#clan chattan

[jamiecotc]

[paperbunny]

Just Random Notes

The menswear store is called Battle & Palm, Bespoke Tailoring. Established 17- something.

A cursory google only leads to The Battle Of Palm Sunday wherein two Scottish clans (Cameron v. Chattan) fought in 1429 and the result is listed as unknown. There's not a lot of information on it via Wiki, but it's interesting that something exists.

The coffeeshop ironwork is very snakelike, and there's a very alarming looking missing cat poster.

Apparently the Pope is missing, someone has haunted pajamas, and someone is possibly kidnapped by aliens for being too good? A couple..... themselves?

Is A the one taken by aliens? What did our couple do to themselves??

This is a stretch (like many metas) but it kept catching my eye. What is ATH? Mostly, though, doesn't that bottom bit look like it says "Forgive me" Or even "Forgive me dear"?

[scotianostra]

September 28th 1396 saw the Battle of the Clans between clans Chattan and Kay on the North Inch, Perth, in front of King Robert III.

Also called the Battle of the North Inch, this is one of my favourite stories, this was more of a “gladiatorial” contest than a battle. They even built some sort of makeshift grandstand for the King to witness it from!

The clans in the highlands of Scotland were an unruly lot. They were constantly feuding with their neighbours and regularly raiding into the low fertile lands of Moray, Perthshire, Angus,

Aberdeenshire, and Stirlingshire. The king’s laws meant very little to this warlike, tribal society. In 1396, things were so bad between Clan Chattan and Clan Kay, who were forever raiding each other’s lands, stealing livestock, and burning down houses, that King Robert III sent an army north to deal with the problem. The commander of this army knew it was likely that when he marched into the mountains, his forces were in danger of being ambushed by the men of Chattan or Kay – or perhaps both clans would unite. The outcome could be the massacre of the royal army.

So, he came up with a plan and sent messengers to speak to the two warring clans with a proposal. This was a chance to sort out the problem in one day, sparing countless lives. The commander of the king’s army suggested that the two clans each send thirty men to Perth for a fight to the death on the city’s North Inch. The clan chiefs agreed and when the king heard of this plan, he was so delighted, he decided he and his court would come to Perth to watch the spectacle.

A large brightly coloured pavilion was put up for the royal party and benches were laid out for the people of Perth to sit on. The crowd waited expectedly in the warm summer sun as the skirl of the bagpipes drew closer and closer. Then dozens of warriors took up position on the inch in front of the king’s pavilion.

As the two clans lined up, a referee counted the men on both sides, but a problem was found. Although Clan Kay had thirty men, Clan Chattan had only twenty-nine. They must have miscounted before they left or lost a man on the way to Perth. Royal heralds walked amongst the crowd holding up a gold coin for anyone who would take up arms and fight for Clan Chattan. The city population murmured amongst themselves and fidgeted as the king, looking on like a Roman Caesar in the Colosseum, waited patiently. Just as it seemed no one would take up the offer of gold and Clan Chattan would have to forfeit the contest, a voice boomed from the benches: “I Sir Herald will take that coin and fight for Clan Chattan!”

The voice belonged to the city blacksmith, a giant of a man, strong and powerful. His name was Henry, better known as Hal o’ the Wynd. Hal was given a sword and took up his place amongst the Chattan clansmen.

The king gave the signal to start and arrows were fired between the two sides. Then the men, screaming their clan slogans in Gaelic, charged into the affray. The sunlight danced on sword and axe blades as they cut through the air, slicing into flesh and bone. The green grass became crimson red and sticky from the flow of blood as the screams of the wounded echoed around the inch. The referee called a halt to the battle and the two sides parted. Sweating, panting men, soaked in blood, gulped at the water given to them and used it to wash blood from slippery hands. They likely used their few minutes of rest to glance around, looking for friends or kinsmen, counting how many were still alive compared to the enemy. Wounds were quickly patched up with strips of torn cloth before the signal to fight came again.

The Chattan’s and Kay’s got stuck into each other once more. As the two sides slogged it out, it became clear that Clan Chattan were gaining the upper hand and in the end, all but one of Clan Kay perished. The sole surviving Kay jumped into the River Tay and swam to safety. Hal o’ the Wynd was said to have fought bravely. He was permitted to keep the gold coin and earned his place in Scottish history.

Please note some accounts say the Battle of the Clans was fought between Clan Chattan and Clan Cameron, but most say Chattan and Clan Davidson the pics show the three clan crests respectively.

The most interesting, to me anyway, is Chattan, it is distinctive in highland clan history in that it was acknowledged to be a community or confederation,of twelve separate Scottish clans. who each had their own clan chief recognized under Scottish law, but who were united under and bound to a superior chief of the confederation for mutual solidarity, sustenance and protection in the Middle Ages and early modern period in the Scottish Highlands.

Prior to the 14th century, the Clan Chattan was a conventional Scottish clan. However it evolved into an alliance or confederation of clans which was made up of several clans including firstly of the descendants of the "blood" or the original clan (Clan Cattanach, Clan MacPherson, Clan MacPhail and Clan MacBean (or McBain), secondly of the Clan Mackintosh and their cadet branches (Clan Shaw, Clan Farquharson, the Ritchies, and Clan MacThomas) and thirdly of families who were not originally related by blood (Clan MacGillivray, Clan Davidson, the Macleans of Dochgarroch ('Clan Tearlach'), the MacQueens of Strathdearn, the MacIntyres of Badenoch ('Clan an t-Saoir') and the MacAndrews ('Clan Gillandrish').

18Susan Lever, Georgia Drummond and 16 others

[blairstales]

Last Names With Fairy Lore

There are many clans and last names with fairylore, and when I come across them in my research, I try to remember to write them down. The list below are all the names that I have found so far.

Macphee, MacFee, MacFie, MacPhie

According to legend, Macphee, MacFee, MacFie, and MacPhie all came from the name Mac Dhubhshith (dubh-sith), which means “black fairy.”

“A family in North Uist is known as ‘Dubh-sith,’ Black fairy, from a tradition that the family have been familiar with the fairies in their fairy flights and secret migrations.” Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900],

Munroe’s

Vougha is another name for Kelpies, which a family of Munroe’s are said to come from.

“And it is said that a family of Munroes had, many generations ago, married with the Vougha of Beann na Caltuinn, Their descendants had manes and tails till within the last four generations.” Popular tales of the West Highlands

Pellings

“Pellings” supposedly came from the name “Penelop,” which is a fairy that that is in their bloodline.

