saturday a similar format during the day, (the speakers are yet to be finalised together with times). We will vote for our “Clan Chief”. Look forward to the 2008 venue requesting input / format and also to the 2010 gathering in Canada?

In the evening at Thornhill near Stirling , 5 th August. 7.30pm , “The Doig Doo” Our Ceilidh Dance, to be held in the Thornhill village hall, dance until midnight, definitely not to be missed! Space is limited to 120 so please apply for your tickets early. PLEASE, bring a raffle prize with you to the Gathering. Grand draw at the “Doig Doo”

Bridge of Allan 6 th August . Come with us to the world famous Bridge of Allan Highland Games one of Scotland 's premier events attracting crowds of between 10,000 and 15,000. The games field is situated in a spectacular setting nestled between Stirling Castle , the Ochil Hills and the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn Battlefield, made famous by the blockbuster movie Braveheart. The games themselves offer a full athletic programme including the crowd pleasing heavyweight competitions, nearly 200 highland dancers, approx 1500 pipers, wrestling, tug-of-war, cycling, over 40 Exhibition and trade stands, food stalls, bars and a huge fun fair. It is renowned for the large number of pipe bands attending. See http://www.bofagames.i12.com

If you would like to represent the Doigs in any of the competitions please feel free to do so.

FAREWELL DINNER : - on Sunday the 6 th August we will have a farewell dinner. If you are interested in the dinner please notify the Chairman, as dependent upon numbers, the venue may have to be changed. GkerrDoig@aol.com

RICHARD “TARTAN” DOIG IS ATTENDING on all days and will have a stall at the Bridge of Allan Games . Doig Tartan goods will be available, ties, scarves, plaids, etc. Order your Doig Tartan Kilt see www.thekiltshop.co.uk

DOIG SPEAKERS ARE STILL WANTED; DOIG PIONEER STORIES, OR SCOTTISH TOPICS, ALSO SINGERS / ENTERTAINERS FOR THE EVENING SOIREE. Please e-mail John. john.doig@tiscali.co.uk

BOOK : - THORNHILL AND ITS ENVIRONS : - A Social History by Stuart J. McCulloch. This short history of Thornhill and the parish community of Norreiston is a must for all Doigs to have in their home library. It is a bountiful guide to the local history that surrounded the Doigs of the area, 9 pages where they are mentioned. The Society has obtained all the copies currently in print and they are available at £10 incl. p&p and will be available at the Gathering .

*** BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION NOW ***

The only Doig Gathering DVD film in the World!
First International Gathering DVD's are still available.
£10 incl. p&p in UK , $20 US outside UK.
Contact Secretary John Doig for copies.
It is intended to video the Gathering again in 2006. So start saving now :-)

Sorry if you missed the First Doig International Gathering? ; be there at the SECOND!
Contact our Kennel Master John Doig Liverpool. August 2006 is less than 7 months away!

CONFIRMATION OF YOUR ATTENDANCE IS DESIRED!

I would be grateful if you would please register indicating THE DAYS / DATES YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT we do need to plan our meals / snack etc.
No later than 30 th June 2006 to ensure your booking for the Ceilidh

NOTE: - The Edinburgh Festival and Tattoo are on at the same time.

Doig Digests

Newsletter of The Doig Family Society

Dear Doig Cousin,

Did you know that ‘Doig' is an ancient and distinguished Scottish Name? Doig's can be traced back throughout Scottish History, as far as the sixth century. The Doig Family Society was established in 2004 with the primary objective of promoting the Doig Family and that of achieving full Clan status in our own right. We invite you to attend the next International Gathering of the Doig Family Society. This exiting event will be held from August 4 th to 6 th 2006 at Stirling, Thornhill and Bridge of Allan , Scotland . All welcome! Come and join founder members of the Doig Family Society from all over the world – Doigs from Scotland, England, Wales, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Peru, Malta and Switzerland have already indicated their attendance. Please bring the family along with you! Come to the Doig's homeland in Central Scotland and explore your ancient family history, for an experience to treasure for a lifetime!

Motto: Yield not to Adversity Kerr Doig Chairman Doig Family Society

Stirling , Scotland . - Right in the centre of Scotland , this is truly historic territory, linking the Highlands and Lowlands . Many famous folk have passed this way. Some had a dramatic role to play in Scotland 's story like King Robert the Bruce, Sir William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots. Others made their contribution to literature and in passing through the area, left their written or poetic impressions. In this category Robert Burns stands foremost. Our own Dr David Doig was headmaster of the Grammar School in Stirling around 1787. See a photo of the commemorative plaque courtesy of Ian P Doig society treasurer.

For more details about the area including places to visit, accommodation etc please see – http://www.visitscottishheartlands.com

Thornhill, near Stirling . The Doig family arrived in The Thornhill area in the sixth century. Close by is Kilmadock's ruined churchyard (Church of the Doigs), complete with Doig gravestones, see Archivist Ken Doig's web page at www.doig.net

How to get to the ancient Doig churchyard? Just beyond the houses in Buchany turn right into the entrance beyond Doune Lodge. Before the road divides it is quite wide and it is possible to park close to the wall at the side of the roadway without being a significant danger to traffic. Cross over the road with great care, traffic comes round the corner at speed, and go down the grassy slope behind the Armco , barrier. Turn left through a gate and follow the path to the east of the Annet Burn to the edge of the field above the graveyard. Walk across the field and take care getting into the graveyard using the steps over the wall. The ground in the graveyard is uneven and some parts of the outer wall have collapsed . BE VERY CAREFUL. A warning on the entrance states “Some of the materials within this site may be unstable, visitors are advised not to touch any monuments and to remain on the paths at all times”. We found the pathway to the site very difficult to access in the summer.

