So You Think You Know Scotland #3 - Scottish Clans
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Learn the REAL history of the Scottish Clans, how they started, the impact they had on Scotland, and their amazing re-invention to the clan system we know and love today.
Rip the brave clansman who fell at culloden they fought for their clan's and we should always remember them 🏴
Indeed! Kind regards, Gordon
The highland clansmen in the Jacobite army weren't fighting for their clans, they were fighting on behalf of Charles Edward Stuart to put him on the British throne. There were clansmen from the same family who fought on opposing sides, father fought against son, brother fought against brother. Clansmen were divided by their loyalty to either the Jacobite cause of living under a Catholic king and the Hanoverian cause of living under a Protestant king. One third of the Hanoverian army were Scottish born and bred, besides the Scottish highlanders, there were French, Irish and Spanish men fighting on behalf of the Jacobite cause. It's often mistakenly thought that the Battle of Culloden was between Scotland and England, it was actually a Catholic v Protestant battle that resulted in the end of the the Clan system in Scotland, the tartan was abolished, highlanders were no longer allowed to carry weapons, Clan lands and property were seized and sold to private land owners, they in turn evicted their highland tenants in favour of breeding sheep and cattle. Highlanders relocated to the Americas, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand either by force or of their own free will. The Battle of Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil and it changed the way of life on the Island of Great Britain forever.
@@davidmacgregor5193 The so-called Bonney Prince who, by all accounts, didn't even look back at what was left of his shattered wee army, as he was rowed out to his ship for the trip back to France. Useless, ungrateful little prick!
@@davidmacgregor5193 I don't dispute anything you say about the Inglorious Jacobite Revolution however I would say that the Scottish Presbyterian (Church Reformation) revolution by the Covenanter's was every bit as brutal, heartless and brought an irreversible end to the Protestant way of life with their faith in the true word of God (textus receptus) and of course that was at the hands of the Stuart Monarchical dynasty just the same. It seems that no matter if it was for the Protestant or Catholic faith the Stuart Monarchy were only out for their own despotic ends and in absolute good stead the natural God given laws of Karma sealed their fate forever and a day. Valuable lessons learned. Even to this very day we are in an epic struggle against Jesuitism to maintain our God given rights under natural law and the Constitution created in Magna Carta 1215 and Declaration of Arbroath 1320. and the subsequent Claim/Bill of Rights Act 1689. Slange var!!
@@davidmacgregor5193 Tartan wasn't abolished everywhere in Scotland nor were weapons banned everywhere. One way to wear the tartan kilts and carry weapons was to joing the British Military's Scottish regiments such as the Black Watch. Some areas were left alone afterward, others forced to joing the English military and other forced by another clearance to move to Ulster, Iteland or across the ocean(s).
I'm an Andrew by birth on my dad's side and a Reid on my mum's. I live in New Zealand and the Andrew family arrived in the first Scottish ships in 1842. So I have no idea how the clans work or what sept means as everyone seems to have a different point of view. Clan Ross was another name and closer to Andrew. I wish I could talk to my ancestors and learn the truth.
I'm sure we would all love to have that kind of conversation with our ancestors, Jennifer!
A 'sept' is a separate family within a clan. This could happen if they became joined through marriage, or perhaps they lived on land that belonged to that clan, or even just because they wanted to be associated with (and protected by) a powerful clan. They would have a different surname.
Andrew is a sept of Clan Ross, so there must have been a link there at some time.
Hope this helps a bit!
Kind regards, Gordon
I just came across this channel. My maternal grandparents names were Johnston and Huston. My paternal grandparents were Huntley and Young. All Scottish names. I love hearing about Scotland. Thank you from Canada.
My pleasure, Heather. Hope you enjoy the videos! Kind regards, Gordon
Very well explained.. thankyou Gordon..👍😊.. I Love Scotland 🏴 and it’s people..
Thank you, Simon. Very nice to hear that!
Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks for these videos. I’m an American of Scottish descent - Clan Johnston of that ilk and Annandale. When people see me wearing my Johnston kilt, I always tell them, “ My arse might have been born in America, but my soul never left Scotland”. “Aye ready!” Mar sin leibh an-drasta.
Annandale is a lovely part of the country! Kind regards. Gordon
My Great Grand parents and thier youngest son immigrated to the USA in the late 1700s.
GrandPa lived on the westren slope in colorado.
They're all gone now but thier family lives on.
I attended the highland games as an athlete from 2013-2019.
At 70 I no longer go but the memories are good.
I enjoy my scottish roots ( and earlier norman roots) and liked this video much.
Thankyou !
From a member of Clan GORDON ( Bydand).
So glad you enjoyed it. Hold on to those memories! Kind regards from Scotland. Gordon
Researching my family tree and I’m trying to understand all this clan stuff. Very helpful, thank you sir!!
