About donald

I work at ScotClans and have done since 2009. Also a student.

New Tartans from Strathmore

New Tartans from Strathmore

Mill Strathmore has commissioned its designer to create five new tartans focusing on geographical areas to highlight the diversity and richness found in Scotland’s natural surroundings. The colours of the yarn is used to represent the five different ares: Strathdon, Strathmore, Strathtay, Strathisla, and Strathtummel. Here are the stories behind each of the new and […]

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The Fyrish Monument

The Fyrish Monument

On a hill overlooking the Cromarty Firth is a striking, most un-highland monument. It is a replica of the gates of Negapatam, a port in Madras (now Chennai) in South East India. Negapatam was originally a Dutch colony, but it was won by the British in 1781. Responsible for this success was Sir Hector Munro, […]

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Clach na Bratach

Clach na Bratach

The Clach na Bratach is considered to be the most precious relic of the Clan Robertson. It is a rock crystal charm stone and was unearthed when the chief’s standard pole was pulled from the ground while on the march to Bannockburn. Since then the stone has been carried into battle by every Robertson chief. […]

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History of Kilts Worn in Battle

History of Kilts Worn in Battle

There is no documentation for the kilts we know today before 1575. There are many kilt like clothing that is worn with armour, like that a Roman soldier would wear. Or The Leine Croich or belted saffron shirt, but these are not strictly kilts. All over Scotland and Ireland in ancient times people relied on […]

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Royal Middleton Roots

Royal Middleton Roots

Gordon Casely, a heritage consultant in Aberdeen, has inadvertently discovered that Prince William was a direct descendant of a 17th century Middleton from the small town of Luthermuir in south Aberdeenshire. Mr Casely was trying to discover if William’s soon-to-be wife Kate Middleton had Scottish ancestry, when he came across John Middleton, the son of […]

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Lady Agnew of Lochnaw

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw

At the weekend, whilst trying to entertain my mum on a visit down to Edinburgh, I visited the National Galleries for the first time. There’s a great collection of artwork there, a lot of lovely pieces, but the painting that I found most striking and alluring was John Singer Sargent’s portrait of Lady Agnew of […]

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Argentina Has Highest Population of Scottish Descent Outwith English Speaking Countries

Argentina Has Highest Population of Scottish Descent Outwith English Speaking Countries

I just found out that outside of the English speaking world, Argentina has the largest number of people of Scottish descent, which I thought was pretty interesting. The Argentine-Scot population currently stands at an estimated 100,000, and has existed, at varying levels, for over 180 years. Over the years there have been some very notable […]

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World’s First Colour Photo of Tartan Ribbon

World’s First Colour Photo of Tartan Ribbon

This picture of tartan ribbon is pretty unique as it is world’s first ever colour photograph. The three colour method, which is the basis of virtually all practical colour processes, was suggested by the renowned Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell in 1855, and the photograph was then taken in 1861. Our tartan ribbon strips are […]

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