189 Clan Donald Heritage Hangs in the Balance

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

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 [email protected] 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.🔗 Listen now and subscribe for more Scottish history deep dives!Include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland! - [email protected] to the Cause!Sponsor - USA Kilts!See more resources for your deep-dive into the world of the Scottish Clans through my homepage - Scottish Clans!Our Scottish Clans Podcast Facebook group#ScottishHistory #HighlandClans #ClanMacGregor #ClanCampbell #ScottishClans #BloodFeud #ScottishPodcast #HistoryPodcast #Scotland #Jacobites #CelticHistory #ScottishAncestry

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[email protected] for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland.⁠Scottish Clans YouTube channel⁠