#MacLeods of Dunvegan

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The Great Sword of Dunvegan

No, it’s not Excalibur but the great Sword of Dunvegan, and it’s over 500 years old. 🗡️

This sword was a weapon of great power, made by the MacLeods of Suardal who were the Blacksmiths to the MacLeods of Dunvegan.

A claymore (Claidheamh Mòr, or “great sword" in Gaelic) such as this would have cost a small fortune and was typically used by Clan Chiefs.

Its real power was in its length and weight.

The blade is three feet (approximately 90cm) in length and, together with its weight, would have been lethal in a double-handed swing.

The sword is difficult to date. Its features suggest the late 15th or early 16th century AD.

A depiction of it on the tombstone of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod (1450 – 1547), the 8th Clan Chief, tells us it cannot be dated after 1528 AD.

What makes this sword even more fascinating is that it is made with Scottish steel instead of German steel.

[livesunique]

Dunvegan House, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom

[celticculture]

[princesscoreaesthetics]

[bletheringskite]

Am Bratach Sith (The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan) is one of the clan MacLeod’s most treasured possessions.

Probably from Syria or Rhodes and woven of silk in the 4th century AD, legend has it that this sacred clan banner has miraculous powers. When unfurled in battle, the clan would invariably snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The traditional tales about its origin can be split into two distinct themes – Fairies and Crusaders. Fairy stories are difficult to relate to fact and often come about as a substitute for forgotten truth.

The connection with the Crusades can be linked to the only scientific information we have about the Fairy Flag’s origin. When Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod (27th Chief) had the Fairy Flag conserved and mounted in its sealed frame by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, he listened while Mr Wace (one of the V&A’s experts) set out his theory about its origins, including the historical evidence that the Norseman Harald Hardrada (one of the early ancestors of the Chiefs of MacLeod), while on an expedition to plunder the pilgrim routes of the Middle East, had brought a famous banner back to Britain where he was killed in 1066.

Reginald listened politely and said: “Mr Wace, you may believe that, but I know that it was given to my ancestor by the fairies”, to which Mr Wace replied “Sir Reginald, I bow to your superior knowledge”.

[apilgrimpassingby]

Post-Apocalyptic Magical Britain - First Post

(Tagging @arcenciel-par-une-larme, @merthwyn, @kaleb-is-definitely-sane and @narulanth, who I've discussed this idea with).

The exact backstory of how magic comes back and how the different states form is something I haven't decided yet, but I have more-or-less hashed out the different states and where they are; their territory is based around this map of the historic counties.

Also, this post is massive, hence the "keep reading".

Annwn

Territory: Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire

Language: Welsh Faerie-Tongue

Capital: Caer Siddi

Leader: Gwyn ap Nudd

The kingdom of y tylwyth teg (Welsh faeries, literally "the fair family") upon earth, led by their king, Gwyn ap Nudd. Towns are largely abandoned and have been reduced to forests of oak, beech and ash, with the tylwyth teg living beneath lakes and inside barrows and emerging at dusk and disappearing at dawn - to humans travelling by day, the whole land has an eerie quality. Annwn is largely set apart from the wars of its endlessly-feuding neighbours, Cymru and Wales, with the fair folk taking part in their own lives, but during winter, ap Nudd leads sky-borne raids of his spectral white hounds, the Cwn Annwn, targeting both of them and sometimes ranging elsewhere.

Clan Bean

Territory: southern Ayrshire

Language: Scots

Capital: Bennane Head Cave

Leader: Sawney Bean

One of the many folklore figures brought to life was Sawney Bean, the leader of a clan of cave-dwelling cannibal bandits born of incest; while Scotland was collapsing, he and his children assembled a host of outlaws and ne'er-do-wells, and with them he became the ruler of a substantial territory. As loathsome as he and his clan are, they have become adept at using the woods and moors to lay ambushes against invaders, and thus they control the land - but only this land, as their attempts at open-field battle outside their terrain have always been miserable failures. Their settlements are largely caves or clusters of lean-tos, they have little economic activity beside foraging, hunting and robbing travellers foolish enough to pass through the area and they recognise no law but "Old Sawney".

