Scottish Clans

Episode 99 The Cameron War Cry!

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Camerons were a powerful kindred that started off as a confederation of clans, ironically not unlike the Clan Chattan (more on that back in episod...

EPISODE 98 The Murrays: All For One and One For All

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What can we learn about Scottish Clans by reading a  bond signed by several branches of the Murrays in 1586?  Join me and see.  The Murrays were wh...

Episode 97 The Bloodiest Border Clan Battle: The Battle of Dryfe Sands Pt 3: What We Can Learn

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After telling the tale of the battle during the last episode, in this one, we go over details of the battle that can help us understand the nature of ...

Episode 96 The Bloodiest Border Clan Battle: Dryfe Sands Pt 2 - The Battle

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last episode was the leadup.  Here's the action.  I hope you enjoy the story.  This is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Sponsor: usaki...

Episode 95 The Bloodiest Border Clan Battle: Dryfe Sands Pt. 1 The Contestants

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first part of at least two episodes about an all-out war between the Maxwells and the Johnstones, two of the most powerful clans in the We...

Episode 94 Frontier Clans: The Keiths

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

They're not Border clans.  They're not Highland clans.  They have territory and a kin base in both the Lowlands and Highlands.  We're calling them ...

Episode 93 A Hungarian Clan? The Leslies

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's more to this kindred than an unusual origin.  Join me as I explore some interesting elements of the history of the Leslies. Sponsor: usakilts...

Episode 92 Showdown between the MacLarens and Buchanans

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I discuss three interesting things about the MacLarens of Balquhidder, finishing with their fight with the Buchanans of Leny.  This i...

Episode 91 The Lamonts and Highland Hospitality

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss a few interesting points about Clan Lamont, including a cool story about reciprocated Highland hospitality that was a life-...

Episode 90 The Dunoon Massacre: Lamonts vs. Campbells

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Glencoe Massacre has a competitor for the "Most Grim Story" category.  Join me for this account of a feud between the Campbells and Lamonts and i...

Episode 89 Are You Celtic?

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve seen a lot of conversations on the interwebs that lead me to believe that the term “Celtic” is a little foggy in the minds of many people. ...

Episode 88 Cleanse the Causeway/Were the Hamiltons a Clan?

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a mix of an exciting story and an academic conversation regarding the nature of clans, with the Hamiltons being the case study.  I ho...

Episode 87 The Hamilton War Cry

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here's one for you Hamiltons.  There's a short introduction to the Hamiltons followed by the story of the origin of their war cry "Through!"  In cas...

Episode 86 Trouble in the Western Isles Pt. 2

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let's finish the story we started in the last episode.  MacDonalds v. MacLeans.  Lots of destruction.  An absolute lack of romance.  Let's go!  A...

Episode 85 Trouble in the Western Isles: MacLeans vs. MacDonalds

07 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the dissolution of the Lordship of the Isles, clans that were once allies became fierce competitors.  Join me in this first of two episodes to l...

Episode 84 The MacLeans: 6 InterestingThings

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I was only going to do 5 interesting things but something crept in that I wanted to include.  So here are six interesting things about this Hebridean...

Episode 83 The Farquharsons: 5 Interesting Things

10 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for a look at a clan from the eastern Highlands with an ancient lineage: the Fighting Farquharsons. Links: https://web.archive.org/web/2010072...

Episode 82 Gallowglass vs Redshanks

03 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These two mercenary groups from Scotland had a lot in common and a few major differences.  To better understand the nature of West Highland and Hebri...

Episode 81 Irish MacDonalds?

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode deals with the branch of the MacDonalds that became established in northern Ireland and became known as the MacDonnells of Antrim (or The...

Episode 80 Rocky and Eric from USA Kilts!

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for my first interview in the history of this podcast.  I'll be visiting with Rocky and Eric from USA Kilts.  The kilt and the tartans that ...

Episode 79 5 Interesting Things About the Scotts

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Scotts, one of the premier Border Clans, had a fascinating history.  Here are just a few of the many things I find interesting about this kindred...

Episode 78 Loch Sloy! The MacFarlane War Cry

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss the story behind the origin of the MacFarlanes' war cry: Loch Sloy!   Sponsor: usakilts.com

Episode 77 Clan War-Cries

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, let's dive into where war-cries came from and how they were used.  This will lay the foundation for future episodes highlighting the...

Episode 76 The MacNaughtens - 5 Interesting Things

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The MacNaughtens are an interesting clan that doesn't get much popular attention, so here are a few things I find interesting about them.   http://ww...

Episode 75 DNA and your Clan

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So you just had a DNA test done and it says you're 37%  (or some other number) Scottish.  Where do you go from there?  What clan does this connect ...