Glad I was able to help! Kind regards, Gordon
Hey Gordon! So glad I came across your channel on here! I’d much rather listen to our family history from another MacDonald of the Isles than anyone else lol Our people all immigrated from the Isle of Lewis/Harris in 1888, (I believe) courtesy of Queen Victoria. My Great Grandfather was a proponent of immigrating to Canada as he had done two stints with the Hudson Bay Company as a fur trader and thought it a beautiful country that was full of opportunity for those who were brave enough and hardy enough to take it. Lord knows those people were more than hardy enough and brave enough. I can’t imagine leaving everything I knew and travelling across the ocean by ship with my family of small children (and some of the young wives were pregnant for the trip) to then go by rail to be dropped literally in the middle of nowhere with literally only what we carried and told to make a life for ourselves!! Most of them did take homesteads and were lucky enough to get some that had homes already built on them, but some had to build their own homes before winter and lived in sod houses until they were able to afford a wood or brick/stone house built on their land instead. The sod houses were quite efficient but after several days of rain would start to drip from the ceiling. I remember some of the old people saying that they remembered their parents putting the babies and other small children under the table as it was the only dry spot in the house. I sure miss the old people(and their stories!). I myself learned to play the bagpipes as a young child and made my family very happy and proud. I never realized at the time what an honour it was to have a Piper in the family but I did know how happy it made my Dad and that was the main reason I started in the first place! I think that the MacDonald’s have the genes for the Best Dad’s in the World- but I could be biased-lol! Thanks again Gordon and I look forward to watching more from you.. Slainte Mhath!
Thanks, Marilyn. So glad you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for sharing your lovely family memories - so very interesting.
Yes, those immigrants from Scotland were hardy people! I am in awe at what they achieved, in the face of what seems almost insurmountable obstacles!
Thanks again!
Kind regards
Gordon
Thank you for the info. My family are Shaw’s, McBeans, Campbell’s, and McKays all come together here in America in the 1700s before and after the battle of culloden. It’s so nice to learn more about my ancestry and what it means to be an American with a Scottish heritage.
Thanks, Selena. Glad you found the video useful! Kind regards, Gordon
Very interesting video. Would love a video on each clan, it's origins, it's notable moments, it's septs, etc.
It is my aim, Christine, but there's a lot of clans...! Kind regards, Gordon
Loved this, thank you Gordon. I have Scottish ancestry as my ancestors came from places between Inverness and Aberdeen. I started doing my Family Tree in 1994 and only because I wanted to know more about where I was connected. Dad told me we were from the Stuart/Bowie line....but as he didn't have the information apart from what was orally handed down, I went searching and found that, yes, we are connected to them, and they came from Knockando. They sailed out to New Zealand in a small wooden ship, not much bigger than Jack Sparrows boat and endured 4 months sailing across the treacherous and unforgiving, Southern Ocean. It took them 10 months to sail from Scotland to NZ and I can only imagine the hardships of sailing in those days.
I find doing my tree absolutely fascinating and while my dream has always been to go to Scotland, I can't see me ever getting there now....just too old.
You mentioned the English as being the most highly trained army in the world back in those ancient times.....well they were definitely brutal. Some of their punishments for crimes (and even for those accused but actually innocent) were horrific. Although battles were over and done with very quickly in olden times, at least they didn't drag on as they do these days, with the loss of so many lives. May God bless you for bringing your informative videos to us all.
Ten months journey to get to NZ! That’s quite amazing, Willow. A different breed of people, those early emigrants! Shame you might not get to Scotland, but glad you enjoy my videos. Hopefully they will give you a wee flavour of the country! Kind regards from Scotland. Gordon
A sympathetic & realistic explanation of this national 🏴 phenomenon - nicely done👍
My grandad Duncan McDonell b. 1887 was from Glace Bay N.S. and didn't speak English til he was 17. My Grandma was Annie Macdonald b. 1903 from North Uist. I love the sound of the original language and heard it lots... thanks for bringing me back. Dougall, from Vancouver; Up with the Gaels!
Your Grandma would have known all about Flora MacDonald! If you haven't already done so, watch my video on her life! Kind regards, Gordon czcams.com/video/mOxyfchrl-A/video.html
@@gordonsscotland8441 Hello Gordon, we we're singing 'Skye Boat Song', as wee bairns in diapers.
Thank you, Gordon wonderfully informative video. We are looking forward to our trip to the southern borders the end of this month. This is most helpful.
Thank you for this beautiful piece of Scottish history, a descendant of Fraser & McFarland Family❤
Glad you enjoyed it, Gillian! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you very much for this video. I will be checking out others in your series. My maternal grandmother's maiden name was McDonald. My paternal grandmother's maiden name was Jacobus.
Interesting. 'Jacobus' was often a masculine first name (for James or Jacob), but was also used as a surname. Kind regards, Gordon
Love this, my Husband actually sleeps with his Claymore under his bed and he isn't even Scottish ancestry although his Mother was a Baker (English), but I was born a Bell and proud of my ancestors Reiving heritage.
Bell is a very well known and proud name, Patricia! Kind regards, Gordon
I am also born a Bell! I just started my ancestry research of the Bell side of my family, and my Scottish heritage. It’s so exciting!
Enjoy your journey, Melissa.
@@patriciayohn6136 thank you so much!!
You are very welcome Melissa Bell, if you find that you have any connection to a John or James Bell in Paisley, Scotland, in the nineteenth century, please let me know at pyohn51@icloud.com? My Great Great Grandfather John Bell emigrated from Paisley to Philadelphia in 1859. I also have other connections to Scotland on my Paternal Grandmother 's side. I wish you much luck in your search for your roots. Have you looked into Clan Bell?
Thank you for all this historical information. I admire your enthousiasm and your proudness. Would love to meet you when I will travel to Scotland once more.
Thanks, Diane. I do enjoy history! When you are able to visit Scotland again, give me a shout and we'll see if we can meet up. Kind regards. Gordon
Thanks for the history lesson. Searching for ancestors is only complete with history and sometimes necessary. Leask is the surname I am currently searching . You are a treasure. Much appreciated.
