I see here in the comments the unquenchable thirst of Americans of Scottish descent to cling to their Scottish roots. It's a pride that never diminishes no matter how many generations from Scotland that we are. My own family who left Scotland over a 100 years ago still gather each year in a common place in the states or Canada to celebrate our history and customs.
Sadly, I've ran into Scots in the motherland who take offense to Americans encouraging their Scots heritage. I tell them I'm an American Scot an there's nothing that will ever change that. Thompsons, McKinnons, an Gibsons. 🏴
Great Video. Here on Tyneside all those border names you mention are extremely common. Myself I have a Scottish Gaelic surname. Both sides of my parents being of Irish and Scots origin.
Yup, those strong Border names span right across the border of Scotland and England, showing how it was, in many ways, a unique area. Kind regards, Gordon
Really enjoyed your talk Gordon, I am a Laidlaw, another Border family name, My Gran was a Mac Gregor, we came out to NZ in the 50's to start a new life ,but my father made sure we understood Scottish history for which I am very grateful.
Gordon, may I say your telling of this particular tale warmed my heart. As an Armstrong myself, I knew much of the Jonny Armstrong saga etc. Nonetheless, the very clear light you shine on the Border Rievers truly captured my imagination. Thanks again for a super episode in the history of the people of that wonderful land - Scotland.
There were also Bells in Gilsland on the English side of the border. In the 1500s and 1600s, they had ties with their Middlebie cousins. The raiding party which rescued Kinmont Willie Armstrong from the Carlisle Castle Gaol is identified as having four Bells, including our Chief William Bell called "Redcloak" of Blackethouse. Kinmont Willie and William Bell were said to be brothers-in-law. Im a Bell we traced our Genes all the the way back to Dumfries kirckonnel
Amazing how the Scottish Border people have spread around the Globe. I am happy to say I have known several of the Bell Clan both in South Africa and now again in Australia. Currently the musical Director of the Jazz Big Band whom I perform with here in Mebourne, is a Bell. @@CharlieBell-lr1zx
I’m an Armstrong in the US grew up in southern ny and family from north eastern pa.. always loved hearing the ballads of Johnny Armstrong and Kinmont Willie so cool to see that it wasn’t just some made up stories from my grandfather but real ballads. Thanks for the this video! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻Invictus Maneo!!!
Gordon, I love your videos. I learn a lot from it. You asked for the word reevers how its related to german and dutch. I am german. Our word for reevers in standard german is Räuber. It is close to the english robber. But in plattdütsch, the german dialect in the north, its called Rover, which is more close to the dutch and Old English. All the best for you.
Interesting is the old word Rover for Reiver. One of the old words for a pirate was a Rover, hence one of the pirate flags being called a Red Rover and a red flag being the sign of the mutineers at the Nore, also adopted by the Labour Party.
Thank you so much for making this video. About 2 years ago I discovered my father's line came from the Elliott (Eliot), Scott & Douglas Reiver Clans. It took me awhile to find out about these clans & their activities but eventually I found a good book with information, along with a Facebook Group dedicated to the Border Reiver Clan Families. I was able to obtain more information and have discussions with other descendants. It was great to finally get to converse with others from the same Border Reiver families! Our Scots-Irish Reiver Clan ancestors inter-married (the Scott & Douglas Famiies to my Irish Toland/O'Toole line) in hopes of settling some long standing feud's. Eventually, several of them (my direct ancestors) all immigrated to America. I am presently doing research on these lines and where they settled and what became of them. One thing I find very ironic is that my father & his 3 older brothers were always "scrappers" as my grandmother called them. These men were small in stature but not afraid of anything or anyone! I have heard the stories of my grandfather (in defense of his sons) willing to take on men twice his size. My father was also a skilled horseman when he was younger (which is a trait I also inherited). So, guess the Apple does not fall far from the tree - I think that rebellious nature carried on thru our DNA and that 'Reiver Spirit' still lives on to this day in my father (age 83), my brother & my nephews, who are all fiercely independent! I don't often find anyone discussing the Reiver Clans (either no one knows about them or they are a 'taboo' subject so I GREATLY appreciate your discussion and insight on this topic. I had read about the 'Black Douglas' before but I think I need to research him more. Thanks for renewing my interest. One day when I was telling my aunt about our Border Reiver Family History, she said "Well it explains alot, we always knew we were a bunch of hoodlums, guess it's now in writing"!! She is a funny lady, lol
Very interesting, Shawn! It's good you've managed to find out so much information. I agree, the Border Clans aren't spoken about much, even here in Scotland. People in the Borders are still very keen on horses and there are many fine horsemen and women there. I don't know if you've ever visited the area but each town every year has its own 'Common Riding' which is a festival re-affirming the town's boundaries (marches). They are hugely popular, and important, events in the local history of each town and taken very seriously. At most of them there will be a procession of mounted men and women through the town. One of the oldest ones is in the town of Selkirk, which with 300-400 riders, is one of the largest cavalcades of horses and riders in Europe. It is a great sight to see! Kind regards, Gordon
Interesting post, Bell here and on Clan Bell's website we were related to the Douglas's (Black Douglas)and the Maxwell's. James VI drove us out with the Plantation to Ulster, but some went to Glasgow. William "Redcloak" Bell of Blackethouse chose to leave Scotland for Ulster or hang, he left. The family joke here was we were murderers and horse thieves. My Grandfather Bell never wanted to say anymore about it.
I so enjoyed your program. I am a descendent of the Grahams of the Borders. What you said about their strength and resilience touched me deeply because I have seen it in my own family. A strong but a proud lot that I come from. Some would say contentious at times but faithful to family and kin. Thank you.
A very nice talk about the Borders. I live in the North East of England and have the pleasure of visiting Scotland quite often, passing through many of the places you have mentioned. Your words will add extra meaning.g to these visits.
What an intriguing world my ancestors lived in. Thank you for your dedication to bringing this rich history to us. I have learned much from watching this. John Gordon
I'm a Robinson, my great-grandparents from Hamilton. My children are descended from Lord Thomas Cochrane from their mother's side so there's an interesting mix there. Many of my Grandfather's siblings moved to America in the 1800s and it is interesting to note that the family colouring ( fair hair and blue eyes) seems to be well-spread throughout not withstanding which Continent we live (I live in Australia as do my children) and which admixtures we have all through marriage. As an interesting anecdote, I was reading a history of the Reivers in the Appalachians and it was said the first thing the English would build was a church, the first thing the Germans would build was a barn and the first thing the Reivers (Scotch-Irish) would build was a still (whisky!). Apparently, upon the ending of the War of Independence, Washington led a large army into the mountains and had a mini-civil war with our 'kith and kin' in order to enforce the payment of duty. Cheers - The Robinsons (some of them anyway). PS really enjoyed your talk, thank-you.
I am from clan YOUNG. I saw in another video that they lived along the southeast border with the Kerr Clan. When I did a database search for the surname young in Scotland today, the highest population was still in the same area. Great video, thank you!
Thank you Gordon I am so pleased I found your You Tube Scottish History!! Loved your stories and "asides" about the Border Clans. I do have some Douglass relatives here in Canada - your stories give me a real insight into some of their characteristics! They are/were very much "Wild Westerners" here in Canada! You are so easy to listen to - making History come alive along with "Outlander" books and series!! Thank You again - I will certainly recommend your series to other History buffs! (My clan is Campbell - found out not to mention it around the MacDonalds!)
Carol Reid, my ancestors are Henderson who were bodyguards to the MacDonald’s and in fact 22 Henderson’s were killed in the Glencoe Massacre carried out by the Campbells. I went on holiday to Scotland 4 years ago and visited the MacDonald monument and Henderson Stone in Glencoe.
I loved watching this video. I am an Armstrong in the USA, and descended from "Johnnie of Gilnockie" according to information we have traced back. There are Grahams, Elliots, Halls, and probably a few other border clan names in my family tree.
