Clan Macneil and Social Media

Social Media, it seems like a simple thing, right? Get on Facebook or Twitter and post something? Yes, absolutely but, like anything, there is a bit more to it. The intent of social media is to provide a way for people to ENGAGE - it may point you to a webpage or other source (an online article or printed publication, for example) but our goal is to get you talking and sharing thoughts and idea – and maybe stimulate new ones! So, bring on those “Likes”, “Follows”, and Comments!

Our Webmaster and Social Media Director, Kathi MacNeill Lafser, will work closely with The Galley editor, Vicki Corporan  to highlight key articles and content –not reproduce it, but instead help you find it. As a team, we will work with the Branch Commissioners, Membership, Quartermaster, and most other teams as well. With social media in the mix, expect to see polls, ‘questions of the week’, pictures and more ways share our Macneil heritage broadly – as you can imagine, that means we need YOU!

If you’re on social media, give us a ‘follow’ or a ‘like’ – the current platforms with links are listed at the end of this article. In the first half of 2018, we’ll focus on building our following and engagement on the existing platforms, later in the year, we’ll evaluate “where” else we should be and will take suggestions (look for a poll or survey!!). If you’re not on social media and want to be but don’t know where to start, drop me a line at cmaaSocialMediaDirector@gmail.com and I’ll see what I can do to help!

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Announcement: Clan Macneil will be Honored Clan at 2019 NEFL Games

Clan Macneil has been selected as the Honored Clan for the Northeast Florida Highland Games.  We hope as many members as possible will attend so we can show off our Macneil pride together!  Put Jacksonville, FL on your itinerary for February 2019.

Check out this video for some lovely music and this exciting announcement from the 2018 NEFL Games:

We know NEFL Highland Games would appreciate a "Like" on their Facebook and / or a "Follow" on Twitter @NEFLGames

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98th Annual General Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada

Coming Attraction!

Our 2019 Clan Macneil Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Highland Games at Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas, NV!

Nevada Commissioner, Lowell Patton is starting to set things up for our next AGM and hopes you'll plan to attend!.  Consider this your advance notice so you can begin lining up your vacation plans.  Here are some of the highlights you might consider in conjunction with the April 2019 Las Vegas Highland Games.

  • Double decker bus tour of The Strip
  • Shows at resort hotels, like the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
  • Indoor or outdoor go-kart racing
  • Garden visits like the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Springs Preserve, and the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden

Additionally, you may want to include a day trip at one of these destinations, since you're 'in the area':

  • Zion or Bryce Canyons, or the Grand Canyon
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
  • Death Valley

More deatils in the upcoming Galley!

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MacNeil Tartans and Scottish Flags

Scottish tartan is a patterned cloth made from criss-crossing bands of different colors and widths. Until the middle of the nineteenth century, the highland tartans were only associated with either regions or districts, rather than a particular clan. The colors and designs were made by local artisans using materials and dyes that were available in the local area.

It's not a stretch then that the pattern became unique to the people living in a location and then, to a particular clan or family, each with its own name and history. Tartan is most commonly associated with kilts, but can also be used to make other clothing and accessories. It is an important symbol of Scottish heritage and culture.

Clan Macneil Tartans

macneil_of_barra_ancient

Macneil of Barra Ancient Tartan

macneil-of-barra-modern-tartan

Macneil of Barra Modern Tartan

Colonsay-Gigha Ancient Tartan

Colonsay-Gigha Modern Tartan

Scottish Flags

Scottish Flag
Royal Flag of Scotland
Barra Flag

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MacNeil Crest Badges

Scottish crest badges are a way for individuals to show their allegiance to a particular Scottish clan or family. They consist of a heraldic crest (a design or symbol that sits atop a helmet) surrounded by a strap and buckle bearing the clan or family motto. The crest is often taken from the coat of arms of the clan or family, and can include elements such as animals, plants, and weapons. They are often worn on clothing, such as a sash or cap, or as a piece of jewelry. Crest badges have been used in Scotland since the 15th century and are an important part of Scottish heraldry and tradition.This post shows the Clan Macneil crest badges.

