All Things Scottish |
 An
English historian of the last century wrote, "No people
so few in number have scored so deep a mark in the world's history
as the Scots have done." Scottish people constitute a small
portion of the world's population yet their presence has been
felt like a lightning bolt. More specifically, the history of
Scotland presents a picture of oppression and survival far too
common on the world stage. Yet Scotland and its people and culture
survived, passing on traditions for the enjoyment of future
generations.
One of most distinguishing elements of Celtic and Scottish
history is Clanship. Many clans claim origination during the
reign of the Celts whose Empire, at its height stretched from
Northern Ireland to the Steppes of Russia. The origins of
the Clan systems modulate to include Celtic mythological beginnings.
Clan Donald claimed progenitorship from both Conn, a King
of Ulster ( second Century ) and the infamous Cuchulainn.
The Campbell's, on the other hand claim progenitorship from
Diarmaid the Boar. With clans like the MacGregors tracing
their roots to Gregor, the son of King Alpin who united Scotland
in 843.
The majority of clans cannot trace their origins prior to
the 11th century with most finding their roots
in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Social and political
upheaval paved the way for a clan structure to succeed. The
early battles between the Scots and the Norse in the 13th
century and the numerous northern rebellions saw many war
chiefs enter battle followed by their kinsman. The wars of
Independence fought against the English in the 14th
century encouraged Clanship as did the feudal tenures introduced
to regulate the use and ownership of land. Clans were highly
organized independent states living on one landmass. Unless
united with other clans to fight o common foe, they fought
between clans for reasons too numerous to mention here.
Under Robert the Bruce, the Chiefs of clans were given the
right to dispense justice in addition to supporting the constant
fight against English rule. Therefore the clan system can
be defined as "a product of local association, kinship
and feudalism". All of these elements were reinforced
by Scottish law and further connected, in the Highlands by
ties with the Gaelic language.
The Battle of Culloden in 1746 and the horrors of The Act
of Proscription saw the dismantling of the Highland way of
life with the outlawing of the wearing of tartan, the playing
of the pipes, the speaking of Gaelic, traditional worship
and the dismantling of the intricate and complex organizations
of the clan system.
Additionally, the agricultural improvement Act witnessed sheep
spread throughout the Highlands gnawing away at the little
that was left after Proscription. Proscription was lifted
within fifty years and the connection between kin and clan
resubmerged. Despite what can be called a romanticism surrounding
a great deal of clan associations today, the elements that
sustained clanship continue to be the ties that bind Scots
to their past and secure them steadfastly in the present.
Scottish immigration around the world results in Clanship
followings on all continents. Festivals like the Fergus Scottish
Festival and other such celebrations worldwide encourage participants
to discover their roots and find the clan to which their kinship
evolved. "Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu."
Remember the men from whom you have come. |
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