The Scottish Clans Podcast: Recent Episodes
Clint Edwards
We're taking it back to the foundations folks! The Scots of the kingdom of Dal Riata made important contributions to the concept of the Scottish clans. Find out what they were in this new take on one of my earliest episodes for this podcast. This is the first in a series of podcasts revisiting the ethnic roots of the Scottish clans.
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Scottish Clans YouTube Channel
Scottish Clans Website
Check out a list of resources for studying the Scottish clans!
This one is the stuff best-selling novels, movies or series are made of! We take a story I've told before here and, using a paper written by Prof. Steve Boardman, peel back the layers to reveal and even more compelling story than I originally ever imagines. Loyalty, betrayal, feud, alliance, romance, infidelity, and action all come together to make this one of my all-time favorites. I hope you enjoy it to.
University of Strathclyde Course on the Highland Clans
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You won't agree with everything Dr. Pittock says but hopefully you've considered the possibility that some of your conceptions about Scottish clans are off. What are some of the misconceptions that are widely held that Dr. Pittock corrects? What ideas of your own did he challenge? This episode is sure to stir the pot but I hope you enjoy it and that it is helpful. Check out Dr. Pittock's books on Amazon (links below)! They're pretty reasonably priced. This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and a video version is on YouTube.
Books:
Scotland: The Global History
Culloden: Great Battles
The Myth of the Jacobite Clans
Celtic Identity and the British Image
Jacobitism
Scottish Clans YouTube channel
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During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, clans that were already at feud chose different sides and continued the conflict. But with the failure of the rising and its disastrous conclusion at the Battle of Culloden, sometimes the fighting didn't stop. Check out this story of conflict between the Stewarts of Appin and the Campbells.
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Online Course: Origins of the Scottish Clans 101
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I hope you enjoyed the part of my discussion with Dr. Martin MacGregor. Here is the rest of our conversation. Now that we've established the origins of both clans, we get into their turbulent relationship with each other, which ended far away from where it began. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Stay tuned for YouTube clips with visual aids.
Scottish Clans YouTube channel
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What a great experience it was to learn these two well-known clans, the Campbells and MacGregors, and their turbulent relationship from one of the most knowledgeable people on the subject! I hope you enjoy this conversation I had with him. This is only the first half of our discussion. Stay tuned for part 2 as well as YouTube content complete with visual aids coming soon.
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I'm excited to share part 1 of the discussion that I had with Dr. Aonghas MacCoinnich!!! He focuses on the Clans Mackenzie and MacLeod of Lewis. You could not get a more knowledgeable person for these two clans. This was truly a feast. If you have any interest in either of these two clans, this and the next episode are for you. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
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I'm excited to share this discussion that I had with Dr. Aonghas MacCoinnich!!! He focuses on the Clans Mackenzie and MacLeod of Lewis. You could not get a more knowledgeable person for these two clans. This was truly a feast. If you have any interest in either of these two clans, this and the next episode are for you. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Scottish Clans YouTube channel
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As promised during last episode, I share a couple more examples of earlier kindreds that begat clans that we are more familiar with today. I also discuss why I feel this is an important thing to consider when understanding where clans come from and what they really are. Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Free Resources
Many of the clans we recognize today formed between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. What is less well-known is that many of these clans evolved from previous clans. Some of these previous kindreds are well-documented. Others remain obscure both regarding their history and their antiquity. Here are some examples of clans that emerged from earlier clans, whether familiar or mysterious.
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The Highland charge was a devastating military tactic that scattered enemy forces on numerous occasions. The big question is, "Which specific clans actually executed the Highland charge?" Many people see Alasdair mac Colla MacDonnell as the author of this tactic and it was specifically the clans fighting under him that performed this feat of arms. Yet not all the those who had this experience were Highlanders! Join me as I examine which clans likely participated in this (this is in no way an exhaustive list).
Source: Roberts, John L., Clan, King and Covenant: History of the Highland Clans from the Civil War to the Glencoe Massacre on Amazon here.
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One of the most dynamic and exciting aspects of seventeenth century Highland history was the Highland Charge. We'll go over what a Highland charge was and why it was so effective. In subsequent episodes we'll go over which battles it was used in and therefore which clans have engaged in this fearsome military tactic.
Scottish Clans website: www.scottish-clans.com
Scottish Clans YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w
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Online course on the Origins of the Scottish Clans! www.scottish-clans.com/origins
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Just to get to the battlefield, the Marquis of Montrose and his Royalist forces pulled off "one of the greatest exploits in the history of British arms." I take this episode from John L. Roberts' Clan, King, and Covenant: History of the Highland Clans from the Civil War to the Glencoe Massacre. Learn about the incredible march as well as the epic battle between Royalist and Covenanter forces. This is also available on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dIBeGaqEg2cbbS3uPXZqM?si=abb55a1246ce4360
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scottish-clans-podcast/id1434619462
My website: https://www.scottish-clans.com
Online Course on the origins of the Scottish clans: https://www.scottish-clans.com/origins
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This is the last segment of my discussion with Mike Doyle of the Clans and Dynasties YouTube channel. Many thanks to him for sharing his knowledge with the Scottish Clans audience. In this episode, we discuss the relationship between the Irish and Scottish clans, using the MacSween/MacSweeneys as an illustration.
Mike's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Clans_Dynasties
You can find some of his work with Phillip here: https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMedievalHistory
My YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans
My Sponsor: www.usakilts.com
An online course for the Origins of the Scottish Clans: www.scottish-clans.com/origins
You can contribute to the cause here: www.scottish-clans.com/team
My episode on the MacSweeneys: https://scottishclans.podbean.com/?s=macsweeney
This is a continuation of a discussion I had with Mike Doyle of the Clans and Dynasties youtube channel. In this episode, we discuss:
- The need to trace your ancestry to a specific location to know what clan you might tie into, and not just go off of the last name.
- The Northern Ireland element. Did all Scottish names in Ulster come from Scotland?
- Sources that we use for study, like named.publicprofiler.org, https://www.johngrenham.com/, and Wikipedia!
Clans and Dynasties on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Clans_Dynasties
Mike also has content on https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMedievalHistory
Scottish Clans on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans.
Scottish Clans website: www.scottish-clans.com
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This is a continuation of a discussion I had with Mike Doyle of the Clans and Dynasties YouTube channel. In this episode, we discuss:
- The Gall-Gaedheil.
- The Galloglass, their origins and cultural identities.
- Specific Galloglass clans, like MacDonald, MacDougall, MacKay (MacCoy), and MacCabe.
Clans and Dynasties: https://www.youtube.com/@Clans_Dynasties
Mike's content on Irish Medieval History: https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMedievalHistory
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans
My website: www.scottish-clans.com
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I hope you enjoy this continuation of my discussion with Mike Doyle, from the Clans and Dynasties YouTube channel. We discussed such topics as:
- The Ethnic foundations of the Scottish clans
- How much do the Scottish clans owe to Ireland vs other groups like the Picts, Britons, Angles, etc.?
