Nine-year-old gun-toting Johnny Cameron, youngest son of the chief, stole the show at the clan rally at Achnacarry Castle on Saturday.

It was all such a friendly, homely gathering, but Johnny wasn't taking any chances!  He kept popping up among crowds carrying a toy gun and wearing a bandolier of ammunition.

Even when he answered the call, "Where's Johnny?" to lead the grand march of the clansmen and women past the chief, Colonel Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel and his good lady, he was still "armed to the teeth."

About 500 Camerons flew in from all parts of the world - from Scotland, London, and from as far away as Melbourne - for the rally.

A big contingent from the South arrived at Spean Bridge in a special Cameron train.

The large representation from overseas came from such places as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

It was the fourth rally of the century at Achnacarry Castle, the ancestral home for centuries of the clan chief.

For almost an hour Lochiel and his wife stood in front of the castle shaking hands with each of the guests as they were announced by Mr Walter Cameron, of Corpach.

Later, with a pipe band playing "The March of the Cameron Men," they all took part in the march past.

Lochiel had a high word of praise for clansmen and women overseas for promoting the interests of the clan association.  He hoped that within the next two or three years he and his wife would be able to visit New Zealand and other countries.

Greetings from overseas were extended to Lochiel and his wife by Mr Ian Cameron, New Zealand, and from home clansmen by Mr A.D. Cameron, Glasgow.  Later, on behalf of the association, he asked Lochiel to accept his portrait in oils.