Clan MacLeod

Territory: Isle of Skye, Isle of Lewis

Language: Scots Gaelic

Capital: Dunvegan Castle

Leader: Norman MacLeod

When magic returned, the leaders of Clan MacLeod used the last wish of the Fairy Flag to summon a faerie host to their side, and they promptly allied with them, allowing them to take over the two islands they live on. Today, their political system is well-established: human daughters marry elfin princes and fae princesses become the wives of Adam's sons, and the faerie hills are left undisturbed (save for a payment of food for aid in war) in exchange for the faeries leaving humans alone. The chieftain of Clan MacLeod governs the islands according to clan law codes and his own will, while the people dwell in villages and make their living by keeping sheep, growing oats and catching fish (the society has a broadly 18th-century level of technology). They frequently raid their neighbours (who will be covered later on) and prevail through fae magic.

Cymru

Territory: Anglesey, Caernarfonshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Merionethshire

Language: Welsh

Capital: Dinas Emrys

Leader: Owain Glyndwr

When Owain Glyndwr, the great magic-wielding rebel prince of Wales, arose with magic, he went to Cardiff and proposed that he be instated as king and use the Cyfraith Hywel as their laws (complete with slavery, no inheritance for women and no citizenship for immigrants until the fourth generation); the people there were equally outraged and amused. He instead went to the mountains with his followers, an increasingly large band of Welsh-speaking fanatics, and set up his own castle atop Dinas Emrys, the mountain of Myrddin (better known to the English as Merlin). From there, he wages constant war against Wales with both his troops, his tactical ingenuity and his magical powers (he can control the weather and become invisible) while governing as he promised over a population of village-dwelling sheep farmers with a Late Medieval level of technology (Dinas Emrys has grown into a town of some size and sophistication under him).

East Anglia

Territory: Cambridgeshire, Essex, Huntingdonshire, southern Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk

Language: English

Capital: Norwich

Leader: Tom Hickathrift

With the return of magic, the ancient ecologies came back, and the fens were revived, drowning much of the region. Three centres of civilisation (for a certain definition; all are of an Early Modern technological level) persist - Walsingham, where Our Lady's presence wards off supernatural horrors, Cambridge, where much of the town has holed up inside the university, and chiefly Norwich, where Hickathrift leads a band of monster slayers, with Hereward the Wake as his second-in-command. And there are many monsters to slay - Lantern Men (ghosts who lead travellers in the marshes astray), the Shug Monkey (a half-dog, half-monkey creature in southern Cambridgeshire), child-eating mermaids in pools, and above all, Black Shuck, the dread hellhound who appears in thunderstorms to maim and kill. Outside the three towns, most settlements are fishing and herding villages, in a High Medieval or lower technological state due to their isolation and living in terror of the demons of the swamp.

Elphame

Territory: Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire

Language: Scots

Capital: Mid Gleniron

Leader: The Fairy Queen

The territory of the faeries in the Scottish Lowlands, given to them by William Wallace in exchange for her aid in the war against the democratic government of Scotland. They now inhabit its hills and barrows, emerging by night in the land that (since Wallace's Scotland took them all) is nearly devoid of humans to dance atop the moors; humans who do trespass there find themselves imprisoned and enslaved in Faerie-Land. It retains warm relations with Scotland, but every other nation dreads interacting with them for reasons that should be clear.

Highland

Territory: Argyllshire, Cromartyshire, Inverness-shire, northern Perthshire, Ross-shire, Sutherland

Language: Scottish Gaelic

Capital: Schiehallion

Leader: The Cailleach

This land has been taken by the Cailleach, the Gaelic goddess of winter, and it shows. The entire landscape is an austere snow-blanketed pine forest where wolves howl, deer and boar cavort and eagles make their nests, with only a few human settlements (most of them post-apocalyptic farmsteads) amidst the huge numbers of fae folk, kelpies, sluagh and so on, who all pay fealty to her in her court at Schiehallion. She endeavours to spread her territory, and has several times made war against Scotland for that end, but has thus far been rebuffed - her greatest enemy currently, however, is the Nordøjar, who have established a colony in the Highlands which they must constantly struggle to maintain.

Isle of Man

Territory: Isle of Man

Language: Manx, English

Capital: Peel Castle

Leader: Manannan

In times of trouble and the rise of magic, the sea god Manannan returned to the island, protecting it with his mists as he did in ancient times. The island, however, came to have a different folkloric denizen - Sir Francis Drake, who betrayed the English Crown in order to serve King Arthur and had his loyalty to Britain (and his heart) destroyed by being rebuffed by Arthur. Now, he is a pirate, and uses Manannan's mists to hide his crew (and that of other Manx privateers) while they retreat from the ships and coastal villages they raid. Hence, the Isle of Man is now full of nests of pirates (with 16th-17th century technology and clothes) sharing and selling what they have taken - food, clothes, livestock, valuables, human captives - in the midst of a countryside thick with glashtyns, bugganes and other such monsters.

