Warfare, Whisky, and Scottish Adventure

 

Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other
by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

From their faithful camper van to boats, kayaks, bicycles, and motorbikes, join stars of Outlander Sam and Graham on a road trip with a difference, as the two Scotsmen explore a land of raw beauty, poetry, feuding, music, history, and warfare.

These unlikely friends begin their journey in the heart of Scotland and travel to Inverness and Culloden battlefield. Along the way they discover the complexity, rich history and culture of their native country--and a cast of highland characters--in this story of friendship, self-discovery, and, of course, whisky. 

History buffs will be mesmerized by the details as we hear tales of Clan Wars dating back to the 14^th century, the Jacobite Uprising, and learn all about the features of a great whisky. Chapter Four of the book is titled “Scotland Was Born Fighting” and that really is the key point throughout the history of Scotland and its retellings. You may even recognize the words of this famous poem about this idea:

Lament for the Old Highland Warriors by Robert Chambers (January 1835)

Oh, where are the pretty men of yore,

Oh, where are the brave men gone,

Oh, where are the heroes of the north?

Each under his own grey stone.

Oh, where now the broad bright claymore,

Oh, where are the truis and plaid?

Oh, where now the merry Highland heart?

In silence for ever laid.

Och on a rie, och on a rie,

Och on a rie, all are gone,

Och on a rie, the heroes of yore,

Each under his own grey stone.

One of the most notable stops along the tour is a visit to Drumossie Moor, site of the Battle of Culloden. It was here that on April 16^th, 1746 that while the Scots were under the command of Bonnie Prince Charlie they were decimated by the English troops. It was the end of the Jacobite uprising, but the most devastating loss was to the culture as it resulted in the end of the Highland clans and way of life: the victorious British punished the Scots by banning the wearing of plaid and tartan, and the weapons and symbols of Highland culture.

Outlander Season 1

The world first “met” Clanlands co-author Sam Heughan in the role of Jamie Fraser on the Outlander tv series and instantly fell head over heels for the muscular Scot in tartan. Graham McTavish portrayed Dougal, Jamie’s uncle, and warchief of Clan Mackenzie. So much history! (And of course the handsome Scotsmen don’t hurt.) There are multiple seasons already on DVD, so there are hours of adventure awaiting you!

Outlander (Book 1) by Diana Gabaldon

While you don’t have to be an Outlander fan to enjoy Clanlands, you just might enjoy the book series the show is based on. They are full of history, romance and adventure that are sure to have you returning for more. Outlander follows Claire Randall as she is transported from 1945 back to 1743 and is thrown into the Jacobite uprising. She soon learns that her only chance of safety lies with Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. As the story continues, Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.

The Outlander series has inspired many to dig into their family history and rediscover their heritage, as well as learn about the rich history of Scotland. In fact, since the show debuted in 2015, Scotland tourism has reportedly increased by 225%! After you’ve done a bit of reading (or maybe before) try this Ultimate Scottish quiz and see how your knowledge of Scottish history stacks up.

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Have you been inspired by a book to dive into the history behind it? Have you taken the leap into digging up your own heritage? What have you learned?