12/07/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Widnae - Would Not
In a sentence: "Ye widnae dare!"
In English: "You would not dare!"
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Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
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10/07/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
Book your walking tour here- www.murdoch-tours.com
It is not uncommon to find the surname Tennant also spelled as Tenant and Tennent. In 1296, there is record of a William tenant of Crestone of county Linlescu, and he pledged allegiance to Edward I of England by signing the Ragman Roll, along with many other Scottish nobles. His seal bears a large dog and his name S’ Will’i Tenavnt.
An inquiry concerning the Knights Templar in 1309 saw Thomas Tenaunt as a witness.
The garrison of Edinburgh Castle between 1339 and 1340 had a John Tenant as one of the soldiers within the castle. The 1366 attack on the cruives (livestock pens) and fishings of the abbot and convent of Cambuskenneth by the burgesses of Stirling, included a John Tennand as one of the belligerents. In Ayr, Andro Tenand is recorded as being a charter witness in 1500, and nineteen years later, in 1519, Andro Tenand and Bob Tenand were voters in Monkland.
In 1539, Andrew Tennend was a burgess of Are, and a different Andrew Tennand was recorded as having been in Dysart, Fife, in 1542. In Glasgow, Robert Tenent was a witness in 1550, and reversion was given, in 1555, to Kenthigern Tenende, also in Glasgow.
In 1776 John and Robert Tennent founded the famous brewery which still bears their names.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
08/07/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
Ahh Glenfarclas 25 Year Old, a fantastic dram! I can't however enjoy this one without recalling the year a dear friend of mine decided to treat herself and the rest of us to dram of it each. It was her 25th birthday after all... She carefully returned to the table making sure not to spill a drop, it's not exactly a cheap drink, and after making sure everyone had one she took her seat only to promptly elbow her own drink off the table spilling across the floor. You've never seen such devastation in a lassies eyes!
Of we got her another but Glenfarclas 25 is not a whisky to be wasted!
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
NOSE
A touch of menthol. Classic Sherry notes, less pronounced than the 15 year old perhaps, but the complexity is greater.
TASTE
Incredibly clean central palate, but amazingly tangy. Really zingy top notes. Sherry and creamy barley, hints of gingerbread and nutty chocolate.
FINISH
Very, very long and complex finish, oak-rich, hints of smoke, cocoa, buttery...
Purchase - www.glenfarclas.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
03/07/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
Book your walking tour here- www.murdoch-tours.com
The name of Napier has a long and ancient history, being descended from the Celtic royal families of Scotland and Ireland. It has been suggested that the name derives from the “naperer” the officer of the royal household in charge of linen. However, another, and more romantic, origin suggests that a young knight of the Earl of Lennox was honoured for his valour by William the Lion, who described him as having “nae peer”.
The earliest recorded reference to the name of Napier is in a charter of the Earl of Lennox in 1280, granting lands in Dunbartonshire to John de Naper. These lands were to be held for eighteen generations of Napiers, before being sold in 1820.
In 1436 Alexander Napier, who was to become Provost of Edinburgh, obtained a charter to the lands of Merchiston. His son rose high in Royal favour and in 1627 the family was raised to the peerage. The title almost died out when the 3rd Lord Napier died a bachelor but the title was saved when passed through the female line of the Napiers to the Scotts of Thirlestane.
The Napiers had many world-wide connections, with subsequent Lord Napiers playing important roles in India and Hong Kong. Francis, the 10th Lord Napier, as well as being created ambassador to the Netherlands, went on to become a diplomat in Washington, finally going on to serve as acting Viceroy of India in 1872.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
01/07/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
I know, I know, it's only been 2 weeks since I last chose a Jura but when I saw it sitting on the gantry I just couldn't resist! In my defence, I find Jura Prophecy is peated enough it really is quite different to Jura 10. While both are as smooth as can be, Phophacy is peated to the heavens, giving me the lift I need.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
COLOUR
Dark amber
NOSE
Smoke and peat, with peat dominating. Little bit of phenols. Sweet with hints of lemon zest. Water makes it floral.
TASTE
Burnt toast and peat with lingering spices. Smooth, yet crispy with hints of lemon.
FINISH
Cinnamon and rough peat
Purchase - www.jurawhisky.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
28/06/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Roon -Round
In a sentence: "Am awa roon tae ma ma's, catch ye efter!"
In English: "I'm away round to my mums, see you later!"
Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
Book your walking tour- www.murdochtours.com
26/06/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
Book your walking tour here- www.murdoch-tours.com
There are a couple of theories as to the origin of this name; one is from the Anglo-Saxon ‘lisse’ which means ‘happy’, another is that it comes from the Norse for ‘stirring fellow’, and yet another recent suggestion has been that it comes from Liscus, chief of the Haedui, a tribe of Gauls described by Julius Caesar in his Gallic Wars. Also, the Castle of Boulogne, once the possession of Charlemagne, at one time belonged to a family called de Lesque.
William de Laskereske’s signature appears on the Ragman Roll in 1296 and later in 1345 William Leask was granted lands of Leskgoroune by David II, the son of Robert the Bruce.
The second chief was baillie of the barony of Findon. He inherited lands from Henry de Brogan, Lord of Achlowne, in 1390, later in the 1400’s another branch of the family sprung up on Orkney after Jamis of Lask, younger son of Thomas de Lask of that Ilk settled there.
In 1513 the Line of Leask Chiefs suffered a double tragedy when both William Lask of that Ilk, 5th Chief, and his son, Alexander Lask of that Ilk, Younger, dsp, were both killed at the Battle of Flodden; the latter’s younger brother, William Lask, Burgess of Aberdeen, then became the 6th Leask Chief.
William Lesk of that Ilk, the seventh chief supported the infant James VI in opposition to his mother Mary Queen of Scots after the murder of Lord Darnley and her scandalous marriage to Bothwell.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
24/06/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
The way GlenDronach Original 12year old tastes is the same as the way I feel standing in a downpour on a hot dry day. The smell stirs up nostalgia, while the taste comforts and nourishes my senses.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
NOSE
Sweet, rich and spicy fruit, with sugared lemons and limes, granny smith apples, honey and caramel.
TASTE
Toffee sweetness, apples, a hint of vanilla and a rich dark fruit background. Water lightens things with more orchard fruit, but without diminishing the richness of the dark fruit hiding underneath.
FINISH
Dusty wood, raisins and sweet fruit leaves.
Purchase - www.glendronachdistillery.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
21/06/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Windae - Window
In a sentence: "Ye mak a better door than a windae!"
In English: "You make a better door than a window!"
Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
19/06/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
Book your walking tour here- www.murdoch-tours.com
From the Brythonic word ‘ir-afon’ which means ‘green water’ comes Irvine. The name is territorial in origin, from an area in Dumfriesshire.
Records of the family date back to some time between 1124 and 1165. The family claim origin from the High Kings of Ireland, through to Scotland’s Early Celtic Kings. Crinan Eryvine married the heiress of Malcolm II. Their son was Duncan who became King Duncan who is murdered at the beginning of Shakespeare’s play MacBeth
The lands and castle have been in possession of the Irvines since they were granted to the clan in 1325 by Robert the Bruce.
William de Irwyn came from the town of Irvine in Ayrshire. He became Robert the Bruce’s representative in the Royal forest of Drum. For his services he was awarded with the Barony of Drum in 1323 which included the Tower of Drum. A structure which had already existed from a time before the 12th Century as a royal hunting lodge. From this tower grew Drum Castle.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
17/06/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
I've always found the Jura bottles to be quite contemporary in style, the smooth edges almost a direct reflection of the contents within. Jura 10 is a perfect introduction to the collection, of which I enjoy every variety.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
NOSE
Proper Scottish porridge – a pinch of salt and rich oats – stirred through with a spoon of decadently sweet Strawberry jam and sprinkled with raisins
TASTE
Creamy and chocolatey, with the porridge of the nose dusted with cocoa. Soft spice builds – cardamom and cinnamon – with rich hot chocolate and squashed raisins following.
FINISH
Fruity dark chocolate fades to reveal apple and a touch of liquorice.
Purchase - www.jurawhisky.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
14/06/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Ye - You
In a sentence: "Ye cannae dae that!"
In English: "You can't do that!"
Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
Book your walking tour- www.murdoch-tours.com
11/06/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong ... 🌏
Book your walking tour here- www.murdoch-tours.com
The Norse word gunnr means war. Living between Caithness and Sutherland, the Gunns were descended from the Norsemen, some think possibly from Olaf the Black himself, and their name foretold their destiny.
The ferocious Gunns were continually at enmity with neighbouring clans, especially the Keiths. Gunn lands were constantly being encroached upon from the North, South and West.
Helen, only daughter of Lachlan Gunn of Braemor, was celebrated for her great beauty and was due to marry her cousin Alexander. Dugald Keith, a retainer of Keith of Ackergill, had tried to woo her, been rejected, and responded jealously. On her wedding day, he paid a surprise visit to her father’s house, surrounding it with armed members of his own family, who then began slaying the unsuspecting Gunns.
