In this episode of Scottish Clans, we delve into Clan MacLellan, a powerhouse of medieval Galloway whose story is one of meteoric rise, bloody feuds, and tragic decline through unyielding loyalty. Emerging in the late 13th century as devotees of St. Fillan (their name from Gaelic MacGilleFhaolain), the MacLellans swiftly claimed lands around Balmaclellan, Raeberry, and Bombie in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. Scholar Graeme M. Mackenzie proposes an intriguing shared origin with Clan MacMillan, tracing both to 12th-century Bishop Cormac mac Airbertach – a theory bolstered by adjacent settlements in the Glenkens and early heraldic similarities. From Balliol supporters in the Wars of Independence to staunch royalists against the Black Douglases, the MacLellans earned a fearsome reputation as one of Galloway's toughest clans.
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Origins of the MacLellans by Graeme Mackenzie
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.
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Sources:
MICHAEL MCGORTH AND THE CLAN AFREN
GAILL, GÀIDHEIL, GALL-GHÀIDHEIL AND THE CENÉLA
The Gall-Ghàidheil and Galloway
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/2up
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.
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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.
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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.
Email me for speaking engagements, additional input, or questions: thescottishclans@gmail.com
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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/
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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.
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#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.
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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.
Details for the Scottish Clans Tour in Scotland!
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7 nights in handpicked accommodation
All breakfasts & dinner
Entry fees for all castles, heritage sites, and ferries on the itinerar
Private luxury mini-coach and full-time local guide
Tour liaison to support you before and during the tri
Small group experience (just 15 travelers max)
❌ What’s Not Included:
Flights
Lunches
💷 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 thescottishclans@gmail.com. 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.html
https://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.
Let me know if you're interested in the Scottish Clans tour of Scotland, a Clandanna, or a Battle Shirt!
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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.
#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!
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YouTube Episodes Mentioned:
#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.
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Include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland! - clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk
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.
clint@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.
clint@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
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.
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The Well of the Heads Amazon Link
Other great books on the Scottish Clans!
Scottish Clans Podcast Facebook group
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