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
Bùth 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!

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.