Episode 74 The Mackays of Strathnaver

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss several things about this clan that I find fascinating.

Episode 73 Do You Belong to a Clan or Do Clans Even Exist?

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do clans exist today?  If they do, which one do you belong to?

Episode 72 MacKenzie vs Campbell: A Comparison and Contrast

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Campbells are usually thought of as the agents of the Crown in the Scottish Highlands, but they weren't the only ones.  Further north, the MacKen...

Episode 71 The Camerons v. Grants on the Braes of Strathdearn

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about a battle that never should have happened between two clans who were not feuding.

Episode 71 Clan Douglas - The Original Border Reivers

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Going back to some of the founding members of the Douglas clan, we'll see how they were doing the Border Reiver thing since there was such a thing.

Episode 69 Clan Founders: Somerled - King of the Isles

09 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for a look into the life and times of the founder of some of the most powerful clans of Scotland.  Leading up to the Wars of Independence, th...

Episode 68 The Massacre of Glencoe: MacDonalds v. Campbells?

26 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Massacre of Glencoe is commonly portrayed as another episode in the already generations-old feud between the two clans.  In this episode, I tell ...

Episode 67 The Scottish Roots of John Wayne, or The Morrisons

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For all you John Wayne fans, as well as those of you who may have never watched any of his films, this is a good episode.  In it, I not only discuss ...

Episode 66 Clan Kennedy, A True Lowland Clan?

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you are interested in the Kennedys, clan society, or Scottish history in general, join me for a discussion of key aspects of the history of the Ken...

Episode 65 Scottish Clans for Beginners Pt 3

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the last installment in this series, I cover the time period where many of today's Scottish Clans were born.  It's the fusion of several middle ag...

Episode 64 Scottish Clans for Beginners Pt. 2

14 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of this series, I summarize the ethnic origins of the clans.  If you've listened to the early episodes of this podcast, I'm taking...

Episode 63 Scottish Clans for Beginners Pt 1

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for a ground-up discussion of the Scottish clans.  I'm covering what a clan was, how it would have differed from a regular family, and what f...

Episode 62 The Battle of the North Inch, Continuing a 2,000 Year-Old Tradition (or Older)

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Show Notes: It's time for a good story!  The Battle of the North Inch would be prime material for a movie, although it might get an R rating for viol...

Episode 61 To Really Understand Scottish Clans...

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I don't believe we can have anything other than a shallow understanding of Scottish clans if we don't understand Bonds of Manrent.  These bonds help ...

Episode 60 The Elliots, A Breton Clan?

26 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Back to the Borders!  In this episode, which draws mostly from Keith Hunter's article "The Recolonization of Liddesdale" found on Academia.edu, we ju...

Episode 59 Jenny Wormald on Kinship

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Easter, Everyone!  I know I've shared some of this material with you all before back in episode 10, but due to comments and questions I've rece...

Episode 58 Clan Clusters: Clan Anrothan - Are You a Member?

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After responding to some listener feedback, I discuss the origin of several clans who claim descent from a man named Anrothan.  These clans include t...

Episode 57 The Battle of Knock Mary: Murrays vs. Drummonds

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is not one of the famous clan battles in Scottish history, such as the Battle of Dryfe Sands or Glen Fruin.  The details are scarce which adds t...

Episode 56 The Nature of Clanship and Was Highland Society more Violent?

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, listener feedback gives us a great opportunity to discuss matters at the heart of the Scottish Clans.  Thanks for the responses, feedback...

Episode 55 The MacInnes Clan

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The MacInnes clan hasn't had a chief since the 1300's yet is descended from another, very famous line of chiefs, or are they.  I found that, in discu...

Episode 54 Chiefs vs. Earls Pt. 3 Sutherland vs Earls of Sutherland

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Unlike the previous two examples, there was a close connection between the Sutherland kindred and those who would inherit the Earldom of Sutherland. ...

Episode 53 Chiefs vs Earls Pt 2 Crawford vs Earls of Crawford

04 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry this was so long getting out.  I've moved and had to establish myself and get internet to my new apartment, but I'm up and running now.  Here'...

Episode 52 Chiefs vs Earls Pt. 1 - Ross/Earls of Ross

18 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to get turned around when studying the Scottish clans and there is a clan name and an earldom with the same name.  Learning about one doesn...

Episode 51 The Clans of the Jacobite Risings Pt. 2

05 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Complimenting the last episode, I continue looking at the Jacobite risings.  I mapped out the clans on a Google map, marking which clans took which s...