Crest Badges

The Clan crest badge is worn to show allegiance to a particular clan and chief. The crest badge usually contains the heraldic crest and heraldic motto of the chief of the clan. The Clan MacNeil crest contains: on a chapeau lined with ermine, a rock proper. The motto is buaidh no bas, which translates from Scottish Gaelic as "to conquer or die", or "victory or death".

Macneils of Colonsay distinguish themselves from the Barra branch through their own crest badge which contain: an armoured dexter arm with dagger; and the motto: vincere aut mori, which translates from Latin as "conquer or die".

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MacNeil Coats of Arms

A clan is defined as group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent.  Clans preceded more centralized forms of community organization and government, and exist in every country. There is often emblem, or series of emblems, that lend to the shared identity of the members. This post focuses on the Coats of Arms for Clan Macneil.

Coat of Arms

Both representations of the Clan Macneil Coats of Arms (COA) include the Lion Rampant and the Masted Ship.  The Lion Rampant is a nod to the Royal Flag of the King of Scotland while the masted ship represents the seafaring nature of the clan.

Shown to the right, the Macneil of Barra COA includes the castle in the water which symbolizes Kisimul Castle in Castlebay. The lower right quadrant has the Red Hand of Ulster surrounded by nine shackles representing Niall of the Nine Hostages.

The coat of arms typically attributed to clan MacNeil belongs solely to the current chief of the clan who is of Barra, shown above. The Macneil of Colonsay-Gigha do distinguish themselves with the emblem shown to the left. It does not have the shackles but instead a salmon. The salmon represents wisdom, knowledge, strength, and eternity due to their mysterious ability to return to their birthplace from the outermost ocean to spawn the next generation.

A depiction of the coat of arms is painted in the Great Hall of Kisimul Castle in Castlebay, Barra, Scotland. This representation is surrounded by other Clan Macneil symbols or position. The COA sits on a base of Clan plant badge, the Dryas,  and is held up by the lions rampant. The red velvet chapeau, lined with ermine, is symbolic of a Baron and the helmet, below the chapeau represents rank.

MacNeil Coats of Arms Read More »

Scottish Music and Dance

Bagpipes

When people think of Scottish music, their minds go to the sound of the bagpipes amidst a military tattoo or the lone piper sharing the sounds across the Highlands. As a musical instrument of war, the first mention of the bagpipes appears to date from 1549 at the Battle of Pinkie, when the pipes replaced trumpets to help inspire the Highlanders into battle. In the Scottish Lowlands, pipers were part of the travelling minstrel class, performing at weddings, feasts and fairs throughout the Border country, playing song and dance music. Highland pipers on the other hand, appear to have been more strongly influenced by their Celtic background and occupied a high and honoured position. Since the 1960s, bagpipes have also made appearances in other forms of music, including rock, metal, jazz, hip-hop, punk, and classical music, for example with Paul McCartney’s “Mull of Kintyre”, AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”, and Peter Maxwell Davies’s composition An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise.

Online Academy of Irish Music
10 Best Bagpipe Lessons Near Me 2018
North American Academy of Piping & Drumming
Eastern United States Pipe Band Association
Western United States Pipe Band Association

Scottish Drumming

Scottish drumming is a unique and demanding discipline. It borrows elements from Swiss and American rudimental drumming, traditional Scottish musical idioms, and jazz phrasings. Scottish drumming is a unique and demanding discipline. It borrows elements from Swiss and American rudimental drumming, traditional Scottish musical idioms, and jazz phrasings. The full sonority of bagpipes is not complete without the unique feel and style of the drums.

North Georgia Pipes and Drums
Free Percussion Lessons
Bodhran Tutor

Scottish Fiddle

Scottish fiddling is performed with energy, enthusiasm, and varies from region to region. There is a mention of the fiddle in documents dating 1497 so it’s not a surprise that the titles of fiddle tunes truly reflect the history and people of Scotland.