- Where does Scotland derive its Gaelic language from? Was it brought from Ireland or is it organic?
- How far back does Scotland’s connection with Ireland go?
Join us for a great discussion on the foundations of the Scottish clans!
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For more content: www.scottish-clans.com
Clans and Dynasties on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Clans_Dynasties
Mike's work with Phillip on Irish Medieval History: https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMedievalHistory
The Scottish Clans YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans
I'm excited to share with you the first part of my discussion with Mike Doyle from the Clans and Dynasties YouTube channel! He brings a great value to the Scottish Clans audience. He has a solid understanding of the history of the Scottish clans but he also has a great depth of knowledge of the Irish clans. His YouTube content involves history regarding clans from both lands. Please join us for this conversation! We cover:
- The age of Irish clans vs Scottish clans
- What was a clan?
- Succession among the clans: Primogeniture vs Tanistry
- The messiness of history!
Watch for the next episode soon, as Mike and I continue the conversation.
Mike's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Clans_Dynasties
Mike's video on which clans may have fought at Bannockburn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMYFRhRuzoo&t=217s
Mike's work with Phillip: https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMedievalHistory
My webpage: www.scottish-clans.com
Contribute to the cause! www.scottish-clans.com/team
My online course on the origin of the Scottish clans: www.scottish-clans.com/origins
There are so many misconceptions, misunderstandings, and straight up myths regarding the Scottish clans. For this episode I'm taking comments from Scottish scholar, Prof. Murray Pittock, who teaches at the University of Glasgow. These comments come from an interview he did on the History Extra Podcast. Get ready to have some of your current understandings assaulted!
Is this content valuable? You can contribute easily by pitching in the price of a drink at www.scottish-clans.com/team.
Want to take your understanding of the Scottish Clans to the next level? Check out The Origins of the Scottish Clans 101 at www.scottish-clans.com/origins.
Tartan Finder: https://www.lochcarron.co.uk/tartan-finder
Link to History Extra Podcast w/ Murray Pittock: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scottish-clans-everything-you-wanted-to-know/id256580326?i=1000555926450
Through thick and thin, the MacRaes were there for the Mackenzies. In this episode I discuss what it might have meant that the MacRaes were "Mackenzie's Shirt of Mail." I share one example of this from the battle known as Blar na Pairce.
Sources:
https://archive.org/details/historyofclanmac00macr for a pdf download https://electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macrae2.html
My website, where you can find links to:
- More resources
- My online course-Origin of the Scottish Clans 101
- A place to contribute to the effort
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I read this story and had to share it with you. It's a story of a man's love for a woman, but it's not romantic. It's two brothers taking care of their sister in a heroic way. Having a sister myself, I love it!
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This is the second part of my discussion with Prof. Ali Cathcart, of the University of Stirling. If you want to know more about the Scottish clans, then this is a must.
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My website: www.scottish-clans.com. You will find links to:
- my online course on the origins of the Scottish clans.
- Where you can contribute to the cause.
- free resources, like maps, historical documents, and a copy of my MA Thesis comparing Highland and Border Clans.
Ali's bio on the University of Stirling website: https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1403494.
I'm excited to share with you my conversation with Ali Cathcart! We covered such topics as: The Highland/Lowland divide (did clans exist in the Lowlands?), Variety among the Highland clans, information on specific clans like the Mackintoshes, Gordons, MacPhersons, and more! Enjoy Prof. Cathcart's wealth of knowledge in helping us understand the Scottish clans better.
Clan Conclave Dinner: https://clanconclave.eventbrite.com
Podcast website where you can find links too free resources, my online course on the origins of the Scottish clans, where you can contribute to the cause, and more: www.scottish-clans.com
Sponsor: www.usakilts.com
For the last episode in this mini-series, I take a look at a few more clans and their claim to have fought at Bannockburn. Did these clans even exist at the time? Is it plausible, if they weren't yet a clan, that their ancestors were still there, stomping the English alongside Robert the Bruce and his allies?
This episode was inspired by a video by Clans and Dynasties on Youtube, which can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMYFRhRuzoo.
Check out the following link for a cool, upcoming event in Pleasant Grove, Utah: https://clanconclave.eventbrite.com
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Online course- Origins of the Scottish Clans 101 at www.scottish-clans.com/origins.
This episode is part 2 of 3 as I go over additional claims of clans that claim to have fought at Bannockburn. Were they even in existence long enough for this claim to be true? Part 3 will be delayed as the next episode I publish will be my interview with Professor Ali Cathcart who teaches at the University of Stirling. I hope you enjoy this episode, which is also available on Apple Podcasts.
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Many clans claim to have fought at the Battle of Bannockburn on 23-24 June, 1314. This battle happened at an interesting time for the clans as we would recognize them. Some of them had taken shape by this point and some hadn't. My goal here is not to proclaim whether they were definitively there or not. Rather, I look at scholarly sources and the accounts as given by the clans themselves or their origins to see whether they were even developed as clans by the this decisive battle or not. I sampled 15 clans. Did yours make the list? Were they even there?
Podcast website: Scottish-clans.com
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For free resources: Scottish-clans.com/resources
This second part of the MacNeil episodes is taken from a book called "Highlanders: A History of the Scottish Gaels," by John MacLeod. It focuses on the MacNeils of Barra and their piratical activities. I hope you enjoy! Check out the links below for more great content!
Podcast website: www.scottish-clans.com
New online course on the origins of the Scottish clans: www.scottish-clans.com/origins.
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This clan only has one chief: Macneil of Barra. Should there be another? This and more on the MacNeils in this episode. Make sure to check out the next episode, a part 2 on the MacNeils, which is already available. Check out the links below for more great content!
Online course on the origins of the Scottish Clans: www.scottish-clans.com/origins.
Podcast website: www.scottish-clans.com
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Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans
Highland clan origin legends were not intended to convey absolute truth to later generations about how the clan started. Well, then what were they intended for? For this episode, I share from a book by Michael Newton, The Everyday Life of the Clans of the Scottish Highlands. We start by learning about some of the purposes of these legends generally, then read the origin legends of two clans: the Macintyres and MacRaes.
Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w
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For free study material: www.scottish-clans.com/resources
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Here's the book I read from in this episode on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Life-Clans-Scottish-Highlands/dp/0971385823/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1688008630&sr=8-1
In this episode, Ethan gets more specific with how the study of DNA helps us understand the history of specific clans, their origins (both in support and in denial of some legends), and their relationships to each other. Among the clans we discussed were Clan Sorley (MacDonalds, MacRorys, and MacDougals), Sìol Ailpein (Grants, MacGregors, MacKinnons, MacAulays, Madfies, Macnabs, MacQuarries), MacNeils, Robertsons, Dunbars, Bruces, Stewarts, MacBeans, MacPhersons, Buchanans, and MacLarens. I really hope you all love this as much as I did. Check out the links below for more information.