Thank you Gordon for your wonderful informative video. My male ancestors married ladies from the families of Bell, Armstrong, Carruthers, and Little so I'm a bit of a Scottish / Australian heinz lol I'm going to share your video with my Canadian Scottish cousin and my Scottish cousin from Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland so they to may understand more about the border Reivers My ancestors immigrated to Australia in 1839 as free settlers to help develop the Colony, hence why I was born here in Australia. Their cousin and his family also immigrated to the USA and went on to settle in Canada. So our family lives on centuries later.
That's really interesting to know, Sandra, thanks! Glad you find the videos helpful. Kind regards to all your family (wherever they are in the world!) from Scotland. Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 Thank you for illuminating so much an era drowning in the glow of legend, and also thank you for helping people connect, like Sandra and I here, with a little bit of shared lineage, both of us thousands of miles removed in either direction from the ancestral homeland! It's so incredibly special, told with such compassion.
So interesting! I love your comparison to the wild west...both producing such characters and legends, as well as very strong and determined people. Thank you for a great episode. You should teach Scottish history!!
Thanks, Marianne, glad you enjoyed it! I had planned to be a history teacher but decided against it on the grounds I didn't think I had the necessary patience!! Kind regards, Gordon
Yes, I think you're right, Wendy. Maxwell is a very well known Border Clan. Their ancient seat of Caerlaverock Castle is a great place to visit! Kind regards, Gordon
Yes, very important Clan, Gary. As I said to Wendy, their ancient seat, Caerlaverock Castle, is a fantastic castle and a great place to visit. Kind regards, Gordon
My "Scott" family are in the Appalachia region Pennsylvania and West Virginia in America. Thank you for making this. I alsobhavevIrushbfrom same region " Connelly" .
Thank you Gordon for your videos. It really is helping bring together things I heard from my dad growing up; one were the stories of those eternal feuds.. I'm a Bell in the U.S. grew up in Pennsylvania. Recently have become interested in my Scottish history and what a treasure trove!
Thanks for the interesting history. My mother was a Douglas. Her grandparents emigrated to Australia. Just learning now about my heritage in regards Scotland. Cheers.
Thank you Gordon for sharing a little piece of a personal side of our unique contribution to history and how we helped a young nation find it's way to make America something great .
As a Scotch Irish American who traces her roots to Clan Home I found this piece particularly interesting. Thank you for such a well presented historical piece.
Very nice historic perspective. I visited Scotland and the borderlands two years ago. I traced my heritage back to Thomas Dickson, Son of Richard of clan Keith and his mother was a Douglas. I visited the site of the battle for Castle Douglas where my ancestors took part and was a friend to Sir James. Thank you for your knowledge.
Descendant of Douglas here! Came to the American colonies around 1750. my 4th great grandmother was the last Douglas in the tree, having trouble tracing her exact line. gets confusing... lol. thank you so much for your work.
@@gordonsscotland8441 I'm in the hills of Arkansas. I also have McEntire, Ferguson Cane, MacQuater and Gibson and probably a few more mixed in my ancestry.
All of us with border surnames, who are proud Scots or proud English need to remember that our riever ancestors were not proud Scots and proud English.😊
thank you. i have been trying to understand all my scottish ancestors , robert the bruce and james douglas is now understand those. still looking to how the gordons, frasers, stewarts and grant fit into the history of scotland. plus many more clans.
Insightful, informative and honest discussion of Border Reiver history. Can you provide a link to the video you reference at 37:30? I greatly appreciate and enjoy your work. West March Border Reiver descendant: Preston Beatty
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. The West March covered parts of what are today called the Scottish Borders region, and also part of what is now called Dumfries & Galloway (basically not the Galloway part). I've pasted below links to my videos on both of these areas. Hope you enjoy them! Kind regards, Gordon Scottish Borders ua-cam.com/video/06VCbthwm2U/v-deo.html Dumfries & Galloway ua-cam.com/video/3A343i5bujo/v-deo.html
Thank you for this video! Great job. I am a Johnston clan descendent. We definitely have a wild and a cynical side. I’d rather be left alone and despise being dictated too. However, being left to our own devices can also be dangerous. 😂
Rather than the wild west, what came ro mind for me in similarity was the Appalachian mountain family feuds. The most famous of these was the McCoys and the Hatfields, where it started with the disputed theft of a pig and went on for several generations with many deaths by raid and by execution.
I am a Bell by birth and a favorite Aunt of mine was a Hatfield and yes one of those Hatfields who married a Bell we all lived in southern Pennsylvania.
Maybe you could make an argument that it was a bit of both, the debatable lands I think really could be fairly characterized as an ungoverned area in much the same way the ever shrinking American frontier was, but with the exception that the agents of this crucible weren't the lone and wild cowpunchers, bad men, vaqueros but the organized but still wild clans and families that were effectively self organized military units that got up to things like blackmail and reiving. In that last regard, a comparison can potentially be made to Sicily and the genesis of the Costa nostra.
@Gordon's Scotland hi just done a dna test and looks like I'm from the borders down my mother's line and a possibility of being linked to gilnokie do you know of any good Armstrong ancestor research folks in the borders in very eager to trace it back many thanks
My family names besides Bell are McVey, McClarigan, Hanna, and Ross. The Ulster Scots moved to Pennsylvania in great numbers because they were warlike and settled here to be Indian fighters.
Thank you for the well constructed information. I’m a Rutherford learning about my ancestry and family history. Currently reading Steel Bonnets, it’s fascinating to me how my ancestors survived such a harsh way of life for so long.
My name is Bruce Rutherford and I have visited the burial place of my ancestors in Jedburgh abbey. But since I live in New York, it’s not easy for me to find information about my Scottish ancestry. I would appreciate hearing from any Rutherford’s out there who might read this! My address is 1700 York Avenue, Apt. 5-k, New York, NY, 10128, USA. My phone number is 212-996-1347 and my email is bosphorus2@icloud.com though I can’t always guarantee that that the email will function! By the way, does anyone know how to get in touch with Gordon?
You’re probably going to be looking for Parish Records. Have a look at the official Scotlands People website as I think they have information on how you can do this. Good luck! Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks, hope you're enjoying the videos! Sorry I haven't been posting any new ones recently but been incredibly busy. Hopefully soon! Kind regards, Gordon
in canada i come from clan gray two of my bestfriends are elliott and johnstone, i also know some croziers and nixon, douglas is also my middle name and has been passed down as a first or middle name for generations
One point you might not fully realize is that once the Ulster Scots immigrated, mostly to the Philadelphia area, they gradually traveled down the trail known as the Warrior’s Path and split off on not one, but four trails depending on their planned destination. They settled these areas for a time, but some left often individually, becoming the long hunters of the Rockies and the vanguard of settlement of the American west. I am a McColloch, who mostly settled in the upper Ohio Valley, but one of the ancestor’s neighbors Billy Dixon’s way west is well documented in his memoirs. Billy is one of very few to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor as a civilian and is credited with what is still one of the longest sniper shots of all times with his Sharp’s rifle.
You just popped up on my feed and glad am I.... Moved to Scotland and Glasgow from Sweden in 2001, funny thing is that one of the friends that I made has family in Sweden and another has a daughter there. Plus, one of my old friends in Sweden, is the 4th generation Scot living there, MacLean if I remember correctly.... I got Magnus Magnusson's book on Scotland as a gift and I loved it, need to read it again I think.... The book Clan Battles: Warfare in the Scottish Highlands by Chris Peers is on my shopping list and I'm always looking for more, as I never get tired of learning about Scotland and its history.... Needless to say, watched, liked and subscribed! 🍻
@@gordonsscotland8441 You're very much welcome, my pleasure! That is true, a lot more than I ever imagined before moving here.... I think that the founder of the Swedish Salvation Army was a Scot....if I remember correctly plus one of the universities. 🤨🤔 There's a video (or videos) for you to make all the connections between Sweden (Scandinavia) and Scotland....😉 Looking forward to watch many more of your videos! 🤜🏻🤛🏻🍻
Excellent channel, thank you. Could you please explain to me if there is a difference in Mac vs Mc spelling? Could you also explain the McGregor proscription and finally the history of the East India Company in regards to Scots? Thank you so much for such a depth of information.
