Historical maps of Scottish clans.
Maps of collective clan lands are to be found at Highland games in the U.S. and tourist shops in Scotland. Even those which appear complex and accurate grossly simplify the disposition of any given clan. Officers and historians of these clans have been consulted, providing resources and input.
Clan MacMillan
Clan MacMillan's history is grossly misrepresented in most clan history volumes and, as noted above, clan maps of Scotland. The historian of Clan MacMillan International, Graeme Mackenzie MA, has been intensively researching the clan's history resulting in detailed, accurate information on clan history on which this graphic is based. It has been approved by clan Chief George MacMillan of MacMillan & Knap.
The MacMillan Cross
The MacMillan Cross is probably the most significant artifact of Clan MacMillan's history. It is believed to have been created in the late 15th century, commissioned by clan chief Alexander MacMillan of MacMillan and Knap. He is pictured in the hunting scene on one side of the cross. While many of the visual elements are common to other Celtic crosses, this features the first known visual representation of a kilt.
Clan Donald and the Lordship of the Isles
For two and a half centuries Clan Donald was the preeminent power in Scotland's West Highlands and Islands. Most other clans would be their allies or adversaries at one time or another, sometimes both. This graphic encapsulates those early centuries of Clan Donald, its branches and includes a simplified genealogy of Donald chiefs and branch progenitors from Somerled to the last Lord of the Isles. It is displayed on the website of the High Council of Chiefs of Clan Donald.
The Norse in Scotland
While this graphic is not specific to one clan, many Highland clans and Lowland families originated as Norse (primarily from Norway), Angles (from Denmark via England) or Normans (from Denmark via France). Norse culture, placenames and, as we are finding, DNA pervade Scotland. Clan Donald, the Highland's most powerful clan until the end of the 16th century, was a Gaelic/Norse hybrid. This map and accompanying graphics encapsulate these three migrations.
Archival prints feature high quality, sharp detail and longevity.
Also known as Giclée (zhe-clay) printing, these graphics are printed to order with archival inks on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 Archival Paper, a thicker, natural white, slightly textural,100% cotton stock which enhances the period style of the images. Founded in 1584, Hahnemühle Fine Art Papers are regarded as top of the line, museum-quality paper. One characteristic of archival inks and papers is longevity. If properly cared for, these resist fading, discoloration and aging in general for many decades – up to a century according to some sources.
These graphics are available free for educational and non-profit usage.
These graphics are available to educational and non-profit organizations for digital usage free of charge. The Scots-Irish/Highland immigration graphic has been reproduced both in print and online by The Scotsman (Scotland's national newspaper), clans Donald, MacMillan, MacLean and Forbes, used as a visual aid in classes at universities on both sides of the Pond including Edinburgh University, museums and in presentations by numerous genealogists. Please email Mike McMillen if you have any questions or would like to request usage.