Kernow

Territory: Cornwall

Language: Cornish, Briton

Capital: Tintagel Castle

Leader: Sir Lancelot, Sir Mertraut/Mordred

When King Arthur was revived with his wife, Lancelot and Mertraut (the latter better known by his French name, Mordred) still lusted after Gwenhwyfar (again, better known by her French name, Guinevere), which boiled over when Arthur offered Lancelot anything for his victory against the United Kingdom, and Lancelot asked for Gwenhwyfar. Thus, Lancelot and Mertraut rebelled, leading an army of spriggans, giants, mermaids, giant black cats and so on alongside Cornish humans, and with Lancelot going to his foster mother, the Lady of the Lake, in Dozmary Pool, receiving a sword of the grade of Excalibur. They are perpetually at war with Arthur and his kingdom of Logres, but have had little success; Lancelot and Mertraut quarrel with each other frequently, and are delaying the question of who will receive Gwenhwyfar if they win. The two are equally divided in ruling their land in non-military matters, which (in the few surviving human settlements) has a High Medieval technological level and an economy built on fishing and sheep-herding.

Kingdom of England

Territory: Leicestershire, northern and central Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland

Language: English

Capital: Kenilworth Castle

Leader: Queen Gloriana

The remnants of England, this land - Elizabethan in aesthetics and technology, and with an agrarian economy and several substantial towns, the greatest of which is Leicester - is ruled by Gloriana, the deified ever-virgin spirit of Queen Elizabeth I. The rest of the land is governed feudally, with territory being given out to her subordinates, such as Francis Walsingham and Robert Dudley (with the notable exception of Sir Francis Drake, who decided that Arthur commanded a higher loyalty than Gloriana. She is the primary force preventing the Republic of York from conquering territory further south, but still finds time to feud with Mercia to the west (both are of the opinion there is room for only one queen in the Midlands) and broker deals with the United Kingdom in the hope of obtaining royal treasures from the Tower of London (a futile attempt, as the Tower of London is blocked off from mortal visitation due to the density of ghosts). The greatest thorn in her side, however, is Robin Hood, the de facto leader of northern Nottinghamshire who continues to rob from the rich to give to the poor.

Kingdom of Scotland

Territory: northern Ayrshire, Buteshire, Clackmannanshire, Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Peeblesshire, southwestern Perthshire, Renfrewshire, Selkirkshire, Stirlingshire, West Lothian

Language: Scots

Capital: Edinburgh

Leader: William Wallace

When William Wallace returned and led the army that secured Scottish independence, he expected to be given the crown in return; he was not, and so civil war broke out. After agreeing to give away land in exchange for alliances, he ousted the democratic faction from Scotland and installed himself as king. The land now has a High Medieval technology level, a vassalage-based political system where lairds and earls swear loyalty to Wallace in exchange for being given land (including Michael Scot, who has been pledged his birth county of Selkirkshire in perpetuity), and an economy based on farming oats and sheep. The land is perennially in one war or another, usually with the Cailleach to the north or the Reavers to the south.

Logres

Territory: Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire

Language: Briton

Capital: Camelot

Leader: Arthur

One of the first signs of the return of magic was Arthur arising from Glastonbury Abbey with a small number of loyal knights, and quickly defeating the United Kingdom (notwithstanding the schism detailed above). Thus, he has developed a High Medieval kingdom in the West Country, where the peasants (the people have adapted to this lifestyle under Arthur's wise and benevolent leadership) grow wheat and keep cattle and sheep, in exchange for defence by the knights in their castles - or that would be the case, if the knights were not perpetually at war with Kernow. In addition, they have also at times made war with Mercia, due to being modern representatives of the Saxons Arthur hated, but upon discovering them to be Christian he is largely at peace with them.

Mercia

Territory: Derbyshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire

Language: Old English

Capital: Coventry

Leader: Lady Godiva

This territory is inhabited by pre-Conquest Englishmen, and has all the appropriate trappings - people live in longhouses, have an agrarian economy and an Early Medieval level of technology, speak Old English and practice Christianity in small stone churches. Their leader, Lady Godiva, has cultivated good relations with both Wales and Cymru, becoming skilled at playing them off against each other so they do not trouble her, has historically fought with (but is now allied with) Logres and now has her main enemies in the Kingdom of England and the Republic of York, both of which her trained bands of warriors fight vigorously.