 “There are several persons and even families who are reputed to be descended from these people …. These children [Penelope’s] and their descendants, they say, were called Pellings, a word corrupted from their mother’s name, Penelope. The late Thomas Rowlands, Esq., of Caerau, in Anglesey, the father of the late Lady Bulkeley, was a descendant of this lady, if it be true that the name Pellings came from her; and there are still living several opulent and respectable people who are known to have sprung from the Pellings. The best blood in my own veins is this fairy’s.’” Celtic Folklore: Welsh and Manx (Volume 1 of 2) by Sir John Rhys (1901)

Macpherson

The black chanter of Clan Chattan was supposedly gifted to a Macpherson by a fairy admirer. Read more about it here.

‘Feadan dubh Chlanna Chatain,’ the black chanter of the Clan Chattan, is said to have been given to a famous Macpherson piper by a fairy woman who loved him." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

 Mackay

A Mackay was also given something from a fairy sweetheart; though this time it was a flag. Sadly, I can’t find any further information about this flag.

"The Mackays have a flag said to have been given to a Mackay by a fairy sweetheart." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900],

Macleod

The Macleods claim two fairy items, the fairy flag in Dunvegan, and a chanter called “The Silver Chanter of the Fairy Woman.” There is an audio recording from 1969 that mentions the fairy flag here. This is an item you can still go see at Dunvegan Castle.

"The famous fairy flag at Dunvegan is said to have been given to a Macleod of Macleod by a fairy woman. The Mac-Crimmons of Bororaig, the famous pipers of the Macleods of Macleod, had a chanter called ‘Sionnsair airgid na mna sithe,’ the silver chanter of the fairy woman." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900],

MacCrimmon

John MacCrimmon was given a chanter by a fairy sweetheart. There is also an audio recording about this from 1954 here, though it is not in English.

"As ‘Iain Og,’ young John MacCrimmon, was practising in ‘Slochd nam piobairean,’ hollow of the pipers, at Bororaig, the lovely fair Thy beauty and the music of thy pipe, Have brought a fairy sweetheart to thee, I hand thee now the silver chanter, That will be melodious ever under thy fingers. The story of young John and his fairy sweetheart is very fine and highly poetic." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900],

MacNamara, O’Sullivan, O’Flaherty, MacKerra, Gossocks, McVeaghs.

O’Flaherty and O’Sullivan families of Kerry, MacNamaras of Clare are all said to be the offspring of mermaids.

"So, too, did the O’Flaherty and O’Sullivan families of Kerry and the MacNamaras of ClareStrange and Secret Peoples: Fairies and Victorian Consciousness" By Carole G. Silver  (2000)

"A MacKerra of MacGhirston, in Galloway, married a merman; another Galloway family, the Gossocks, and a family in Sutherland, the McVeaghs, are held to be the descendants of a mermaid and a fisherman" Sea enchantress; the tale of the mermaid and her kin by Benwell, Gwen (1961)

MacCodrum

The entire MacCodrum clan of the Outer Hebrides claim to be descendants of a selkie bride.

"…while the entire MacCodrum clan of the Outer Hebrides, known as “The MacCodrums of the Seals.” claimed to be the offspring of a union between a selkie and a fisherman. In this case, the sign of preternatural parentage was not delicate beauty but an hereditary horny growth between the fingers that made MacCodrum hands resemble flippers." Strange and Secret Peoples: Fairies and Victorian Consciousness By Carole G. Silver  (2000)

There is also a MacCodrum who saw a ghost (audio recording from 1966 here)

Urqhart

A family of Urqharts are also descendants of selkies.

"...the Folk-Lore Society, in 1895, studied magic lantern slides taken of Baubi Urqhart of the Shetland Islands. On the basis of family stories and a seallike appearance, Baubi claimed to be the great-great-granddaughter of a selkie captured by her ancestor." Strange and Secret Peoples: Fairies and Victorian Consciousness By Carole G. Silver  (2000)

Mor

The Mor’s can never be drown thanks to a promise made with a mermaid

"They acquired this immunity through the foresight of their father, James Mor, who in 1883 was still living to tell the tale’. He found a mermaid’s belt, and withheld it until she promised that none of his family should ever be drowned." Sea enchantress; the tale of the mermaid and her kin by Benwell, Gwen (1961)

As well as that, a Dòmhnall Mòr was constantly lifted by the fairies

“The fairy host used to lift Dòmhnall Mòr. He would have to leave the cèilidh house every night. He went to Canada, but found them waiting for him there. He never got away from them.” Audio Recording Link

MacVurichs

MacVurichs of Uist have something to do with the supernatural, but the recording is in gaelic and I can’t understand it.

 MacArthur

According to this recording from 1969 there is a certain place that no MacArthur should pass by. Why? Well, according to the story, Neil MacArthur was on his way home when he saw a woman he thought he knew. He put his arms around her, only to realize she had no nostrils (a washerwoman description). He was compelled by her magic to meet with her over six months, and would have died on his last visit, but his mother-in-law placed protective charms on him.

"The woman put a curse on Neil’s descendants. She said that evil would happen to them if they passed a certain place after sunset. The contributor says that the MacArthurs heed this warning to the present day [1969]" AN ENCOUNTER WITH A FAIRY WASHERWOMAN

Laings

The Laings are supernaturally good workers because one of their ansestors was trapped in a fairy mound. While there, she was forced to bake until a fairy helped her escape. She left with the new ability.

There is an audio recording from 1978 here.

Widwick

After helping deliver a baby she did not at the time know was a fairy, a midwife in Yell named Merran Widwick accidently got fairy oinment in her eye (giving her the ability of second sight) and was blinded in that eye. Audio recording here, and another here.

Merran Windwick, only recently deceased [in 1972], was a great midwife and healer who lived in a remote area of North Yell near high banks [cliffs]. One night she returned home late and was sitting down to her supper when there was a tap at the door. Her sickly daughter answered it to a strange man. Merran cursed the people who were annoying her so late, but the man said that he lived not far from her and persuaded her to come to help his wife, who was having a child. He took her to the clifftop and made the stone rise to reveal a staircase. She went into the fairy dwelling and delivered the child. The fairy had no money to pay her, but instead offered her long life or knowledge beyond all understanding. She chose knowledge and from then on knew everything that was to pass. Years later she went to a roup [public auction] to sell a cow and saw the stranger again. He asked her which eye she saw him with. She told him and he blew in the eye; she lost her sight in that eye. link

 Coutts

The grandfather of Maalie Coutts lived in Mid Yell found a fairy child (of a trow) and took it home, but had to release it when it threatened to blow down the house with wind.

Link to audio recording here.

Harker

Henry Harker obtained an endless fairy ointment, but the magic failed when money was charged for it.

Audio recording link here.

Sgrob

The fairy host used to lift Niall Sgrob and they once asked him to kill a girl.

