Anything like this ever happen to you?

[Galloglaich]

O.k., I was sitting here thinking about the most recent Highland games I attended and thought I'd relate an annoying incident. Sorry for the long windedness...

I had just re-upped with the Clan Donald Society & my friend and I (he's a Gunn) were walking past the Clan Donald tent. I was expressing my satisfaction with belonging to such a distinguished and noble Clan when (to my utter embarrassment) this jackass jumps out from behind the Clan Donald Tent and bellows (in a bad Scots brogue, I might add), "You two, hold it right there! How dare you walk through here in those colors!" Now, my friend does reenactment for the 77th Highland regiment, which wears Black Watch tartan (& red jacket), so I'm assuming he was referring to my friend's reenactment uniform. Trying to downplay the incident, I just said "Excuse me kinsman, but I think you're a bit mistaken" and pointed to the Lord of the Isles weathered hunting I was wearing. He obviously didn't make any connection, but figured out from the context that I was sporting something associated w/ Clan Donald, so he says, "No, you're alright, I'm talking about him in the Old Campbell colors". Now there isn't much difference from a Black Watch & a 77th uniform from that era, so I can understand the assumption, but the facings on the jacket are different. I considered trying to explain the differences (the 77th was raised exclusively for service in North America, there were many MacDonalds that served w/ distinction as officers, etc...), but as this guy prattled on-going so far as calling my friend a "babykiller"- I figured there wasn't much use in the effort. Who really cares if it had been a Black Watch uniform, anyway? So this guy goes on for awhile, threatening my friend w/ a Claidh da laimh & acting like a complete idiot. Meanwhile, two of this guy's friends walk behind my friend & stand there like their ready to rumble or something. Complete idiocy. We waited for the diatribe to end & then just walked off, stunned. I was embarassed. Later I saw a gentleman from the Clan Donald tent having what I can only assume were scolding words w/ the offending individual, but the damage had already been done.

I'm a history major (and a proud member of Clan Donald), and I'm quite aware of the atrocities comitted to many in the Highlands at the hands of government troops wearing the Black Watch (Old Campbell) colors, but I think that kind of display is quite uncalled for. How many generations must pass before this way of thinking (which is a poor way to express one's clan pride, anyway) is left where it belongs-in the past?

[macwilkin]

I haven't seen it to that degree, but yes, I have some people take things way to seriously at games in regards to clan feuds -- I've also seen folks treat it all in good fun and toast the "peace" with a wee dram!

I would contact the Clan Donald Society directly with your story. This is certainly not appropriate behaviour for someone working a clan tent at the games. This git obivously doesn't realize that the ancient right of hospitality is sacred, and was very important in Highland society. One would think that a MacDonald would understand that. (Of course, you certainly do -- I was referring to this git in question.)

Jokes are one thing -- I joke with the Bruces all the time about how they murdered the Red Comyn and stole the throne from us (just kidding to any Bruces out there), but this is going waaay to far.

He needs to read this:

http://www.albanach.org/blackwatch.htm

You might pass it on to your friend as well so he can have some more "intellectual ammunition". :mrgreen:

Yours aye,

Todd

[HeathBar]

unfotunately this guy shows up to games more than we like. Usually he comes out after a few adult beverages. I have not had the displeasure of meeting him in person, but I've heard of him. I hope the clansman was reading him the riot act. Its these guys that can cause a first time visitor to never come back.

[Galloglaich]

I agree that the clan feud thing can be handled in a humorous way, I've had some good laughs ribbing folks & getting ribbed myself (usually over a dram, as mentioned). The Highland tradition of hospitality is a time honored and sacred institution, we should show our dignity and emulate the graces of our forefathers. BTW, the link on the government sett is a good one.

I hadn't really considered the effect that this type of behavior can have on first time gamers, but you're quite right. Who wants to witness that? Besides, it could have been worse. What if my friend had been a Campbell?

[McClef]

Unfortunately some people have long memories which they have not experienced personally but inherited.

I knew a Campbell at university who said he was always getting reminded of Glencoe as if he was somehow personally responsible.

[Tattoo Bradley]

Yes, that's pretty silly all in all. Hendersons were the MacDonald bodyguard in Glencoe. But, it is completely beyond my thought process to yell at a Campbell because of that :confused:

[Andrew Green]

Wow. I have never heard of anything like that!
I can understand a little joking around, but damn, that takes the cake (and apparently not done in humour, unless it was one sided only...which then ruins the fun). I believe there should be some sense of honour in claiming an affiliation, regardless of what affiliation that is. If you wish to tie yourself to it, you should be proud of it, and not prattle on like a retard. I for one am always down for good discussions regarding history, good, bad or indifferent. I don't think I could have done much more besides hang my head and laugh at the guy. Pointing a weapon is NEVER ok, and is a threat as far as I am concerned.

[Mike1]

I knew a Campbell at university who said he was always getting reminded of Glencoe as if he was somehow personally responsible.

Which is always an excellent demonstration of how little the detractor knows of the events at Glencoe. I always find it a pity that people are willing to speak from a position of ignorance, rather than knowledge.

[Andrew Green]

Hmm. I always understood that the Campbells were supposed to be one of the most powerful clans, if not THE most powerful clan. Naturally, this brings unwarranted animosity from those who do not wield as much sway in things. I have also been under the impression that most of the other highlanders hated the Campbells, as one book I read on the '45 stated that the "despised Argyll militia fought for the royalist side."

I found this:
http://www.rampantscotland.com/features/glencoe.htm
I would have felt sorry for the troops who had to act out such orders. At the same time I would have been disgusted at their actions, and not trying to do something about it. Then again, it isn't like those guys had much choice. Brtutal, and not a position I would envy.

Perhaps these actions accounted for much of the animosity towards the Campbells, and the Argyll militia at the time of the '45? I know that there were numerous Scots on both sides of that conflict, but the one book I had read mentioned that the Argyll militia was particularly hated, but without going into much detail. But I imagine that people at that time would pass a grudge on to further generations.

One cannot help their forbears, and their ancestry should never be held against them. Occasionally joked about, maybe prodded from time to time in good humour by friends... but certainly no one today should have to bear the disdain of others because of what some distant relative had done.

[MacWage]

I'd love to deal with this guy, if he comes to one of the games I'm at. I kid around and have fun, but have been known to get in discussions with the bad history and stupidity that seems to run rampant at games. I always do so with grace and a level head, but usually get guys off balance by my not getting mad and yelling back.

As for Glencoe and the many other "atrocities" that have taken place, the actual history behind them is ALWAYS far more complex than the extremely simplifed versions people argue and diatribe about. I've found that the ones who yell loadest are the same ones that know the least about the ACTUAL events themselves.


I'm sorry that you two had to deal with such a person. I only hope that some clansmen and s good historian is correcting him.