Keith took Helen and imprisoned her in Ackergill. Eventually, to escape his sexual abuse, she went to the top of the tower and jumped to her death. The feud that ensued was very long and bloody, with continuing attacks upon each clan. One costly but indecisive battle was at Harpsdale, near Thurso, in 1426.
Eventually, in 1464, the chiefs of the two clans agreed to meet at the Chapel of St Tears to lay their grievances to rest. The chief of the Gunns was George. He arrived at the chapel on horseback with eleven other riders, as agreed.
The Keiths arrived on twelve horses also, but with two men to a horse, and slaughtered the Gunns. A century later, William MacKames, George’s grandson, avenged his kinsmen with the life of George Keith of Akergill, his son and twelve others in a bloodbath at Drummoy in Sutherland.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
10/06/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
Bowmore 12yo has a place in many hearts, including my own, as Islay's 'medium-peated' malt. There's no fanciment to it, it's not needed.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
COLOUR
Warm amber.
NOSE
Subtle lemon and honey, balanced beautifully by Bowmore's trademark peaty smokiness.
TASTE
Sweet and delicious heather honey and gentle peat smoke.
FINISH
A long, mellow finish.
Purchase - www.bowmore.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
07/06/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Wha - Who
In a sentence: "Wha pinched ma arse?!"
In English: "Who pinched my bum?!"
Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
05/06/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
The name originates in Lanarkshire, although it can also be found in Shetland, being named for the island of Yell (the two are most likely not related). The clan coat of arms features a hanged man, which is believed to be inspired by an event from the time of King Kenneth II. A member of the court went into enemy territory to retrieve the body of a friend of the King. This event also inspired the clan motto ‘I dare’.
One of the earliest historical records of the clan name is in 1296 when Thomas de Dalziel appears in the Ragman Roll, giving allegiance to English King of that time, Edward I. There is also mention of a Thomas de Dalziel who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn. If these references are to the same man, we must presume that he changed sides at some point.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
03/06/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
The gently peated Kilchoman Machir Bay is the perfect introduction to Islay single malts. The peat flavours dance around vanilla and light fruit, really showing off the ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry butts this whisky was aged in.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
NOSE
Citrus zests, crumbly vanilla biscuits and layers of elegant peat smoke.
TASTE
A generous burst of tropical fruit and dried raisin opens the palate. Warming smoke continues to waft playfully.
FINISH
Sherried fruits and sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Purchase - www.kilchomandistillery.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
02/06/2023
Castles Of Scotland 🏰
Gylen Castle is a compact but impressive tower house, built by the MacDougalls, in a beautiful spot overlooking the Firth of Lorn on the lovely island of Kerrera, near Oban in Argyll on the western seaboard of Scotland.
On a rocky promontory jutting into the sea, Gylen or Gylem Castle – the castle of fountains – is an elegant but compact 16th-century L-plan tower house, which consists of a square main block and a stair-tower.
Gylen was a property of the MacDougalls, who also held Dunollie Castle. An earlier castle here may have been where Alexander II died during an expedition to recover the Western Isles in the mid 13th century, although Dalrigh near Horse Shoe Bay is given as an alternative site.
The existing castle, built by Duncan MacDougall, was completed in 1582, but was captured and burnt by a Covenanter army, led by General David Leslie, in 1647. The Brooch of Lorn, a brooch torn from Robert the Bruce’s cloak, was also stolen, and not returned by the Campbells of Inverawe until the 19th century.
Book your Murdoch Walking Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
31/05/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Dunt - Bump
In a sentence: "Awch the telly's actin' up again, gee it a guid dunt."
In English: "The Tv isn't working again, give it a good bump."
Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
29/05/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
Described as ‘fiercer than fierceness itself’, the Clan Cameron is said to be one of the most ancient of Scottish clans. One theory for their inception is that they are descended from a son of the Danish King Camchron.
There were numerous names circulating in the 13th century which would appear to be the progenitors of the name Cameron, all evolving from the Gaelic terms for a crooked hill and a crooked nose. The more probable theory is that their first known chief, Donald Dubh, who may have been the 11th by 1411, was a descendant of either the MacGillonies or the family Cambrun of Ballegarno in mediaeval Fife.
He married an heiress of the MacMartins of Letterfinlay and his respected leadership and strengths enabled him to bring together the confederation of tribes which would, by the end of that century, be known as the Clan Cameron, and Lochaber their territory.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
27/05/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
Glengoyne 10 was one of the first single malt whiskies I'd ever tasted and I've gone back to it time and time again. It needs no big introduction or fancy wording, it's simply a great dram!
