A little slice of Highland clan history

[Scott Gilmore]

I think this is the best place for this post. Moderators, please feel free to move this if there's a better place.

For several years there has been an ongoing effort to excavate the ruins of the ancient stronghold of clan Morrison (septs Gilmore, Brieve and MacBrieve) near the Butt of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The site of the dig appears to reveal an existence led by my ancestors that contrasts somewhat with that of some of the wealthier, more prominent Highland clans.

The site of the ruins shown below, is a small island that was, when in use, only reachable during low tide (as shown on the left).

..

Clearly it was an easily defensible site, hence it's use. The ruins though, seem to indicate a comparatively meager existence when compared to clan castles and fortifications of larger mainland Highland clans.

Facilitating the archeological efforts is a new foot bridge constructed with the help of the Clan Morrison Society of North America.

How they used to get there:

The digs started a few years ago and have continued each summer since. The current dig is just underway. The ruins appear to be mostly medieval or later, but some elements may be of prehistoric origin.

What stood out to me when reading about this though was the modest nature of the structures excavated. There was a relatively simple fortified structure (the "dun"), extensive protective earthworks and some accessory structures - all of which have been almost completely covered over either by nature, man, or both.

"The upper layers of the stronghold excavated at Dun Eistean have proved to be from the Medieval period. Far from being circular, as suggested by the mound now apparent on the site, the indications suggest a square tower, or keep, constructed from well-built clay-bonded walling." It goes on to say that "the variety of structures constructed in different ways suggests activity from different periods, perhaps extending back into the Iron Age."

It was not far from this spot that a patch of tartan was found back in the 1930s wrapped around a bible bricked in behind the fireplace of an old house being renovated. The bible was inscribed with the name Morrison, and dated 1748 - just after the Proscription Act forbad the wearing of tartan.

There are two variants of this red tartan. One is dated 1745 and the other 1747. The only significant difference is that the older sett has a double green central tramline; however, considering that there are only two known samples of cloth from this time, I would conjecture that if more remnants turned up, other variations - possibly entirely different tartans - would be found.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[Pour1Malt]

excellent!

ta fur that!

[Tattoo Bradley]

That's pretty interesting

[pdcorlis]

Thanks for posting this Scott - I think its always interesting to understand the real history of the highland clans.

[Scott Gilmore]

Thanks for posting this Scott - I think its always interesting to understand the real history of the highland clans.

Agreed. There are two aspects of this that I find particularly interesting. First, what we now understand as the Highland clan system is a somewhat "new" concept. Clan Morrison has only existed for about 1,000 years, but clearly my ancestors in that region have a much longer history. Also, I'm no historian, but I would imagine that the clan concept as we know it now has evolved considerably along with the use of family names.

Second, tartans as used by our ancestors were not regarded the way they are today. I read somewhere recently that very few Outer Hebrides Scots actually own a kilt or any garment made from "their" tartan. I can't attest to the accuracy of these statements, but considering the very traditional, conservative lifestyle generally attributed to the area, and from all accounts the warm, close knit nature of these Highland communities, it isn't surprising that the need simply isn't there for the pomp and tradition that many North Americans and others who no longer live in the heart of Scotland seem to find comfort in. After all, they live it every day.

Having said that, there is by all appearances a resurgence in Highland games in islands many communities. I wonder: Has the self-image of the Highland Scot been influenced by those that left - some of them hundreds of years ago?

Anyway, Carol and I plan to get a first hand look at all this some day soon (we hope). Plenty to think about though in preparation for our visit.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[macwilkin]

Having said that, there is by all appearances a resurgence in Highland games in islands many communities. I wonder: Has the self-image of the Highland Scot been influenced by those that left - some of them hundreds of years ago?

Recommended reading on this subject: Celeste Ray's Highland Heritage: Scottish Americans in the American South. (U. of North Carolina, 2000).

Cheers,

Todd

[Rex_Tremende]

I really dig the graphics, Scott. Thanks for posting - interesting links.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati.

[Cawdorian]

Some of the clans were noted for their ships and "navy", Clan Campbell had numerous longboats of different sizes, many of these were leased to the king for certains periods of time to supplement their fleets. (See "History of Clan Campbell", Vol I by Alaistair Campbell) I would also presume Clan McDonald was noted for their ships, one of the symbols on their clan badge is a longboat.

The reliance on longboats by some of the clans is not very well documented, but with the some of the clans scattered out over the islands, it would seem reasonable that longboats were a common mode of transportation.

Can any of you historians shed any light on the longboats?

[kiltedjaz]

Hi Scott.... I just found your posting today...don't know how I managed to miss it :rolleyes:
VERY interesting. The site is fascinating well worth a visit. The Western Isles must be one of my most favourite places, so barren in places but so beautiful.
Many thanks for the post.
James

[Scott Gilmore]

VERY interesting. The site is fascinating well worth a visit. The Western Isles must be one of my most favourite places, so barren in places but so beautiful.

I envy you your familiarity with that place. Someday soon ...

When I started investigating my heritage, to be honest I wasn't (and still am not) particularly interested in finding out who specifically my distant relatives were so much as the kind of life they lead, what motivated them to do the things they did. Why so many of them moved (back to) Northern Ireland, and then later on to North America, and in my family's case, on to Western Pennsylvania.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm more interested in the content of the character of my ancestors than what their names and dates of birth were. The Western Isles were the genesis of my father's family, and as such, I think may give me some clues about our past.

That search lead me to stories of Dun Eistean, the Blackhouse Village, Andrew Morrison (a.k.a. Viscount Dunrossil honorary British Consul in San Antonio, Texas), and a wealth of facinating historical society Web sites with their photo galleries* and tales of times past.

Carol and I have a dream of retiring to that part of the world. If we can swing it - and we're working hard to make it happen - we'd like to spend many years visiting and becoming intimately familiar with Ireland and Scotland. In the meantime, I find myself pleasantly immersed in the subject as often as possible.

Thanks all for the friendly conversation.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

* Nice to know us Yanks aren't the only goofy looking kilt wearers in the world. That link leads to one of my people. Yupper!