Thanks, Leslie. Glad you found the video helpful! Kind regards, Gordon
Yes I'm looking for information on Clan
I love this. It is the voice of reason.
Thank you, Anne. I always think, for everyone's sake, you have to report history honestly. Glad you enjoyed it. Kind regards. Gordon
Great video, thanks so much! Clan Crawford here. It's so important to know your roots. Subscribed!
Glad you enjoyed it! Crawford is an ancient clan originally from the Clydesdale area. There is a nice little village called Crawford in south Lanarkshire. Kind regards, Gordon
Another great video Gordon. I love all the history! I am Campbell/MacNeil from Barra on my mother’s side and am very proud of my clans. My great, great grandmother was MacNeil (married Campbell) and from what I understand she was a force to be reckoned with! She is my idol. Lol. All my best and keep them coming.
Thanks, Marion. Have you been to Barra? Its lovely. I've only been the once and I flew there. You land on the beach (when the tide is out!) which is great fun. There is only one road which circles the island, and I saw some mystified tourists looking at the road sign that pointed to Castlebay to the left...and Castlebay to the right! It was funny. Kindest regards. Gordon
PS You may have some Spanish blood in you as some of the survivors of the Spanish Armada were swept onto Barra after their ships capsized in a great storm.
My Scottish ancestral clan are the MacLarens, who immigrated to Prince Edward Island, Canada. My grandmother's family then moved to Massachusetts and Rhode Island, USA. So interesting to hear the history of kilts, tartans and crests! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Lynn! I think the MacLarens were mainly from Perthshire, which is a lovely part of Scotland. Kind regards, Gordon
Hello Gordon! Thank you for your reply. Would you know where I could find more information, regarding significant events, exact location or meaning of my surname?
Lynn Quillen, my maiden name is Bell and my late Husband and I had the pleasure of visiting P.E.I in 1986, lovely island. Also, having spoken with some of the locals on P.E.I. I was informed that there are many people there who are Bells.
Greetings from Salem, Oregon, USA! I’m now subscribed and a new fan, Mr Gordon. This great, informative video made total sense. In the U S, where many Scots and Irish immigrated during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there developed notorious feuds between clans in Appalachia-the mountains of the southeastern part of this country. No wonder that was so common.
One of my great grandmother’s family came to Canada from Ireland. These were Maxwells, and I wonder if they fled to Ireland from their original land in southwestern Scotland during one of those periods of clan warfare, or the Jacobite war. It’s always wonderful to get more clues! The truth takes courage, and you have it in abundance! Thank you. 😊🙏💥
My pleasure, Mary. Maxwell is certainly a well-known Scottish Borders name. Many Scots were encouraged to move to the northern part of Ireland to farm the land there. Kind regards, Gordon
My wife is a Campbell and I've always been fascinated by the Clan system; now I understand it better. Thank you.
My pleasure, Martin. Glad you found the video useful. Regards. Gordon
Very informative. I have subscribed and looking forward to more installments. Thank you.
My pleasure, Robert, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
Greatings from Illinois! Loved every minute of this video. I love ALL THINGS SCOTTISH! I wear my THOMPSON kilt proudly & have bagpipes. Most beautiful music in all the world! Thank you for your video!
Hi Lillian.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thompson (with or without a 'p') is a very common name in Scotland, especially in and around Edinburgh and in the Borders, so you're in good company!
There's a lovely saying in Scotland - "We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns” (We're all John Thompson's children) - which is an expression of universal humanity. We're all the same, regardless of wealth, colour or creed; we're all God's children.
Kind regards, Gordon
Greetings from Orlando, Florida. A very proud Thompson and past president of the St. Andrews Society of Central Florida. Our family immigrated to America in 1720 and settled in South Western Virginia. My great uncle was killed in WWI while serving with the Seaforth Highlanders. "Scotland Forever"!
Gordon, this was the most concise & informative video I have seen on the Clans. As a lover of Scottish history I especially appreciate Gordon’s Scotland. Thank you for sharing your love of History.
Cheryl. Thank you for this, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I try very hard to be truthful and honest in all my videos. History can be a great help to us in understanding the past, coping with today, and planning for the future, but only if people are honest. Regrettably, all too often, history is hijacked and the truth distorted. Kindest regards to you from Scotland. Gordon
Sorry, it was pasted with propaganda and painted a poor picture, riddled with stereotypes. Yes, we did not reform the system and succumbed to disintegrating influences, we must look to our past failures and think for a better future for all the folk of descent.
Thanks for this. A clear and uplifting description.
Glad you found it helpful, Ann. Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you so much for your video.
Clan Duncan, Junkins(Jonking) Family, America. We have been a part of Clan Duncan since the Battle of Dunbar, 1650. We hold very tight to our Clan, like all Scottish/Americans have. As you are well aware of now, Americans are very, very Proud of our Scottish Heritage.
Indeed they are, Dan, which I find wonderful!
As one of my other subscribers commented, lots of Scots aren't bothered or care about their clan heritage! Kind regards, Gordon
Some of my family includes, the Murrays, the. Hamilton's, the Leslie's and others. I was born in Arbroath, my Great Paternal Grand Father was a Whisky distiller from Port Ellen when most of the dwellings were built from Islay stones gathered on the crofts there. I lived in several areas of old Caledonia, schooled at the University of Glasgow, worked for the Government, enjoyed every moment of my life there, I have been away many years but still love and miss Scotland. Where ever I wander, where ever I roam, Scotland forever will be my home. Haste ye back to Caledonia.
