A guide to the Clans and Tartans of Scotland: From Scottish Clan Information to Clan Merchandise, Handmade Kilts, Highland Outfits ... everything a true Scot should need and know.

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September 28 in Scottish History

In 1396 the Battle of the Clans took place on the North Inch, Perthshire. A long running feud between the powerful Chattan (or Mackintosh) and Mackay (or Kay) clans was settled by this fight to the death. Legend has it that the Chattans were one man short and paid a local saddler to join them for the price of 'half a French gold dollar'. Luckily for him he had joined the winning side. By the time King Robert III, who was watching the battle with several of his court, signalled the end of the contest only one of the 30 Mackays had survived after swimming to safety across the Tay. Ten of the Chattans and the saddler also survived.

Today in 1581 George Buchanan, historian, scholar and tutor of King James VI, died. Born in the village of Moss in Stirlingshire, he spent time studying and teaching in St Andrews and Paris before being appointed as tutor to an illegitimate son of James V. Imprisoned for writing a satire on the Franciscans, he escaped and fled to the continent where he continued to write and translate, but was later imprisoned again as a heretic in Portugal. He returned to Scotland in 1561 where he became tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots.

He was intensely loyal to Mary until the murder of Darnley, in which she was heavily implicated, after which he actively campaigned against her. When Mary was brought to trial, he had a hand in preparing the famous 'Casket Letters' which led to her execution. He then became tutor to Mary's son, James VI. James was undoubtedly one of the most educated kings of Scots thanks to Buchanan, but was so afraid of his tutor that by the time Buchanan died, he had grown to dislike him intensely. Buchanan is buried in Greyfriars' Churchyard in Edinburgh.