The Scottish Clans Podcast

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's clan history.Join the Team on PatreonThe Scottish Clans WebsiteThe YouTube ChannelMyHeritage 14-day Free TrialDetails for the Scottish Clans Tour in Scotland!✔️ What's Included:7 nights in handpicked accommodationAll breakfasts & dinnerEntry fees for all castles, heritage sites, and ferries on the itinerarPrivate luxury mini-coach and full-time local guideTour liaison to support you before and during the triSmall group experience (just 15 travelers max)❌ What's Not Included:FlightsLunches

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 TrialLet me know if you're interested in the Scottish Clans tour of Scotland, a Clandanna, or a Battle Shirt!Email me: thescottishclans@gmail.comScottish Clans WebsiteSupport Scottish Clans on Patreon

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 buffs, ancestry researchers, and anyone curious about Scotland's quieter clans with lasting legacies.MyHeritage 14-day Free TrialScottish Clans WebsiteScottish Clans on YouTubeUSA Kilts#ClanMenzies #ScottishClans #CastleMenzies #HighlandClans #Scottishancestry #JacobiteRisings #Scottishclanhistory #Scotlandpodcast #Scottishgenealogy #Scottishheritage #ScottishHighlands #Menzies

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 for more untold stories of the Scottish clans! Link to join Scottish Clans on PatreonScottish Clans WebsiteInclude Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland!clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.ukYouTube Episodes Mentioned: Hanoverian ClansWomen and the Scottish Clans#ScottishClans #JacobiteRising #ColonelAnneMackintosh #Scotland #ScottishHistory #MackintoshClan #HighlandClans #Jacobites #WomenInHistory #ScottishHeritage #Genealogy #Family History

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.Drawing from Dr. Martin MacGregor's groundbreaking research, we uncover the politics, warfare, and personal rivalries that fueled this legendary conflict. Join us as we bring the past to life in this gripping tale of ambition, defiance, and the brutal reality of Highland clan warfare.

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 Website⁠clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland.⁠Scottish Clans YouTube channel⁠

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 Websiteclint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland.Scottish Clans YouTube channel

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 notable personalities also make an appearance, including Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, Kenneth Mackenzie of Suddie, chief Lachlan Mackintosh, and the now famous but then young and inexperienced Donald MacBane. Listed below are links to sources that contributed to this episode. Include Bruce from Scotland History Tours in your next trip to Scotland! clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk Scottish Clans website: www.scottishclans.info Scottish Clans YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,BTL26 https://archive.org/details/historicalmemoir00mack https://archive.org/details/historyofcameron00mackuoft/historyofcameron00mackuoft/ Sponsor: www.usakilts.com YouTube videos used for this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if9JBe0zExw&t=591s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzs8CtcRzwo&pp=ygUQYmF0dGxlIG9mIG11bHJveQ%3D%3D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQq6l-0gWp8&t=97s

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 notable personalities also make an appearance, including Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, Kenneth Mackenzie of Suddie, chief Lachlan Mackintosh, and the now famous but then young and inexperienced Donald MacBane. Listed below are links to sources that contributed to this episode. Include Bruce from Scotland History Tours in your next trip to Scotland! clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk Scottish Clans website: www.scottishclans.info Scottish Clans YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,BTL26 https://archive.org/details/historicalmemoir00mack https://archive.org/details/historyofcameron00mackuoft/historyofcameron00mackuoft/ Sponsor: www.usakilts.com YouTube videos used for this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if9JBe0zExw&t=591s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzs8CtcRzwo&pp=ygUQYmF0dGxlIG9mIG11bHJveQ%3D%3D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQq6l-0gWp8&t=97s

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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!

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 Scottish Clans Website Contribute to the Cause Here! Get yourself a kilt and other cool Scottish stuff!

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 Contribute to the Cause! Scottish Clans Website Sponsor:  www.usakilts.com 

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  

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

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

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!

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!  

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  

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.scottish-clans.com/team My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w 

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. The Scottish Clans YouTube Channel Online course on the Origins of the Scottish Clans!  Contribute to the Cause! My Sponsor: USA Kilts!

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 Sponsor:  www.usakilts.com Online course on the Origins of the Scottish Clans!  www.scottish-clans.com/origins Contribute to the cause:  www.scottish-clans.com/team 

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  Contribute to the Cause: https://www.scottish-clans.com/team  Youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVefgJWXdhFbq_MwPFTWe2w  My Sponsor:  www.usakilts.com 

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 My Sponsor: www.usakilts.com 

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 My sponsor:   www.usakilts.com  

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! Sponsor: usakilts.com 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 Sponsor: www.usakilts.com  

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! Contribute to the Cause! www.scottish-clans.com/team Sponsor: www.usakilts.com Podcast website with other resources: www.scottish-clans.com  

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 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 My Sponsor-USA Kilts: www.usakilts.com.  Contribute to the cause!  www.scottish-clans.com/team  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.   Scottish Clans website:  www.scottish-clans.com Want to contribute to the cause by contributing the cost of an energy drink or a book?  www.scottish-clans.com/team. Check out my online course on the origins of the Scottish Clans!!!!  www.scottish-clans.com/origins Sponsor:  www.usakilts.com

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 Contribute to the cause: Scottish-clans.com/team Check out my new online course-Origins of the Scottish Clans 101: Scottish-clans.com/origins Sponsor: usakilts.com 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.  Buy me a drink or a book!  www.scottish-clans.com/team.  Sponsor: www.usakilts.com  Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@thescottishclans. 

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 you like to buy me a drink?  Or a book?  www.scottish-clans.com/team.  Sponsor: www.usakilts.com  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 Check out my website: www.scottish-clans.com For free study material: www.scottish-clans.com/resources  Check out my sponsor: www.usakilts.com  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.  Sponsor: www.usakilts.com 1. "The Genetic Structure of a Highland Clan" by Bryan Sykes and Jayne Nicholson: https://electricscotland.com/history/articles/geneticstructureofahighlandclan.pdf 2. Stewart S781 Article: https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/so-are-you-among-the-thousands-of-scots-with-royal-blood-1489854 3. 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!   If you enjoy this, buy me a drink!  Or a book!  www.scottish-clans.com/team  Sponsor: www.usakilts.com 1. "The Genetic Structure of a Highland Clan" by Bryan Sykes and Jayne Nicholson: https://electricscotland.com/history/articles/geneticstructureofahighlandclan.pdf 2. Stewart S781 Article: https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/so-are-you-among-the-thousands-of-scots-with-royal-blood-1489854 3. 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  Check out the website: www.scottish-clans.com Buy me a drink!  www.scottish-clans.com/team Sponsor: www.usakilts.com 

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?   My website: www.scottish-clans.com Contribute to the cause:  www.scottish-clans.com/team Sponsor:  www.usakilts.com  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