Thanks, Delma, glad you're enjoying the channel! 1. This is the question I am most asked, and despite all the sayings to the contrary, there is NO difference between the spellings. 'Mc' is just an abbreviation of 'Mac' so it just comes down to personal preference which version you choose to use. 2. Use of the name MacGregor was proscribed by King James VI in 1603, with no one being allowed to use it under pain of death. This followed a long period of brutal unrest, especially with Clan Campbell, with the Clan MacGregor name becoming associated with lawless activities. The proscription came about after two excessively violent (even for the MacGregors!) actions - first they killed a representative of the King, chopped his head off, and had every clansman swear on the decapitated head they had been involved. Then they had a battle with the Colquhouns of Luss, where many men of the Colquhouns were slain. Such was life in the Scottish Clans! 3. The East India Company was an English company set up in 1600 to trade with India and other parts of East Asia. Scots were not able to participate. However, one of the great benefits of the Treaty of Union in 1707 was it allowed Scots merchants access to English colonies, markets and companies. As a result, Scots started moving to India and gradually became the dominant force in the East India Company. And not only the East India Company. The first three Governor-Generals of India were Scots, as were many civil servants, officers and soldiers. They also were very strong amongst private merchant companies. Hope this helps! Kind regards, Gordon
I also love these video's and I have done extensive research which is very interesting and makes me proud of my Scottish heritage. My father used to go to the town of Moffat every year until his Alzheimer's has taken over..
Moffat is a lovely wee town, David! Formerly a centre for the wool trade and a spa town during the heydays of spas, it is surrounded by the beautiful green hills of Annandale with the fresh clean waters of the River Annan flowing through it. I have spent many a great time in Moffat! If you haven't already had the chance to visit yourself, you should try to do so. If it's still trading have lunch in the Black Bull! Kind regards, Gordon
Possibly you could have covered the parlours economic circumstances of the Scottish and English borders regions such as poor lands for farming, limited access to markets, rude winters, and so forth as reasons for the need for raiding for stock and goods to supplement low returns from local meat and domestic trades. The more hospitable and fertile lands were and are north and south of the border territories. Even today Scottish and English farmers cannot manage to install decent farm gates.
It's a very valid point, Michel, but the argument about poor farming land does apply to many other parts of Scotland - we are not blessed with fine arable land in most parts of the country. Similarly, poor access to markets is a major problem, even now, for Scotland in general...and I'm afraid 'rude winters' applies to us all! Thanks for your comment. Kind regards, Gordon
Being from a Border family myself, I think it should be said that the Borders never had Clans. Clans were a Gaelic Highland phenomena. The Borders had 'Families' or 'Grains' as they were also known. They existed on both sides of the border between Scotland and England. Borderers were loyal to their name. My family are Kerrs and Watson's, but we have family from both sides of the border, as do many border families. There is also no such thing as a border tartan, unless you include the black and white shepherds plaid. All other Border and Lowland tartans are inventions of the Victorians, but more specifically, the Sobieski-Stuart brothers.
My grandmother on my fathers side are the Kerr’s. My great great grandfather moved himself and his family to Canada and settled in a Scottish settlement in Ontario. My father is a Chalmers, both proud border family’s. Thank you for your information!
Absolutely correct in all you say, Jaques. I lived in the Borders for a while and they never referred to their families as 'clans' - but their attachment to their family name is just as strong. However, many people abroad like to use the phrase 'clan' to describe their family. Your point about the tartans applies to many (if not all!) of the tartans in Scotland. Watch my video about Scottish Clans where I try (gently) to advise that the modern day view of clans is all, largely, an invention of the 19th century. Kind regards, Gordon
Plenty of border Revier descendants all through America anymore, Coast to Coast. I myself am descended from the Johnson/Johnston/Johnstone clan, whichever one of those you care to use, as they all refer to the same clan. Your video was great, and completely accurate-thank you! One other point of mention, the Johnston clan were also regarded as some of the best horsemen in all of Scotland. When King James subdued the Johnstone, the worst of them he had executed. The next worst of them, he thought weren’t beyond hope of being rehabilitated, he sent to Ulster to learn to be peaceful farmers on the plantations; I descend from this bunch. The remainder were able to stay there on their lands. The border Reviers were ostensibly of a religion, but in actuality, weren’t really spiritual at all, but rather occupied with daily life and survival. Once King James took control of them, they were anglicized; the Presbyterian Scott’s developed farther North, and some remained Catholic. Those sent to Ulster were routed into the Church of England. I’m pretty sure the Johnston bunch in Ulster were there to tame and rehabilitate them, but I do know there were some border Revier clans that the King used to police the Ulster region…Gordon, do you have any information as to what clans did this? Once again, great video!
I have no specific knowledge on that, Rand. The settlers were all required to maintain arms and attend an annual 'muster' (a bit like colonists in the USA), so I suppose if there were a large contingent from a specific Border family in one part of Ulster, they would then be seen as policing the area. Prowess in horse riding is still a large part of Borders heritage. If you ever get the chance, try and visit a Borders 'Common Riding.' These take place in all the main Scottish Borders towns every year, and feature large contingents of mounted riders! It's a great sight to see! Kind regards, Gordon
My family is 100% Appalachian and nearly 100% Scotch-Irish. Been able to trace lines to Oliver’s, Armstrong’s, and Elliot’s so far. The Border Reiver history is probably my favorite part of late-medieval/ modern British history.
Could you please do a small film about Common Riding in the Borders . My grandmother was an Elliott , half her family emigrated to Canada , at the moment I live in Cheshire but looking at property around Duns and I’m researching all I can about the Borders as I feel a huge kinship to this area and can’t explain why …..must be in the DNA somewhere …..I also have horses and funnily enough ride with a flame haired lassie called Armstrong, another Border family . The history of Common riding and tradition is fascinating.
I would love to do a video on that subject! We lived for while in the Borders and have often participated in Common Ridings. They are great events, not just for the social side, but for historical and family associations. You can literally feel centuries of history coursing through the air at these events! The whole Borders area is a lovely part of Scotland, so I wish you well if you choose to live there. If you look at my Facebook page you will see a short post about a recent visit I made to the Borders as a guest of Clan Young - the weather was lovely, and the countryside was looking marvellous! Kind regards, Gordon
This is fascinating! My maiden name is Young and my married name is Glenn. I’ve traced both back quite far, but would love to learn more! Do you have any recommendations for me? Thank you!
The Young clan originated in the Scottish Borders. Have a look online for Clan Young - they have quite a lot of info on the origins. The Glenn clan was also from the Borders and was a part of the mighty Clan Douglas, I think. So, you’re a Borders Lass! Kind regards, Gordon
I am so glad that I found your channel. Thank you very much for this information. I am doing research for a book that I am writing about my family. Do you know if the Dunn family were involved in the borders and if, what role have they played> Regards.
Hi Tom. The surname Dunn mostly appears to come from the Angus part of Scotland, although the surname 'Dunne' is listed in the list of 74 Border surnames held in the Carlisle Museum, so it could be that was a variant. Kind regards, Gordon
I'm from the Appalachian Mountains of the US. You are correct about the influence of the Scotts and Irish in the area. Names that appear in my genealogy are Johnson, Farrell, Jarrell, and Callahan.
No mention of the Lockerbie Lick - the famous battle between the Johnstons (by the way, careful to pronounce the "t") and the Maxwells? My grandfather used to tell me the story of it far more than I asked him to. I always like to tease anyone I meet named Maxwell by saying, "I'm a Johnston, no hard feelings about Lockerbie I hope" and see how up they are on their history. Of course, most aren't.