Thanks very much for this, Les. Great you have nice memories! Kind regards, Gordon
Clan donnachaidh(Robertson)here.
Atlanta Georgia
Greetings from Scotland, Thomas! Kind regards, Gordon
Greetings my friends one more Duncan here 👋 Rougemont NC
Well said. I proudly wear tartan and/or a kilt every day. It grounds me and always opens new doors and conversations. Oh, and I’m in Japan!
Good for you, Douglas! I have always enjoyed wearing my kilt when abroad. Kind regards, Gordon
Big thanks for this video. I am a McLennan and we were with a big pals of the McKenzie clan.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jim! Kind regards. Gordon
Clan Graham here, from SC, USA. I love learning about my Scottish heritage ❣
That's great, Suzanne! Kind regards, Gordon
wow that was great,...learned a lot about Scotland and its history...Thanks.
My pleasure, Rick, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
I am also MacDonell on my Mother’s side. Dad’s side is Duckett, and that is my last name, but Dad’s Mom is Swan and Mom’s Mom is Hall. And both sides claim Scottish origin, though, I am not sure about Duckett, although there is Duckett’s Grove in Ireland and I wonder if maybe Scots came there at some point.
Thanks for doing what you do, sir. This was all very interesting to learn about, and I’m one of those Californians who attends Scottish Faire and Highland Games! Maybe I’ll run into you there one day!
Not sure about Duckett either. Suspect its not Scottish.
I have been a couple of times to the Pleasanton Highland Games which we enjoyed immensely, so once we're back to travelling who knows we may bump into each other! Kind regards, Gordon
Loved your video! Proud Murray and MacLennan from the US via Nova Scotia!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Lynne! Kind regards, Gordon
Macgillonie- Cameron . Hi from Ohio US! Ancient Maelenfaid roots go back to 8th century Lochaber. The pandemic kept me from traveling to Scotland to research my heritage and the clan way of life. Hope to get there soon. Feel very connected. Great video, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it, Kay. I hope you get here some day. Lochaber is a lovely area, I'm sure you'll love it! Kind regards, Gordon
Lindsey here, from Texas. Just starting to learn of the history of my father's fathers. That general curiosity led me to your video. I'll keep researching, but this was a handy frame of reference to proceed with. In short, thanks for making this.
Glad you enjoyed it Lindsey, good luck with your research! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you very much for sharing this information, even to us who know something of Scottish history, which, by the way I find endlessly fascinating.
Glad you enjoyed the video, Luis! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you, Gordon!
Enjoying your series.
Glad you find them interesting, Sheila! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you for demystifying clan histories for me. I’m a MacRae/McLeod descent on my mother’s side (spelled McRae here in U.S. )and visited Eileen Donan castle in Kintail for the clan reunion at the Millenium in 2000. My Aunt traced the lineage back to the early 1200’s where I’m guessing the MacRaes attached themselves to the MacKenzies and lived on the surrounding lands while,along with the McClennans, garrisoned the castle and fought other clans until The Roundheads changed everything. Your feudal explanation and post Culloden info on how the clans worked and how they came to their current state lifted the fog.
Glad you found it useful, Lawton! Kind regards, Gordon
We, too are from the MacRae Clan. Some went to Protestant Ireland (McGrath) & traveled on to Charleston, SC ( McGraw) in 1850.
I was born in Charleston 101 years later, @ the Navy Hospital, which is no longer. My Grandfather & Great Grandfather were born in Alabama.
What an excellent, succinct video!
Thanks very much, Madeleine! Kind regards. Gordon
I’m a Craufurd (Crafoord in Swden). Yes I live in Sweden.
Liked your video.
Craufurd’s are known since 1066 battle with William the Conqueror.
Hi John. I wasn't aware of the name Craufurd but I think it is a version of Crawford, a family which had its lands in Clydesdale. Sir Archibald Crawford, Sheriff of Ayr, had a sister Margaret who married Sir Malcolm Wallace. They had a son, William Wallace who went on to become Guardian of Scotland. Kind regards. Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 My Crawford family escaped the madness to come create more madness in pre-revolutionary America... one married a McMichael in Pennsylvania and they all fought the red coats and the native peoples and the French and finally, in the 19th century moved north and west to the Great Lakes. A relative traced the family back to Wallace and before (there is a Margaret, mother to a Wallace on the tree)... but I don't know about that far back as she doesn't quote sources. Still fun to think about.
Thank you for posting this very informative overview of Scottish clans. Your explanation of the relationship between clans and sept names was especially helpful. My last name "White" is a sept name within Clan McGregor. I am a direct descendent of Jobn White II of Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland dating back to the mid-late 16th century. Thanks again for this video.
My pleasure, Shah, glad you found it helpful. Kind regards, Gordon
This has been a fantastic description of Scottish clans - I am a proud Mackenzie xx
As you should be, Tara! Glad you found the video interesting. Kind regards. Gordon
Woe! I have a lot of catching up to do. 😉 Having done some Ancestry research I believe I am from Clan Stewart on my paternal side. I am 61% Scottish and proud of it! I hope to glean a few "rabbit trails" of information from your videos. It is surprising where I have found hints to my ancestry from both sides just watching CZcams videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion Gordon, we are a passionate people us Scots!
Indeed we are, Debra! Glad you found the videos of interest. Good luck with your research! Kind regards, Gordon
My Scottish clan connection is MacLeod - I am named after my Scottish grandmother (my middle name is Catherine) - from Inverness. I know very little about her or my clan. My Scottish grandmother died young - I never met her. She settled in southern Ontario in late 1800’s. My father married and had children later in life. Your program is so informative. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, Noreen!
