Scottish Clans
A podcast exploring the wild and colorful history of Scottish clans, stripping away Victorian romanticism to reveal the truth. It features riveting stories and scholarly information, helping listeners learn about their ancestors or the real stories behind films like Outlander, Outlaw King, and Braveheart. Hosted by Clint Edwards, a husband, father, teacher, retired soldier, and disciple of Christ.
Episodes
Culloden: The Clan Chiefs Who Fell
The Battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746 was the final major battle of the Jacobite Rising of 1745–46 and a decisive defeat for Charles Edward Stuart’s army. But while thousands of Jacobite soldiers fought and died on Culloden Moor, only four clan chiefs were killed in the battle itself. In this episode, we look at those chiefs, their clans, and the circumstances that brought them onto the battlefi
The Scottish Clans at Flodden: A Generation Lost
The Battle of Flodden in 1513 was one of the greatest military disasters in Scottish history—but its impact on the Scottish clans went far beyond the battlefield. In this episode, we examine the remarkable number of Scottish clan chiefs who fell at Flodden, working through the clans whose leadership was suddenly cut down and considering what the loss of so many chiefs meant for the continuity of c
The Eigg Massacre: A MacLeod Atrocity?
In this episode, we step into one of the darkest chapters of clan history: the Massacre of Eigg. Reading directly from Stuart McHardy's The Well of the Heads, we tell the story of the Smooring of the MacDonalds — the moment invading MacLeods cornered the MacDonalds of ClanRanald hiding in a sea cave on the Isle of Eigg and killed nearly the entire population of the island by lighting brush fires a
After 1493, There Was No Clan Donald — There Were Several: The Branches That Survived and Those That Vanished — Part 2
The fall of the Lordship of the Isles didn't just fracture a clan — it set off a centuries-long story of survival, rivalry, and extinction. In Part 2, we continue our deep dive into the independent branches that emerged from the ruins of Clan Donald, focusing on four clans that carved out their own identities and legacies — and honoring the branches that didn't survive into the modern era.
If you
After 1493, There Was No Clan Donald — There Were Several: The Legacy of the Lordship of the Isles — Part 1
When the Lordship of the Isles fell in 1493, it didn't just end a political dynasty — it shattered one of the most powerful Scottish clans in history. In this episode, we explore how the mighty Clan Donald ceased to exist as a single unified clan and instead splintered into multiple independent branches, each with its own chief, territory, and identity.
Whether you're tracing Scottish ancestry, fa
The Biggest Clans in Scottish History Pt 2
Which Scottish clans truly dominated the landscape of Scotland? In Part 2 of this two-part series, we continue our look at the 15 biggest Scottish clans, measured by territory, influence, and the number of cadet branches they produced. These were the kindreds that expanded, adapted, and established lasting power across multiple regions—shaping the political and social fabric of Scotland.
Aimed at
The Biggest Clans in Scottish History P t 1
Which Scottish clans were truly the largest and most powerful? In this episode of the Scottish Clans podcast, we look at the 15 biggest Scottish clans, judging their influence by the amount of land they controlled and the number of cadet branches they produced. These were the kindreds that dominated regions, produced numerous offshoot families, and shaped the political and military landscape of Sc
The Keppoch Murders: Darkness within Clan Donald
In this episode, I read and discuss the story behind the Keppoch Murders from Stuart McHardy’s The Well of the Heads, one of the most haunting episodes in the history of Clan Donald. This account explores the killing of the Keppoch chief and his brother by members of their own kindred, revealing the volatile internal politics of Highland clan society and the deadly consequences of disputed leaders
The Complex World of Gaelic Scotland
In this episode, I step away from a simple Highland–Lowland divide and draw on research from Wilson McLeod’s PhD thesis, Divided Gaels: Gaelic Scotland and Gaelic Ireland, 1200–1650 to show just how fragmented and uneven Gaelic Scotland really was. Using McLeod’s work, I explore how some Highland regions lay at the cultural core of the Lordship of the Isles, while others sat on its margins or were
The Galloway Clans: MacDowall
Clan MacDowall (often rendered MacDougall or MacDowell in later forms) represents one of the most significant Gaelic kindreds of medieval Galloway, rooted in the same west-Gaelic world that shaped the clans of Argyll and the Hebrides. Emerging from the Gall-Ghaidheil milieu—a fusion of Gaelic and Norse influence—the MacDowalls were established as regional lords in Galloway well before the Wars of
The Galloway Clans: McCulloch
This episode tells the story of Clan McCulloch, a proud Galloway family with deep Celtic ties but a surprising genetic signature. We examine their documented beginnings in 1296, loyalty to the Balliols, violent rivalries (especially the long feud with the Gordons that ended in a public execution), key alliances, and roles in Scottish history. Recent DNA results show the senior Myretoun line belong
The Galloway Clans: MacLellan
In this episode of Scottish Clans, we delve into Clan MacLellan, a powerhouse of medieval Galloway whose story is one of meteoric rise, bloody feuds, and tragic decline through unyielding loyalty. Emerging in the late 13th century as devotees of St. Fillan (their name from Gaelic MacGilleFhaolain), the MacLellans swiftly claimed lands around Balmaclellan, Raeberry, and Bombie in the Stewartry of K
Galloway’s Clans in the Wars of Independence — The Balliol Connection
In this second installment of our series on the Gaelic clans of Galloway, we dig deeper into a pattern that kept surfacing in every clan’s story: their consistent support for the Balliol side during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Building on Episode One’s overview of Galloway’s early history, this episode explains the political, cultural, and regional forces that shaped Galloway’s loyalties. U
A Small Clan with a Great History!