Nordøjar

Territory: Caithness, Orkneys, Shetlands

Language: Norn

Capital: Kirkavå

Leader: Assipattle

The Northern Isles (or Nordøjar, as they are now known) are the islands off the tip of Scotland, united in a federation by the hero Assipattle, who from his seat in Kirkwall (as it used to be known) persuaded the inhabitants of the isles to renounce Christianity and become Norse, raiding the seas in longships as they plough the land while living in longhouses (their main economic activities aside from raiding are peat digging, fishing and sheep-herding). Their usual targets are various areas around Scotland, although they have ranged further south on occasion, and frequently sell their wares on the Isle of Man. They are opposed by the Kingdom of Scotland and the Republic of Aberdeen, but are nonetheless largely able to raid due to their maritime skill and Assipattle's host of creatures such as trows, the wulver and the dread nuckelavee. However, their greatest enemy is the Cailleach, whose forces they constantly struggle against as they seek to maintain their Caithness colony.

Reaver Lands

Territory: Berwickshire, Cumberland, Northumberland, Roxburghshire

Language: English, Scots

Capital: Liddesdale

Leader: None

The Border is a wasteland of tree-bare hills, populated chiefly by sheep, ponies and raiding parties both human and otherworldly. On the human side are the Border Reavers, the pony-riding bandit clans who live in turf cabins and stone towers and ride over the hills to steal the livestock of or take revenge on some other clan. On the otherworldly side is the Fairy Rade, the hosts of faerie archers mounted on white horses with harnesses jingling with bells, who come hunting through the night. Mediating between the two is Thomas the Rhymer, the faerie-gifted poet-prophet who knows the ways of both sides. Only fools or the desperate travel through this land; everyone else who can uses boats around the region. While it has no true leader or capital, Liddesdale is the centre of the region and the most common point of gathering.

Republic of Aberdeen

Territory: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Banffshire, Fife, Kinross-shire, Kincardineshire, Morayshire, southeastern Perthshire

Language: Scots, English

Capital: Aberdeen

Leader: Martha Seward (no, that's not a folklore character, yes, that's intentional - you'll see why)

The territory controlled by the democratic faction, ousted from Edinburgh by William Wallace's troops. The economy here is largely industrial - or rather, attempting to be industrial, seeing as even steam power is increasingly failing. Many cities (in which the majority of people live) are derelict, and while the nation still professes democracy, the "emergency government" has now held power for nearly ten years. The nation's chief ally is the United Kingdom (hence the perception of them as traitors by Scottish nationalists, who hence sided with Wallace), another relict modern democracy, but which can help them little against the attacks of the Cailleach and Assipattle's raiders - however, those same attacks mean that the Kingdom of Scotland rarely has time to attack them.

Republic of York

Territory: Cheshire, Durham, Lancashire without the exclave, Westmorland, Yorkshire

Language: English

Capital: York

Leader: Mother Shipton

One of the larger and more successful states to come out of the collapse, the Republic of York has been given power by a few factors - Mother Shipton's prophetic gifts giving them the ability to make excellent political decisions, a relatively undamaged economy (technology has regressed to "just" the 19th century, and the aesthetics, culture and economy of the society are largely Victorian) and a large base of land and population. Thus, they annexed much of northern England, but have been running out of steam for a few reasons - a long and fruitless war in the Reaver Lands, their technology slowly breaking down, and a crushing defeat delivered to them by the Kingdom of England. However, they remain powerful, and hence are unperturbed by possessing few allies; they need little other than themselves.

United Kingdom

Territory: Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex

Language: English

Capital: London

Leader: Winston Churchill

The remnant of the old United Kingdom, whose failure to adapt to magic and the end of modern technology meant they kept experiencing defeat after defeat and a steady loss of territory, reducing them to the southeast corner of England, until their leaders realised that the Second World War was now English folklore. Thus, they summoned an avatar of Winston Churchill to lead them, and now make their tanks, guns and planes work by magic. They have hence been able to win victories - a naval operation in Essex and an overland operation in the New Forest (which at the time was a de facto independent territory ruled by Yernagate and populated mainly by pixies) have had promising results, and an attack on Logres is in the works. The price for the average citizen, however, is steep - to summon the spirit of the Blitz, people live on rationed food in air raid shelters and bombed-out houses and Winston Churchill is king in all but name.