MacLeods were originally from the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Harris. Very well-known clan. Dunvegan Castle on Skye, the clan seat, is well worth a visit!
Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 Thank you for that - I really hope to make a trip to Scotland this time next year when the world can travel again. (As will half the world it sounds like 😊)
I have seen some (not all) Scots online get very mad about Americans stating what “Clans” they are directly related to.
Now, I see and understand why so thank you!
Glad you found it helpful! Kind regards, Gordon
Hello my very distant cousin. I'ma Dowell from Texas, from the MacDowells of the East Coast and originally descended from Donald' s slightly older bother, Dughall (both sons of the Norse- Gaelic Somerled) Clan the Macdoughalls. Geneatically, I'm about1/3 German, 1/3 Northern European, and a 1/3 Scots/Gaelic/Celt. My ancestors were "removed" after the '45 Rebellion but had long before that had stood with the Comyns and the Balfours against Robert the Bruce. After WW2, my grandfather, a Dowell, married a woman from Oban, named MacDoughall. Strange world. Glad to be an American, partly Pennsylvania Deutschs, but equally proud of the Highlanders of my ancestors. Thank you sir for such entertaining videos.
Glad you enjoy them, and greetings from Scotland from a distant cousin! Kind regards, Gordon
Very informative!! Thanks a lot! Loved it!
Glad it was helpful! Kind regards. Gordon
McClean on my fathers side and Cameron on my mothers side. I visited Scotland a couple of years ago. I think the bond to the Clans is stronger here in the States than it is in Scotland. Most people I talked to didn't know what Clan they were part of.
Yes, you're right there Michael. Many people in Scotland don't really associate with any given clan. Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks for this info. I recently found out the history of my grandfather on my dad's side of the family. I was always just told simply we were "scots irish" and it was just left at that. After reading local books and online history, it turns out that my grandfather and grandmother's family (her family were dutch) and were some of the very first settlers in the region of Appalachia in Virginia, in which would later become West Virginia. So early and with tales of ingenuity in the pioneer days that they're recorded in local history books. After further research I found out my grandfather's history was traced back to renfrewshire and clan sempill as far as the 1400's, then to Ireland (county Donegal, I believe) in the 1600's and finally to the American colonies around 1730. So I came here to get a better understanding of how the clan system worked and some background on them. Appreciate the video, it answered alot!
Glad it helped, Frijid! The Scots who emigrated firstly to Ireland and then later onward to America (usually referred to as Scots-Irish) were an amazing group of people who were such strong characters! You cannot fail to admire what they achieved! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 yes indeed, it was a very humbling experience to discover. It definitely gets one thinking of their past, I mean here I am in the modern world dealing with social anxiety problems and not liking to be out in public, but my ancestors were crossing oceans and breaking barriers left and right lol. It grounds one's mind, so to speak, to learn their ancestry and its something I feel that everyone should do. Looking forward to the future is nice, but we need to remember those in the past who got us to this point. Take care, blessings to you and yours!
Totally agree, Frijid. Take care! Kind regards, Gordon
I’m a descendant of the Grant, Gordon and MacMillan clans. The video was very informative thank you!
That’s impressive ancestry, Laura! Glad you enjoyed the video! Kind regards, Gordon
Great video Gordon. I am an American but my clan is the MacKenzie clan from Lochcarron. My dream is to attend the Highland games one day. Hoping this virus goes away and I can make that dream come true!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Raquel. I am sure you would love your visit to Scotland, and , yes, let's all hope your dream can come true soon! Kind regards. Gordon
I am a MacPherson on my dads side. Was a clan MacPherson association member for years. Thanks for the video. The touch not a cat but a glove is also our saying.
Thanks, Matt. A very proud clan! Kind regards. Gordon
McPherson here.
Thank you so much for this. My mother was a Gardyne Simpson.
Glad you enjoyed it, Mary. My wife's family on her mother's side were Simpsons! Kind regards, Gordon
Gordon, thank you for the kind and informative videos, and hello from America! I recently discovered my biological father, last name Boyd, and most signs seem to point in the direction of Clan Boyd of Kilmarnock/Ayrshire. I look forward to learning more about my people, and Scotland as a whole, from you.
Thanks, Brandon, glad you are finding the videos useful! Kind regards, Gordon
The Boyds were of mixed Celtic-Anglo-Saxon descent and were a prominent family. Robert the Bruce's army at Bannockburn drew a large contingent of men from his Carrick and Kyle estates in the lands of Ayrshire.
Excellent!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Louise! Kind regards, Gordon
Thankyou for all the info I'm always looking to find maybe another association
Thanks for information.
My pleasure, Don! Kind regards, Gordon
I’m from British Columbia my ancestry is clan Fraser I cannot help but be amazing at how crazy/ badass some of my Fraser family was from 11th lord lovat to 15th also my mom is a huge fan of outlander
I don't think the Frasers had a monopoly on being 'crazy/badass'! The more I read Scottish clan history, the more shocked I am at the level of violence, double-crossing and deceit! It seemed to be the way of life. However, I have to admit, Simon Fraser 11th Lord Lovat, (a.k.a the 'Old Fox' ) is certainly up there with the leaders!! Glad your Mum likes Outlander, it's a very well made series. She might enjoy my Facebook page which often has Outlander items on it. Kind regards. Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 thank you Gordon I'll tell my mom about your facebook page I also recommend a video called the history of the scottish clans from 834 to 1707 it makes scotland look more complicated than the maps of the holy roman empire
Also a Fraser they were badasses Beserkers they were called
Well done Gordon! New subscriber. God bless, Rob
Thanks, Rob, hope you're enjoying them! Kind regards, Gordon
Just subscribed to your channel. Really enjoyed this video on clans. Doing my ancestry research I've learned ancestor is Sir William Alexander 1st Earl of Scotland and would like to learn more of the Alexander's earlier in Scotland maybe the clans they came from. Thanks for this channel.