My family is Border Clan Home /Hume. Like to hear more what is known. We have family buried in Village if Gordon. My branch went to become known as missionaries of India around 1790
An ancient and very powerful family, David. Descended, I think, from Saxon princes of Northumberland, they ensured they were always a force to be reckoned with. In recent times, Sir Alex Douglas-Home was prime minister of the UK in the nineteen sixties. Gordon is a lovely village! Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks for the video Gordon.My ancestors didn’t get on well with the Maxwells.I hope they don’t hold a grudge about the little skirmish at Dryfe Sands.
I have been able to trace my husband's heritage back to Bo'Ness in the late 1700's. What you describe about fighting for family more than anything describes my father-in-law. And he was at least a third generation American. I have heard that the Thomson surname was on a Boarder Reiver curse a couple of times.
I suppose the more apt comparison is not to the mythical "Wild West" of the 19th century, but to the Borderers transplanted to the 18th century backcountry of America where they practiced the same clan based border wars with the same kind of clan based warriors in the Native Americans from 1713 all the way to the beginning of the 19th century, in addition to clawing at each other in the first American civil war, that in the backcountry South of 1775 to 1783.
Both very strong names in Scotland. I don't think there are rivers named after them. There is no difference between Thomson and Thompson. Just a slight change in spelling over the centuries. Kind regards, Gordon
Was the Young Surename from another clan ? I've have found they go back as far as 1271. I've also found a map that says they were from the area between jedburgh, Roxburgh and Kelso. I was wondering if they had formed this clan from multiple families. Love the content Gordon. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Oh yeah almost forgot to add I've found George Young of Scotland came to Novia Scotia (New Scotland) in 1774.
Read The Book The Steel Bonnets. My Grandmothers maiden was Elliott but far as know, not from Scottish borders her mother's father was Joesph Deans from Westruther in Berwickshire
I am a Maitland by marriage. Apparently all Maitlands are descended from Earl Lauder from the border town of that name . You can visit Thirlestane Castle to this day
Thanks, Julia. Lauder is a lovely Borders town, and well worth a visit. The Black Bull is a very well known hostelry! And indeed a visit to Thirlestane Castle would be very interesting, I think it is open during the summer months. You may get to meet the current owner Captain Maitland-Carew! Kind regards, Gordon
Yes, its the same thing, Jeremy. Traditionally a short knife worn in the top of your socks, but also can be larger and hung from the belt. Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you from east Tennessee. I'm a Massingale. I am in the process of getting my Big Y 700 dna testing. From what we already have learned, our families were from Clan Robson. Is there more specific information on this clan. If it helps, we believe Clan Robson were allies with Clann Gunn. Thanks for the treasure of information, sir.
I wish I could find more about clan Hall. However they were one of the smaller lesser known border reiver families and there is virtually nothing written about them.
Hi Justin. That's a shame, it is very well known name here in Scotland. There is, I believe, a Clan Hall Society who may be able to assist you in your research. Good luck! www.clanhallsociety.org Kind regards, Gordon
I see here in the comments the unquenchable thirst of Americans of Scottish descent to cling to their Scottish roots. It's a pride that never diminishes no matter how many generations from Scotland that we are.
My own family who left Scotland over a 100 years ago still gather each year in a common place in the states or Canada to celebrate our history and customs.
You try telling an american Elliott that he is actually from a southern English family, originally from Brittany.
Sadly, I've ran into Scots in the motherland who take offense to Americans encouraging their Scots heritage. I tell them I'm an American Scot an there's nothing that will ever change that. Thompsons, McKinnons, an Gibsons. 🏴
Im part of the Johnstone Clan myself, definitely a boarder Clan, proud and we are still strong😊 Thankyou for sharing.
I grew up in Northumberland and the list of rieving families was like being back at school hearing the register being called
There's a long history of family names on both sides of the Border, Calum! Kind regards, Gordon
same here dads family from Newcastle and Sunderland 4 border reiver names in close family.
Great Video. Here on Tyneside all those border names you mention are extremely common. Myself I have a Scottish Gaelic surname. Both sides of my parents being of Irish and Scots origin.
Yup, those strong Border names span right across the border of Scotland and England, showing how it was, in many ways, a unique area. Kind regards, Gordon
Really enjoyed your talk Gordon, I am a Laidlaw, another Border family name, My Gran was a Mac Gregor, we came out to NZ in the 50's to start a new life ,but my father made sure we understood Scottish history for which I am very grateful.
Glad you enjoyed the video, Glynis. That was good your father gave you a love of Scottish history! Kind regards, Gordon
Gordon, may I say your telling of this particular tale warmed my heart. As an Armstrong myself, I knew much of the Jonny Armstrong saga etc. Nonetheless, the very clear light you shine on the Border Rievers truly captured my imagination. Thanks again for a super episode in the history of the people of that wonderful land - Scotland.
Thanks, Charles. Glad you found it helpful and interesting! Kind regards, Gordon
My grandmother was an Armstrong.
There were also Bells in Gilsland on the English side of the border. In the 1500s and 1600s, they had ties with their Middlebie cousins. The raiding party which rescued Kinmont Willie Armstrong from the Carlisle Castle Gaol is identified as having four Bells, including our Chief William Bell called "Redcloak" of Blackethouse. Kinmont Willie and William Bell were said to be brothers-in-law.
Im a Bell we traced our Genes all the the way back to Dumfries kirckonnel
Amazing how the Scottish Border people have spread around the Globe. I am happy to say I have known several of the Bell Clan both in South Africa and now again in Australia. Currently the musical Director of the Jazz Big Band whom I perform with here in Mebourne, is a Bell. @@CharlieBell-lr1zx
I learned something about some of my ancestors today. Scotts and Johnsons are in my family tree. Thank you!
Well known Borders names, Donna! Kind regards, Gordon
Scott here, aye.
I’m an Armstrong in the US grew up in southern ny and family from north eastern pa.. always loved hearing the ballads of Johnny Armstrong and Kinmont Willie so cool to see that it wasn’t just some made up stories from my grandfather but real ballads. Thanks for the this video!
💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻Invictus Maneo!!!
My pleasure, James, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
Invictus maneo
I’m also an Armstrong 💪✝️⚔️
My maternal grandmother was an Armstrong!! Invictus Maneo!!!
Gordon, I love your videos. I learn a lot from it. You asked for the word reevers how its related to german and dutch. I am german. Our word for reevers in standard german is Räuber. It is close to the english robber. But in plattdütsch, the german dialect in the north, its called Rover, which is more close to the dutch and Old English. All the best for you.
Thanks so much for helping out on this point! Its so interesting to learn about the links in old words and phrases! Kind regards, Gordon
Schöne Grüsse aus Nordrhein-Westfalen.
The Borders families were broken up, and we are now all over the world. I am aware of verz distant cousins in Hamburg.
Interesting is the old word Rover for Reiver. One of the old words for a pirate was a Rover, hence one of the pirate flags being called a Red Rover and a red flag being the sign of the mutineers at the Nore, also adopted by the Labour Party.
Thank you so much for making this video. About 2 years ago I discovered my father's line came from the Elliott (Eliot), Scott & Douglas Reiver Clans. It took me awhile to find out about these clans & their activities but eventually I found a good book with information, along with a Facebook Group dedicated to the Border Reiver Clan Families. I was able to obtain more information and have discussions with other descendants. It was great to finally get to converse with others from the same Border Reiver families!
Our Scots-Irish Reiver Clan ancestors inter-married (the Scott & Douglas Famiies to my Irish Toland/O'Toole line) in hopes of settling some long standing feud's. Eventually, several of them (my direct ancestors) all immigrated to America. I am presently doing research on these lines and where they settled and what became of them. One thing I find very ironic is that my father & his 3 older brothers were always "scrappers" as my grandmother called them. These men were small in stature but not afraid of anything or anyone! I have heard the stories of my grandfather (in defense of his sons) willing to take on men twice his size. My father was also a skilled horseman when he was younger (which is a trait I also inherited). So, guess the Apple does not fall far from the tree - I think that rebellious nature carried on thru our DNA and that 'Reiver Spirit' still lives on to this day in my father (age 83), my brother & my nephews, who are all fiercely independent!