Wales

Territory: Brecknockshire, Glamorgan, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire

Language: English, Welsh

Capital: Cardiff

Leader: Joseph Morgan (also not a folklore figure; that's important)

The last true democracy and one of the last modern societies in Britain, Wales is a largely urban and industrial society (although their cities and industry are rapidly crumbling), struggling mightily against Cymru and Annwn - however, with the aid of Davies Sirevan and Jack of Kent, their resistance is successful.

[theweeowlart]

Dunvegan Castle on the Isle Of Skye, Scotland. For some eight hundred years now, the castle has been owned by just one family, the Clan MacLeod. My drawing is available here… https://theweeowlart.etsy.com/listing/1718231476

[steliosagapitos]

~ "Sword of Dunvegan, and it’s over 500 years old. Made by MacLeods of Suardal who were Blacksmiths to the MacLeods of Dunvegan. The sword is difficult to date. Its features suggest the late 15th or early 16th Century AD. A depiction of it on the tombstone of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod, 8th Clan Chief, tells us it cannot be dated after 1528 AD." ~

[songedunmatindhiver-iii]

[saltirebookreviews]

Book: The Highlander’s Wild Flame

Author: Heather McCollum

Series: Brotherhood of Solway Moss, book 1

Release date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Entangled

Book Length: 356 Pages

Overall rating: 5/5 Stars

Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flag

Isle of Skye, Scotland, 1544

Rory MacLeod also known as the Lion of Skye being the commander of the MacLeod warriors as he has not had an easy life. First he takes his father’s heir’s place at Solway Moss where he was captured by the English and lives in prison with three of his enemies for over a year. However his father was dead, unknown to him and his brother the current laird acted like he was already dead. His brother Jamie was cruel and selfish and acted like Rory was already dead! It was the same for all the prisoners no one brought them any provisions that would make prison life easier! No food, blankets or coins, they became brothers realizing England was their true enemy and eventually escaped together.

Rory meets Sara MacDonald not realizing it was his disloyal brothers betrothed. A lass who had a talent for healing and a love for dogs. However, his disloyal brother Jamie already had a mistress, was a liar and only cared about his own selfish desires. Afterall his father was dead and Rory did not hear from anyone in over a year in that stinking prison. His brother acted as if Rory died too, not expecting for him to return to their MacLeod family at Dunvegan Castle.

Rory was very disappointed when he discovered he was attracted to his new almost sister-in-law. Except after the wedding ceremony was over Sara noticed something was wrong and all The MacDonald warriors were missing. Then the MacDonald clan were trying to lock them in the church and burn them to death! They thought they could steal The MacLeod holdings and lands with this mass murder! Walter MacDonald had been a horrible father Sara’s entire life calling her ugly because of a birthmark. He even asked her to become their spy and steal the fairy flag once she was married to the MacLeod Laird.

At first Rory felt Sara was part of the MacDonalds plan to do a mass murder of the entire MacLeod clan. He destroys all evidence of a marriage until he realizes she was trying to save them. For this her MacDonald Chieftain was furious and just abandoned Sara feeling she betrayed them! The last thing Chief Walter MasDonald wanted was peace with the MacLeod’s even with a marriage alliance. He always told her how ugly she was not any good for him in alliance knowing she would never be with his allies but good enough with their enemies!

The MacDonald chief abandons her knowing she would be blamed especially after calling her The Flame of Dunscaith

to take the punishments of all his cruel, deceptive, murderous, intentions no matter what the cost! Thinking he could own MacLeod land and holdings, especially the Fairy Flag! Her father knew she had warned the MacLeods and felt she had betrayed him and her clan! This MacDonald Chief and Sara’s father never showed her any kind of love or emotion. She only stayed there to care for her twelve year old sister with a spinal condition. Another female child he rejects.

Now her wedded husband Jamie MacLeod is between life and death. However the attraction between Rory and Sara just grows, as Rory is confused having been betrayed by a MacDonald lass he cared for in the past. However it took over a decade for his MacLeod clan to trust him again. Do Rory and Sara have a chance at a HEA? Furthermore, will these feelings they have for each other start a war? Read and find out!

My go-to-author Heather MacLeod pens another brilliant book I could not put down. I love when true history is weaved with a fictional romance that is always phenomenal. I am a big fan of the real MacLeod Clan with the fairy flag that still exists at Dunvegan castle today. It is in the Isle of Skye, in Scotland with other treasured artifacts that are truly magical. An area of Scotland that I have visited with the breathtaking fairy pools, enchanting gardens and lovely hiking area too. As for this reason the book had me mesmerized right from the start. I absolutely loved Rory and Sara’s story and look forward to the next book in this new series! It is definitely a book readers do not want to miss!

