The many clans of Scotland played a massive role in shaping the history of the country over the centuries.
We previously researched some of the most famous clans of Scotland, investigating their mottos and crests. Now, we're taking a look at their war cries.
Scottish clans are famous for their many battles looking back over the centuries. Whether it was skirmishes between rival clans, or larger conflicts like the Wars of Scottish Independence, there was plenty of opportunity for fierce warriors to yell out these battle cries.
Read on for a breakdown of the war cries of 20 of the most iconic Scottish clans, and what they mean.
Clan Campbell
Cruachan! — Refers to either the mountain that dominates Loch Awe or the farm of the same name on the west bank of the loch, which were likely used as rallying points.
Clan Sinclair
Girnigoe! Girnigoe! — Refers to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe in Caithness, one of the clan's earliest seats.
Clan Robertson
Garg'n Uair Dhuisgear! — Gaelic for "Fierce when Roused".
Clan Mackenzie
Tulloch Ard — Refers to a mountain in Kintail on which beacons were lit to summon the clan to battle.
Clan Gregor/MacGregor
Àrd-Choille! — Gaelic for "High Wood".
Clan Mackintosh
Loch Moigh! — Refers to Loch Moy, a loch near the seat of the chief.
Clan Cameron
Chlanna nan con thigibh a' so 's gheibh sibh feòil! — Gaelic for "Sons of the Hounds, Come Hither And Get Flesh".
Clan Donald/MacDonald
Fraoch eilean! — Gaelic for "The Heathery Isle".
Clan Fraser (of Lovat)
Caisteal Dhuni! — Gaelic for "Castle Dounie/Downie", the ancestral castle and clan seat.
Clan Stewart (of Appin)
Creag an Sgairbh! — Gaelic for "The Cormorant's Rock", upon which is the clan's seat of Castle Stalker.
Clan Mackay
Bratach Bhan Chlann Aoidh! — Gaelic for "The White Banner of MacKay".
Clan MacDougall
Buaidh no Bàs! — Gaelic for "Victory or Death".
Clan Maclean
Fear eil’ air son Eachainn! — Gaelic for "Another for Hector", referring to the seven members of the clan that died protecting a past chief.
Clan Scott
A Bellendaine! — Gaelic for "To Bellendaine", which was a frequent gathering point for the clan.
Clan Munro
Caisteal Folais'n a Theine! — Gaelic for "Castle Foulis in flames", referring to beacons being lit at their seat of Foulis Castle.
Clan Wallace
Freedom! — This one is pretty self-explanatory, and will be familiar to anybody who has watched Braveheart.
Clan Grant
Creag Ealachaidh! — Refers to a hill in Strathspey.
Clan MacFarlane
Loch Slòigh! — Gaelic for "The Loch of the Host".
Clan McAlpin/McAlpine
Cuimhnich Bàs Ailpein! — Gaelic for "Remember the Death of Alpin", which may refer to the first King of Scotland Kenneth Alpin.
Clan Buchanan
Clàr Innis! — Refers to the small isle of Clareinch in Loch Lomond, where the clan would often gather.
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