I don't often find anyone discussing the Reiver Clans (either no one knows about them or they are a 'taboo' subject so I GREATLY appreciate your discussion and insight on this topic. I had read about the 'Black Douglas' before but I think I need to research him more. Thanks for renewing my interest.
One day when I was telling my aunt about our Border Reiver Family History, she said "Well it explains alot, we always knew we were a bunch of hoodlums, guess it's now in writing"!! She is a funny lady, lol
Very interesting, Shawn! It's good you've managed to find out so much information. I agree, the Border Clans aren't spoken about much, even here in Scotland. People in the Borders are still very keen on horses and there are many fine horsemen and women there. I don't know if you've ever visited the area but each town every year has its own 'Common Riding' which is a festival re-affirming the town's boundaries (marches). They are hugely popular, and important, events in the local history of each town and taken very seriously. At most of them there will be a procession of mounted men and women through the town. One of the oldest ones is in the town of Selkirk, which with 300-400 riders, is one of the largest cavalcades of horses and riders in Europe. It is a great sight to see! Kind regards, Gordon
Interesting post, Bell here and on Clan Bell's website we were related to the Douglas's (Black Douglas)and the Maxwell's. James VI drove us out with the Plantation to Ulster, but some went to Glasgow. William "Redcloak" Bell of Blackethouse chose to leave Scotland for Ulster or hang, he left. The family joke here was we were murderers and horse thieves. My Grandfather Bell never wanted to say anymore about it.
Well a possible glendinning fought and was gifted lands by Douglas near the border. Clan male line no longer I hear.
"They'll be moonlight tonight, the Scotts are out!" Stay well cuz
I so enjoyed your program. I am a descendent of the Grahams of the Borders. What you said about their strength and resilience touched me deeply because I have seen it in my own family. A strong but a proud lot that I come from. Some would say contentious at times but faithful to family and kin. Thank you.
My pleasure, Mary! Kind regards, Gordon
Ne Oublie
My ancestry goes back to the Douglas clan, thank you for this show
Very strong Border family! Kind regards, Gordon
mine too, Cheers
Hello cousin! I’m a Pringle 😊
A very nice talk about the Borders. I live in the North East of England and have the pleasure of visiting Scotland quite often, passing through many of the places you have mentioned. Your words will add extra meaning.g to these visits.
Glad you enjoyed it, Kevan, and that you will continue to enjoy visits to the Borders. It's a lovely region. Kind regards, Gordon
What an intriguing world my ancestors lived in. Thank you for your dedication to bringing this rich history to us. I have learned much from watching this. John Gordon
I'm a Robinson, my great-grandparents from Hamilton. My children are descended from Lord Thomas Cochrane from their mother's side so there's an interesting mix there. Many of my Grandfather's siblings moved to America in the 1800s and it is interesting to note that the family colouring ( fair hair and blue eyes) seems to be well-spread throughout not withstanding which Continent we live (I live in Australia as do my children) and which admixtures we have all through marriage.
As an interesting anecdote, I was reading a history of the Reivers in the Appalachians and it was said the first thing the English would build was a church, the first thing the Germans would build was a barn and the first thing the Reivers (Scotch-Irish) would build was a still (whisky!). Apparently, upon the ending of the War of Independence, Washington led a large army into the mountains and had a mini-civil war with our 'kith and kin' in order to enforce the payment of duty. Cheers - The Robinsons (some of them anyway). PS really enjoyed your talk, thank-you.
I am from clan YOUNG. I saw in another video that they lived along the southeast border with the Kerr Clan. When I did a database search for the surname young in Scotland today, the highest population was still in the same area. Great video, thank you!
Thank you Gordon I am so pleased I found your You Tube Scottish History!! Loved your stories and "asides" about the Border Clans. I do have some Douglass relatives here in Canada - your stories give me a real insight into some of their characteristics! They are/were very much "Wild Westerners" here in Canada! You are so easy to listen to - making History come alive along with "Outlander" books and series!! Thank You again - I will certainly recommend your series to other History buffs! (My clan is Campbell - found out not to mention it around the MacDonalds!)
Well I'm a MacDonald on my Mum's side, Carol, but we won't let that come between us! Glad you're enjoying the videos! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 LOL For Sure! Keep up the good work. History has never been so interesting!
Carol Reid, my ancestors are Henderson who were bodyguards to the MacDonald’s and in fact 22 Henderson’s were killed in the Glencoe Massacre carried out by the Campbells. I went on holiday to Scotland 4 years ago and visited the MacDonald monument and Henderson Stone in Glencoe.
Hi cousin! Don't mention it around The MacGregor's either 😉🙄🤣 Cheers!
I loved watching this video. I am an Armstrong in the USA, and descended from "Johnnie of Gilnockie" according to information we have traced back. There are Grahams, Elliots, Halls, and probably a few other border clan names in my family tree.
Glad you enjoyed the video, David. I well remember visiting Gilnockie Tower many years ago! Kind regards, Gordon
Glad you enjoyed the video, David. I well remember visiting Gilnockie Tower many years ago! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you Gordon for your wonderful informative video.
My male ancestors married ladies from the families of Bell, Armstrong, Carruthers, and Little so I'm a bit of a Scottish / Australian heinz lol
I'm going to share your video with my Canadian Scottish cousin and my Scottish cousin from Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland so they to may understand more about the border Reivers
My ancestors immigrated to Australia in 1839 as free settlers to help develop the Colony, hence why I was born here in Australia.
Their cousin and his family also immigrated to the USA and went on to settle in Canada. So our family lives on centuries later.
That's really interesting to know, Sandra, thanks! Glad you find the videos helpful. Kind regards to all your family (wherever they are in the world!) from Scotland. Gordon
Joseph Todd Carruthers, here. Pleased to meet you! This is why these kind of videos are so special!
@@gordonsscotland8441 Thank you for illuminating so much an era drowning in the glow of legend, and also thank you for helping people connect, like Sandra and I here, with a little bit of shared lineage, both of us thousands of miles removed in either direction from the ancestral homeland! It's so incredibly special, told with such compassion.
So interesting! I love your comparison to the wild west...both producing such characters and legends, as well as very strong and determined people. Thank you for a great episode. You should teach Scottish history!!
Thanks, Marianne, glad you enjoyed it! I had planned to be a history teacher but decided against it on the grounds I didn't think I had the necessary patience!! Kind regards, Gordon
Fantastic recounting of Scotish history and its close connection to the forming of America. Excellent video!
Excellent my friend. We are still here in Appalachians . The DNA is still going strong as described.
Keep it going! Kind regards, Gordon
Right over the border in Upstate SC too!
Thank you for mentioning Clan Maxwell. One-time Warders of the Western Marches.
My grandmother was a Dunwoody and I believe they fell under the Maxwell's guardianship.
Yes, I think you're right, Wendy. Maxwell is a very well known Border Clan. Their ancient seat of Caerlaverock Castle is a great place to visit! Kind regards, Gordon
Yes, very important Clan, Gary. As I said to Wendy, their ancient seat, Caerlaverock Castle, is a fantastic castle and a great place to visit. Kind regards, Gordon
didn't clan maxwell have feuds going with many other reiver families.
@@gordonsscotland8441The word "Caer" is an old Brythonic one, I believe.
Gordon, I love learning about Scottish history from you! :-D
That makes me very happy, Laura! I hope I can continue to help you learn more about Scotland! Kind regards, Gordon
My "Scott" family are in the Appalachia region Pennsylvania and West Virginia in America. Thank you for making this. I alsobhavevIrushbfrom same region " Connelly" .
Thoroughly enjoyed this! We're colorful! Thank you, Gordon.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you Gordon for your videos. It really is helping bring together things I heard from my dad growing up; one were the stories of those eternal feuds.. I'm a Bell in the U.S. grew up in Pennsylvania. Recently have become interested in my Scottish history and what a treasure trove!