Disclaimer: I received a free advance readers copy from Entangled publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.

[envexenveritas]

Scottish Train Adventures - Day 5

Skye and Raasay - Day 1, Part 2

Dunvegan Castle

Home to the MacLeod chiefs to this day. Some beautiful views

And impressive garden features

Can you imagine having not one but two waterfalls in your garden?!

And some interesting insight into the downstairs workers of a (at least partially) 13th century castle.

I was going to flail about a fictional Scotsman too, but yesterday turned into a shit show. Hopefully I'll be able to flail about Jamie properly soon.

[celticbarb]

Book: The Highlander’s Wild Flame

Author: Heather McCollum

Series: Brotherhood of Solway Moss, book 1

Release date: July 23, 2024

Publisher: Entangled

Book Length: 356 Pages

Overall rating: 5/5 Stars

Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flag

Isle of Skye, Scotland, 1544

Rory MacLeod also known as the Lion of Skye being the commander of the MacLeod warriors as he has not had an easy life. First he takes his father’s heir’s place at Solway Moss where he was captured by the English and lives in prison with three of his enemies for over a year. However his father was dead, unknown to him and his brother the current laird acted like he was already dead. His brother Jamie was cruel and selfish and acted like Rory was already dead! It was the same for all the prisoners no one brought them any provisions that would make prison life easier! No food, blankets or coins, they became brothers realizing England was their true enemy and eventually escaped together.

Rory meets Sara MacDonald not realizing it was his disloyal brothers betrothed. A lass who had a talent for healing and a love for dogs. However, his disloyal brother Jamie already had a mistress, was a liar and only cared about his own selfish desires. Afterall his father was dead and Rory did not hear from anyone in over a year in that stinking prison. His brother acted as if Rory died too, not expecting for him to return to their MacLeod family at Dunvegan Castle.

Rory was very disappointed when he discovered he was attracted to his new almost sister-in-law. Except after the wedding ceremony was over Sara noticed something was wrong and all The MacDonald warriors were missing. Then the MacDonald clan were trying to lock them in the church and burn them to death! They thought they could steal The MacLeod holdings and lands with this mass murder! Walter MacDonald had been a horrible father Sara’s entire life calling her ugly because of a birthmark. He even asked her to become their spy and steal the fairy flag once she was married to the MacLeod Laird.

At first Rory felt Sara was part of the MacDonalds plan to do a mass murder of the entire MacLeod clan. He destroys all evidence of a marriage until he realizes she was trying to save them. For this her MacDonald Chieftain was furious and just abandoned Sara feeling she betrayed them! The last thing Chief Walter MasDonald wanted was peace with the MacLeod’s even with a marriage alliance. He always told her how ugly she was not any good for him in alliance knowing she would never be with his allies but good enough with their enemies!

The MacDonald chief abandons her knowing she would be blamed especially after calling her The Flame of Dunscaith! This was to take the punishments of all his cruel, deceptive, murderous, intentions no matter what the cost! Thinking he could own MacLeod land and holdings, especially the Fairy Flag! Her father knew she had warned the MacLeods and felt she had betrayed him and her clan! This MacDonald Chief and Sara’s father never showed her any kind of love or emotion. She only stayed there to care for her twelve year old sister with a spinal condition. Another female child he rejects.

Now her wedded husband Jamie MacLeod is between life and death. However the attraction between Rory and Sara just grows, as Rory is confused having been betrayed by a MacDonald lass he cared for in the past. However it took over a decade for his MacLeod clan to trust him again. Do Rory and Sara have a chance at a HEA? Furthermore, will these feelings they have for each other start a war? Read and find out!

My go-to-author Heather MacLeod pens another brilliant book I could not put down. I love when true history is weaved with a fictional romance that is always phenomenal. I am a big fan of the real MacLeod Clan with the fairy flag that still exists at Dunvegan castle today. It is in the Isle of Skye, in Scotland with other treasured artifacts that are truly magical. An area of Scotland that I have visited with the breathtaking fairy pools, enchanting gardens and lovely hiking area too. As for this reason the book had me mesmerized right from the start. I absolutely loved Rory and Sara’s story and look forward to the next book in this new series! It is definitely a book readers do not want to miss!

