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/tea...
Dec 13, 2022•31 min
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. Website: scottish-clans.com Do you like this content? You can give back at scottish-clans.com/team. Sponsor: usakilts.com
Dec 08, 2022•25 min
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...
Nov 25, 2022•27 min
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-c...
Nov 12, 2022•26 min
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...
Oct 18, 2022•27 min
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
Sep 23, 2022•34 min
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:...
Sep 07, 2022•25 min
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.yo...
Aug 26, 2022•29 min
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 Rock...
Aug 07, 2022•45 min
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 interview...
Aug 03, 2022•51 min
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
Jul 15, 2022•23 min
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.
Jun 20, 2022•14 min
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 Campbel...
Jun 04, 2022•29 min
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....
May 21, 2022•24 min
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/...
May 08, 2022•37 min
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
Apr 24, 2022•29 min
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...
Apr 13, 2022•31 min
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 Bannerm...
Mar 05, 2022•33 min
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 Bannerm...
Mar 05, 2022•29 min
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 pap...
Jan 16, 2022•42 min
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/UCni9cPU0k...
Dec 24, 2021•31 min
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
Dec 05, 2021•41 min
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 ...
Nov 11, 2021•33 min
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
Oct 20, 2021•26 min
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:...
Oct 04, 2021•24 min
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
Sep 03, 2021•24 min
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
Aug 18, 2021•27 min
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 C...
Aug 01, 2021•24 min
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.
Jul 06, 2021•16 min
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/ch...
Jun 20, 2021•34 min