Keep enjoying it, there’s a lot to learn! Kind regards, Gordon
I'm an Ellett and read that it's another spelling of Elliott. We are taller though. Do you have info on this or know where I can find it?
@@nikkithomas6576 hello, another spelling is elot
@@helenelliott2375 thank you
@@nikkithomas6576 you are so welcome
Super episode Gordon... 12th great-grandfather - William Kerr, born Ferniehirst Castle 16 May 1562.. Thank You So Very Much...
My pleasure, Terry. Glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks for the interesting history. My mother was a Douglas. Her grandparents emigrated to Australia. Just learning now about my heritage in regards Scotland. Cheers.
Glad you found it useful! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you Gordon for sharing a little piece of a personal side of our unique contribution to history and how we helped a young nation find it's way to make America something great .
Glad you enjoyed it, John. The Scottish Borderers played a huge role in history, often overlooked! Kind regards, Gordon
I have enjoyed learning so much. You are the only one to mention my clan name Crozier.
Glad it was useful, Gloria, and I'm glad I mentioned your clan! Kind regards, Gordon
As a Scotch Irish American who traces her roots to Clan Home I found this piece particularly interesting. Thank you for such a well presented historical piece.
Thank you very much, Charlotte, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon
I am with you. Kerr here.
Thanks again Gordon. That’s where my people came from the shire of kirkcudbrightNice to see you back.
Kirkcudbright is a lovely town, Mike! Kind regards, Gordon
Thx u Gordon I did not know That
Very nice historic perspective. I visited Scotland and the borderlands two years ago. I traced my heritage back to Thomas Dickson, Son of Richard of clan Keith and his mother was a Douglas. I visited the site of the battle for Castle Douglas where my ancestors took part and was a friend to Sir James. Thank you for your knowledge.
Don't forget Clan Carruthers. Thank you for this. Not many know about the border reivers.
Indeed, Ethan. The story of the Border Clans needs to be protected and preserved for future generations! Kind regards, Gordon
Joseph Todd Carruthers, here, very pleased to meet you! I just love that he did this for this exact reason!
Border Reivers AND Jacobites...full of trouble we were, eh? 😂
Family history is such a fascinating thing.
that you so much mr.gordon
Thanks for mentioning my family and namesake.
Famous name, John! Kind regards, Gordon
Could benefit from a clearer font on map.
Also showing topography good explain the territories of clans.
Descendant of Douglas here! Came to the American colonies around 1750. my 4th great grandmother was the last Douglas in the tree, having trouble tracing her exact line. gets confusing... lol. thank you so much for your work.
Very famous and powerful Scottish name! Kind regards, Gordon
I’m an Armstrong here in the U.S.A.
A fine border name! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441
I'm in the hills of Arkansas. I also have McEntire, Ferguson Cane, MacQuater and Gibson and probably a few more mixed in my ancestry.
I’m an Armstrong , one of the most powerful border reiver clans. ⚔️🏴⚔️ Invictus Maneo
Being of Clan Bell, English cattle are very nice. Not sure which Sept I come from as we are also connected to Clan MacMillian.
All of us with border surnames, who are proud Scots or proud English need to remember that our riever ancestors were not proud Scots and proud English.😊
Burn, neither am I right now 😅
And we ride
thank you. i have been trying to understand all my scottish ancestors , robert the bruce and james douglas is now understand those. still looking to how the gordons, frasers, stewarts and grant fit into the history of scotland. plus many more clans.
There's plenty to research and find out about, Joe! Enjoy! Kind regards, Gordon
Insightful, informative and honest discussion of Border Reiver history.
Can you provide a link to the video you reference at 37:30?
I greatly appreciate and enjoy your work.
West March Border Reiver descendant:
Preston Beatty
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. The West March covered parts of what are today called the Scottish Borders region, and also part of what is now called Dumfries & Galloway (basically not the Galloway part). I've pasted below links to my videos on both of these areas. Hope you enjoy them! Kind regards, Gordon
Scottish Borders ua-cam.com/video/06VCbthwm2U/v-deo.html
Dumfries & Galloway ua-cam.com/video/3A343i5bujo/v-deo.html
Thank you for this video! Great job. I am a Johnston clan descendent. We definitely have a wild and a cynical side. I’d rather be left alone and despise being dictated too. However, being left to our own devices can also be dangerous. 😂
well said.
Rather than the wild west, what came ro mind for me in similarity was the Appalachian mountain family feuds. The most famous of these was the McCoys and the Hatfields, where it started with the disputed theft of a pig and went on for several generations with many deaths by raid and by execution.
A very good analogy! Thanks very much. Kind regards, Gordon
I am a Bell by birth and a favorite Aunt of mine was a Hatfield and yes one of those Hatfields who married a Bell we all lived in southern Pennsylvania.
Maybe you could make an argument that it was a bit of both, the debatable lands I think really could be fairly characterized as an ungoverned area in much the same way the ever shrinking American frontier was, but with the exception that the agents of this crucible weren't the lone and wild cowpunchers, bad men, vaqueros but the organized but still wild clans and families that were effectively self organized military units that got up to things like blackmail and reiving. In that last regard, a comparison can potentially be made to Sicily and the genesis of the Costa nostra.
They tell me there is a large home there north of town owned still by the herons. Hope to visit one day soon.
I think the name Heron originates from Normandy in France, Mike, but yes a Border Reiving Clan! Kind regards, Gordon
@Gordon's Scotland hi just done a dna test and looks like I'm from the borders down my mother's line and a possibility of being linked to gilnokie do you know of any good Armstrong ancestor research folks in the borders in very eager to trace it back many thanks
My family names besides Bell are McVey, McClarigan, Hanna, and Ross. The Ulster Scots moved to Pennsylvania in great numbers because they were warlike and settled here to be Indian fighters.
I think the Scots-Irish were pretty warlike wherever they settled, Patricia! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you
Glad I found this channel. Elliott with a little Pringle mixed in here.
Proud Border names, Scott (and your first name!). Kind regards, Gordon
Great content. Much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed it, Robert! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you for the well constructed information. I’m a Rutherford learning about my ancestry and family history. Currently reading Steel Bonnets, it’s fascinating to me how my ancestors survived such a harsh way of life for so long.
My name is Bruce Rutherford and I have visited the burial place of my ancestors in Jedburgh abbey. But since I live in New York, it’s not easy for me to find information
about my Scottish ancestry. I would appreciate hearing from any Rutherford’s out there who might read this! My address is 1700 York Avenue, Apt. 5-k, New York, NY, 10128, USA. My phone number is 212-996-1347 and my email is bosphorus2@icloud.com though I can’t always guarantee that that the email will function! By the way, does anyone know how to get in touch with Gordon?
Scottish Borderers are a very robust people, even today! Enjoy the book. Kind regards, Gordon
NEC SORTE NEC FATO Rutherford Kin folk in the comment section! Did your folks go to Belfast like mine did?
I too am a proud Rutherford descendant. The borders have a warm place in my ♥️
I'm an Irwin/Irving an NPE from clan Bell, i would like to know how i can access records from
the 15th century in Dumfries
You’re probably going to be looking for Parish Records. Have a look at the official Scotlands People website as I think they have information on how you can do this. Good luck! Kind regards, Gordon
I’m Johnstone. This is very interesting and inspiring 🏴
I’ve never met a Maxwell I liked. Now I know 😂😂😂
Glad you enjoyed it! Johnstone is a very strong Borders name. Kind regards, Gordon
Spoken like a true horse thief.😊
Thank you Gordon for this fine presentation! I’m happy I found you and now subscribed. 🏴
Thanks, hope you're enjoying the videos! Sorry I haven't been posting any new ones recently but been incredibly busy. Hopefully soon! Kind regards, Gordon
in canada i come from clan gray two of my bestfriends are elliott and johnstone, i also know some croziers and nixon, douglas is also my middle name and has been passed down as a first or middle name for generations
One point you might not fully realize is that once the Ulster Scots immigrated, mostly to the Philadelphia area, they gradually traveled down the trail known as the Warrior’s Path and split off on not one, but four trails depending on their planned destination. They settled these areas for a time, but some left often individually, becoming the long hunters of the Rockies and the vanguard of settlement of the American west. I am a McColloch, who mostly settled in the upper Ohio Valley, but one of the ancestor’s neighbors Billy Dixon’s way west is well documented in his memoirs. Billy is one of very few to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor as a civilian and is credited with what is still one of the longest sniper shots of all times with his Sharp’s rifle.