If you find this to be valuable, you can buy me a drink or a book at www.scottish-clans.com/team.
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- "The Genetic Structure of a Highland Clan" by Bryan Sykes and Jayne Nicholson: https://electricscotland.com/history/articles/geneticstructureofahighlandclan.pdf
- Stewart S781 Article: https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/so-are-you-among-the-thousands-of-scots-with-royal-blood-1489854
- MacNeil Article: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13197315.macneil-clan-shocked-dna-checks-force-rewrite-history/
I'm excited to share with you all a milestone in this podcast's history. Ethan Hunt joins us to teach us how the DNA helps us understand the history of the Scottish clans. This is the first interview that I have run (USA Kilts ran the only other interview I've done for this)! Expect to see more of these in the future. In this Part 1 episode, Ethan gives us a foundation in genetics. Don't worry, we weaved in the topic of the clans throughout, so it's not JUST a discussion on DNA. I hope you enjoy this. I sure did. For more information on some of the things we discussed, check out the links below!
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- "The Genetic Structure of a Highland Clan" by Bryan Sykes and Jayne Nicholson: https://electricscotland.com/history/articles/geneticstructureofahighlandclan.pdf
- Stewart S781 Article: https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/so-are-you-among-the-thousands-of-scots-with-royal-blood-1489854
- MacNeil Article: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13197315.macneil-clan-shocked-dna-checks-force-rewrite-history/
Between last episode, setting the foundation, and this episode, this is the first time we've been to the Northern Isles (in this case Orkney) since I started this podcast! It's always fun to try new things. You know what's not fun, Sinclairs fighting Sinclairs and a mother accidentally killing her son. In these respects, the Battle of Summerdale was truly a tragic event.
Source for this story: http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/summerdale.htm
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Let's get to know a little bit about the Sinclairs and lay the foundation for the story of the Battle of Summerdale. The Sinclairs are a really interesting clan that controlled a large territory in the far north of Scotland as the Earls of Caithness. They had other branches of the family. How did these branches interact with each other? Were they a cohesive unit, who all acknowledged the same chief?
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Sinclair Pedigree starting with William, 3rd Earl of Orkney: https://www.maryqueenofscots.net/scottish-family-trees-in-the-16th-century/the-sinclairs-of-caithness-and-the-lords-sinclair/
Super deep dive into Sinclair origins: http://www.stclairresearch.com/content/Sinclair-Templar-Proof.html
The Saint-Clairs of the Isles: https://archive.org/details/saintclairsofisl00sain
Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland: https://archive.org/details/genealogicalhist00gord
This is the unbelievable backstory to a strong theory about why the MacLeod of Harris and Dunvegan and the MacDonalds of Sleat switched sides from being Jacobites in 1715 to raising troops for the British Government in 1745.
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Last time we looked at the Frasers of Lovat and examined their reasons for fighting on different sides during the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745. That made me curious about other clans that switched sides in the same conflicts. Here I list eleven clans that found themselves on one side during the 1715 Rising and another during the 1745 Rising. Not meant to be exhaustive or deep, rather, this episode is only starting the conversation. What clans did I leave out? What do you know that you could add to the discussion?
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The Clan Fraser of Lovat sided with the Hanoverians in the 1715 Jacobite Rising but then sided with the Stewarts in 1745. In this episode I explore why I believe they switched.
If you like these podcasts and would like to contribute to the effort, go to www.scottish-clans.com/team.
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www.scottish-clans.com
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A few episodes ago I shared some history on the professional kindreds. Robert Currie, Commander of the Name and Arms of Currie, reached out to me with a small booklet about the MacMhuirich kindred, who were sponsored by the Lords of the Isles as bards. Here's a few things I learned. Thanks, Robert!
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It's alway nice when you can get the words of the Gaels themselves to describe their own culture. Here, I use an excerpt from The Everyday Life of the Clans of the Scottish Highlands, by Michael Newton, where a MacLeod of Raasay woman composed a lament for her brother in 1671. In it, she describes what he wore, which is enlightening but not what you'd expect.
For a video about Michael Newton's book - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w__yMXJnBc&t=192s
To contribute to the cause! - www.scottish-clans.com/team
Scottish Clans YouTube Channel -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w
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Was there a branch of Clan Cameron is Atholl? Not according to Wikipedia;). Here's some cool details on something Cameron found in his research. My apologies to Cameron Moser, who was running the tent for Clan Cameron at the Scots on the Rocks festival in Moab, UT in October. This is my interview with
him.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w
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scottish-clans.com/somerled
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Here's an episode on a few things I find interesting about the Munros, some of which get us into conversations about broader questions about Scottish clans. How does DNA evidence connect with their traditional origins? Why did they choose the sides they did during the Scottish Civil War and the Jacobite Rebellions?
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Link to a source:http://www.clanmunroassociation.org.au/clan-munro-association-australia-newsletters/ewExternalFiles/Clan%20Munro%20%28Association%29%20Australia%20Newsletter%2040.pdf
Most often we see members of a clan come together for a common cause in the realm of warfare. This episode highlights a welcome break from the bloodshed as we look at clans that embraced certain professions. Which clans were physicians, historians, craftsmen, etc.? This is a fascinating aspect of the topic of Scottish Clans.
Visit scottish-clans.com for more resources in your study of the Scottish clans.
If you find this episode valuable, you can contribute to the cause at scottish-clans.com/team.
Sponsor: usakilts.com
This is a continuation of the last discussion regarding the difference between what a clan chief owned and the place where his kindred called home. Looking at clan maps can give a person the wrong impression about this topic, so we dive into it and bust some misconceptions.
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In the USA, it's Thanksgiving Day, and I'm thankful for you all! Thank you so much for listening. Many of you have followed up with comments and questions and allowed this conversation to grow and develop. I hope this episode helps some of you better understand the nature of clanship and hopefully erase some misconceptions that could be gained by looking at clan maps.
Check out my website at scottish-clans.com.
For free pdf's to contribute to your study, go to scottish-clans.com/1587 or scottish-clans.com/wade.
If you enjoy this content, you can give back at scottish-clans.com/team.
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In another installation of 'Clan Founders' we take a look at a very influential member of the native, Gaelic aristocracy who helped Scotland become what it is today and founded the Ross clan. Learn what made him such an important person in Scottish history! This is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify as well. Thanks for listening.
Scottish-clans.com
If you enjoy what you're learning, you can give back at Scottish-clans.org/team.
For free pdf's to help your study of the clans go to Scottish-clans.org/1587 or Scottish-clans.org/wade.
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Here's an episode that comes from a listener request. The Kerrs were everything that we think of when we hear the term "Border Reivers". Here's a few things about them that I consider noteworthy.
If you like this and other episodes, consider contributing to the cause at scottish-clans.com/team.