DOIG INTERNATIONAL GATHERING 2006 : - OUR VENUES

Stirling, 4 th and 5 th August 2006 Commencing at 10.30 each day at The Stirling Smith, Art Gallery and Museum, Dumbarton Road , Stirling , Scotland.
See – www.smithartgallery.demon,co.uk
Gallery director Elspeth King and her dedicated staff will welcome both “kent faces” and new Doig cousins attending for the first time.

Thornhill near Stirling , 5 th August. 7.30pm , “The Doig Doo” Our Ceilidh Dance, to be held in the Thornhill village hall, dance until midnight, definitely not to be missed! Please apply for your tickets early as space is limited.

Bridge of Allan 6 th August . Come with us to the world famous Bridge of Allan Highland Games one of Scotland 's premier events attracting crowds of between 10,000 and 15,000. The games field is situated in a spectacular setting nestled between Stirling Castle , the Ochil Hills and the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn Battlefield, made famous by the blockbuster movie Braveheart. The games themselves offer a full athletic programme including the crowd pleasing heavyweight competitions, nearly 200 highland dancers, approx 1500 pipers, wrestling, tug-of-war, cycling, over 40 Exhibition and trade stands, food stalls, bars and a huge fun fair. See http://www.bofagames.i12.com

If you would like to represent the Doigs in any of the competitions please feel free.

Full weekend programme details under preparation, and will include : -

• Doig International Conference. Fri 4th & Sat 5th
• Guest Speakers.
• Our quest for Clan Status. See www.doig.net for details
• Richard “ Tartan” Doig is attending: purchasing of Doig Tartan goods will be available, ties, scarves, plaids, etc. Order your Doig Tartan Kilt see - http://www.thekiltshop.co.uk
• Vote for the Scottish Doig venue 2008.
• Vote for 2010 Doig International Gathering venue : - Canada .
• Vote for our first “Clan” Chief.
• Doig Evening Soiree. Fri 4 th
• Doig Ceilidh. Sat 5 th evening 7.30 onwards.
• Visit to Bridge of Allan Highland Games Sun 6th
• Farewell Doig Dinner. Evening Sun 6th

Doig speakers wanted urgently; Doig pioneer stories, or Scottish topics, also singers / entertainers for the evening soiree.
Please e-mail John at john.doig@tiscali.co.uk
Bring a raffle prize with you to the Gathering. Grand draw at the “Doig Doo”

Sorry if you missed the first Doig International Gathering? ; be there at the SECOND.
Contact our Kennel Master John Doig Liverpool. August 2006 is less than 365 days away!
CONFIRMATION OF YOUR ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY!
Please register indicating THE DAYS / DATES YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT.
NO LATER THAN 30th APRIL 2006 TO ENSURE YOUR BOOKING!

The only Doig Gathering DVD film in the World!
First International Gathering DVD's are available.
£10 incl. p&p in UK , $20 US outside UK . Contact Secretary John Doig for copies.

Do you know of a location or a street near you named after the Doig Family? Please let us know. We know of Doig Street & Doig Place in Thornhill , Scotland . A Rue Doig and a Doig River in Canada . Also a Doig Crescent in Stornaway named after Founder Member Dr Henry Doig 's father, Dr Robert Doig MBE. Does anyone know how these names were called? We would be pleased to know.

Join the Doig Family Society today!

Membership £10 or equivalent per person / per annum,
Transfer money direct to our account in Scotland using the form below

WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUBSCRIPTION?

• TO ACHIEVE CLAN STATUS
• Development of the Doig Family Society
• To subsidise the Doig Gatherings
• Financing the doig.net website
• To pay for postage and printing of newsletter etc.
• Archives, research and development

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE STANDING ORDER FORM

Watch “STRIKEBOUND” the only Doig Feature film in the World! This Australian film tells the story of Kerr Doig 's great uncle Wattie Doig who emigrated in 1926. See this at the Gathering! For some details on the film put Strikebound in your search engine.

Did you know the small parish of KILMADOCK was named after the Doig family? Visit the Kilmadock Heritage Centre shop in Main St, Doune. Many books on sale. If you have any “Doig memorabilia” it would be appreciated if paper copies were sent to the Kilmadock Heritage Centre who would be most grateful to receive them.

TALK FOR FREE ON SKYPE
Use your search engine and download SKYPE for free! This will enable you to talk over the Internet for free! A microphone is required. One can also ring up a normal telephone anywhere in the World for ~ 1.2pence per minute. Our Secretary is online as doigjohna

Doig World Co-ordinator required NOW!
To help set up the Doig DNA Project - a simple mouth swab is all it takes!

Contact e-mails
Ken is at - www.doig.net Archivist & Web Master
Kerr - GkerrDoig@aol.com Hon Chairman
John - john.doig@tiscali.co.uk Hon Secretary
Ian - ianpdoig@yahoo.com Hon Treasurer

The final few words...

Wanted!

•  DOIG REPRESENTATIVE REQUIRED IN EACH COUNTRY - ARE YOU WILLING TO VOLUNTEER?
• EDITOR FOR FUTURE ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER, KEEP DOIG COUSINS IN TOUCH!