1st Earl of Stirling not Scotland.
Thanks, Dixie! Kind regards, Gordon
I check in often and it's always time well spent. Absolutely love your light handed approach in explaining the clan system. We all know this can be quite the rabbit hole and those that don't truly understand it can get so easily offended, so, I appreciate you sir.
Quick query for you this morning, Gordon; For a clan as deeply rooted in history and as large as Clan Sutherland, historical details are hard to come by. They are there but one must burn the midnight oil to discover more than the general highlights. In wondering why I ask you this; Is it because of the terrible brutality of the Earl of Sutherland during the clearings that this clan isn't - aside from popular or celebrity references - spoken of commonly? History speaks of the Earl as the most brutal of all the clan chiefs and land owners during this very dark period in Scotland's past. As the wealthiest land owner in all of Europe at the time and a Frenchman marrying the matriarch of Clan Sutherland I've surmised that he, the Earl, couldn't have held much heart for highland blood. I'm rambling on a bit here, but, could these be reasons this clan isn't much spoken of much in modern common circles?
Any opinion you might share would add color and context to nagging contemplation. Thank you.
Robert Sutherland, known as The Highlander.
Greetings from California!
Be well, Cheers!
Thanks, Robert. Apologies for the delay in replying but I’ve been a bit busy!
I think what you’re saying is correct - the Sutherland name is currently a bit ‘tainted’ and therefore it’s quite hard to find out info.
For what it’s worth, my personal view is that the Earl at the moment is receiving quite a rough assessment of his actions. This was not always the case and I’m sure history will be revised again in the future. Many people and institutions that were involved in what are now called the Clearances were genuinely trying to implement what they saw as long overdue improvements to agriculture and food production. Whether the way they went about it was the best way is debatable, but change is always a difficult process. Kind regards, Gordon
Great history lesson.
Glad you enjoyed it, James! Kind regards, Gordon
Clan Graham here from British Columbia, great video and thank you!
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards. Gordon
Hello from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley Satsuma!
@@debrap947 Well Debra, greetings from the sunny South Okanagan to you! LoL
I’m also clan Graham, in Texas.
I remember going to mcdonalds in Edinburgh and ordering "real Scottish food"
It probably is almost Scotland's national dish now, Yan! The golden arches are very popular here! Kind regards, Gordon
This was very interesting, thank you. I have been along with my cousin in Scotland doing research on our clan MacMillan's. I also think think with the Viking history makes it even more interesting :o)
P.s I'm in Canada :o)
Glad you enjoyed it, Victoria! Kind regards, Gordon
I am a McMillan. My daughter researched our ancestry and apparently I am a 24th great grandaughter of King Somerled among many others. I am 93% Scottish and 7% Irish. I have distant cousins in New Jersey.
76 years old, but remember my mum had a big book & told family of her clan Robertson from Rannock moors, there was no TV then so we listened eagerly, my dads clan is from Lamington near Tain north east cost .
Nice memories, Alexander! Kind regards, Gordon
Clan Ferguson from Missouri, United States. 86% Scottish by dna. Lots of Ferris’s in my lineage.
Big clan, James! Kind regards, Gordon
I’m also part of clan ferguson but live in Scotland
We also come in highland variety.
I needed this for my new novel idea. Thank you. Hopefully i do historical scotland justice when its all said and done. 😁
Glad you found it helpful, Nichole. Good luck with the book! Kind regards, Gordon
I loved watching this and I showed my daughter and she found it fascinating. I would love to know more about the history of the Simpson family. Greetings from Japan.
Glad you and your daughter enjoyed it! As far as I know, the surname Simpson is associated with the Clan Fraser of Lovat, a very well known highland clan.
But of course there are many people in Scotland, and throughout the world, with the surname Simpson, not least Scottish doctor James Young Simpson who was the first to show how chloroform could be used as an anaesthetic! Kind regards, Gordon
I am a double Moffat.My father was a Midknock. Moffat. He was the last Moffat to be born (1891) on Midknock farm, the land had been given to them by Robert the Bruce for their support at the battle of Bannockburn so had been occupied by the Moffat family for almost 600 years. My mother was a descendant of the Arickstanes Moffats . Like most border Scots, the Moffats fought with other clans then married into them, were reivers, covenanters, warriors and left their mark around the world. I live in Canada but Scotland is in my DNA. Many thanks for your informative videos.
Thanks for this very informative comment, Jeannette. A remarkable ancestry! Kind regards, Gordon
Clan Fraser from Australia, my ancestors migrated to Australia in the mid 1800s, from near the Glasgow area; so they were already off Clan lands. Other family members are continuing the family history research, presently back to the early 1800's. Been to Scotland twice, felt (or perhaps imagined) a real affinity for the place, love it. Don't know whether my relatives were Highland or Lowland (Lovat) Frasers. Yet.
Good luck with the research, Damo. I think it's nice you have feelings for Scotland! Kind regards, Gordon
Clan Fraser grandfather s side loved my time in Scotland such an unusual feeling while there felt the ancestors with me till I went back into England loved it all.