Thanks very much for adding this extremely interesting information! Kind regards, Gordon
Love the vid. My 4 clans are Armstrong, Campbell, Hastings and Stewart. The last 2 of royal lineage
Very strong ancestry! Kind regards, Gordon
You just popped up on my feed and glad am I....
Moved to Scotland and Glasgow from Sweden in 2001, funny thing is that one of the friends that I made has family in Sweden and another has a daughter there.
Plus, one of my old friends in Sweden, is the 4th generation Scot living there, MacLean if I remember correctly....
I got Magnus Magnusson's book on Scotland as a gift and I loved it, need to read it again I think....
The book Clan Battles: Warfare in the Scottish Highlands by Chris Peers is on my shopping list and I'm always looking for more, as I never get tired of learning about Scotland and its history....
Needless to say, watched, liked and subscribed! 🍻
Thanks very much! Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Many Scots have links to Sweden, a largely unknown fact in Scotland! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441
You're very much welcome, my pleasure!
That is true, a lot more than I ever imagined before moving here....
I think that the founder of the Swedish Salvation Army was a Scot....if I remember correctly plus one of the universities. 🤨🤔
There's a video (or videos) for you to make all the connections between Sweden (Scandinavia) and Scotland....😉
Looking forward to watch many more of your videos! 🤜🏻🤛🏻🍻
My family and I are all from the Appalachian mountains. My great grand was an Armstrong.
Strong Border name, James!
Hi Gordon any info on clan Duncan
Excellent channel, thank you. Could you please explain to me if there is a difference in Mac vs Mc spelling? Could you also explain the McGregor proscription and finally the history of the East India Company in regards to Scots? Thank you so much for such a depth of information.
Thanks, Delma, glad you're enjoying the channel!
1. This is the question I am most asked, and despite all the sayings to the contrary, there is NO difference between the spellings. 'Mc' is just an abbreviation of 'Mac' so it just comes down to personal preference which version you choose to use.
2. Use of the name MacGregor was proscribed by King James VI in 1603, with no one being allowed to use it under pain of death. This followed a long period of brutal unrest, especially with Clan Campbell, with the Clan MacGregor name becoming associated with lawless activities. The proscription came about after two excessively violent (even for the MacGregors!) actions - first they killed a representative of the King, chopped his head off, and had every clansman swear on the decapitated head they had been involved. Then they had a battle with the Colquhouns of Luss, where many men of the Colquhouns were slain. Such was life in the Scottish Clans!
3. The East India Company was an English company set up in 1600 to trade with India and other parts of East Asia. Scots were not able to participate. However, one of the great benefits of the Treaty of Union in 1707 was it allowed Scots merchants access to English colonies, markets and companies. As a result, Scots started moving to India and gradually became the dominant force in the East India Company. And not only the East India Company. The first three Governor-Generals of India were Scots, as were many civil servants, officers and soldiers. They also were very strong amongst private merchant companies.
Hope this helps! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 Thank you Gordon, very much appreciated.
I also love these video's and I have done extensive research which is very interesting and makes me proud of my Scottish heritage. My father used to go to the town of Moffat every year until his Alzheimer's has taken over..
Moffat is a lovely wee town, David! Formerly a centre for the wool trade and a spa town during the heydays of spas, it is surrounded by the beautiful green hills of Annandale with the fresh clean waters of the River Annan flowing through it. I have spent many a great time in Moffat! If you haven't already had the chance to visit yourself, you should try to do so. If it's still trading have lunch in the Black Bull! Kind regards, Gordon
Possibly you could have covered the parlours economic circumstances of the Scottish and English borders regions such as poor lands for farming, limited access to markets, rude winters, and so forth as reasons for the need for raiding for stock and goods to supplement low returns from local meat and domestic trades. The more hospitable and fertile lands were and are north and south of the border territories. Even today Scottish and English farmers cannot manage to install decent farm gates.
It's a very valid point, Michel, but the argument about poor farming land does apply to many other parts of Scotland - we are not blessed with fine arable land in most parts of the country. Similarly, poor access to markets is a major problem, even now, for Scotland in general...and I'm afraid 'rude winters' applies to us all! Thanks for your comment. Kind regards, Gordon
Being from a Border family myself, I think it should be said that the Borders never had Clans. Clans were a Gaelic Highland phenomena. The Borders had 'Families' or 'Grains' as they were also known. They existed on both sides of the border between Scotland and England. Borderers were loyal to their name. My family are Kerrs and Watson's, but we have family from both sides of the border, as do many border families. There is also no such thing as a border tartan, unless you include the black and white shepherds plaid. All other Border and Lowland tartans are inventions of the Victorians, but more specifically, the Sobieski-Stuart brothers.
My grandmother on my fathers side are the Kerr’s. My great great grandfather moved himself and his family to Canada and settled in a Scottish settlement in Ontario. My father is a Chalmers, both proud border family’s. Thank you for your information!
Absolutely correct in all you say, Jaques. I lived in the Borders for a while and they never referred to their families as 'clans' - but their attachment to their family name is just as strong. However, many people abroad like to use the phrase 'clan' to describe their family. Your point about the tartans applies to many (if not all!) of the tartans in Scotland. Watch my video about Scottish Clans where I try (gently) to advise that the modern day view of clans is all, largely, an invention of the 19th century. Kind regards, Gordon
Glad you enjoyed it, Lillian! Kind regards, Gordon
Graynes
I enjoyed this very much, Thank you
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. Kind regards, Gordon
Plenty of border Revier descendants all through America anymore, Coast to Coast. I myself am descended from the Johnson/Johnston/Johnstone clan, whichever one of those you care to use, as they all refer to the same clan. Your video was great, and completely accurate-thank you! One other point of mention, the Johnston clan were also regarded as some of the best horsemen in all of Scotland. When King James subdued the Johnstone, the worst of them he had executed. The next worst of them, he thought weren’t beyond hope of being rehabilitated, he sent to Ulster to learn to be peaceful farmers on the plantations; I descend from this bunch. The remainder were able to stay there on their lands. The border Reviers were ostensibly of a religion, but in actuality, weren’t really spiritual at all, but rather occupied with daily life and survival. Once King James took control of them, they were anglicized; the Presbyterian Scott’s developed farther North, and some remained Catholic. Those sent to Ulster were routed into the Church of England. I’m pretty sure the Johnston bunch in Ulster were there to tame and rehabilitate them, but I do know there were some border Revier clans that the King used to police the Ulster region…Gordon, do you have any information as to what clans did this?
Once again, great video!
I have no specific knowledge on that, Rand.
The settlers were all required to maintain arms and attend an annual 'muster' (a bit like colonists in the USA), so I suppose if there were a large contingent from a specific Border family in one part of Ulster, they would then be seen as policing the area.
Prowess in horse riding is still a large part of Borders heritage. If you ever get the chance, try and visit a Borders 'Common Riding.' These take place in all the main Scottish Borders towns every year, and feature large contingents of mounted riders! It's a great sight to see! Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 Thank you Gordon! Hope to see that someday.
All the best to you.
Rand
Ready!!!
My family is 100% Appalachian and nearly 100% Scotch-Irish. Been able to trace lines to Oliver’s, Armstrong’s, and Elliot’s so far. The Border Reiver history is probably my favorite part of late-medieval/ modern British history.
Just ROAR!!!!!!! He is so gentle , this fellow!! I love his energy. But sometimes he triggers the Meeeeeeeow!