They used to take Niall Sgrob from Barra with them. He would get a feeling when they were coming and he had to go with them. One night a girl was milking at a house which Niall often visited. The cow she was milking dropped dead. The next night Niall Sgrob said he had killed the cow. The fairy host had asked him to kill the girl with a fairy needle. He killed the cow instead. The host saw the blood and thought the girl was dead. He told them they should always shut the door when milking. link

Buidhe

A Buidhe went into a fairy hill, and was trapped there for seven years until another human rescued him.

"Greusaiche Buidhe went to get whisky for a wedding and went into a fairy hill. He was there for seven years, until another man rescued him. He thought he had only been there a short while." link

That’s it! Did you spy your name or clan on there? Sadly, I am part of the “has no fairylore” club haha.

Divider made by elfdior

[petermorwood]

A grand pic, based on an actual character...

Ever consider a modified version showing a Scottish Fold in the tartan of Clan Chattan...?

;->

My mother said if I drew Adso the kitten from Outlander it would probably go viral so I did

___

11/15/2023 – my second ever post on Tumblr radar.

[ukdamo]

Culloden

Andrew Lang

Dark, dark was the day when we looked on Culloden And chill was the mist drop that clung to the tree, The oats of the harvest hung heavy and sodden, No light on the land and no wind on the sea. There was wind, there was rain, there was fire on their faces, When the clans broke the bayonets and died on the guns, And 'tis Honour that watches the desolate places Where they sleep through the change of the snows and the suns. Unfed and unmarshalled, outworn and outnumbered, All hopeless and fearless, as fiercely they fought, As when Falkirk with heaps of the fallen was cumbered, As when Gledsmuir was red with the havoc they wrought. Ah, woe worth you, Sleat, and the faith that you vowed, Ah, woe worth you, Lovat, Traquair, and Mackay; And woe on the false fairy flag of Macleod, And the fat squires who drank, but who dared not to die! Where the graves of Clan Chattan are clustered together, Where Macgillavray died by the Well of the Dead, We stooped to the moorland and plucked the pale heather That blooms where the hope of the Stuart was sped. And a whisper awoke on the wilderness, sighing, Like the voice of the heroes who battled in vain, "Not for Tearlach alone the red claymore was plying, But to bring back the old life that comes not again."

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Lady Len and the Mysterious Mac by Rose Prendeville

Brides of Chattan #2

Marriage of convenience that becomes so much more ~ Loved this book!

What I liked: * Ellen Mackintosh: quiet, hasn’t spoken (much or loudly) since childhood, has nosebleeds, focused on trying to be perfect, cossetted considered “weak” by her family, learns a lot about who she really is and what she really wants by the end of the story

* Silas MacKenzie: bigger than most, quiet, studious, brilliant, a bit of a scientist, has guilt feelings carried since childhood, loves his father, caring, kind, stuttered as a child, prefers to write than talk, made a vow in childhood that is difficult to keep…especially after marrying Ellen

* The slow burn that takes place as Ellen and Silas get to know one another

* The plot, pacing, setting and writing

* That it drew me in and made me care

* It felt true to the era and in keeping with the times

* The supporting characters and the necessary parts they played to make this story rich

* The conclusion of the book and how all the threads were drawn together and tied in a tidy knot

* Hoping there will be another book in the series

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about how selfish some people are and the pain they cause

* The pain both main characters carried from childhood

Did I Like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and Eridani Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

It was a marriage of convenience for everyone except the bride and groom. He never wanted to be a laird. She never wanted to marry one. Wee Ellen Mackintosh, sickly and quieter than a church mouse, holds a secret that even time hasn't healed. Unable to use her voice since childhood, she's not up to being lady of the castle, but her father wants a MacKenzie son-in-law. So when the giant Silas Mackenzie returns to the Highlands, both their fathers' schemes take off like runaway stallions. Too tall and broad for anyone's good, but especially his own, Silas breaks everything he touches. To appease his dying father and an increasingly rebellious clan, Si reluctantly agrees to the marriage, vowing to keep it in his kilt no less so when he sees the tiny, perfect creature they expect him to wed. Unwanted but undeniable, the spark between them burns hotter by the day, even as they try to push each other away. But can Silas fight the monsters within his clan—or at war within himself—without her? Or will Ellen finally find her voice, only to disappear forever?

[renee-writer]

My Soul Calls to You Chapter 23

AO3

“Malcolm Brian Henry Fraser!” the Laird and new father announces to those gathered. The lad was taken his first meal at his mama’s breast and his dad’s was eager to announce his name and gender to his family and tenants. Another cheer arises and more toasts are said to the latest Fraser.

After accepting many congratulations and carefully toasts, as he doesn’t wish to get drunk knowing Claire will need him, he pardons himself and heads upstairs. His arms ache to hold his new wee lad. Alex and Fergus stand at their Mama’s bedside, greeting their new brother.

“Da look!” an excited Fergus announces, “He is smiling in his sleep as we do.”

Jamie smiles at his son, ruffling his dark curls before saying, “Aye he does. Now be still and let your mama sleep. She has earned it. You two may stay in the room and sleep by the fire with your wee sister.” Both lads nod kiss their Mama’s cheek. She also smiles in her sleep. Jamie gathers up his two youngest, his chest swelling with pride. Julia Ellen and Malcolm Brian lay sleeping against him. His family is all together, his children all with him.

The years roll by, an unstoppable wave. His lads are growing into young men with Alex 12 and Fergus, 11. Julia and Malcolm are 6 and 5 respectively. The lands grow like the children, keeping their da and grandsire both busy. Jamie takes Alex, Fergus and, Wee Jamie with him as he goes about his duties as Laird. This upsets Claire a little, to see her boy being gone.

“They must learn, my love, as they are growing up.”

The many holdings of the Fraser’s are divided up by production. The lands of clan Mackenzie hold the sheep and mini cattle and where the dairy cows graze, as it is closest to the Fraser lands. The tenants that live on the border between, help with the livestock. The Chattan lands are all about the horses. Clydesdales and Friesian are bread and trained across the land. With their three children and tenants, Mary and Robert, work with the horses and oversee the studs that produce them. Studs are traded with other clans, keeping new blood in the mix. Beauly and Lallybroch are farms growing grains, beans, vegetables, and other items needs to keep the tenants feed across the vast clan lands. Whisky is also produced and is doing well.

One evening, Jamie arrives home to see his wife looking peaked. She sits on the porch awaiting him. Hurrying over, he takes a seat by her. “Sassenach, you look particularly tired, tell me your heart.”

She smiles as she leans wearily against him. “Well, my love, what are your thoughts on having another baby? Would you like to be a father again?”

Jamie’s jaw drops before he smiles. “Another wee bairn.” He hugs her and kisses her face, “Aye, but this is the last one.” Claire laughs, knowing it might not be the last.