Join us on Scottish Clans as we journey to the wild cliffs of Trotternish on the Isle of Skye and uncover the remarkable tale of the Martins – a proud sept of Clan Donald whose story begins with the legendary seafarer Aonghas na Gaoithe, winds through centuries of loyal service to the MacDonalds of Sleat, and reaches its brightest moment with the celebrated 17th-century traveller and author Martin
The Gaelic Clans of Galloway Pt 1
When people talk about the Gaelic clans of Scotland, they usually picture the Highlands and the Isles. But what about Galloway? In this episode, I dive into the rich, overlooked story of the Gaelic clans of Galloway — a region whose people shared the same ethnic and cultural roots as the clans of the Hebrides.
We’ll explore their origins, language, and leadership structures, and highlight some of
191 Betrayal in Lochaber: Clan Cameron’s Internal Clash
In this episode, we uncover a dramatic chapter in the history of Clan Cameron—a time when internal rivalries turned deadly. During the late sixteenth century, rising tensions between Allan Cameron of Lochiel and the powerful cadet branches of Glen Nevis and Erracht boiled over into open conflict. What began as disputes over loyalty and leadership soon escalated into a violent confrontation that wo
190 Blood and Power in the Lennox: The Colquhouns, MacGregors, and MacFarlanes
This episode traces the violent struggles that engulfed the Lennox in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, where the Colquhouns of Luss found themselves beset by MacFarlane raids, MacGregor incursions, and the shifting politics of Scotland’s great magnates. From the burning of Bannachra Castle to the climactic Battle of Glen Fruin, we explore how raids, assassinations, and open warf
189 Clan Donald Heritage Hangs in the Balance
The Armadale Estate on the Isle of Skye - the modern beating heart of Clan Donald - may soon be sold. In this powerful interview, four members of the MacDonald clan speak out about what's truly at stake. This isn't just about land. It's about culture, identity, and preserving a sacred legacy for future generations.
Learn how you can get involved:
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/0efef7baFacebook: h
188 How Gaels Really Pronounce Scottish Clan Words (Pt2)
In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Aonghas MacCoinnich—native Gaelic speaker and lecturer at the University of Glasgow—we continue exploring how to pronounce the Gaelic words and names connected to Scotland’s clans. From clan surnames to titles, place names, and common terms like mac and gille, Dr. MacCoinnich breaks down the original forms and meanings behind words many of us use—but few say c
187 How Gaels Really Pronounce Scottish Clan Words (Pt 1)
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Aonghas MacCoinnich, lecturer at the University of Glasgow and native Gaelic speaker from the Isle of Lewis. Together, we explore the original Gaelic pronunciation of Scottish surnames, place names, and clan-related terms that many people—even those of Scottish descent—have never heard spoken correctly. Dr. MacCoinnich shares not only accurate pronunciations but
186 The Truth about Clan Slogans/War Cries
Where do Scottish clan slogans come from—and are they the same as heraldic mottos? In this episode, we explore the Gaelic origins of the word "slogan," meaning "army shout," and how these cries functioned in Highland warfare. While many Highland clans had distinctive battle slogans, not all did, and Lowland examples are even rarer. We'll also untangle the confusion between slogans and formal motto
185 Border Reivers, Ulster, and the End of the Lowland Clan World
When King James VI of Scotland became James I of England, he brought sweeping changes to the Anglo-Scottish Borders and Ulster that few today connect to the collapse of kin-based society in the Scottish Lowlands. In this episode, we explore how the brutal suppression of the Border Reivers, combined with the Ulster Plantation, disrupted centuries-old clan ties, dismantled local power structures, an
184 Clan Menzies: A Peaceful Power in Turbulent Times
In this episode, we explore the lesser-told story of Clan Menzies, a Highland clan known more for its diplomacy and loyalty than for bloodshed. While not the most warlike of clans, the Menzies still played a role in major conflicts of the 17th and 18th centuries—including the Jacobite Risings—sending troops when duty called. Learn about their Norman origins, their connection to Castle Menzies, and
182 Colonel Anne Mackintosh: The Jacobite Heroine & the Rout of Moy