Hardanger Fiddle Assoc. of America–Teachers
Fiddler Magazine
Fiddlevideo
Fiddling Around the World

Celtic Harp

The Celtic harp is traditional to Wales, Brittany, Ireland and Scotland; in Scottish Gaelic, it is known as clĂĄrsach. There is evidence that the musical tradition of the clĂ rsach may have influenced the use and repertoire of the bagpipe.

The Harp Connection-National Teacher Directory
Clive Morley Harps Beginners Guide

Scottish Dance

Known in Gaelic as dannsa Gàidhealach, Highland dancing is a competitive and technical dance thatsome describe as based on Gaelic folk dances  infused with the conventions of ballet. The dance requires technique, stamina, and strength and is often performed to bagpipe music. Interesting fact – Highland Dance is recognized as a sport by the Sport Council of Scotland.

Discover Scottish Dancing
Scottish Dance Groups USA
Scholarship for Highland Dance
Dance Place

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Tim, Clan Armorer

Clan MacNeil Culture

Scotland’s culture can be traced back almost a thousand years and it’s just as alive today as it has ever been. From the ancient clans of the 12th century, each generation has added their own cultural thumbprint, creating a unique and vibrant country. Below are just a few links to those things that we hold dear as we explore Scottish culture as a whole. At the forefront of everything is fellowship. Come meet us at athletic events, musical competitions, traveling, or in the library researching this family that we love!

The Clan Homelands

One of CMAA’s primary missions is to support our Clan homelands, including Kisimul Castle and the Isles of Barra, Colonsay, and Gigha.  The castle is the seat of the chief of Clan Macneil, who settled in Barra in the 11th century. Kisimul is known as the ‘Castle in the Sea’ due to its location on a rock in the bay, and can be accessed by taking a five minute boat trip from Castle Bay.

Support the homelands:
Guth Bharraidh
BĂčth Bharraigh: Barra’scommunity retail outlet
Barra Bunting youtube
Barra Bunting Project
Clan Macneil of Barra Facebook

Genealogy - Lineage and Heritage

CMAA is fascinated by our history and many of our clan members are genealogy hobbyist. Our Clan Genealogist, Alissa, guides us through finding our lineage and seeking out the stories. She always has a new resources and shares her expertise with our members.  Our own genealogy page will get you started and is full of links – check it out!

CMAA Genealogy Page

Highland Games

Want to attend an event that celebrates our heritage, athletics, dance, food, music, and more? Come visit us at the Highland Games.  Meet, Jamie, CMAA Commissioner of Colorado who is showing off this year’s tent from the Pike Peak Celtic Festival. Looks like fun, right?Check out our Events page to see where else we’ll be!

CMAA at the Highland Games
CMAA Event Photos

Gaelic Language​

Aye, English is the main language of Scotland and often spoken with a heavy coat of a Scottish Gaelic accent. Scotland is proud to maintain its indigenous tongues and here are some links to learn the words and pronunciations.

Language Resources:
Scottish Gaelic Learner’s Materials on Internet
The American Scottish Gaelic Society
Scottish Gaelic Foundation of the USA
NE Georgia Gaelic Scottish Society

Traveling In and Around Scotland

Wherever you are coming from, traveling to Scotland is convenient and simple, with lots of travel options available. Once here, the country’s road, rail and ferry network provides good access to all regions and to our many great visitor destinations. We have many members who can help!

Isle of Barra
Isle of Colonsay
Isle of Gigha

Explore Argyll & the Isles
Welcome to the Outer Hebrides

Weaponry and Warfare

The history, and the evolution of arms and weapons in Scotland is not generally known. This is quite surprising, as Scotland was in many ways at the forefront of European arms development, in particular with firearms. Tim, our Clan Armorer, often seen at our tent at the Highland Games in the Southeast keeps us informed on this aspect of our history.