Thank you!
My pleasure, William. Glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
Very well done
Many thanks, Richard. Hope you enjoyed it. Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks for sharing your video
My pleasure, Sam! Kind regards, Gordon
Great video!
Thanks, Cynthia! Kind regards, Gordon
Slàinte Mhath from Newark, CA, from me and my wife, both clan MacDonald members. Her mum's name is MacDonald, and I recently discovered I have an ancient ancestral link to Somerled, who of course had a grandson that founded the MacDonalds, as I'm sure you well know. Just subbed to your wonderful channel!
That's great, Jordan. Greetings from Scotland from MacDonald on my Mother's side! Kind regards, Gordon
I'm American with only 25% Scottish heritage. But having done a DNA autosomal test in 2013 I am amazed at how closely related and how numerous are my genetic Scottish cousins. These matches can go back 8 generations. Which is unheard of in most genealogy. We must have been an isolated population for a very long time for this to happen. I have genetic matches in Scotland, Canada, USA, and New Zealand.
Interesting!
Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you for this informative information.
My pleasure, Deborah! Kind regards. Gordon
I would agree with you on that because I am really interested in the Scottish clans because I am part Scottish and i might be part of a clan clan Murray and I might be part of it because my Paternal grandfathers Paternal grandmas last name is Murray and I never knew that the modern kilt is relatively modern invention and just saying but I feel very proud to call myself a Scotsman and the I feel that proud is not just because I am part Scottish but also because I play the tenor drums in a pipe and drum band that is named after the famous famous brave and mighty heroic and glorious and fantastic stunning and fierce and stupendous and amazing black watch which is a British Canadian and Scottish infantry regiment
Gordon's Scotland and just saying but I subscribed to your channel
@@gordonsscotland8441 Sure, like that for your Clans, but Clan Ross was Clan Arias by the time of the War Master of Scotland, the Chief of the Clan soon to be known as the Great Clan Ross, the 1st Earl of Ross Fearchar, the Son of the Priest. Centuries later all Ross' that could not prove their Pedigree by Paperwork became Mackenzies. Now what annoys me, is when Blogs will just make up the History of Ross, or ill written books, and say Ross was a name people from Ross-shire took and they are not related or how Clan Ross was made in the 14th Century, when Clan Ross was the Great Clan Ross, which before that was Clan Arias, and from the sounds of it here, one of the 1st Clans apparently. Ross' and Septs from the now Clan Ross were the Gentry of the Great Clan Ross, and unlike the other Clans for the Greater Part, we are related, and we were a Clan pre 1000 ad, and we do descent from Kings, and Kinds descend from us, from Queen Ross' sitting next to more thrones than just the Scottish. Seems like allot of people have swagger jacked the whole Clan Ross thing, and now with the reversal of knowledge on the subject, people denounce our well established history, not even looking at it, and dismissing us away as just some random 14th century clan that is comprised of random people, when really we are about the Original, and kicking out the Vikings started long before Largs, it was started by the King Malcoms Right Hand, his most Trusted Cousin, the War Master of Scotland (not small time Tribal War Lord) the Chief of Clan Arias (soon to be known as the Great Clan Ross), the 1st Earl of Ross Fearchar, the Son of the Priest (the Hereditary Priest and Rulers from Apple Cross in Wester Ross) who Took his Army and the Kings, and his own personal armada and destroyed the Viking Kingdoms (or Earldoms whatever?) in and around Ross-shire! Greatly expanding it (like all the way to the Isle of Lewis) and we stole their lands and Gold, making Ross' the Richest and Most Powerful Family in the Highlands for some generations to come (even though it wasn't later till the 4th Earl of Ross, Hugh Ross took on the surname Ross), and its ridiculous to think a Viking Invasion pushed back at Largs was the starting point to the Vikings leaving for the War Master of Scotland Fearchar had already utterly destroyed many Viking States! Yes I understand you found out you weren't related to who you thought, and most of you were pretending to be something you are not, you are pretending to be like Ross, were other Ross' (here in America that is slightly skewed with Italian Rossi' or Germany Jewish Name Adoptions, and some things like that, but other Ross' are my literal Cousins as with atleast X amount of the Septs, like the Taggarts. You have to make a distinction between Royal Pedigrees which do come from Ancient Kings, and can still draw some distant relation to the modern ones, and people like the War Master of Scotland (Thane, not just some local Warlord), Feacchar who started what would become the Power Vacuum you relate to Largs and not Fearchar before that lying utter ruin to the Vikings in and around Ross-shire with full blessing of his Cousin King Malcom, and with his Troops as well. You probably think the Isle of Mann was Viking Territory till Largs, but Fearchar was already Husband to the Queen of Mann before that! I am pretty sure you all just copied Ross, and all our other Slick Shit Cousins running the show before you certainly seem to give credit to, as I sit here only half way through video, Lets see, if I will be mistaken, but I am pretty sure you are going to glaze over us, and lump us in with such mundaneness such as yourselves, and personally, as seen here, I just won't take it mee boi!