During the 1745 Jacobite Rising, Colonel Anne Mackintosh defied expectations by rallying the Mackintosh clan for Bonnie Prince Charlie—despite her husband fighting for the British government. Her leadership and cunning played a pivotal role in the Jacobite cause, culminating in the legendary Rout of Moy, where a handful of Highlanders tricked and routed a much larger British force. Join us as we u
181 How the Campbells and MacGregors went from Allies to Enemies
In this episode, we delve into the fierce conflict between Clan Campbell and Clan MacGregor, a struggle for survival that would shape Highland history. Led by the cunning Cailean Liath Campbell, the Campbells sought to expand their dominance, but standing in their way was the fearless and audacious Donnchadh Ladasach MacGregor. From brutal raids and shifting alliances to betrayal and execution, th
180 Clan Chiefs and Lords: How Feudalism Relied on Kinship Pt 2
Thanks to Christopher Menzies in our Scottish Clans Podcast Facebook group, who came up with a great question about how clan society interacted with the political structure of Scotland. I demonstrate here how the political system didn't just coexist with the clans, it relied on them. I include several examples at the levels of Earl and Lord to paint the picture.
Scottish Clans Website
clint@sc
179 Clan Chiefs and Lords: How Feudalism Relied on Kinship Pt 1
Thanks to Christopher Menzie in our Scottish Clans Podcast Facebook group, who came up with a great question about how clan society interacted with the political structure of Scotland. I demonstrate here how the political system didn't just coexist with the clans, it relied on them. I include several examples at the levels of Earl and Lord to paint the picture.
Scottish Clans Website
clint@scotlan
178 The Last Clan Battle? Pt 2
Was the last clan battle that which happened at Altimarlach in 1680 or the battle of Mulroy in 1688? In this two-part episode I consider the events that lead up to the battle of Mulroy and the different perspectives one could take in deciding if it was the last clan battle. The Highland clans of Mackintosh and MacDonnell of Keppoch take center stage with supporting performances by the MacDonald
177 The Last Clan Battle? Pt 1
Was the last clan battle that which happened at Altimarlach in 1680 or the battle of Mulroy in 1688? In this two-part episode I consider the events that lead up to the battle of Mulroy and the different perspectives one could take in deciding if it was the last clan battle. The Highland clans of Mackintosh and MacDonnell of Keppoch take center stage with supporting performances by the MacDonald br
176 These Clans Still Have Chiefs!
This is a small sampling of clans that still have chiefs. Some of them come from a line of chiefs which is unbroken since the founder of the clan. Others lines were resurrected after a period of time where the clan was chiefless.
Make sure Bruce from Scotland History Tours is a part of your next trip to Scotland: clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk
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175 A Different Macintyre Origin and MacDonnell of Keppoch’s Candlesticks
The book The Well of the Heads: Historical Tales of the Scottish Clans is a new addition to my library (amazon link below). It's a wealth of semi-historical lore of the clans. Here I pull two stories, one for the Macintyres and one for the MacDonnells of Keppoch. Both are great stories that I hope you enjoy.
Help with your next trip to Scotland!
The Well of the Heads Amazon Link
Other great books
174 10 Castles Still Owned by the Original Clan
Fortunes rise and fall but these clans managed to hold on to these castles throughout the generations. Some of them are even still lived in by the chief!
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The Fairy Flag of the MacLeods Episode
T
173 Scottish Clans Foundations: The Normans
The Normans' impact on Scotland was disproportionately large compared to their genetic contribution. They were the "cool kids" and native magnates from all over Scotland were eager to adapt their ideas and ways. In addition, they founded several major clans. Join me to examine their military and political contributions. At the end I'll highlight SOME of the clans that came from this dynamic group
172 Scottish Clan Foundations: The Vikings
The Vikings had a profound impact on the development of Scotland (read/listen to some of Dauvit Broun's work) as well as founded several Scottish clans! Join me for a look at the role they played, as well as learning about several clans that they founded.