ScottishHistory.com
Medieval arms and armour – Wars of Independence – Scotland’s History

Scotch Whisky

Fancy a dram? According to the Scotch Whisky Association, Scotch whisky evolved from a Scottish drink called uisge beatha, which means “water of life”. You can often find us sharing a sample at our tent during the various Highland Games. Stop by and give it a try!Always supporting our homeland entrepreneurs, here are a couple distilleries we like on Barra:

Isle of Barra Distillery -Whisky
The Isle of Barra Distillers Co.

Clan MacNeil Culture Read More »

A Brief History of the Clan Macneil

Clan MacNeil claim descent from Niall, a descendant of Aodh O'Neil, twentieth in descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages the famous founder of the U'Neill dynasty of High Kings of Ireland. Niall established himself on Barra in 1049 and is considered the first chief of the Clan MacNeil.

The fifth chief, Neil MacNeil, was described as a Prince at a Council of the Isles in 1252 and aided in defeating the Norse at the battle of Largs in 1263. His son, the sixth chief, Neil Og MacNeil fought with Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn and was rewarded with lands in Kintyre.

Another branch of the MacNeils established themselves on the island of Gigha under Torquil MacNeil in 1427. After 1493 the two branches of MacNeils took opposite sides in the long running feud between the MacDonalds of Islay and the MacLeans of Duart, Barra MacNeils sided with the MacLeans while the Gigha MacNeils fought on the side of the Clan Donald.

The MacNeils were famous for their sailors and quite often for their lawlessness on the high seas. The fifteenth chief of Barra, Ruari MacNeil, was known as a "hereditary outlaw" and was dubbed "Ruari the

turbulent". He has also been described as the last of the Vikings, raiding ships of all sorts from his island fortress of Kisimul Castle. Ruari eventually had a writ issued against him by the King, was captured by his own nephews and taken in chains to Edinburgh in 1610. His son, Neil Og then became chief.

Neil Og's grandson, Roderick Dhu (the Black), led his fellow clansman at Killiecrankie fighting staunchly for the Jacobite cause. He rallied the Clan MacNeil once more to the aid of the "Old Pretender" in the Rising of 1715.

The 21st chief, General Roderick MacNeil was in economic ruin and had to sell the Island of Barra in 1838. Roderick had no children of his own and the chiefship then passed to a cousin whose line had emigrated to the New World.

In 1937 Kisimul castle and most of the Island of Barra were brought back into the family when Robert L. MacNeill, a descendant of the 22nd chief, returned from the United States, purchased most of Barra and spent his life restoring Kisimul Castle. His son, the 46th chief, is a law Professor and divides his time between Scotland and the United States.

A Brief History of the Clan Macneil Read More »

Related History

The Picts

The Picts were a mysterious warrior people of ancient Britain. According to tradition, the Picts migrated from the shores of Brittany around the 15th century BC. They sailed northward to Ireland, but were refused permission to settle there by the ancient kings of that land. However, the Picts were granted permission to settle in the northeastern part of Scotland on the condition that each Pictish king marry an Irish princess, thus providing the Irish with a colony whose rulers were of royal Irish blood. This Pictish settlement was ruled by a matriarchal hierarchy.

The Boernicians

The Boernicians, who were a mixture of Scottish Picts, Angles, and Vikings, were one of the ancient clans of the Scottish-English borderlands. Considered to be the ancient founding peoples of the north, the Boernicians inhabited the tract of rugged territory that stretches from Carlisle in the west to Berwick in the east. In the 4th century,Scotland was composed of five different kingdoms, which were each home to a different race: the Gaels, Vikings, Picts, Britons, and Angles all held land, each had their own realm.

The Vikings

The Vikings, a Scandinavian people of astounding vitality, first began their invasion of Scotland in 794. However, the first wave of mass Viking migration occurred around 888, when King Harold of Norway defeated an unruly faction of northern clans who then abandoned their homeland. In search of a new place to live, they migrated to the sea-swept Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland under the leadership of their chief, Earl Sigurd. This settlement was permitted by the Scottish king and the kings of the Isle of Man, who allowed the Viking exiles to make their homes in the Orkney and Shetland Islands in return for a payment of 20,000 shillings. ​

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