Pick up your free pdf of the 1587 Act of Parliament that lists clans that the Scottish crown viewed as more loyal to their chiefs than to their landlords when those weren't the same person. scottish-clans.com/1587
Another free pdf of General Wade's Report on the Highlands from 1724 is available at scottish-clans.com/wade. This one gives the number of fighting men that various chiefs could put on a battlefield.
Sponsor: usakilts.com
Often lumped in with and undistinguished from the Normans, this group of bold adventurers begat kindreds that had a disproportionate influence on Scottish history compared to their actual numbers. Check out Amy Eberlin's research on them and their involvement in Scottish history in the link below.
https://flemish.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/author/ae29/
Sponsor: usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
The Redeswirer Fray, or Raid on Redeswire, is considered by some to be the last official conflict between England and Scotland. Follow me as I describe the role the Rutherfords played in this this battle.
Useful links:
YouTube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SQHovR98R4
Scottish-clans.com
Scottish-clans.com/1587 for a free pdf of the Roll of the Clans
http://www.clanrutherfurd.org
Tons of work on the Flemish kindreds in Scotland: https://flemish.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/author/ae29/
Sponsor: usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
There is so much misunderstanding at the beginner level when people learn they have Scottish ancestors. What they picture in their minds, unless they have verified Highland ancestry, is often wrong. Those from the Borders looked (in dress) and sounded (in language) much different from their Highland counterparts. In this episode I endeavor to untangle this. Never fear! Border Reiver descendants, your history is no less colorful than that of the Highlands.
Sponsor: usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
This is also available on my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w
scottishclans.podbean.com
Facebook.com/groups/thescottishclans
Following the last episode, here are my interviews with Helen at the Young Clan tent and Steven Argyle and Lois Ann Garlitz at the MacGregor tent from the Payson Scottish Festival. I've spent most of my time studying the Scottish clans in their original context so it was interesting to learn about a more modern incarnation from those deeply involved in it. I hope all you Youngs and MacGregors (or whatever you changed your name to after Glen Fruin) enjoy this episode. Next Stop: Scots on the Rocks in Moab!
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
This was a new experience for me. We recently had the Payson Scottish Festival and I had the chance to interview Tom Campbell at the Campbell tent and Alex and Ted at the MacDonald tent. What a cool experience and a look into an aspect of our subject that I haven't spent a lot of time studying. Thanks to Tom, Ted, and Alex for taking the time to visit with me. No, it's not intentional to put the Campbells and the MacDonalds in the same episode, it just worked out with the length of the interviews better.
Sponsor
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
I get a lot of people asking me for more information about the clan they're descended from. In this episode, I give 3 tips for the beginner to start down the road of learning more about their Scottish ancestors. This road is one that can give them starting information but also lead them to more advanced sources.
Sponsor
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
I ordered a new kilt! How does someone pick a tartan for a kilt? If I had a Scottish last name, it would be pretty straightforward. But I don't. I'll share my unconventional method for choosing the tartan. Do you agree? Let me know.
The Campbells were one of the most powerful clans in Scotland. What was their origin? Were they Gaels from Dal Riata? Britons of Strathclyde? Picts? Angles from Northumbria? Normans? Vikings? Let's hear from Professor Stephen Boardman of the University of Edinburgh on this topic! It's taken from his book The Campbells: 1250-1513. I really enjoyed this book and will be sharing more from it in future episodes.
Sponsor: usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
Source: The Campbells: 1250-1513 by Stephen Boardman
More Sources at scottishclans.podbean.com - click on the sources link.
In and interview with Bruce from Scotland History Tours, Dr. Martin MacGregor of the University of Glasgow shared some fascinating perspectives about the existence of clans in the Lowlands as well as his opinion of the term "Clan System". In this episode, I just share the highlights of the interview. To see the whole thing, become a subscriber to Scotland History Tours on Youtube.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
Podcast website:
https://scottishclans.podbean.com
In this final episode on the MacPhersons, I share how the nature of the MacPherson clan relationship with the rest of Clan Chattan as well as the story of the Battle of Invernahavon. This battle is illustrative of the attitude of the MacPhersons toward the Mackintosh leadership of Clan Chattan and is just a good story on its own. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sponsor:
USAkilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
Sources:
https://scottishclans.podbean.com/p/sources-for-studying-the-scottish-clans/
We continue the deep dive into the Clan Chattan and how they, and specifically the MacPhersons, came to be in Badenoch. Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sources
https://scottishclans.podbean.com/p/sources-for-studying-the-scottish-clans/
Sponsor: usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
The Clan Chattan, the MacPhersons, and the Chattan Confederation played a major role in the history of the central and eastern Highlands. At the same time, exactly how all these clans came together, as well as where the actual Chattan kindred originated from have been cloudy in my mind for a long time. So I decided to make it a project and share what I learned. Join me as I untangle the Clan Chattan, with a focus on the Clan MacPherson, and their origins.
My YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w
Sponsor: www.usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
Sources:
"AN OLD HIGHLAND GENEALOGY AND THE EVOLUTION OF A SCOTTISH CLAN" by Alan G. MacPherson
https://www.clan-macpherson.org/museum/documents/alang01.pdf
"MacPherson Country: Genealogical Identities, Spatial Histories, and the Scottish Diasporic Clanscape" By Paul Basu https://www.academia.edu/3004463/Macpherson_Country_Genealogical_Identities_Spatial_Histories_and_the_Scottish_Diasporic_Clanscape
"Clan Macpherson, 1215 - 1550, How the Macphersons acquired their Clan Lands and Independence" by Reynold MacPherson, 20 January 2011
http://www.reynoldmacpherson.ac.nz/publications/Clan%20Macpherson,%201215%20to%201550.pdf
Did the clan system emerge out of the feudal system brought by the Normans or did it merge with and influence something that had already been in Scotland for centuries? This topic comes from numerous conversations on the Scottish Clans Facebook group. Join me as I dive in and share my thoughts in this two-part episode.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Sources:
Kingdom of the Isles by R. Andrew McDonald
Kinship, Church, and Culture by John Bannerman
among others...Check out more of my source recommendations at scottishclans.podbean.com.
Did the clan system emerge out of the feudal system brought by the Normans or did it merge with and influence something that had already been in Scotland for centuries? This topic comes from numerous conversations on the Scottish Clans Facebook group. Join me as I dive in and share my thoughts in this two-part episode.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Sources:
Kingdom of the Isles by R. Andrew McDonald
Kinship, Church, and Culture by John Bannerman
among others...Check out more of my source recommendations at scottishclans.podbean.com.