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
NOSE
Slightly herbal, big bourbon influence which has brought a wonderful "high note". White milk bottle sweets, more creamy than fruity.
TASTE
Barley rich, more bourbon influence. Clean and dry.
FINISH
Long, barley rich, touch of hoi sin.
Purchase - www.glengoyne.com
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
26/05/2023
Castles Of Scotland 🏰
The ruins of Findlater Castle stand on a rocky promontory projecting out into the sea some two miles east of Cullen and a mile west of Sandend. Scotland has no shortage of dangerous structures, but few give off such an aura of genuine risk as Findlater Castle. The presence of paths down the cliffs behind the promontory, and then out along it, show that people can and do explore the promontory and castle itself. But the cliff paths are steep and slippery and once out among the remains of the castle there seems considerable risk of slips into the sea 50ft below, or of collapses into underground vaulted areas, or of falling masonry from what seem to be unstable structures which in places still stand to a considerable height.
The name "Findlater" seems to come from the Gaelic "fionn leitir", meaning "white cliff", and the first record of a castle here dates back as far as 1246. In the early 1260s the existing castle here was strengthened by King Alexander III in preparation for an expected invasion by King Håkon IV of Norway. Though this invasion concluded in defeat for Håkon at the Battle of Largs, the Norse do seem to have occupied Findlater, and nothing is known about this early castle on the site.
Book Your Walking Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
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24/05/2023
Scottish Word Wednesday! 📣
Nicht - Night
In a sentence: "A Cannae wait fur the next lassies nicht oot!"
In English: "I can't wait for the next girls night out!"
Comment below your favourite Scottish word or phrase!
22/05/2023
Clan Appreciation Day!
Comment below the Clan you belong to and which part of the world you live in now... 🌏
The derivation of the name in Gaelic lends validity to such a claim: ‘Buth chanain’ is Gaelic for the ‘House of the Canon’, an indication that the first Buchanan’s may have been a family that was dedicated to the service of the ancient Celtic church, or may have had a pre-charter, hereditary clerical tenure.
The Buchanans supported the Bruce in the war of independence, thus assuring the predominance of the family in the post-Banockburn era. The Buchanan shield is virtually indistinguishable from the Royal Arms of Scotland, with a significant difference. The Buchanan version of the arms changes the lion and the double treasure of fleur de lis from red to black, thought to be an allusion to the marriage of Sir Walter Buchanan to the only daughter of Murdoch, Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland.
If you don't belong to a Clan don't worry, there is plenty of room in Clan Murdoch and you are all welcome!
20/05/2023
Time for our Whisky Of The Week!
If you need to feel grounded then Royal Lochnagar 12 is the whisky for the job. On the first sip, I felt like I had just run through the forest in my bare feet lapping up every scent the fresh soil has to offer. It's simple, earthy and acidic, everything I was looking for!
We want to hear from you! Tell us your favourite and which Whisky we should try next…
COLOUR
Pale amber.
NOSE
Not obvious to begin with. Planed wood, light toffee, boat varnish. Linseed oil behind, even putty, and later a lychee-like acidity. Still, a pleasant fresh woodiness, followed by warm sand. After a while, coffee with brown sugar.
TASTE
Pleasant; an initial sweetness is quickly overtaken by acidity.
FINISH
Dry; medium-length, with an attractive lingering sandalwood aftertaste.
Purchase - www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/royal-lochnagar
Book A Tour - www.murdoch-tours.com
19/05/2023
Castles Of Scotland 🏰
Borve castle, which may have originally been constructed by a Norseman by the name of Torquil, was a stronghold of Clan Mackay that they used as a base to carry out raids on their neighbours the Clan Sutherland.
The Mackays failed to appear in front of Mary of Guise, the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as a result the John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland, chief of Clan Sutherland was ordered to destroy the castle.
Guise hired a private ship, the Lion in August 1554 to attack the Castle. Sir Hew Kennedy of Girvanmains, the Earl's stepfather (or Stepbrother), embarked 50 men of war and the royal gunner Hans Cochrane with a cannon. It is also said that a cannon was dragged all the way from Edinburgh. Rory Mor Mackay, Captain of the castle was apparently dismayed to see that the enemy was armed with a cannon as the castle had withstood all previous sieges.
The castle was destroyed and Rory Mor Mackay was hanged. In November Kennedy returned to Edinburgh with Iye Du Mackay, 12th of Strathnaver who was imprisoned in Dumbarton and then Edinburgh Castle.
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