Family Legends Are Such Fun!

In one of my earliest blog posts, I recounted my first meeting with my wonderful double cousin Mary Margaret.  During those first couple of years I was definitely a stumbling, bumbling but enthusiastic family historian . . . ohhh hell, I still am.  I wrote about her often, and she even wrote a "guest" blog post for me. But at that first meeting she told the story of MacIan of Glencoe, a story which was told to her father by his grandfather who claimed he heard it from his father.  Luckily, I boldly asked if I could make a video of her telling the story, and she consented.  I am so glad I did.  Although our time together was short, we were definitely kindred spirits.  Sadly she passed away in February of 2011 after a struggle with ALS.  Often, I was the one struggling, she was accepting.

 I always knew I would post this someday, but it just didn't seem like the right time until now.  Now seems just perfect.

This was filmed on the spur of the moment with my camera.  Up till that time I had never heard of MacIan or Glencoe. But when I returned home even thought it was after midnight, I flew to my computer and "Googled" every conceivable spelling of both, wondering if there might be a record of an event like this.  I was shocked to learn that it is an extremely well known event in Scottish history.   Go figure.

 Recently I discovered that there is a song about the massacre. As a college student in the late 60's, I fell in love with folk music, and I've never gotten over it.  I wish I could post a snippet of the song here, but, if it is possible, I don't know how.  I hope you will check out Massacre at Glencoe by the Corries.

Will you share your family legend, and if there is a song, I'll sing along!

I invite you to meet Mary Margaret in other posts about or by my wonderful double cousin,  found here, here, here, and here.