In English, we say "clan". But in Gaelic, the kin-based system is so much more developed, and this is evident in Gaelic vocabulary. In this episode, let's look at some of the basic Gaelic words that contemporary sources used when referring to kin groups along with a few examples of each. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sources
A list of sources from my website on Podbean.com
Clans and Dynasties - Irish vs Scottish Clans
Cathy Swift's youtube video
The Alan G. MacPherson paper I cited
Sponsor
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
The MacSweens/MacSweeneys had a very dynamic history. One thing is for sure, whenever they were knocked down, they got back up again and improved their situation. This episode highlights just a few things I find interesting about this clan. Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sources:
https://named.publicprofiler.org/
https://archive.org/details/leabharchlainnes00walsuoft
The Kingdom of the Isles by R. Andrew McDonald
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Also mentioned (but not sponsors)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjklBJY8QT8u__aJ44UHEmw
https://www.youtube.com/c/ScotlandHistoryTours
Right after releasing the last episode, I was able to acquire a copy of Alison Cathcart's "Kinship and Clientage: Highland Clanship 1451-1609." It really helped me understand with more depth the factors involved in the succession to the chief of a Highland Clan. Join me as I share what I learned.
Sponsor
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Source
https://www.amazon.com/Kinship-Clientage-Highland-Clanship-1451-1609/dp/9004150455
In many descriptions of the Highland Clans, Tanistry is often given as the method used to decide succession among chiefs. I have already done an episode describing this system. In this episode, I relate my findings from a historical survey I did with seven Highland/Hebridean clans to see whether this system was employed or whether primogeniture was more common. I traced the chiefly line of seven clans: Mackintosh, Mackay, MacLean, Cameron, Robertson of Struan, MacLeod and MacFarlane. Join me to see what I found.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
In this episode, I finish what I started in the last one about the MacLeods' Fairy Flag and its use in the Battle of Glendale. Did it turn out how the MacLeods hoped? Also, I discuss a subject from the Facebook group: Scottish clan maps. Do you have one? Do you want one? How useful are they really? This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com andhttps://www.youtube.com/c/USAKiltsOfficial
In the same vein as the last episode on the Brahan Seer, we dive into some clan folklore. This time we're with the MacLeods and their Fairy Flag. Was it a gift to a chief from a fairy lover or a souvenir from the Crusades? Has it really saved MacLeod lives in battle? This is the first of a two-part project. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify as well.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com and their Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Sources:
Thomas Pennant's account: https://archive.org/details/tourinscotlandvo01penn
The MacLeods of Dunvegan: https://archive.org/details/macleodsofdunveg00macl
Some stuff on MacLeod genealogy, not so much about the fairy flag:
https://web.archive.org/web/20110727052405/http://www.macleodgenealogy.org/Research/Matheson1.html
We're taking a bit of a turn in the world of the clans by getting into folklore with this episode. Coinneach Odhar got a supernatural start to his supernatural abilities. Or was he even real? This is also available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Website: scottishclans.podbean.com
Sponsor:
USA Kilts - usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Sources:
Anne Ross, Folklore of the Scottish Highlands
A little-known episode in the Jacobite story, the Battle of Glenn Affric was the result of differing views regarding who had the authority to collect rents in Mackenzie territory and where that rent should be sent. Join me to see how it went! Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sponsor:
Check out usakilts.com and their youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Source:
https://www.electricscotland.com/mackenzie/images/CHAPT.10.pdf
The Chisholm's started in the Scottish Borders but through advantageous marriages became established in the Highlands. After a couple of generations, they would have been indistinguishable from the native Gaels who had been there for hundreds of years before. Let's look at a few of the things that make this clan worth getting to know.
Sponsor: USA Kilts
usakilts.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Source:
- History of the Chisholm, 1890 Alexander Mackenzie p.x., The Clan Chisholm and Allied Clans, 1935, Harriette F. Thrasher
The Camerons were a powerful kindred that started off as a confederation of clans, ironically not unlike the Clan Chattan (more on that back in episode 7). Let's look at where the Cameron war cry (slogan) comes from. The story is short but not so straightforward. Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What can we learn about Scottish Clans by reading a bond signed by several branches of the Murrays in 1586? Join me and see. The Murrays were what I refer to as a Frontier Clan. We'll look at two bonds, one signed in 1586 and another in 1598, which contain material that I believe helps us understand the kin-based society in Scotland. Thanks for joining me for my 100th episode! Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Source
https://ia800303.us.archive.org/3/items/chroniclesofatv21908atho/chroniclesofatv21908atho.pdf
Sponsor
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Another good youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSwBBdhuJ39zaA437NaeXA
After telling the tale of the battle during the last episode, in this one, we go over details of the battle that can help us understand the nature of the Scottish clans better.
Sponsor
usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Last episode was the leadup. Here's the action. I hope you enjoy the story. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dryfe_Sands
This is the first part of at least two episodes about an all-out war between the Maxwells and the Johnstones, two of the most powerful clans in the West March. The Battle of Dryfe Sands was the climax in a feud that had gone on for decades and involved many of the most prominent kindreds in the western Border country. In this episode, we set the stage for a showdown that will leave hundreds dead.
Sponsor:
USA Kilts - www.usakilts.com
Sources
http://maxwellsociety.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dryfe_Sands
https://archive.org/details/battleofdryfesan00mvit
They're not Border clans. They're not Highland clans. They have territory and a kin base in both the Lowlands and Highlands. We're calling them "frontier clans". Let's look at the history of the Keiths and some of the defining moments in their history as well as some cultural aspects of their history. Thanks for joining me and I apologize for the tinny sound. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sponsor: usakilts.com and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
There's more to this kindred than an unusual origin. Join me as I explore some interesting elements of the history of the Leslies.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Sources:
https://www.clanleslie.org/page02.php#
https://www.clanlesliesociety.org/resources
In this episode I discuss three interesting things about the MacLarens of Balquhidder, finishing with their fight with the Buchanans of Leny. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sponsor:
usakilts.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Sources:
https://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/maclare2.html
http://glendiscovery.com/the_clans_of_balquhidder.html#_ftnref7
In this episode, I discuss a few interesting points about Clan Lamont, including a cool story about reciprocated Highland hospitality that was a life-saver on more than one occasion. This is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify as well.
usakilts.com
https://www.clanlamontsociety.com/history?doing_wp_cron=1617075156.8535199165344238281250
The Glencoe Massacre has a competitor for the "Most Grim Story" category. Join me for this account of a feud between the Campbells and Lamonts and its tragic ending with the Dunoon Massacre. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
https://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/htol/lamont2.html
https://theravenreport.com/2016/12/08/the-dunoon-massacre-took-a-scottish-family-feud-too-far/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
www.usakilts.com
I’ve seen a lot of conversations on the interwebs that lead me to believe that the term “Celtic” is a little foggy in the minds of many people. In this episode I endeavor to bring some clarity to the term and hope this will help people see their ancestry a little more clearly. Hope you enjoy! This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celts usakilts.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
This episode is a mix of an exciting story and an academic conversation regarding the nature of clans, with the Hamiltons being the case study. I hope you enjoy it!
usakilts.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
http://www.douglashistory.co.uk/history/Battles/causeway.htm
Here's one for you Hamiltons. There's a short introduction to the Hamiltons followed by the story of the origin of their war cry "Through!" In case you don't use Podbean, this is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
usakilts.com
I'm sorry I couldn't find where I found the article to post a link. I'll keep trying and add it later to the facebook group.