Disclaimer: I received a free advance readers copy from Entangled publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.

[asrielbelacquaaaa]

New verse added! Historical

Asriel Macleod

Laird of Clan Macleod

Born: 1700

Home: Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Clan Motto: "Hold Fast"

Clan Symbol: The Bull

Early Life

Asriel Macleod was born into a time of great change and turmoil in the Scottish Highlands. As the firstborn son of the previous laird, Alastair Macleod, Asriel was groomed from a young age to assume leadership of Clan Macleod. His childhood was steeped in the rich traditions and history of his ancestors, and he was educated in the arts of war, diplomacy, and clan governance.

Ascension to Laird

In 1725, when Asriel was 25, his father died in a skirmish with the rival Clan Campbell. Thrust into leadership, Asriel quickly proved himself a capable and determined laird. He avenged his father's death by leading a successful raid against Clan Campbell, which earned him the respect and loyalty of his people.

Reign as Laird

Under Asriel's rule, Clan Macleod has seen both prosperity and conflict. Asriel is known for his strong yet fair leadership. He has fortified Dunvegan Castle, ensuring it remains an impregnable bastion for his clan. Asriel has also worked to improve the lives of his clansmen by encouraging agricultural advancements and trade with neighboring clans and the Lowlands.

The Jacobite Rising

In 1745, Asriel made the momentous decision to support the Jacobite cause led by Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The promise of a restored Stuart monarchy resonated deeply with Asriel, who believed it could bring stability and prosperity to Scotland.

Rallying his clansmen, Asriel joined the Jacobite forces, bringing with him the strength and loyalty of Clan Macleod. His decision was not without its risks—supporting the Jacobite cause meant facing the might of the Hanoverian government and the possibility of severe repercussions should the uprising fail.

After Culloden

Asriel faces increasing challenges as the Jacobite rising progresses. The early successes of the Jacobite army boost morale, but the reality of prolonged warfare soon takes its toll. The Battle of Culloden in April 1746 marks a decisive and devastating defeat for the Jacobite forces.

In the aftermath of Culloden, Asriel must navigate the dangerous and uncertain terrain of a defeated rebellion. The Hanoverian government is relentless in its pursuit of retribution, and Asriel's leadership and cunning are tested as he seeks to protect his people from the brutal reprisals that follow.

Physique:

Asriel stands tall and commanding, with a sturdy and muscular build befitting a seasoned warrior and leader of Clan Macleod. His years of training and battle have honed his physique, giving him a formidable presence that commands respect and loyalty from his clansmen.

Facial Features:

His face is rugged and weathered, bearing the marks of a life spent outdoors and in the midst of conflict. Deep-set eyes, the colour of stormy seas, reflect a keen intelligence and unwavering determination. His brow is often furrowed in thought or in a stern expression that hints at the weight of responsibility he carries as laird.

Hair:

Asriel's hair, a dark shade of chestnut brown, is kept slightly longer than was fashionable in the courtly circles of Edinburgh or London but practical for a man leading his clan in the rugged Highlands. It falls in loose waves, often tousled from the wind that sweeps across the Isle of Skye.

Clothing:

He typically wears traditional Highland attire befitting his station: a finely tailored tartan plaid wrapped around his shoulders and belted at the waist, denoting his clan affiliation and status as laird. Beneath the plaid, a sturdy linen or wool shirt, sometimes adorned with intricate embroidery or clan brooches, speaks to his heritage and pride in his clan's traditions.

Accessories:

Around his neck, Asriel wears a pendant bearing the symbol of Clan Macleod—a stylized bull, crafted in silver, symbolizing strength and resilience. His attire is completed with leather boots that have been well-worn through years of riding and walking the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands.

Demeanour:

In his bearing, Asriel exudes confidence and authority, tempered with a quiet strength and a sense of duty that is palpable to all who meet him. Despite the weight of leadership, there is warmth and kindness in his eyes when speaking with his family or trusted advisors, revealing the depth of his character beyond the battlefield.

[bbumtravel]

The Isle of Skye: Scotland's Majestic Island

Introduction

The Isle of Skye, located off the northwest coast of Scotland, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and rich Gaelic heritage. As the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, Skye attracts travelers with its dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife, and mystical atmosphere.

Geography and Climate

Skye covers an area of approximately 1,656 square kilometers (639 square miles) and is characterized by its mountainous terrain, sea cliffs, and picturesque lochs. The island's climate is mild but unpredictable, with frequent changes in weather patterns that contribute to its atmospheric beauty.

