Scottish Clans

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 You...

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: A...

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-...

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/chann...

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...

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...

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...

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#_f...

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-f...

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/Celtsusakilts.comht...

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 late...

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...

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.