@@gordonsscotland8441 I strongly disagree with your appraisal of the Real Kilt as just a garment throne over a Shoulder, sure maybe if you were super poor, or if it wasn't cold, but a kilt was thick Wool put over the waist folded up into layers, that worked as armor for your Balls, and guess that whole area, but more important to some, not me ball armor seems important, it could be folded out, as your Sleeping Bag of sorts, maybe a wee tent if you were nifty enough, and it was very practical item, and much more than you give it credit for... Also I highly doubt there was near as many Claymores as you fancy in that little battle of yours you describe, Clans that could only Muster 1000 Warriors weren't rich enough to be loaded with Claymores like that. the War Master of Scotland, the Chief of Clan Arias (soon to be known as the Great Clan Ross) the 1st Earl of Ross Fearchar was Cousins to the Laird of the Isles, don't tell me every MacDonald thought you also drew relation, I am sure that has come as a great disappointment to you, but there's not need to paint everyone with such a broad mundane brush stroke, for some of us, we are the ones you have been pretending to be...
During Covid, with some downtime, I started Googling ancestors. I’m not a genealogist, just bored, so anybody can do this. Mostly all I had was a name and year of birth. On the Dutch side, all the records stopped in the mid 1600’s, probably due to losing records during the wars in Europe. On the English side, I could go back till I jumped the Channel from Shropshire to the Loire valley in 1155. On the Scottish side I went back through the Murrays of Prince Edwards Island, CA to Freskin and his father Ollec of Flanders born in 1070.
Very impressive research! Kind regards, Gordon
Excellent!
Glad you enjoyed it, Graham! Kind regards, Gordon
Well I certainly love Scotland, England, and Wales. As a desendent of all three its hard to like one over the other. Theyre all beautiful places.
They are indeed! Kind regards, Gordon
Hi Gordon, all I've got is an oral family history told to my g'father by his g'uncles. Basically Firth, Kirk and Gill, (my middle name), and Murray/Douglas clans. All three absconding from the Princes army at York in '45, all apprentice blacksmiths and settling in Yorkshire!
Don't think Bonnie Prince Charlie actually was ever in York? His route into and out of England, in 1745 during the Jacobite Rising, took him via Carlisle, Preston and Manchester. But your ancestors certainly could have settled in Yorkshire, if they absconded somewhere down there. Kind regards, Gordon
Excellent video.
Thanks, Dawn! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you for the video
My pleasure, Tom. Hope you found it interesting. Kind regards. Gordon
So interesting! I was bored during lockdown and used the fact that much of my paternal family is Mormon and they have impeccable genealogy records to do some family tracing. I discovered my 16th great grandfather was Duncan Mackintosh, the 11th chief of the clan. So here I go down the rabbit hole of history.
Very impressive! I think your ancestor may well have been based at Moy Hall, the ancestral seat of the Clan Mackintosh. Good luck with your research! Kind regards. Gordon
thanks as an American I know almost nothing about my heritage i love these kinds of videos
Happy to help, Douglas! Kind regards, Gordon
I’ve just found you. Subbed. I’m sitting on a battlefield, I have a castle to the side of my house, a monument to the back and straight in front of me I have Robert the Bruce on his horse. I have no doubt you will know where I live. This was very interesting, I love my country’s history.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, you are in a very nice part of Scotland! Kind regards, Gordon
Visited a Highland games in Northern NJ a few years ago with my sister who had a Westie Terrier with her. A friendly gentleman with a heavy Scottish accent took notice of the Westie, and we got involved in a discussion of Scottish history. The gentleman was quite impressed, so before we departed he wanted to give us something. So he reached under his seat and pulled out a bottle of Talisker Whisky, and three glasses. We drank to Scotland!
@@luissantiago8446 That’s a lovely story, I hope you can come and visit some day we are a good bunch us Scots and we have a beautiful country steeped in history and wonderful scenery.
@@headron66 Indeed you do! Would very much love to visit your beautiful country!
Clan Chisholm here saying hello from America 👍🏼🏴
Hello to you, too! Kind regards from Scotland. Gordon
This was wonderful. Clan McDonald from Dad, clan Mackay from Mum. Huge penchant for McDonald. But all so amazing. 🇦🇺
I'm glad you enjoyed it! And greetings from Scotland from one MacDonald (on my Mum's side) to another! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 ☺️👍
Clan Campbell here. I have Norway and Sweden in my DNA and didn’t have any ancestors from these countries. Your video mentions Vikings intermarrying with the Scots. I never realized that until I watched your great video. Mystery might be finally solved
Lots of Norse blood in Scotland, Donita! They controlled large parts of Scotland for centuries. Kind regards, Gordon
Interesting video.
Glad you enjoyed it, Michael! Kind regards, Gordon
I’m from Clan Russell, I’d like to know more of my Clan. I enjoy your channel, Gordon. Thank you
Thanks, Greg, glad you're enjoying the videos. I'm not a genealogy expert, I'm afraid, and there are a lot of Scottish clans! There's a lot of companies online that can help, this is one of them www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clans-a-z/ Good luck!
Gordon's Scotland thank you, Gordon for your reply, and help.
@@gregdavis19 Russell originates in France and ends up being in English nobility (Duke of Bedford) also ends up in Aden of Aberdeenshire likely Jacobite empathisers. Oh the beauty of UK lineage.
@@gregdavis19 big ties to France and England mostly so not inheritly an ancient Scottish clan
@@russellb6249 oh wow! Thank you, Billy. So are we all related?
Very interesting!
Thanks, Billie Jo, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
Interesting, 'S riogal mo Dhream',
as Rob Roy said - MacGregor Despite Them
I'm from NZ. My grandfather's family were from Scotland. My birth name was MacCurdy. My grandfather's name was Royal Bruce
Fine ancestry. McCurdy originally, I think, from the Isle of Bute on the west coast of Scotland. Kind regards, Gordon