History and Culture

Skye boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years, influenced by Celtic, Norse, and Scottish cultures. Key historical and cultural landmarks include:

Dunvegan Castle: The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, home to the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years.

Old Man of Storr: A distinctive rock formation and popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the Trotternish Ridge and the Sound of Raasay.

Fairy Pools: Crystal-clear pools and waterfalls located at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, surrounded by enchanting scenery.

Natural Beauty

Skye is celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems:

Cuillin Mountains: A rugged mountain range that dominates the southern part of the island, offering challenging hikes and climbs for outdoor enthusiasts.

Quiraing: A unique landslip formation in the Trotternish Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pinnacles, and breathtaking views.

Neist Point: A scenic headland with a lighthouse and sea cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and occasional sightings of whales and dolphins.

Wildlife and Outdoor Activities

Skye is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, otters, seals, and numerous bird species. Outdoor activities on the island include:

Hiking: Skye offers a network of hiking trails suitable for all levels, from gentle coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs.

Wildlife Watching: Take guided tours or explore on your own to spot wildlife in their natural habitats, particularly around the coastline and lochs.

Boat Trips: Explore the surrounding waters to visit nearby islands, sea caves, and sea stacks, while enjoying opportunities for birdwatching and marine life sightings.

Culinary Delights

Skye's culinary scene highlights locally sourced ingredients and traditional Scottish dishes, such as seafood, venison, and whisky. Visitors can enjoy dining at local restaurants, cafes, and pubs that showcase the island's flavors and hospitality.

Conclusion

The Isle of Skye captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm Gaelic culture. Whether exploring ancient castles, hiking through rugged mountains, or simply soaking in the island's natural beauty, Skye offers a unique and unforgettable experience that reveals the essence of Scotland's wilderness and charm.

[movingnortheast]

The Isle of Skye is a beautiful island located on the west coast of Scotland. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, picturesque villages, and rich history. Let's explore the places you mentioned:

* Skye Bridge: The Skye Bridge is a road bridge that connects the Isle of Skye to the mainland of Scotland. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery and is an important transportation link to the island.

* Spar Cave: Spar Cave is a fascinating sea cave located on the Isle of Skye. It features impressive geological formations and is known for its sparkling mineral deposits, known as "spar." It's a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring caves.

* Sligachan Waterfall: Sligachan is an area on Skye famous for its beautiful waterfall, located at the head of Loch Sligachan. The waterfall is surrounded by scenic landscapes and is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

* Fairy Pools: The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls located in Glen Brittle on Skye. They are known for their vivid blue and green hues and attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy walking along the scenic trails and taking a refreshing dip in the pools.

* The Oyster Shed: The Oyster Shed is a popular seafood restaurant and farm shop located on the Isle of Skye. It specializes in fresh local seafood, including oysters, mussels, and other delicacies. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood dishes while taking in the stunning views of Loch Harport.

* Dunvegan Castle: Dunvegan Castle is a historic fortress located on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, Skye's largest sea loch. It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle offers guided tours and beautiful gardens to explore.

* Neist Point: Neist Point is a dramatic headland on the westernmost part of the Isle of Skye. It is famous for its picturesque lighthouse, stunning cliffs, and panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Neist Point is a popular spot for photography and wildlife watching.

* Skye Museum of Island Life: The Skye Museum of Island Life is an open-air museum that offers a glimpse into the traditional island way of life on Skye. It features a collection of thatched cottages, each displaying various aspects of crofting, fishing, and traditional crafts. Visitors can learn about the island's history, culture, and the lives of its inhabitants.

These are just some of the highlights on the Isle of Skye. The island has much more to offer in terms of natural beauty, outdoor activities, historical sites, and cultural experiences. It's a destination that attracts many visitors who want to explore the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

[qindil]

LA STIRPE REALE DI TRUMP

LA STIRPE REALE DI TRUMP Il lignaggio paterno e materno unico di Donald Trump

Il lignaggio paterno e materno unico di Donald Trump Fonte: @anon_fa_mous La madre di Donald Trump, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, faceva parte del clan dei MacLeod della Scozia. Il fondatore del clan dei MacLeod fu Leod (1200-1280 d.C.).La cosa interessante di questo clan è il fatto che custodiscono le reliquie delle Crociate all’interno del castello di Dunvegan, sede del clan dei MacLeod. Queste…