The months went by in the way they do when waiting a new arrival, both slow and fast. Claire’s children tended to her, making sure she has all she needs. There is some advantages to having older babies while carrying another. This is especially true when Jamie takes Alex and Fergus with him to visit the Chattan lands. They go to check on the horses and to choose some to send to the English Army. He is also checking on their tenants there.

Claire smiles at the thought of her husband’s big heart, overflowing with love for all in his care, his tenants, his family, their children and, especially for her. He had been gone near on a month now and she is anxious for his and their sons return. They are due back any day.

Her pains begin as babies no nothing for their siblings and father’s schedule. With Brian at Beauly Castle, a message is sent to him to get back. He sents one to Jamie to pick him up on the way home as the baby is coming.

Two days later, her labor continues. She has hope that Jamie won’t miss the birth. He almost makes it.

Seconds after Ellen Elizabeth Janet Fraser enters the world, her father enters the bedchamber. “I have your new daughter.” Claire holds her. Her face and hair are wet with the sweat of her exertion. Jamie knows her to be the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He kisses her and the head of his new daughter before the tears come. He weeps as he holds them both.

If Claire hadn’t returned to him with Alex, he wouldn’t be holding this latest child in his arms.

Brian stands at the door taken in the sight. He smiles as he knows this will the last granddaughter he would see.

[realhist]

Lady Anne Mackintosh was a prominent figure of the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

Born Anne Farquharson in the Scottish Highlands, she later married Angus Mackintosh, the chief of the Mackintosh Clan which was itself the leading clan of the Clan Chattan confederation.

By all accounts, Anne was a firebrand of a woman, certainly not afraid to speak her mind and pursue the course of action she saw to be right.

In 1744, her husband joined the newly formed Black Watch regiment of the British army as a captain. The regiment was intended to police the Highlands, which the clans did anyway so why not take British money to do it?

In 1745, the last Jacobite Rising erupted in the Highlands with the objective of restoring by force of arms the exiled royal house of Stuart (in the form of Bonnie Prince Charlie) to the British throne.

As a captain in the British army, Angus fought on the British side, so Anne (then just 22 years old) took it upon herself to raise the clan’s warriors for the rebellion. Nearly 400 rallied to her banner, though as a woman she herself could not command them.

In February 1746, the Prince himself was hosted at Moy Hall and he later called her ‘La Belle Rebelle’ (the Beautiful Rebel). On learning the British were preparing to ambush the Prince at Moy Hall, Anne and five servants went out into the night and made such a cacophony that the British assumed the whole clan warband was nearby and retreated. This became known as the Rout of Moy Hall.

Her husband was later captured and put into her custody. She famously greeted him saying “Your servant, Captain.” He replied, “Your servant, Colonel.” Thus she became known as Colonel Anne.

After the rebellion was crushed at Culloden, Anne was arrested and later released on parole. At a ball on London, the victor of Culloden Prince William asked her to dance to a very pro-British tune. She did so and then asked if she could choose the next song. To his credit, the prince was game when she chose a blatantly Jacobite tune. This encounter seems to capture her character quite succinctly.

[cchambers]

WIP INTRO: MURKY WATERS

Genres

Fiction, New Adult, Historical Fiction, Alternate History

Rating

Teen and Up

Status

In Very Early Progress

Summary

All her life, Isla Adamson has lived by her mother’s rules and teachings, and one of them will always ring true: do not go out on the water alone. The highland community surrounding Loch Ness has plenty to be thankful for- the land, the rivers and streams coming from the Loch, and the fish from the water itself.

But the people know not to go too close, not to go too deep. And if you do fish, go in the sunlight, and go in a pair.

Or else you may not come back.

For deep underneath the surface, a barely creature thrives in hiding, its only proof of existence the ripples across the surface and the rare, deadly attacks it leaves in its wake- empty boats, clothes washing up on the shore, blood on the stones.

On the night before her older sister, Mallory’s, wedding, the creature strikes again, leaving a grievously injured Englishman on the shore, and Isla sees no choice but to bring him inside and try to save him.

Everything changes when the Englishman is revealed to be Edward Holland, son of Lord Holland- the newly created Earl of Inverness, under the English peerage- and the English king. Mallory’s new husband, the young chief of Clan Mackintosh, is less than pleased to have his newfound enemy’s son lying on Isla’s kitchen table. He wants nothing to do with the English, who he sees as occupiers on land that should never have belonged to them in the first place. And with a rebellion in the distance, he’s going to fire any shot he can- and take it.

But Isla feels a duty to Edward she can’t describe and can’t avoid, and it only strengthens as time goes on. When Edward hires her as his nurse at his father’s estate, she goes along, and finds herself torn between Edward’s world and the world outside- the Scotland that belongs to her.

Will she stay and grow closer to Edward? Does she agree with Lord Holland that the creature in the lake should be killed, or with her brother in law, who claims that the creature is property of his clan? Does she agree with Mallory, desperately trying to stay on neutral ground?

Or does she want to dive into the murky waters head first and find the answers herself?

More info under the cut!

Characters

Isla Adamson- As a young woman in the highlands, Isla is perfectly content with the life she has- helping her mother keep the house running, tending the livestock, cooking, sewing, and interacting with other women in the community. If she could, she’d spend her days singing with the ceilidh band or the women waulking wool- in Gaelic, of course. She’s not afraid to defend herself and her way of thinking, but underneath the blunt exterior, she enjoys helping people- especially her family.

Edward Holland- A young, English gentleman in the wrong place at the wrong time- and with dire consequences. He knows he will one day inherit his father’s newest title, but Edward does not want to inherit his father’s quarrels with and distaste of the Highlanders. Edward is fascinated by how freely Isla expresses her thoughts and feelings, and desolately wishes to be the same.

Helena Adamson- After her husband’s untimely death from a crime he did not commit, all Helena wants is her daughters to be safe- and that includes staying away from the English. But as a healer, she knows it’s her duty to care for Edward. And as a mother, she knows it’s her duty to help her daughter unravel the mess she has gotten herself into.

Mallory Mackintosh (née Adamson) - Soft spoken and too sweet for her own good, Mallory is the complete opposite of her younger sister. Her demeanor was what made her husband fall in love with her over any of the girls his father wanted him to marry, but can she live up to the responsibilities of being Lady Mackintosh? And she can take her husband’s side in the growing conflict between her new family, and the sister she left behind?

Chief Andrew Mackintosh, The Mackintosh- Passionate and fiery, Andrew Mackintosh goes everything his father stood for and what he wanted for his eldest son and heir. Andrew always resented his father for sending him away to be educated as well as the English, and now that he is chief, he can make sure that he and his people will share nothing in common with them- especially their land and their king. The young Mackintosh wants to bring his clan into the growing rebellion, and as the Chief of the Clan Chattan, he will get the whole of the Highlands involved if he has to.

