Clan Mackay Public Relations Chair     

 

 

 

 

Mark Ian Bain

 

I was born and raised in Troon, Scotland. ‘Royal Troon’ golf course is well known to players around the world as one of the homes for the British Open. Mostly, the Ayrshire coastline where I spent my romping years is rich with castles, both impeccable (Culzean) and ancient (Dundonald). As a wee boy I remember scrambling over the ruins of Dundonald castle, a major stronghold of the Royal Stewarts from the mid eleventh century.

Later, my Dad, Murdoch, an engineer, joined the Guinness Brewing Company in Northern Ireland. (There IS a science behind serving a frothy Guinness at 'room temperature', 45-50 °F in the UK!).

We lived in Coleraine, Co. Derry, which was an easy bike ride to many more castles that caught my imagination and seeded something much deeper in me. At the time, 'The Troubles' were building in Northern Ireland and our family being foreigners, were targeted in many forms by the restless elements of the times. So, we immigrated to America, on a boat, well, a cruise ship, with ping-pong tournaments, movies and fancy dress parties. Because the educational systems between the UK and America were different, I was placed in the 9th grade at age twelve. I graduated high school at 16, then University five years after that.

I make my keep as a computer systems analyst and spend every other waking moment pursuing my Scottish heritage. I am the PR/media person for 'The Pipes in The Valley' Celtic music festival in Hartford, CT. I proudly wear my grandfather's WW1 Royal Scots Fusiliers Black Watch kilt whenever I can! I keep a family genealogical database and I look forward to working with Kenneth Bain, the MacKay 'Seanachaidh' to encourage and help potential members pursue this very rewarding hobby.

I am married to Robin (nee Smith) and we have two active boys, Malcolm and Duncan.

We travel to Scotland as often as we can. I believe the boys would like to ride on the real Hogwart's Express and I’d like to clamber over Dundonald castle again…We'll see...

In ending, I want to thank Connie & Jim Bain (CT Commissioner) and Michelle Sandelier (NE-VP) for sponsoring me for this terrific position!

You can contact me anytime at mackaypr@yahoo.com.

Yours Aye!!!

Mark Ian Bain

 

 

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