Dutch Baron as

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 904, 22 February 1930, Page 18

Dutch Baron as

Scots Chieftain

HEN 17 years of age Aeneas Alexander, Baron Mackay van Ophemert, In the Netherlands, decided to become a Scots-

man. At the end of six years’ hard practice, he is fairly convinced that at last he Is more Scots than Dutch, writes a "Daily Express” representative. He can say “Aiblins” and “Oeh, aye.” He has eaten haggis and has been taught the Highland reel. And recently he attended a dinner as Chief of the Clan Mackay. Baron Mackay van Ophemert is also the 13th Lord Reay, the only Scots-Dutch peer. Some hsadreds of years ago one of his adventurous ancestors left Scotland to help Gustavus Adolphus fight Wallenstein. The ancestor decided to remain in Holland. Lord Reay Is six feet nine inches long. He heaved himself out of an armchair and told me how he came to Scotland. “This ancestor stayed in Holland and founded a family,” he said, “but eventually the last of the line died out. So they had to go back to the

cousins. “That is where I came in. I have been educated in Holland, and my parents wished me to finish my education there, but I like Scotland. There is no place in the world like it.” “And England?” I asked. “Great place,” said Lord Reay, “but your drink laws are . . .” “Yes,” I admitted. “They are, aren’t they?” he said.