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. Understanding this context sets the stage for future episodes where we’ll explore individual Galloway clans in greater depth and uncover their roles in Scottish clan history.Sponsor - USA KiltsScottish Clans Merch - Battle Shirts and ClandanasSources:The Origin of the MacLellansMICHAEL MCGORTH AND THE CLAN AFRENGAILL, GÀIDHEIL, GALL-GHÀIDHEIL AND THE CENÉLA OF GREATER GALLOWAYThe Gall-Ghàidheil and GallowayGALL-GAIDHIL AND GALWWAYScottish Clans Website

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 Martin, whose Description of the Western Islands remains one of the greatest windows into Gaelic life ever written. From sea-born Gaelic wanderers to Jacobite warriors and Enlightenment chroniclers, discover how this small Skye kindred left an outsized mark on Highland history.Visit https://scottishclans.info for more resources.Grab your clan Battle Shirts and Clandanas at https://stores.inksoft.com/the_scottish_clans/shop/homeMain source: The Clan Donald, Volume III (1904) – read the full Martin of Trotternish section free at https://archive.org/details/clandonald03macd/page/n9/mode/2upRead more on the MartinsContribute to the Cause at

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 the key families that played vital roles in medieval Scotland — clans too often forgotten in popular retellings of Scottish history.If you want to understand how the Galloway clans fit into the broader story of Gaelic Scotland, this episode is for you.Explore More:🕯️ Website: https://scottishclans.info📺 YouTube Channel: The Scottish Clans👕 Merch:• Clandanas and Battle Shirts🎙️ Support the Show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thescottishclans📧 Contact: [email protected]

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 would test the unity of one of the Highlands’ most formidable clans.Clandanas and Battle Shirts!Become part of the team on Patreon!Scottish Clans Website!Sponsor - www.usakilts.com

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 warfare revealed the dynamics of Highland conflict — and how rivalries between Argyll, Huntly, and Lennox shaped the fates of clans on the front line.Contribute to the cause!!Clandanas and Battle Shirts!!Email me for speaking engagements, additional input, or questions: [email protected] Sponsor: usakilts.comMy Website: www.scottishclans.info

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: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ATKD4KavM/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savearmadale/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaveArmadaleOur Website: www.savearmadale.comTo write to the OSCR https://www.oscr.org.uk/raise-a-concern/concern-form/Battle Shirts and ClandanasSupport the Show:  https://www.patreon.com/scottishclans Scottish Clans Website: www.scottishclans.info Listen to the Podcast:APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scottish-clans/id1434619462 SPOTIFY:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5dIBeGaqEg2cbbS3uPXZqM?si=bc443b132e2e462b

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 why the word “clan” itself has deeper meaning in Gaelic, this episode is for you. This is a must-listen for anyone tracing Scottish ancestry or seeking to better understand the living language behind clan heritage.Sign up for a Scottish Clans tour of Scotland! Purchase your Clandana and Battle Shirts here🌐 Learn more: https://scottishclans.info🎙 Support the show: https://patreon.com/scottishclans#scottishgaelic #gaelic #scottishhistory #scotlandhistory #scottishclans #gaelicculture #surnames #scottishheritage #highlandculture #scotland #highlands #highland #clans #ancestry #heritage #gaelicnames #gaelicclans

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 should be said in Gaelic, this episode is for you.Register for a Scottish Clans tour of Scotland Here!!!!!Battle Shirts and Clandanas Here!14-Day MyHeritage Free TrialUSAKilts🌐 Learn more at: https://scottishclans.info🎙️ Support the podcast: https://patreon.com/scottishclans

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💷 Pricing (finalized soon but expect):$5,320 USD for your own room$4,987.50 USD if sharing with a travel partner👉 If you're interested—or even just curious—email me at [email protected]. One local traveler has already requested two spots, and others are asking questions, so space is moving quickly. If we're full, I’ll be happy to add you to the standby list in case a space opens up.Sources:https://grant-lodge.org.uk/grant%20raid.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20080113001532/http://www.clangrant-us.org/history.htm

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: [email protected] Clans WebsiteSupport Scottish Clans on Patreon