Episode 50 The Clans of the Jacobite Risings Pt. 1

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

50 Episodes!  My topic here is a more detailed look at the Jacobite rising of 1745.  Paintings of the Battle of Culloden, the final battle of the ri...

Episode 49 Listener Feedback

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Getting to hear your comments, thoughts, and questions and carrying the conversation further with you all is one of the most gratifying things about d...

Episode 48 The Battle of the Shirts Pt. 2

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The rest of the story and a little more depth regarding a major conflict between Clan Ranald and the Frasers of Lovat with the leadership of Clan Rana...

Episode 47 The Battle of the Shirts: Clan Ranald vs the Frasers of Lovat

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A disagreement over the chiefly succession of Clan Ranald leads to a fight that included a few other clans and excluded certain pieces of clothing.  ...

Episode 46 The Grahams: Unique Genes

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Grahams produced several capable leaders who took part in some of Scotland's hottest contentions, some of their names will be familiar to you.  W...

Episode 45 Septs and Branches

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I can't believe we haven't covered this already!  What is a sept?  Is your family a sept of a larger, more powerful clan?  Which tartan should you ...

Episode 44 Tanistry: Succession in a Clan

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Clan chiefs only live so long.  What happens when the clan needs a new leader?  In this episode, I discuss tanistry, the system used amongst the Gae...

Episode 43 The Reading List and the Roses of Kilravock

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In response to listener feedback, here is a reading list for a study of the Scottish Clans.  I know it's not comprehensive.  We will add to it as we...

Episode 42 Clan Campbell Pt 3, Clan Clusters, the Branches of the Campbells

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Finally!  This is the content I started out with for the idea of an episode on the Campbells.  In this episode, I try to untangle the major branches...

Episode 41 Clan Campbell Pt 2

04 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fort part two on the Campbells, I continue the story and important points in the early days of this clan.   www.ccsna.org

Episode 40 Clan Campbell Pt 1

27 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here you go, a special episode on the Campbells.  Actually, this is the beginning of at least two, possibly three episodes on the Campbells.  The la...

Episode 39 Listener Feedback Pt 2

15 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I'm back!  Once again, our topics are listener driven.  After having to buy a new mic, I'm finishing my responses to some of your comments.  Thank ...

Episode 38 Listener Feedback

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to show some love for those of you who have taken the effort to submit comments, questions, food for thought, etc.  I'm so grateful for tho...

Episode 37 The Rescue of Kinmont Willie Armstrong

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I could have labeled this episode "Clan Alliances: the Scotts and the Armstrongs".  William Armstrong is wrongly imprisoned and Walter Scott is takin...

Episode 36 Clan Duncan/Robertson of Struan

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a look at Clan Donnchaidh, aka Robertson of Struan.  What are their origins?  Why do they have two names?  What were some of their defining ...

Episode 35 The Gaelic Clans of Galloway

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We're going to a place in Scotland that is often overshadowed by more popular regions.  I'm talking about Galloway, and the Gaelic clans that held sw...

Episode 34 Gospatrick and the Dunbar and Home Clans

20 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two major clans of southeast Scotland descend from the same man, Gospatrick.  This man was a composite of three of the dominant ethnic groups of sout...

Episode 33 The MacLeods of Lewis: What Happened to Them?

08 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The MacLeods of Lewis (Siol Thorcaill) were among the most powerful of the Hebridean clans, controlling most of the land around the North Minch, a bod...

Episode 32 Clan Clusters: Siol Alpin Pt 2

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I'm back!  I had a great adventure in Palau but I'm excited to get back in the saddle and ride into the world of the Scottish Clans.  In this episod...

Episode 31 Clan Clusters: Siol Alpin Pt. 1

09 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Siol Alpin (seed, or descendants of Alpin) were a group of seven clans that all claimed descent from Alpin, who was the father of Kenneth Mac Alpi...

Episode 30 MacNab vs MacNeish and Grant Origins

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For a wild story about a fight between the MacNabs and MacNeishes as well as a brief discussion about the origins of the Grants, join me on this epis...

Episode 29 Clan Clusters: The Stewarts

22 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For a long time now, the Stewarts and their many branches have been tangled in my mind.  In this episode, I share what I have learned as I have sough...

Episode 28 Mac vs. O'

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Did you ever wonder why the O' prefix rarely occurs with indigenous Scottish names?  In episode 28 I relate what I have found about the origin of the...

Episode 27 The Clan Chattan

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first in a series of episodes on clan clusters.  What clans made up the confederation known as Clan Chattan?  How did the confederation ...

Episode 26 The Gallowglass Pt 3

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wrapping up the series on the Gallowglass, I discuss three more kindreds who operated as Gallowglass, one that you would expect and two that you would...