Is that good or bad, Samantha?? Kind regards, Gordon
Enjoyed!!!
Enjoying the video
That's good! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you, Gordon. Patrick Gordon
My pleasure, Patric. Kind regards, Gordon
Gordon, I seem to remember reading somewhere, that when the Rutherfords lost their clan chief, they then joined in with the Hume clan. Am
I mistaken?
Could you please do a small film about Common Riding in the Borders . My grandmother was an Elliott , half her family emigrated to Canada , at the moment I live in Cheshire but looking at property around Duns and I’m researching all I can about the Borders as I feel a huge kinship to this area and can’t explain why …..must be in the DNA somewhere …..I also have horses and funnily enough ride with a flame haired lassie called Armstrong, another Border family . The history of Common riding and tradition is fascinating.
I would love to do a video on that subject!
We lived for while in the Borders and have often participated in Common Ridings. They are great events, not just for the social side, but for historical and family associations. You can literally feel centuries of history coursing through the air at these events!
The whole Borders area is a lovely part of Scotland, so I wish you well if you choose to live there.
If you look at my Facebook page you will see a short post about a recent visit I made to the Borders as a guest of Clan Young - the weather was lovely, and the countryside was looking marvellous!
Kind regards, Gordon
This is new information for me! Thank you. Is this data a available for purchase?
My pleasure, Larry! Kind regards, Gordon
Great thank you. Very informative.
Glad it was helpful, Coni! Kind regards, Gordon
This is fascinating! My maiden name is Young and my married name is Glenn. I’ve traced both back quite far, but would love to learn more! Do you have any recommendations for me? Thank you!
The Young clan originated in the Scottish Borders. Have a look online for Clan Young - they have quite a lot of info on the origins.
The Glenn clan was also from the Borders and was a part of the mighty Clan Douglas, I think.
So, you’re a Borders Lass!
Kind regards, Gordon
@ Wow! Thank you!!
I am so glad that I found your channel. Thank you very much for this information. I am doing research for a book that I am writing about my family. Do you know if the Dunn family were involved in the borders and if, what role have they played> Regards.
Hi Tom. The surname Dunn mostly appears to come from the Angus part of Scotland, although the surname 'Dunne' is listed in the list of 74 Border surnames held in the Carlisle Museum, so it could be that was a variant. Kind regards, Gordon
@@gordonsscotland8441 Thank you!!
I have Dunn from Lanarkshire in my family background and have found the clan history as small border clan further east
@@tanaadams7793 Thank you.
I'm from the Appalachian Mountains of the US. You are correct about the influence of the Scotts and Irish in the area. Names that appear in my genealogy are Johnson, Farrell, Jarrell, and Callahan.
Thanks for the info, Charity! Kind regards, Gordon
Interesting.Thank you.
My pleasure, Ward. Kind regards, Gordon
Awesome😮
Loving this history!!
That's great, Ann! Sorry I haven't been posting any new ones recently but been very busy. Hopefully soon! Kind regards, Gordon
Happy to find your channel!
That's good, Bob! Hope you enjoy the videos. Kind regards, Gordon
A descendant of the land clearances MacPherson/Cecil.. did not know they were a border clan . thanks for the post..🍺🇦🇺
No mention of the Lockerbie Lick - the famous battle between the Johnstons (by the way, careful to pronounce the "t") and the Maxwells? My grandfather used to tell me the story of it far more than I asked him to. I always like to tease anyone I meet named Maxwell by saying, "I'm a Johnston, no hard feelings about Lockerbie I hope" and see how up they are on their history. Of course, most aren't.
Funny because most the Johnstons I meet know nothing about it... but I live in the states..so...
My family is Border Clan Home /Hume. Like to hear more what is known. We have family buried in Village if Gordon. My branch went to become known as missionaries of India around 1790
An ancient and very powerful family, David. Descended, I think, from Saxon princes of Northumberland, they ensured they were always a force to be reckoned with. In recent times, Sir Alex Douglas-Home was prime minister of the UK in the nineteen sixties. Gordon is a lovely village! Kind regards, Gordon
Thanks for the video Gordon.My ancestors didn’t get on well with the Maxwells.I hope they don’t hold a grudge about the little skirmish at Dryfe Sands.
Well the battle took place in 1593, David, so one would hope that everyone would have got over it by now. But you never know...! Kind regards, Gordon
We want our cattle back..😃
I have been able to trace my husband's heritage back to Bo'Ness in the late 1700's. What you describe about fighting for family more than anything describes my father-in-law. And he was at least a third generation American. I have heard that the Thomson surname was on a Boarder Reiver curse a couple of times.
Strong men, Jennifer! Kind regards, Gordon
I suppose the more apt comparison is not to the mythical "Wild West" of the 19th century, but to the Borderers transplanted to the 18th century backcountry of America where they practiced the same clan based border wars with the same kind of clan based warriors in the Native Americans from 1713 all the way to the beginning of the 19th century, in addition to clawing at each other in the first American civil war, that in the backcountry South of 1775 to 1783.
my great grandfathers were Douglas from Inverness and thompson. were they rivers and what's the diff with thompson and Thomson? great stories btw
Both very strong names in Scotland. I don't think there are rivers named after them. There is no difference between Thomson and Thompson. Just a slight change in spelling over the centuries. Kind regards, Gordon
rivers...oops I meant reivers@@gordonsscotland8441
Merry Christmas from Sweden! 🎄
Do you know something about a place called Balram?
Merry Christmas from Scotland. I’m afraid I don’t! Kind regards, Gordon
Just wondering,
Are the people ( Planters) that were sent to Ireland from here ( the area you are talking about) ?
Many Scots emigrated to Ulster to farm the land, Daniel, but a significant number did come originally from the Scottish Borders. Kind regards, Gordon
The youngs were also?
Indeed, Applelonia, the Young's were well known Border family. Kind regards, Gordon
Was the Young Surename from another clan ? I've have found they go back as far as 1271. I've also found a map that says they were from the area between jedburgh, Roxburgh and Kelso. I was wondering if they had formed this clan from multiple families. Love the content Gordon. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Oh yeah almost forgot to add I've found George Young of Scotland came to Novia Scotia (New Scotland) in 1774.
Read The Book The Steel Bonnets. My Grandmothers maiden was Elliott but far as know, not from Scottish borders her mother's father was Joesph Deans from Westruther in Berwickshire
Yes, an excellent book. Nigel. Kind regards, Gordon
Currently reading this
I am a Maitland by marriage. Apparently all Maitlands are descended from Earl Lauder from the border town of that name . You can visit Thirlestane Castle to this day
Thanks, Julia. Lauder is a lovely Borders town, and well worth a visit. The Black Bull is a very well known hostelry! And indeed a visit to Thirlestane Castle would be very interesting, I think it is open during the summer months. You may get to meet the current owner Captain Maitland-Carew! Kind regards, Gordon
Great video. Really enjoyed it thank you. When you mention a dirk is it comparable to a highland dirk or just a similar name?
Yes, its the same thing, Jeremy. Traditionally a short knife worn in the top of your socks, but also can be larger and hung from the belt. Kind regards, Gordon
I’m from the Scott and Kerr clans, two of the border clans. I’m very interested in his subject
Glad you found it interesting. Scott and Kerr are both very strong Border names, even today! Kind regards, Gordon
Thank you from east Tennessee.
I'm a Massingale.
I am in the process of getting my Big Y 700 dna testing.
From what we already have learned, our families were from Clan Robson.
Is there more specific information on this clan.
If it helps, we believe Clan
Robson were allies with Clann Gunn.
Thanks for the treasure of information, sir.
I wish I could find more about clan Hall. However they were one of the smaller lesser known border reiver families and there is virtually nothing written about them.
Hi Justin. That's a shame, it is very well known name here in Scotland. There is, I believe, a Clan Hall Society who may be able to assist you in your research.
Good luck!
www.clanhallsociety.org
Kind regards, Gordon
very interesting as usual
Thanks again! Kind regards, Gordon