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 correctly. If you’ve ever wondered how the name MacCoinnich (Mackenzie) was originally spoken, or wh...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 23 min
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 also the cultural insights behind the language. If you’ve ever wondered how your Scottish surname sh...
Jun 11, 2025•59 min
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 mottos found in coats of arms. Tune in to better understand the role of these rallying cries in Scotland’...
May 21, 2025•29 min
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, and reshaped Lowland identity. MyHeritage 14-day Free Trial Let me know if you're interested in the Sc...
May 10, 2025•29 min
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 how they maintained influence in Scotland’s often volatile clan landscape. Perfect for history bu...
Apr 09, 2025•25 min
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 uncover the remarkable story of this fearless woman who left her mark on Scottish history. Subscribe ...
Mar 15, 2025•32 min
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, this is the untold story of how a clan's fight for independence turned into a deadly blood feud . D...
Mar 10, 2025•22 min
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@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland. Scottish...
Feb 10, 2025•25 min
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@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland. Scottish Clans...
Feb 10, 2025•40 min
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 branches of Glencoe, Glengarry, maybe clan Ranald, Cameron (MacMartin), Grant, and MacPherson. Several...
Jan 14, 2025•32 min
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 branches of Glencoe, Glengarry, maybe clan Ranald, Cameron (MacMartin), Grant, and MacPherson. Several...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min
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 Scottish Clans Website! Scottish Clans on YouTube!...
Dec 14, 2024•31 min
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 on the Scottish Clans! Scottish Clans Podcast Facebook group My Sponsor: USA Kilts! My Website...
Nov 22, 2024•23 min
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! Make sure Bruce Fumey is part of your next trip to Scotland: clint@scotlandhisotrytours.co.uk Wear your pride in your Scottish heritage! - www.usakilts.com Scottish Clans Website Scottish Clans on YouTube The Fairy Flag of the MacLeods Episode The Munro Episode...
Nov 06, 2024•32 min
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. Scottish Clans Website (the new one) Scottish Clans YouTube Channel My Sponsor: USA Kilts...
Oct 18, 2024•38 min
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.
Oct 07, 2024•34 min
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. Contribute to the Cause! Check out my Reading List w/ Amazon links! The YouTube channel for Scottish Clans USA Kilts...
Sep 18, 2024•30 min
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! Contribute to the Cause! My sponsor: USA Kilts My YouTube channel!...
Sep 08, 2024•25 min
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! Contribute to the Cause! Scottish Clans YouTube Channel Sponsor: USA Kilts...
Aug 27, 2024•35 min
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. Scottish Clans on YouTube Scottish Clans Website Resources for studying the Scottish Clans USA Kilts - my sponsor...
Aug 11, 2024•40 min
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. Sponsor: usakilts.com Scottish Clans YouTube Channel Scottish Clans Website Check out a list of resources for studying the Scottish clans!
Jul 20, 2024•34 min
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 Scottish Clans YouTube Channel Scot...
Jul 06, 2024•42 min
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 Podc...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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. Website: www.scottish-clans.com Contribute to the cause! Online Course: Origins of the Scottish Clans 101 Scottish Clans YouTube Channel Sponsor: www.usakilts.com
May 13, 2024•25 min
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 Scottish Clans Website Sponsor: USA Kilts
Apr 24, 2024•59 min
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 Scottish Clans Scottish Clans Website My Sponsor: USA Kilts
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 channel Sponsor: USA Kilts Contribute to the cause!
Mar 26, 2024•42 min
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 Sponsor: USA Kilts Contribute to the cause!
Mar 26, 2024•59 min
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. Sponsor: USA Kilts Scottish Clans website Contribute to the Cause Free Resources
Mar 02, 2024•30 min
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 website: www.scottish-clans.com My sponsor's website: www.usakilts.com Contribute to the team: www.scott...
Feb 16, 2024•34 min