Hamilton DNA: http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/g/a/gah4/HamDNA/Results.html
Let's finish the story we started in the last episode. MacDonalds v. MacLeans. Lots of destruction. An absolute lack of romance. Let's go! Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
With the dissolution of the Lordship of the Isles, clans that were once allies became fierce competitors. Join me in this first of two episodes to learn how the MacLeans and MacDonalds came to blows and how each clan fared.
usakilts.com
https://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/conflict/index.html
I was only going to do 5 interesting things but something crept in that I wanted to include. So here are six interesting things about this Hebridean clan that played a major role in so much of Scotland's history: the MacLeans.
Join me for a look at a clan from the eastern Highlands with an ancient lineage: the Fighting Farquharsons.
Links:
https://web.archive.org/web/20100725234333/http://www.farquharson-clan.co.uk/content/history.htm
http://clanfarquharson.org/
Sponsor: https://www.usakilts.com/
These two mercenary groups from Scotland had a lot in common and a few major differences. To better understand the nature of West Highland and Hebridean warfare, as well as to learn which clans were at the forefront of this trade, join me for this episode on the Gallowglass and the Redshanks.
This episode deals with the branch of the MacDonalds that became established in northern Ireland and became known as the MacDonnells of Antrim (or The Glenns). How did they get established there? What became of their Scottish ties? Famous members? Join me for a look at this interesting branch of a branch of the MacDonalds.
usakilts.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCni9cPU0kh5S84aQ-3d_DJA
Join me for my first interview in the history of this podcast. I'll be visiting with Rocky and Eric from USA Kilts. The kilt and the tartans that are used on them have become an identifying feature of clan culture. We talk about how that came to be, along with the different types of kilts and various other topics. I'll think you'll find this episode both informative and enjoyable. Thanks for joining us.
https://www.usakilts.com/
The Scotts, one of the premier Border Clans, had a fascinating history. Here are just a few of the many things I find interesting about this kindred.
In this episode, I discuss the story behind the origin of the MacFarlanes' war cry: Loch Sloy!
Sponsor:
usakilts.com
In this episode, let's dive into where war-cries came from and how they were used. This will lay the foundation for future episodes highlighting the gripping accounts of how some clans acquired their war-cries, or slogans.
The MacNaughtens are an interesting clan that doesn't get much popular attention, so here are a few things I find interesting about them.
http://www.clanmacnaughton.net/articles.htm
usakilts.com
So you just had a DNA test done and it says you're 37% (or some other number) Scottish. Where do you go from there? What clan does this connect you to? What should you expect from the results of this test. This is what we discuss in this episode.
https://www.familytreedna.com/scottish-clan-list.aspx
The Campbells are usually thought of as the agents of the Crown in the Scottish Highlands, but they weren't the only ones. Further north, the MacKenzies had adopted a policy of acting as the Crown's agents, to their benefit as well as to the detriment of neighboring clans. In this episode, I relate several ways in which these clans were similar and a couple of important differences.
Learn about a battle that never should have happened between two clans who were not feuding.
Going back to some of the founding members of the Douglas clan, we'll see how they were doing the Border Reiver thing since there was such a thing.
Join me for a look into the life and times of the founder of some of the most powerful clans of Scotland. Leading up to the Wars of Independence, the MacDougalls were the most powerful clan in Argyll. After Bruce took the throne, much of the MacDougall land in Argyll was given to the Campbells and in the Isles to the MacDonalds, the then became the premier kindred of the race of Somerled. Join me for a look into the life of the founder of these great clans.
The Massacre of Glencoe is commonly portrayed as another episode in the already generations-old feud between the two clans. In this episode, I tell the story of the massacre then dive into additional details in an effort to provide an accurate picture of this tragic event. Here's one of the sources I used for this episode
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottishhistory/union/trails_union_glencoe.shtml
For all you John Wayne fans, as well as those of you who may have never watched any of his films, this is a good episode. In it, I not only discuss the Morrison surname, but also dive into ideas that will pertain to many of you who are working on strengthening your connection to your ancestors. This episode has been requested a number of times by all you Morrisons and there happens to be some good material on this surname. So whether you're a Morrison, a John Wayne fan, working on your own genealogy, or just interested in the Scottish clans, I hope you enjoy this episode. I've included links to sources I used below. Available on Podbean, Apple Podcast, and Spotify.
https://www.academia.edu/4550385/Moressons
https://www.academia.edu/35563732/The_Clan_Morrison_Hoax_of_the_Norse_Origin_on_Lewis_and_Harris
https://www.academia.edu/35563675/The_Genealogy_of_the_Morrison_Origins_in_Scotland_A_critical_evaluation_of_the_historical_evidence_for_the_origins_of_the_Morrisons_in_Scotland
https://www.academia.edu/27954981/The_Ay_Mac_Hormaid_Myth_of_the_Morrisons_of_Durness
If you are interested in the Kennedys, clan society, or Scottish history in general, join me for a discussion of key aspects of the history of the Kennedys. Did true clans exist in the Lowlands? Let's dive a little deeper than a Google search with an article by Hector L. MacQueen from the University of Edinburgh. The link to the article is below.
https://www.academia.edu/37112752/Survival_and_success_the_Kennedys_of_Dunure
In the last installment in this series, I cover the time period where many of today's Scottish Clans were born. It's the fusion of several middle age kingdoms into what would become Scotland during the time period from the 1000's to the 1200's.
In the second part of this series, I summarize the ethnic origins of the clans. If you've listened to the early episodes of this podcast, I'm taking that information and streamlining it to build continuity so that the listener can pull the different pieces together and start to build a picture in their mind of the story of the beginnings of the clans. In the next episode, I'll build on this one and get into the time period where many of the clans have their origins. All of this with the hope to build an historical context for those just getting into the subject. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean.
Join me for a ground-up discussion of the Scottish clans. I'm covering what a clan was, how it would have differed from a regular family, and what features would have defined an actual clan. In the next episode, I'm going to cover the historical context of the origin of the clans. If you're new to this subject, these episodes will be perfect for you. If you're not new, I believe you'll still find food for thought. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.
