Scottish Clans

Latest Episodes:

186 The Truth about Clan Slogans/War Cries May 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Details for the Scottish Clans Tour in Scotland!

✔️ What’s Included:

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

185 Border Reivers, Ulster, and the End of the Lowland Clan World May 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Let me know if you're interested in the Scottish Clans tour of Scotland, a Clandanna, or a Battle Shirt!

Email me: thescottishclans@gmail.com

Scottish Clans Website

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184 Clan Menzies: A Peaceful Power in Turbulent Times Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

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USA Kilts

#ClanMenzies #ScottishClans #CastleMenzies #HighlandClans #Scottishancestry #JacobiteRisings #Scottishclanhistory #Scotlandpodcast #Scottishgenealogy #Scottishheritage #ScottishHighlands #Menzies

182 Colonel Anne Mackintosh: The Jacobite Heroine & the Rout of Moy Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

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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Include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland!

clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk

YouTube Episodes Mentioned:

Hanoverian Clans

Women and the Scottish Clans

#ScottishClans #JacobiteRising #ColonelAnneMackintosh #Scotland #ScottishHistory #MackintoshClan #HighlandClans #Jacobites #WomenInHistory #ScottishHeritage #Genealogy #Family History

181 How the Campbells and MacGregors went from Allies to Enemies Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

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! - clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk

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See more resources for your deep-dive into the world of the Scottish Clans through my homepage - Scottish Clans!

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#ScottishHistory #HighlandClans #ClanMacGregor #ClanCampbell #ScottishClans #BloodFeud #ScottishPodcast #HistoryPodcast #Scotland #Jacobites #CelticHistory #ScottishAncestry

180 Clan Chiefs and Lords: How Feudalism Relied on Kinship Pt 2 Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

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

clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland.

⁠Scottish Clans YouTube channel⁠

179 Clan Chiefs and Lords: How Feudalism Relied on Kinship Pt 1 Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

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 Website

clint@scotlandhistorytours.co.uk for options to include Bruce Fumey on your next trip to Scotland.

Scottish Clans YouTube channel

178 The Last Clan Battle? Pt 2 Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

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

177 The Last Clan Battle? Pt 1 Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

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

176 These Clans Still Have Chiefs! Dec 14, 2024

Show notes

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!

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