Episode 25 The Gallowglass Pt 2 - Gallowglass Clans

17 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the last episode we did an introduction to the Galloglass.  In this episode we discuss SOME of the prominent Galloglass kindreds, specifically the...

Episode 24 The Gallowglass Pt. 1

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Gallowglass were some of the most fearsome fighters of their day.  Hailing from the Western Highlands and Isles, these clans of mixed Gaelic and ...

Episode 23 The Montgomery vs. Cunningham Feud

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our first visit to Ayrshire in this podcast, I relate the main events of the Montgomery vs. Cunningham feud.  This feud was inextricably entwined wit...

Episode 22 The Structure of a Clan Pt. 2

21 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this second part of the series on the structure of a clan, I discuss what the membership of a clan would look like.  Did everyone who rallied to t...

Episode 21 The Battle of Melrose, Henry Sinclair, Does a Clan Need a Chief?

13 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is mostly in response to listener engagement and feedback.  Thanks to those of you who have pursued the conversation!  Your comments ha...

Episode 20 Clan Structure, Pt. 1

06 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first in a series where I discuss how a clan was put together.  This episode focuses on the chief and his retinue, to include: the milita...

Episode 19 The Gordon vs. Forbes Feud

29 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode doesn't cover the whole length of the feud between these two prominent Scottish kindreds.  Rather, it relates the conflicts that happene...

Episode 18 The Last Clan Battle, Altimarlach

22 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When John Campbell of GlenOrchy takes possession of lands in Caithness, the title of Earl of Caithness, and George Sinclair's widow as payment for th...

Episode 17 Alliances: MacFarlane and MacGregor, Modern Surname Locations

12 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today we flesh out the histories of the MacFarlane and MacGregor clans in the first of a series on alliances.  These two clans shared more than neigh...

Episode 16: Highland Clans and the 1724 General Wade Report

06 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the service of his king, General Wade spent time in the Highlands, taking notes on aspects of Highland culture that would be militarily relevant. ...

Episode 15, Origins of Today's Clans - Some Observations

26 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

I've been working on a couple projects surveying the origins of the Scottish clans, as well as those in Ireland.  In doing so, I have seen certain tr...

Episode 14, The Gunn vs. Keith Feud

18 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A jealous abduction, a heartbroken suicide, and a fatal loophole; the Gunn vs. Keith feud has all the elements of a blockbuster movie.

Episode 13, The Border Reivers, An Introduction

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Borders Reivers are not what you imagine when you think of Scottish icons.  They weren't kilted light infantry swinging claymores, charging into ...

Episode 12 The Battle of Harlaw

29 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history, Harlaw involved a multitude of clans and pitted the men of the western Highlands and Isles against t...

Episode 11 The Origin of the Lords of the Isles

23 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Somerled, the founder of the Lordship of the Isles...or was he?  In this episode, I discuss some of the things I have found through reading "Kinship,...

Episode 10 Is Your Clan Really a Clan? and Thoughts on Kilts

14 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There is a difference in the way Highland clans and Lowland clans are presented in many of our clan sources.  This leads us to wonder how similar the...

Episode 9 The Problem with our Sources

08 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is meant to help those of you who want to do some of your own research on the clans of Scotland.  There is a discrepancy between what i...

Episode 8 The Appin Stewarts vs the Rest of Argyll

01 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This has got to be one of the most exciting stories in Highland history.  Feuds, ambushes, sieges, plotting.  This story needs to become either a be...

Episode 7 The Cameron vs Mackintosh Feud

25 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Cameron vs Mackintosh feud is one of the most infamous and long-lasting feuds in Scottish history.  Who won?  Well, that depends on what perspec...

Episode 6 Popular Presentation of the Scottish Clans

15 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When someone wants to learn more about the Scottish clans, or about a specific clan, where do they go?  On an internet search, which websites pop up ...

Episode 5 The Norse and Normans

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In all our discussion of Gaels, Britons, Angles, and Picts, let's not leave out the Norse and Normans, who founded many Scottish kindreds.  Remembe...

Episode 4 Picts, Angles and Britons

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss the other, non-Gaelic ethnic groups that, along with Dal Riata, were the foundation of Scotland.  Which clans claim descen...

Episode 3 Dal Riata

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Here we take a look back to the first Gaelic kingdom in Scotland and their tribal origins.  I discuss the leading kindreds of Dal Riata: Cenel nGabra...

Episode 2 Introductions

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I tell you who I am and where I come from.

Episode 1 Welcome to the Scottish Clans

24 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Scottish Clans podcast!  In this episode, we discuss the topic of Scottish Clans in general, including why this podcast is necessary.