The mountains of Loch Arkaig, Inverness-shire, resounded yesterday to the tramp of the Cameron men - the tread of a thousand clansmen on their native heath.

Clansmen of the Clan Cameron from all over the world thronged to the home of their chieftain, Colonel Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel, for a grand rally.

A specially-chartered "Clan Cameron" train from Glasgow steamed into the tiny, beflagged station of Spean Bridge, then buses took the loyalists to Achnacarry.

Farthest travelled were Mr Ian Cameron, president of the New Zealand Clan Cameron Association, and vice-president Mr Charles Cameron and their wives.  Others came from U.S.A., Australia, South Africa, Spain, Holland, and Sweden.

During the afternoon clansmen marched past their chieftain, who took the salute from the castle steps.

The Band of the 4th/5th Battn. Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (T.A.) played.  There were Highland and country dancing displays, and a six-a-side shinty game between the Cameron Highlanders and a team of clansmen.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation by the clan to the chieftain of his portrait in oils.  It was by one Scotland's best-known artists, Mr David Donaldson.

Lochiel also received a special cromach carved by an expert Maori wood carver in New Zealand.