171 Scottish Clan Foundations: The Angles of Northumbria
This group is often overlooked when discussing those groups that contributed to the foundations of the Scottish clans. Then why discuss them? Join me and see. Also available on Apple Podcasts. Check the links below.
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170 Scottish Clan Foundations: The Britons of Strathclyde
This kingdom of Britons was a major power in what would become Scotland from the fall of the Roman Empire to it's annexation by the Scottish kings. Let's look at why this group is important as we seek to understand the ethnic origins of the Scottish clans.
My reading list and other resources!
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169 Scottish Clans Foundations: Joining the Gaels and Picts!
In this episode, I start by sharing the traditional narrative of the Gaelic takeover of the Picts. Next, I add important historical context around this process. Finally, I present a brilliant theory by Dr. Alan Bruford as found in the book Alba: Celtic Scotland in the Medieval Era. Amazon link to the book below.
Alba: Celtic Scotland in the Medieval Era
Many more book recommendations here!
Contrib
168 Scottish Clan Foundations- The Picts
We continue with the miniseries detailing the various groups that contributed to the Clans of Scotland! In this episode, we discuss myths and traditional narratives of the Picts and challenge them with more recent scholarship.
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Resources for studying the Scottish Clans
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167 Scottish Clan Foundations - Scots of Dal Riata
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
166 The Fight for the Lordship of Lorne: Stewarts, Campbells, and MacDougalls
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
165 Destroying Myths and Revealing the True Scottish Clans with Dr. Murray Pittock
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
164 The Appin Murder: Post Culloden Intrigue
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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163 Campbells and MacGregors with Professor Martin MacGregor Pt 2
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
162 Campbells and MacGregors with Professor Martin MacGregor!
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.
YouTube Channel for Sc
161 The MacLeods of Lewis and Mackenzies with Dr. Aonghas MacCoinnich Pt 2
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.
Scottish Clans YouTube ch
160 The MacLeods of Lewis and Mackenzies with Dr. Aonghas MacCoinnich
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
Spo
159 Pre-Clan Clans pt 2
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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158 Pre-Clan Clans
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.
My
157 Scottish Clans and the Highland Charge! Pt 1
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 w
156 The Highland Charge!
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:
155 The Battle of Inverlochy!
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.
154 Irish and Scottish Clans Pt 5
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
153 Irish and Scottish Clans Pt 4
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.publicpr
152 Irish and Scottish Clans Pt 3
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: ht
151 Irish and Scottish Clans Pt 2
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 b
150 Irish and Scottish Clans Pt 1
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 fo
149 Busting Scottish Clan Myths with Murray Pittock
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? Y
148 The MacRaes or ”Mackenzie’s Shirt of Mail”
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
147 Mackenzie vs Huntly Over a Woman!
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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Podcast website with other resources: www.scottish-clans.com
146. Professor Ali Cathcart- A feast of Scottish Clan History Pt 2
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.
Sponsor: www.usakilts.com
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 document
145 Professor Ali Cathcart- A feast of Scottish Clan History Pt 1
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:
144 Did These Clans Fight at Bannockburn? Pt 3
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 vi
143 Did These Clans Fight at Bannockburn? Pt 2
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.
142 Did These Clans Fight at Bannockburn?
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 th
141 The MacNeils: Hebridean Pirates!
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
140 The MacNeils: One Clan or Two? More?
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
Would
139.Highland Clan Origin Legends: Macintyre and MacRae/MacRath
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: th
138 DNA and the Scottish Clans Pt 2 w/ Ethan Hunt
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), Mac
137 DNA and the Scottish Clans Pt 1 w/ Ethan Hunt
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 worr
136 The Battle of Summerdale: Sinclairs vs Sinclairs
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:
135 The Sinclairs!
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
134 The Kidnapping MacLeod Tacksman
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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133- 11 Clans that Switched Sides in the Jacobite Risings
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
132 Clan Fraser of Lovat and the Jacobite Rebellions: Switching Sides
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.
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131 The Bardic kindred of MacMhuirich (Currie)
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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130 Symbols of the Scottish Clans: Kilt and Tartan
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 b
129 The Atholl Camerons? An interview with Cameron Moser
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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128 The Munro Clan
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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127 The Professional Clans
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.
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126 Clan Territory vs Chief’s Property Pt 2
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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