Chieftain of the Day

Carol Davis is our Chieftain of the Day for the 2025 Melbourne Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Clan MacLennan Chief’s Commissioner, Australasia
President, Clan MacLennan Australia
CEO of the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation
Festival Director, Melbourne Tartan Festival

Pride and love of her Scottish heritage was passed on by Carol’s mother, Jean McLennan.  Following a pilgrimage to Scotland in 2000, Carol joined Clan MacLennan Australia and shortly after, became editor of the Clan’s Australian and International Newsletters. 

In 2014, in the presence of worldwide Clan MacLennan members and the Provost of Inverness at a ceremony at the Inverness Town House, Chief Ruairidh MacLennan of MacLennan appointed Carol Clan MacLennan Chief’s Commissioner, Australasia. 

She was elected President of Clan MacLennan Australia the following year.

In late 2016 Carol was appointed CEO of the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation (VSHCF).  The Foundation seeks to promote Scottish cultural heritage within and alongside Victoria’s culturally diverse community.  The VSHCF offers financial support for a range of Scottish cultural events such as Highland Gatherings, ceilidhs, exhibitions and festivals. It provides scholarships for the promotion of community and schools based Scottish music, dance, literature, Gaelic language and performing arts programs. 

Melbourne Tartan Festival Director since early 2017, Carol’s role sees her coordinate the month-long July Melbourne Tartan Festival program. Events include the annual Kirkin’ ‘O The Tartan service and clan parade at the Scots’ Church, Gala dinner and concert at Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne Tartan Day massed pipe band parade on Collins Street, Pipers on the Balcony and Highland Dancing at Old Treasury Building, pipe band concerts, Highland dancing and Piping Competitions, traditional Scots song and music recitals, author and history talks and an introduction to Scottish Gaelic class.  In 2024 The Lord Lyon King of Arms was the Guest of Honour of the Festival.  Melbourne Tartan Festival is a joint initiative of the Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group and the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation.

Carol’s primary focus is to preserve and promote Scottish heritage for future generations, ensuring they have a rich cultural legacy to be proud of, with a meaningful connection to the present day.