Lord Geoffrey Holland, Earl of Inverness- Going from a mere Baron to an Earl overnight has changed Geoffrey, and not for the better. It’s only heightened the ego of the uber ambitious courtier, who claims that everything he works toward is for his family and not himself. Geoffrey was personally sent by his so-called close friend- the King- to establish power in the Highlands in the way military cannot, and he tries his best to do it not on the King’s terms, but his.

Anne Holland- Edward’s only sibling, Anne spends her time as a buffer between her brother and father, and acting as the hostess at dinners and parties. She’s thrilled when Edward comes home with Isla in tow, eager for a chance to have a new friend, no matter her social class. And as a hopeless romantic, she’s thrilled to see the connection between her brother and the Scottish nurse.

[akissatmidnight]

Wow, we certainly have a lot of readers with Scottish roots! Remember to look back at part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, and part 5 of this little series to make sure you’re not missing any of the history goodness! Let’s dive right in and see what there is to learn about some of your own, personal, clans…

Clan Nicolson

Clan Motto: Generositate- By generosity

This lowland clan came from the Norse raiders, but there are two different lines it could have originated from, although both versions were seen as early as the 800s. The name may have come from the common name “Olson” with the added “Nic”, which in Scottish Gaelic means “Daughter”, and was seen throughout the middle ages. But it also might have come to pass during the Scottish-Norwegian War in the early 1200s, when Hakkon IV of Norway sent Anders Nicolassen into Scotland, where he stayed.

While this cannot be verified, it is thought that before being the Nicolsons, they were members of Clan MacNeacail.

Clan Guthrie

Clan Motto: Sto pro veritate- I stand for the truth

Ancient

Battle

Modern

There’s no exact story of where this ancient Scottish name came from, but one of the more popular legend is that in the 800s-900s the Scottish king named a certain piece of land “Guthrie” after a poor fisherman “gut three” fish and served them for the king’s supper.

Being an old family gave the Guthries a certain level of respect. Like during the Scottish War of Independence, the Laird of Guthrie was sent to bring William Wallace to Scotland, sparking more support for the side of Scottish independence.

They were very close to the royal family throughout history, and were often given royal pardons when they wronged a rival clan. They were also often given titles, land, and certain privileges. However, that mostly ended when some of the Guthries began to take arms against the Scottish government, particularly the king, when they began to devote themselves to the Covenanter belief system in the 1630s.

Guthrie Castle was built in the mid 1400s, with various additions being added on through history. It remained in the Gustrie family until 1983. But, now it’s a lovely golf course and event area where you can even get married!

Clan Macrae

Clan Motto: Fortitudine- strength

War Cry: Sgurr uaran- refers to the highest part of the mountain range within the Clan Macrae lands.

This is an armegerous clan and the name comes from Macraith, which means “son of grace”. It is said that the clan came from Ireland and shares a common lineage with the Mackenzies and the MacLeans. However, that is under dispute.

They participated in the Jacobite Rebellion in 1715 and it went terribly. Like, everyone died, even their strongest warrior, a man named Duncan Macrae, whose claymore was taken by the English and displayed in the Tower of London for a number of years. However, the sword has been missing for years and it is thought it was lost in the fire of 1841. It is because of their failure in 1715 that they opted out of the rebellion in 1745.

At one point, their main clan rivals were the Frasers of Lovat!

Clan Nesbitt

Clan Motto: I Byd It- I Endure

Clan War Cry- A Nesbitt!

(It’s iffy what the actual Nesbitt tartan is, or if there even is one, but this one is recognized as largely being theirs. If you are a Nesbitt and know for sure what your tartan is, please let me know!)

This Scottish border clan was originally titled “de Nesbit”, as seen in historic documents from the 11 and 1200s. They were also close to the royals from the time of Robert the Bruce and enjoyed favor from time to time.

One of the most famous clan members was Alexander Nisbet. Nisbet was known as the expert on all things historic and herald. He is still regarded as the expert on Clan Nesbitt and many of his writings are still seen as valid today.

By the 17th century, the Nesbitt clan were largely royalists, and in full support of England.

The Buchanan Clan

Clan Motto: Clarior hinc honos- Henceforth forward the honour shall grow ever brighter

War Cry: Clar Innes!- Refers to an island in Loch Lomond

ancient

hunting

modern

This armigerous clan comes from the Loch Lomond area and gets their name from the parcel of land, which were given to Gilbert Buchanan in 1231. However, some members claim heraldry from ancient Irish kings, although that is widely accepted as myth.

From the time of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, the Buchanans have been supporters of the Scottish crown, and due to their allegiance in battle, were often awarded more lands and titles.

But the Buchanans didn’t just fight the British. In the 15th century, they were in many skirmishes with other clans. Particularly the MacLarens and Mackenzies. It is said that, more often than not, the Buchanans initiated these fights, battles, and sometimes executions.

The clan, as a whole, didn’t participate in any of the Jacobite uprisings. However, there were several members of the clan that actively supported the Stuart cause in 1745/46.

They have a rich history and numerous active members in dozens of national and international organizations that promote their particular history. If you’re a part of this clan, I suggest doing some looking into it!

The Dalrymple Clan

Clan Motto: Firm

This lowland armigerous Scottish clan is so small, most describe it as just a family, but it is recognized as a registered clan.

Most of history only remembers the Dalrymple name due to the act of one man, the Lord Advocate John Dalrymple. in 1603 the Union of the Crown, where King James VI took charge of both England and Scotland. However, many clans still favored the Stewart blood line and that caused years of unrest. In 1691 King William III planned to pardon all the clans, if they pledged their allegiance to him by January 1, 1692. Some clans waited for the deposed Stewart king to give his permission before making the pledge and the MacDonalds of Glencoe ended up missing the deadline. While King William wasn’t too stressed, John Dalrymple wasn’t one to wait, although he himself was Scottish. He sent troops of redcoats to the Glencoe lands, where they pretended to want hospitality. Then they slaughtered a large number of unsuspecting MacDonald men, burned their homes, and caused the death of many women and children.

Clan Brodie

Clan Motto: Unite

No one quite knows where Clan Brodie came from, but it is widely accepted that they descended from the ancient Picts. The name is so old, it’s still under debate where the name comes from, what it may mean, and even what language it originated from.

They were allies of Clan Mackenzie and they were staunch supporters of the Scottish crown. The English saw the Brodies as such a threat, Oliver Cromwell actively tried bribing and wooing Lord Bordie of Brodie to join their fight. But in 1650, Brodie told Oliver where to stick it and joined a party to fetch Scottish King Charlies II back to his throne.

