FUTURE OF THE CLAN

A meeting of Clan Officers was held at Hunterston House on Thursday 9th June 1988 when the severe strain imposed by the Clan on the Clan Chiefs financial resources was considered. It was against the following background that the meeting was called, the aim being to determine how the Clan might continue, but reduce the considerable burden on the Chiefs funds.

Background

Over the years considerable sums of money have been spent by the 29th Laird to support the Estate, and since 1983 the setting up of the Hunter Clan and associated mail order enterprise has cost more than £250,000.

At the meeting draft accounts for the period 1987/88 were tabled. They had been broken into various enterprises and Hunter Clan showed a total loss for the year of some £37,750. This was a reflection of the lack of activity within the mail order enterprise which had total sales of just under £9,400 during the year.

Discussions

There was wide-ranging discussion, from the possible use of Hunterston House by outside bodies, to opening the Castle grounds and house to the public. It was explained that the proximity of Hunterson power stations requiries any proposals for change of use of the House or indeed any of the Estate buildings to be put before the Nuclear Safety Executive. The Executive has indicated that as a general rule it would not approve any major conversion or change of use of the house, or any other activity which would increase the number of people resident on the Estate. Similarly the opening of Castle grounds and the House to the public would, if successful, result in increased numbers in the vicinity of the power station. However there is no major attraction to the general public at the Castle, although it is of significant interest to Clan members.

Proposals

It was eventually decided that a number of proposals, which are summarised below, should be instigated:

(a) In order to save costs, all mail order parcels would be sent by surface mail unless the purchaser specifically requested air mail and was prepared to pay the considerable difference. Further, the substantial amount of mail order goods in stock must be reduced, consequently no more purchases will be made without evidence of considerable demand. This is particularly relevant when a large minimum order is required. The various items of mail order goods which have not been attractive to Clan members will, if possible, be disposed of as souvenirs to the few members of the general public who visit the Castle.

(b) Membership in future should be paid annually, but this should be a fixed sum, which would include an annual subscription to the Clan magazine, as at present a substantial number of members do not subscribe. More Chin members. are required, but the expensive mail shots from Scotland cannot be justified. As mentioned in the Chiefs letter it is hoped that each Clan member will try to recruit another two members.

(c) There must be a reduction in labour costs, and the empty cottages round the Castle should be let to generate income, therefore they will not be available to members. There is a good hotel in West Kilbride and accommodation can be arranged.

How Clan members can assist

If each Clan member were to make an annual donation, which would be an annual membership subscription, the cash flow in the Clan accounts would improve dramatically. To boost membership, if each Clan member undertook to introduce at least two other members and this was repeated each year, the membership would increase substantially in a very short time.

General comments on the mail order brochure indicate that most of the goods on offer are appreciated by Clan members. Unhappily, apart from a few stalwarts, this appreciation is not translated into the purchase of goods. If all Clan members considered purchasing items from the catalogue Defore buying similar items elsewhere, the Clan would benefit.

Also, as we are unable to justify the expense of market research, import/export advisers, etc., any comments Clan members might have on how to improve the marketability of the items already on offer, or indeed suggest other items which would find a ready market in the member's country, would be appreciated.

As a result of the Clan operation having to revert to a low cost, low profile method of operation until such time as membership increases substantially, Charles Hunter, the Clan Administrator, appreciated that he would not be fully employed, nor his potential fully realised. Charles has now left, and, as mentioned in the Chiefs letter earlier this year, the administration is being done by Estate staff.