Why is the image of a lion so prevalent in Scottish Clan heraldry? Why would a beast that was never native to Scotland feature so heavily? The image of the lion in art and culture dates back to pre history and cave paintings. Our ancient ancestors who’s story began in Africa would have admired these […]
John Murray, the Chief of the Murray clans and 11th Duke of Atholl has died in a South African hospital on Tuesday, 15th May after suffering a stroke. He was 83. The Johannesburg born Murray became Clan Chief and inherited the Dukedom after his cousin George Murray, 10th Duke of Atholl passed away unmarried in […]
View 2012 Highland Games and Scottish Events in a larger map A map pinpointing many of the Highland Games and Scottish events taking place this year across Scotland and North America. If anyone out there thinks I’ve missed some, please feel free to let us know!
The small village of Arisaig lies on Scotlands West coast to the North West of the town of Fort William. The name ‘Arisaig’ means ‘safe place’. This remote part of Scotland is steeped in history and in particular the history around that most troublesome period known as the Jacobite Rebellions. When ‘Bonny Prince Charlie’ began […]
The Clan Donald Society are looking to restore the reputation of one of the Victorian era’s most celebrated soldiers, Major General Sir Hector ‘Fighting Mac’ MacDonald. In his hometown of Dingwall, the society are holding a ceremony at the weekend at the 100ft memorial tower to mark the 159th anniversary of MacDonald’s birth. Born near […]
Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire was first built by the 18th Earl of Mar, John Erskine in 1628, using it as a hunting lodge and strong hold against the powerful neighbouring Farquharson family. The castle replaced the nearby Kindrochit Castle, which is said to have been built sometime in the 11th century. In 1689, John Farquharson, […]
At the weekend, whilst trying to entertain my mum on a visit down to Edinburgh, I visited the National Galleries for the first time. There’s a great collection of artwork there, a lot of lovely pieces, but the painting that I found most striking and alluring was John Singer Sargent’s portrait of Lady Agnew of […]
The origin of the Hay family, Earls of Errol, is said to date from the time of the Battle of Luncarty believed to have taken place in 971 A.D. The Danish were invading Scotland. The reigning sovereign was Kenneth III who, at the time of the event, was residing at Stirling. The battle took place […]
The Teampull na Trionaid a ruined church on Uist in the Western Isles has been given a grant of £200,000 in order to make it safe for visitors. The building was founded in 1200 as a college for Priests. The site also contains a graveyard called Teampull Clann a’Phiocair (Church of the MacVicars) where this clan are […]
On Thursday night a fire engulfed the clock tower of one of Scotlands most historic castles and seat of Clan Murray of Atholl, Blair Castle. A section of the 13th century castle collapsed after a blaze ripped through it. Luckily the fire was able to be controlled and most of the Castle was unharmed, and […]