In the mid 1600s, one chief, Alexander, was a real witch hater. At least two are on record as having been burned executed on his order.

Their traditional seat, Brodie Castle, was pillaged and overrun several times throughout history, but it has since been rebuilt…and it’s amazing. You can even get married there!

Clan Lamot

Clan Motto: Ne Parcas nec Spernas – Neither despise nor fear

This clan is super ancient and hails from the old Irish prince Ánrothán Ua Néill, who lived in the 500s.

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Lamonts supported the MacDougall’s claim to the throne against Robert the Bruce. At the time, they ruled a large piece of land in the highlands. But after Robert won the war, he punished the Lamonts and gave parts of their lands to the Campbells. If that wasn’t bad enough for the clan, in 1646 the Campbells decided they wanted more and took a good portion, forcing the Lamonts into a tiny corner.

Because the Campbells had the Lamonts boxed in and cut off from the world, they did not participate in any of the Jacobite rebellions, which ended up being a blessing in disguise, since they were spared afterward.

Clan Cunningham

Clan Motto: Over fork over

This is an old name, first being noted in the 6th century as “Canowan” but it was changed to the modern Cunningham in 1059. They gained most of their lands through grants from Scottish kings by fighting off Norse invaders.

They also supported the English claim to Scotland until Robert the Bruce came along and wooed them over his side. However, that didn’t last long, as by the time of the Wars of Scottish Independence, they were were back on the side of the British. They were even involved in the later Battle of Culloden. Captain Cunningham’s Company shot Grapshot at the Jacobites.

Clan McIntyre

Clan Motto: Per ardua – Through adversity

Clan War Cry: Cruachan! (the name of a mountain in their lands)

They get their name from a trade, as do many, and theirs means. It comes from the Gaelic  “Mac an t-Saoir”, which means “son of the carpenter”. It’s said that the McIntyres are descended from a man named Maurice MacNeil, a carpenter and shipwright who saved the ship, and life, of the King of the Isles (the Hebrides and the Isle of Man) Olaf the Red during a raid on the Isle of Skye. Fun, right?

This clan was known for being great bagpipers and foresters. They often joined the MacDonalds, Menzies, and Campbells in battle as their official pipers and enjoyed a very close relationship to the Campbells throughout their history.

When the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 came, the McIntryes were asked to not participate by their allies the Campbells. So, as an official body, they didn’t fight for either side. However, a large enough number joined the Stewart cause that they caught the attention of historians and generally being Jacobites.

The Irvine Clan

Clan Motto: Sub sole sub umbra virens- Flourishing in sunlight and shade

This clan comes from the High Kings of Ireland and gets their name from the Irvine lands. They really began to rise in rank and power after really helped their neighbors, Clan Bruce, put Robert on the throne. Good call for them, since they began raking in the land. I mean, at one point, William Irvine followed Robert into hiding, literally hiding in bushes from the soldiers searching for the Scottish throne claimant. And Robert the Bruce isn’t one to forget a friend, so he even gave the Irvines the clan badge with three holly bushes to remember all the good times they had together.

They were basically always on the side of the Scottish crown in all wars. They even helped ransom King James I from the English and participated heavily in the Battle of Culloden as Jacobites.

If there was one thing the Irvines hated more than a British guy coming in and telling them what to do, it was a member of Clan Keith. The two clans were constantly warring with each other, even when a Scottish king would tell them to knock off the fighting or he was turning the country around and no one would get dessert. You know when they did finally declare an official end to their feud? 2002. Only, like, 600 years since they first decided they hated each other. Talk about commitment.

Their family seat, Castle Drum, is beautiful, and also available for special events!

Clan Munro

Clan Motto: Dread God

Clan War Cry: Caisteal Folais ‘na Theine! – Castle Foulis in Flames! (Castle Floulis is their family home)

ancient

modern

The Munros are of Irish stock, hailing from a line of Irish chiefs in the 1000s. Their name translates into something akin to “Man from Ro”, referring to an area in Ireland surrounding the River Roe. They got their lands from the Scottish king for their victory against Norse invaders. That began their close relationship to the crown.

They were also known as a war clan, almost always participating in battles. This military way of living made them formidable enemies and often ensured they were on the winning side. Along with the Frasers, they even helped Mary Queen of Scots take Inverness Castle, which was thought to be impossible.

But the Munros weren’t Jacobites. in 1715, they fought for the British, which pissed the Jacobite Mackenzies off. The Mackenzies invaded the Munro lands, who then invaded their in retaliation. in the 1745 rebellion, the highlands generally hoped the Munros would join the Jacobite cause, but they stayed with the English.

Shout out to Hugh Munro, the bringer of dragonflies in amber and super spy extraordinaire!

Clan Colville

Clan Motto: Oblier ne puis – I cannot forget

The Colvilles come from ancient Norman stock, hailing from the Colville lands in Normandy. In the 1170s, a Colville was granted some land in the southern area of Scotland by William the Lion, who was then the king of Scotland.

They were a small clan that followed nobles, no matter the crown. They can be seen through history serving both the Scottish and British kings. But they usually placed their allegiance to the British crown, and retained their titles and lands because of it.

Clan Turnbull

Clan Motto: I saved the king

This clan has a fun name origin story. One tale says that during the Scottish Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce was being charged at by a giant bull. Well, this guy named William wasn’t having any of it, and tackled the beast to the ground, saving his king. He turned the bull around. Get it?

The Turnbulls kept up their namesake, as they were always ready to fight. It’s said that a man from another clan went to the Turnbulls on behalf of his chief, to ask for their support for the chief’s claim to the throne of Scotland. The Turnbulls apparent answered something like, “we don’t give a flying haggis what you politicians do, we just wanna get out there and smash some skulls!” These brass balls stayed throughout the centuries, as one modern member of the clan, James Turnbull, held the German’s at bay for 24 hours with only a machine gun during WWI.

The Paterson Clan

Clan Motto: Huc Tendimus Omnes – We all strive for this

This armigerous lowland clan gets it’s name from the Gaelic “MacGille Phadraig”, which means “son of the devotee of Saint Patrick”.

The Patersons are mega small, in the historical sense, but it’s one of the most common names in the lowlands in Scotland. Some even consider them to be a sept of the MacLarens.

Clan Davidson

Clan Motto: Sapienter si sincere – Wisely if sincerely

There are many stories of where this clan came from, but they all point to Clan Davidson being among the oldest in Scotland. But it’s generally believed that they are descendents of Gillichattan Mor, who was the first chief of the Chattan Confederation.

They were a strong fighting clan until 1370 when Clan Cameron virtually wiped them out. But their numbers rose and by the time the Jacobite Rebellions came into play, the Davidsons fought for Scotland. In the end, a great number of them were banished to the North American colonies, where they settled mainly in the mountains of North Carolina.

