You don’t have to be Scottish to be a MacKenzie, MacDonald or Murray. The ubiquity of these names all over the world highlights just how powerful and influential these clans where in their day. Of course, there are many more clans than these! Here, however, are some suggestions of how you can explore your ancestry if you happen to have MacKenzie, MacDonald or Murray blood in you.
Clan Mackenzie has a long and powerful history. Their territory encompassed 22 square miles of incredible Highland landscapes, including the Five Sisters of Kintail which has now become popular with hillwalkers.
Inverness and the Highland Archive Centre: On the outskirts of Inverness, which often called the Highland’s capital city, visit the Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie lead his troops in the Jacobite Revolution.
Clan Donald, or MacDonald, was one of the largest clans in Scotland. They controlled most of Scotland’s west coast and called themselves “the Lord of the Isles”.
Moving south you’ll come to one of the most iconic locations in Scotland, Glencoe. The breathtaking landscape lends itself to an array of outdoor activities, but if the weather isn’t on your side then you can explore the visitor centre where you can learn more about the infamous massacre of the MacDonald clan at Glencoe in 1692.
Clan Murray was one of the most politically significant clans in Scotland, as they played an important role in Scottish independence and governance. The Murray’s main territories were over in the east and in the Highlands.
Edinburgh is a fantastic place to start the Murray journey. The National Museum of Scotland makes a brilliant afternoon out for anyone, and offers incredible insight into the Murrays and other Scottish clans.