Show Notes:
It's time for a good story! The Battle of the North Inch would be prime material for a movie, although it might get an R rating for violence. Two clans revert to an ancient way to settle a dispute: a battle of champions! Here are links to some of the sources for this episode:
https://ia802701.us.archive.org/14/items/historyofscottis00kelt/historyofscottis00kelt.pdf
https://archive.org/details/highlandersofsco00skenuoft/page/n10/mode/2up/search/north+inch
https://archive.org/details/historicalmemoi00mackgoog
https://archive.org/details/historyofscottis007kelt
https://archive.org/details/b29335206_0004
I don't believe we can have anything other than a shallow understanding of Scottish clans if we don't understand Bonds of Manrent. These bonds help us understand the relationships between related clans, unrelated clans, Highlanders and Lowlanders, and other groups. Helpful sources are posted below. I hope this not only helps you understand the Scottish Clans better, but maybe even your own ancestors. You'll never look at a Scottish Clan map the same after understanding this subject.
http://theses.gla.ac.uk/4014/1/1974BrownPhD.pdf - I didn't mention this one in this episode but it's got good stuff.
https://www.academia.edu/38334486/The_Dynamics_of_Manrent_in_Argyll_and_Breadalbane_c._1512-60 - This one you need an academia.edu account. If you don't have one, I encourage it. No, they're not paying me anything.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manrent - I know it's Wikipedia. Roger. Still...
file:///C:/Users/edwar/OneDrive/Pictures/Stephen%20Boardman%20PhD%20thesis.pdf - Good stuff here
Back to the Borders! In this episode, which draws mostly from Keith Hunter's article "The Recolonization of Liddesdale" found on Academia.edu, we jump into the origin of the Elliots. How did they arrive in Scotland? Were they always a Border clan? We also see the fighting character of the Elliots as a reoccurring theme in their history. This is available on Podbean.com, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
https://www.academia.edu/36732170/Recolonization_of_Liddesdale.doc
Happy Easter, Everyone! I know I've shared some of this material with you all before back in episode 10, but due to comments and questions I've received since then, I thought it would be worth revisiting and digging in a little deeper regarding the nature of the kin-based society of Scotland, including Lowland kindreds. This is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.
After responding to some listener feedback, I discuss the origin of several clans who claim descent from a man named Anrothan. These clans include the MacLachlans, the MacSweens, the Lamonts, and others. W. D. H. Sellar has an article where he defends this traditional genealogy, which I have posted on the Scottish Clans Facebook group. This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify.
This is not one of the famous clan battles in Scottish history, such as the Battle of Dryfe Sands or Glen Fruin. The details are scarce which adds to the mystery of the back story. It's also interesting in its location: on the borders of the Highlands and Lowlands. Join me for a dive into the story of the battle itself, the participants, and the setting of this tragic encounter between the Drummonds and Murrays. This is available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Once again, listener feedback gives us a great opportunity to discuss matters at the heart of the Scottish Clans. Thanks for the responses, feedback, comments and questions. Please keep them coming. Also, was Highland society more violent than that of the Lowlands, including the Borders?
The MacInnes clan hasn't had a chief since the 1300's yet is descended from another, very famous line of chiefs, or are they. I found that, in discussing the MacInnes clan, they provided the platform to discuss several concepts common to a lot of other clans as well. Available on Podbean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Hope you enjoy!
Unlike the previous two examples, there was a close connection between the Sutherland kindred and those who would inherit the Earldom of Sutherland. Join me as I endeavor to untangle this relationship. Are there other examples of earldoms and clans that had the same name but weren't the same thing? Let me know on Podbean, Facebook, or Apple Podcasts, which is where this episode can be found.
Sorry this was so long getting out. I've moved and had to establish myself and get internet to my new apartment, but I'm up and running now. Here's part 2 about the relationship between the Crawfords and the Earls of Crawford. Hope this helps. Available on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify.
It's easy to get turned around when studying the Scottish clans and there is a clan name and an earldom with the same name. Learning about one doesn't necessarily give us a formula for understanding the others. In this episode, we untangle the Clan Ross from the Earldom of Ross.
Complimenting the last episode, I continue looking at the Jacobite risings. I mapped out the clans on a Google map, marking which clans took which side using different colors. Looking at the two maps (the 1715 and the 1745 risings) and noticing trends or lack of them, I compare and contrast them and see what value it gives us. I hope this episode sparks some ideas of your own for a more in-depth study. This is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
50 Episodes! My topic here is a more detailed look at the Jacobite rising of 1745. Paintings of the Battle of Culloden, the final battle of the rising, make it appear that this whole effort was the Highland clans in support of the Stewart dynasty verses Lowlanders/Englishmen supporting the Hanoverians. I did a project with Google Maps to dive into this deeper and here I share some of my observations. It's a little more complex than "Highlanders vs. Englishmen". This is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.
Getting to hear your comments, thoughts, and questions and carrying the conversation further with you all is one of the most gratifying things about doing this podcast. Doing these kind of episodes allows us to discuss the Scottish clans starting from where your thoughts and interests are. I didn't get to everyone here so I'll be getting to more of you feedback in subsequent episodes. Available on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify.
The rest of the story and a little more depth regarding a major conflict between Clan Ranald and the Frasers of Lovat with the leadership of Clan Ranald at stake. Available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
A disagreement over the chiefly succession of Clan Ranald leads to a fight that included a few other clans and excluded certain pieces of clothing. Join me for the story of Blar na Leine; the Battle of the Shirts. Available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
The Grahams produced several capable leaders who took part in some of Scotland's hottest contentions, some of their names will be familiar to you. We focus on what's probably not familiar to you, which what DNA tests tell us about the origin of the Grahams. Thanks for joining me. This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
I can't believe we haven't covered this already! What is a sept? Is your family a sept of a larger, more powerful clan? Which tartan should you buy a kilt in? Let's talk about it.
Clan chiefs only live so long. What happens when the clan needs a new leader? In this episode, I discuss tanistry, the system used amongst the Gaels of Scotland for picking a new leader.
In response to listener feedback, here is a reading list for a study of the Scottish Clans. I know it's not comprehensive. We will add to it as we go. There is an accompanying post on the Facebook page. Feel free to add your own titles in the comments. Also, a short note on the Roses of Kilravock. Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Finally! This is the content I started out with for the idea of an episode on the Campbells. In this episode, I try to untangle the major branches of the Campbell clan, and by major, I mean these branches: MacArthur of Strachur, Craignish, Loudon, Auchenbreck, Glenorchy, and Cawdor. I apologize if you have a particular branch that I didn't include but there are so many that if I tried to get to them all, I would never finish. I outline the main line of the Argyll Campbells then try to explain where these branches tie in. I also make a short mention of the MacConnochie and Ardkinglas branches. This episode is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Fort part two on the Campbells, I continue the story and important points in the early days of this clan.
www.ccsna.org
Here you go, a special episode on the Campbells. Actually, this is the beginning of at least two, possibly three episodes on the Campbells. The last one will be a Clan Clusters episode where we discuss the many branches of this clan, especially those branches that became notable kindreds in their own right. In this episode, I focus on Campbell origins but didn't get as far as I wanted so I'll save some more of that until next episode. There's so much cool history!
Clan Campbell Society of North America, tons of good info: https://www.ccsna.org/
I'm back! Once again, our topics are listener driven. After having to buy a new mic, I'm finishing my responses to some of your comments. Thank you so much for engaging with this podcast through Facebook, Podbean, and Apple Podcasts.
It's time to show some love for those of you who have taken the effort to submit comments, questions, food for thought, etc. I'm so grateful for those of you who have done that and hope that today's episode will inspire more of you to comment, submit reviews and share this podcast with your friends. Sit back and enjoy a conversation on the Scottish Clans that is generated by the thoughts of your fellow listeners.