Names asked for, but not included: Wilson (sepf of Clan Gunn), Achmoody (not a clan, but a last name), Mollahan (not a Scottish clan, but an Irish last name), Jeffrey (sept of Clan Donald), Harbinson (Scottish or Irish last name), Maynor (a Norman/English name with Germanic roots), Irwin (sept of Clan Irvine-see above), and McCracken (sept of Clan MacNaughton).

That’s all the names I had left on my list! So, as of now, I don’t have any plans for a part 7, unless I get requests for a good number of names to do a part 7! What I do have plans for is to do a small series of in depth histories of some of my favorite clans, such as the MacGregors and MacLeods, as well as the Frasers for all you Outlander lovers out there! There also might be a history series about Scottish castles in the works, so keep coming back every weekend to see what Scottish histories and Outlander articles and quizzes we have for you. Check out all the past Outlander Saturday posts here!

Finally, do you want to treat yourself and love FREE shipping? Check out our review of several bath and body products by Bellissima Bain here and see what super cheap and amazing products the lovely owner has for you. Arlene, the owner, is currently battling breast cancer, yet still pursues her passions. Nothing more inspirational than that♥

Learn more about Kelsey’s historical romances  here and read all about Sarah’s college romance books here!

An Outlandish Clan History Part6 Wow, we certainly have a lot of readers with Scottish roots! Remember to look back at…

[mairi-mia1]

Clans with chiefs: List of tartans

Clans with chiefs

Agnew Anstruther Arbuthnott Arthur Bannerman Barclay Borthwick Boyd Boyle Brodie Broun Bruce Buchan Burnett Cameron Campbell Carmichael Carnegie Cathcart Charteris Chattan Chisholm Cochrane Colquhoun Colville Cranstoun Crichton Cumming (Comyn) Cunningham Darroch Davidson Dewar Drummond Dunbar Dundas Durie Elliot Elphinstone Erskine Farquharson Fergusson Forbes Forsyth Fraser Fraser of Lovat Gordon Graham Grant Gregor Grierson Gunn Guthrie Haig Haldane Hamilton Hannay Hay Henderson Home Hope Hunter Irvine Jardine Johnstone Keith Kennedy Kerr Kincaid Lamont Leask Lennox Leslie Lindsay Lockhart Lumsden Lyon MacAlister MacBean MacDonald Macdonald of Clanranald MacDonald of Keppoch Macdonald of Sleat MacDonell of Glengarry MacDougall Macdowall MacIntyre Mackay Mackenzie Mackinnon Mackintosh Maclachlan Maclaine of Lochbuie MacLaren MacLea (Livingstone) Maclean MacLennan MacLeod MacLeod of Lewis MacMillan Macnab Macnaghten MacNeacail MacNeil Macpherson MacTavish MacThomas Maitland Makgill Malcolm (MacCallum) Mar Marjoribanks Matheson Menzies Moffat Moncreiffe Montgomery Morrison Munro Murray Napier Nesbitt Nicolson Ogilvy Oliphant Primrose Ramsay Rattray Riddell Robertson Rollo Rose Ross Ruthven Sandilands Scott Scrymgeour Sempill Shaw Sinclair Skene Stirling Strange Stuart of Bute Sutherland Swinton Trotter Urquhart Wallace Wedderburn Wemyss Wood

Armigerous clans

Abercromby Abernethy Adair Adam Aikenhead Ainslie Aiton Allardice Anderson Armstrong Arnott Auchinleck Baillie Baird Balfour Bannatyne Baxter Bell Belshes Bethune Beveridge Binning Bissett Blackadder Blackstock Blair Blane Blyth Boswell Brisbane Buchanan Butter Byres Cairns Calder Caldwell Callender Campbell of Breadalbane Campbell of Cawdor Carruthers Cheyne Chalmers Clelland Clephane Cockburn Congilton Craig Crawford Crosbie Dalmahoy Dalrymple Dalzell Dennistoun Don Douglas Duncan Dunlop Edmonstone Fairlie Falconer Fenton Fleming Fletcher Forrester Fotheringham Fullarton Galbraith Galloway Gardyne Gartshore Gayre Ged Gibsone Gladstains Glas Glen Glendinning Gray Haliburton Halkerston Halket Hepburn Heron Herries Hogg Hopkirk Horsburgh Houston Hutton Inglis Innes Kelly Kinloch Kinnaird Kinnear Kinninmont Kirkcaldy Kirkpatrick Laing Lammie Langlands Learmonth Little Logan Logie Lundin Lyle MacAlpin(e) MacAulay Macbrayne MacDuff MacEwen MacFarlane Macfie MacGillivray MacInnes MacIver Mackie MacLellan Macquarrie Macqueen Macrae Masterton Maule Maxton Maxwell McCorquodale McCulloch McKerrell Meldrum Melville Mercer Middleton Moncur Monteith Monypenny Mouat Moubray Mow Muir Nairn Nevoy Newlands Newton Norvel Ochterlony Orrock Paisley Paterson Pennycook Pentland Peter Pitblado Pitcairn Pollock Polwarth Porterfield Preston Pringle Purves Rait Ralston Renton Roberton Rossie Russell Rutherford Schaw Seton Skirving Somerville Spalding Spens Spottiswood Stewart Stewart of Appin Stirling Strachan Straiton Sydserf Symmers Tailyour Tait Tennant Troup Turnbull Tweedie Udny Vans Walkinshaw Wardlaw Watson Wauchope Weir Whitefoord Whitelaw Wishart Young

[itshistoria]

Battlefield Relic, The Only Witness Left Standing to the Battle of Culloden

In 1746, Battlefield Relic, The Only Witness Left Standing to the Battle of Culloden. The Battle of Culloden was fought between the British Army and a Highland clan known as the Clan Chattan. The mountainous terrain made it impossible for the British to maneuver, so they deployed cannons and tried to blast a path through the defenders. They also employed cavalry to charge at the enemy. These tactics resulted in significant casualties on both sides, but the Highlanders were eventually defeated.

It is believed that one person survived the battle: a man named Donald McPherson. Although he was severely wounded, he managed to crawl back to his home, where he found his wife and children massacred by the Highlanders. The only witness left standing is Donald McPherson, who witnessed the final moments of his family's lives. He spent the next 57 years telling anyone who would listen about what happened that day. For knowing further information visit our website.

[scotianostra]

September 28th 1396 saw the "Battle of the Clans" between clans Chattan and Kay on the North Inch, Perth, in front of King Robert III.

Also called the Battle of the North Inch, this is one of my favourite stories, this was more of a "gladiatorial" contest than a battle. They even built some sort of makeshift grandstand for the King to witness it from!