I could have labeled this episode "Clan Alliances: the Scotts and the Armstrongs". William Armstrong is wrongly imprisoned and Walter Scott is taking matters into his own hands. Join me for one of the coolest stories in Scottish history.
Here's a look at Clan Donnchaidh, aka Robertson of Struan. What are their origins? Why do they have two names? What were some of their defining features? Join me for a short look at a powerful kindred from the central Highlands.
We're going to a place in Scotland that is often overshadowed by more popular regions. I'm talking about Galloway, and the Gaelic clans that held sway there. Some of these kindreds are easily identified as having Gaelic roots by their names. Others may surprise you how Gaelic they were, despite their Norman names. Thanks again for listening to the Scottish Clans podcast.
Two major clans of southeast Scotland descend from the same man, Gospatrick. This man was a composite of three of the dominant ethnic groups of southern Scotland and northern England: the Scots of Alba, the Britons of Strathclyde, and the Angles of Northumbria. He would become the Earl of Dunbar and from him descend two related clans of southeast Scotland: the Dunbars and the Homes.
The MacLeods of Lewis (Siol Thorcaill) were among the most powerful of the Hebridean clans, controlling most of the land around the North Minch, a body of water rich in its fisheries. They were also unfailingly loyal to the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles. And then in the 1600's they ceased to function as a cohesive force. Learn more of the story and questions to pursue on the subject in this episode.
I'm back! I had a great adventure in Palau but I'm excited to get back in the saddle and ride into the world of the Scottish Clans. In this episode I'm picking back up the subject of this group of seven clans that all claim descent from Alpin, father of Kenneth mac Alpin.
The Siol Alpin (seed, or descendants of Alpin) were a group of seven clans that all claimed descent from Alpin, who was the father of Kenneth Mac Alpin, the first king of the combined Scots and Picts. Or was he? And were they? I discuss this idea and take a short look at the individual clans that made up this group: Grant, MacGregor, MacFie, MacQuarrie, MacNab, MacKinnon and MacAulay.
For a wild story about a fight between the MacNabs and MacNeishes as well as a brief discussion about the origins of the Grants, join me on this episode. This will be a lead-in to a future episode about the Siol Alpin, or those clans claiming descend from Alpin, father of Kenneth, King of the Picts.
For a long time now, the Stewarts and their many branches have been tangled in my mind. In this episode, I share what I have learned as I have sought to straighten out how these branches are related to each other, where they split off, and their individual character. Thanks for listening! Also, this is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Did you ever wonder why the O' prefix rarely occurs with indigenous Scottish names? In episode 28 I relate what I have found about the origin of the O' and Mac prefixes and why there's not as many of them in Scotland, as opposed to Ireland, where they are much more common.
This is the first in a series of episodes on clan clusters. What clans made up the confederation known as Clan Chattan? How did the confederation come to be? How were these clans connected? Join me as I discuss this major Highland group.
Wrapping up the series on the Gallowglass, I discuss three more kindreds who operated as Gallowglass, one that you would expect and two that you wouldn't.
In the last episode we did an introduction to the Galloglass. In this episode we discuss SOME of the prominent Galloglass kindreds, specifically the MacDonnells, MacDougalls (MacDowells), MacRorys, MacCabes, MacSheehys and MacCoys. In the next episode we'll introduce some clans that are well-known but not as Galloglass. This is also available on iTunes and Spotify. Hope you enjoy!
facebook.com/clansofscotland
The Gallowglass were some of the most fearsome fighters of their day. Hailing from the Western Highlands and Isles, these clans of mixed Gaelic and Scandinavian descent provided the Lords and Chieftains of Ireland with elite infantry that became famous in western Europe for their prowess on the battlefield.
Our first visit to Ayrshire in this podcast, I relate the main events of the Montgomery vs. Cunningham feud. This feud was inextricably entwined with the dynastic struggles and the religious conflicts of their nation.
In this second part of the series on the structure of a clan, I discuss what the membership of a clan would look like. Did everyone who rallied to the chief's call bear the same surname? Were they related to the chief in any way? Check out this episode to see what I've read on this subject.
This episode is mostly in response to listener engagement and feedback. Thanks to those of you who have pursued the conversation! Your comments have been interesting and insightful. I also added a little storytelling at the end. Here's to the Border Reivers!
This is the first in a series where I discuss how a clan was put together. This episode focuses on the chief and his retinue, to include: the military commander, the poet/historian, piper/harpist, and the physician.
This episode doesn't cover the whole length of the feud between these two prominent Scottish kindreds. Rather, it relates the conflicts that happened in 1572 as related by Alexander MacGregor in "The Feuds of the Clans", published in 1907. I might add that it seems like MacGregor's account is biased toward the Gordons. Sorry. Forbes, do you have any other sources for this time period? Share them in the comments.
When John Campbell of GlenOrchy takes possession of lands in Caithness, the title of Earl of Caithness, and George Sinclair's widow as payment for the debt Sinclair owed him, George Sinclair of Keiss isn't having it. That's his inheritance and he won't take this intrusion laying down.
Today we flesh out the histories of the MacFarlane and MacGregor clans in the first of a series on alliances. These two clans shared more than neighboring territory across Loch Lomond. They stirred up trouble together and fought through thick and thin.
I also highlight a website that displays the current geographical distribution of surnames within the UK. Here's the link: named.publicprofiler.org
Here's Michael Newton's website which will give you access to a lot of his fine work on the Highlands and Gaelic history. I have this link also on the Scottish Clans facebook page: https://virtualgael.wordpress.com/.
The MacFarlane source I used the most can be found here: https://archive.org/stream/historyofclanmac00macf/historyofclanmac00macf_djvu.txt. I believe from here you can download the pdf.
Here's where you can download the pdf of Dr. MacGregor's PhD thesis. https://www.era.lib.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/6887
In the service of his king, General Wade spent time in the Highlands, taking notes on aspects of Highland culture that would be militarily relevant. His report on this experience offers interesting insight into the culture of the clans, such as clan structure and cattle stealing.
https://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/geog/chapter8.htm
named.publicprofiler.org
facebook.com/clansofscotland
I've been working on a couple projects surveying the origins of the Scottish clans, as well as those in Ireland. In doing so, I have seen certain trends that are worth mentioning. Where do the oldest clans (in a form we would recognize today) come from? How far do they go back? Check out this episode to see what I've learned.
A jealous abduction, a heartbroken suicide, and a fatal loophole; the Gunn vs. Keith feud has all the elements of a blockbuster movie.
The Borders Reivers are not what you imagine when you think of Scottish icons. They weren't kilted light infantry swinging claymores, charging into battle to the sound of the Highland pipes. But their history is not less colorful, nor their stories any less exciting than their northern countrymen. Join me as I discuss these raiding, feuding, daring Borderers and tell the tale of the Battle of Dryfe Sands!