The clans in the highlands of Scotland were an unruly lot. They were constantly feuding with their neighbours and regularly raiding into the low fertile lands of Moray, Perthshire, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and Stirlingshire. The king’s laws meant very little to this warlike, tribal society. In 1396, things were so bad between Clan Chattan and Clan Kay, who were forever raiding each other’s lands, stealing livestock, and burning down houses, that King Robert III sent an army north to deal with the problem. The commander of this army knew it was likely that when he marched into the mountains, his forces were in danger of being ambushed by the men of Chattan or Kay – or perhaps both clans would unite. The outcome could be the massacre of the royal army.

So, he came up with a plan and sent messengers to speak to the two warring clans with a proposal. This was a chance to sort out the problem in one day, sparing countless lives. The commander of the king’s army suggested that the two clans each send thirty men to Perth for a fight to the death on the city’s North Inch. The clan chiefs agreed and when the king heard of this plan, he was so delighted, he decided he and his court would come to Perth to watch the spectacle.

A large brightly coloured pavilion was put up for the royal party and benches were laid out for the people of Perth to sit on. The crowd waited expectedly in the warm summer sun as the skirl of the bagpipes drew closer and closer. Then dozens of warriors took up position on the inch in front of the king’s pavilion.

As the two clans lined up, a referee counted the men on both sides, but a problem was found. Although Clan Kay had thirty men, Clan Chattan had only twenty-nine. They must have miscounted before they left or lost a man on the way to Perth. Royal heralds walked amongst the crowd holding up a gold coin for anyone who would take up arms and fight for Clan Chattan. The city population murmured amongst themselves and fidgeted as the king, looking on like a Roman Caesar in the Colosseum, waited patiently. Just as it seemed no one would take up the offer of gold and Clan Chattan would have to forfeit the contest, a voice boomed from the benches: “I Sir Herald will take that coin and fight for Clan Chattan!”

The voice belonged to the city blacksmith, a giant of a man, strong and powerful. His name was Henry, better known as Hal o’ the Wynd. Hal was given a sword and took up his place amongst the Chattan clansmen.

The king gave the signal to start and arrows were fired between the two sides. Then the men, screaming their clan slogans in Gaelic, charged into the affray. The sunlight danced on sword and axe blades as they cut through the air, slicing into flesh and bone. The green grass became crimson red and sticky from the flow of blood as the screams of the wounded echoed around the inch. The referee called a halt to the battle and the two sides parted. Sweating, panting men, soaked in blood, gulped at the water given to them and used it to wash blood from slippery hands. They likely used their few minutes of rest to glance around, looking for friends or kinsmen, counting how many were still alive compared to the enemy. Wounds were quickly patched up with strips of torn cloth before the signal to fight came again.

The Chattan’s and Kay’s got stuck into each other once more. As the two sides slogged it out, it became clear that Clan Chattan were gaining the upper hand and in the end, all but one of Clan Kay perished. The sole surviving Kay jumped into the River Tay and swam to safety. Hal o’ the Wynd was said to have fought bravely. He was permitted to keep the gold coin and earned his place in Scottish history.

Please note some accounts say the Battle of the Clans was fought between Clan Chattan and Clan Cameron, but most say Chattan and Cameron.

[blairstales]

Should You Accept Gifts or Help From Fairies?

Should you accept gifts from fairies? Possibly.

There is the common story of “never accept a gift from a fairy,” and it is no wonder with quotes like these:

"In every instance, however, the benefit of the gift goes ultimately to the Fairies themselves, or (as it is put in the Gaelic expression) ‘the fruit of it goes into their own bodies’ (Theid an toradh nan cuirp fhéin). Their gifts have evil influence connected with them, and, however inviting at first, are productive of bad luck in the end. No wise man will desire either their company or their kindness. When they come to a house to assist at any work, the sooner they are got rid of the better. If they are hired as servants their wages at first appear trifling, but will ultimately ruin their employer. It is unfortunate even to encounter any of the race, but to consort with them is disastrous in the extreme." Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell (1900)

There is also the story (that I have mentioned before) where a kelpie offers to carry a man across a river, and the man would have been killed if he had not gotten away. There is even a type of fairy called the Dracæ who takes the form of treasure, only to be a trap.

However, most the stories I come across do not mention the evil that befalls someone who refuses a gift, but instead the insult that refusing a gift will bring.

"Even animals could call forth their anger; and, when they did so, they had to pay the penalty. One evening, “ atween the sin an the sky,” a man was ploughing with his “twal-ousen plew,” when a woman came to him, and offered him bread and cheese and ale. The man took the gift. Whilst he was enjoying his repast the good woman proceeded to give each of the oxen a piece of cakes. One by one the oxen took what was given, except the “wyner.” After partaking of the woman’s kindness, and she had left, the ploughman began his work again. All went on as usual till the plough reached the end of the furrow, when the “wyner,” that had refused to take the piece of cakes from the hands of the stranger, fell down, and broke his neck, as he was turning into the next furrow. The stranger was a fairy." Notes on Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland by Walter Gregor, M.A. (1881)

There are many stories of fairies who take pity on humans. For example, there is a story of a man who was freezing to death in a cattle shed in Argyll, and woke in the night to find patchwork quilts all over him. However, they were gone in the morning. A broonie had cared for him all night.

In another story ,in a glen in Argyllshire, a shepards wife went into labour. He went to go fetch the doctor, but when he returned, he found that the broonie had safely delivered the child.

There are also countless stories of fairies intervening to help poor people, such as one where a brownie gives a man a bottle that produces money.

"A smith, the poorest workman in his trade, from his inferior skill, only got coarse work to do, and was known as the “Smith of Ploughshares” (Gobhainn nan Soc). He was, besides, the ugliest man, and the rudest speaker. One day he fell asleep on a hillock, and three Fairy women, coming that way, left him each a parting gift (fàgail). After that he became the best workman, the best looking man, and the best speaker in the place, and became known as the “Smith of Tales” (Gobhainn nan sgial)." Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John Gregorson Campbell (1900)

(Illustration from “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” in The Red Fairy Book, 1890.)

There is evena storywhere a woman is cursed to die by her mother-in-laws witchcraft, and the brownie works with her husband to save her.

Then of course, we can not forget The Black Chanter of Clan Chattan which was gifted to a Macpherson piper by a fairy in love with him, the Mackay’s fairy flag, and the famous Macleod fairy flag.

So is it a bad idea to accept gifts or help from fairies? To this I can only answer: maybe.

"There is a proverb- ‘ Na diult lamh sithiche,’ ‘ Do not refuse the hand of a fairy ‘" Highland Mythology by Watson, E. C. (1908)

[boghermit]

Obsessed with these Clan Chattan crests.