As I was posting my Saint Patrick’s Day blog and sharing my Scotch-Irish roots, I starting thinking about my Scottish Heritage. My great-grandmother was a Cameron. I have traced her family back to her grandfather, Ambrose Cameron, who was in Georgia in 1790s. I have no idea if he came directly from Scotland or his family immigrated to Ireland first. It really does not matter, because either way, I am a member of Clan Cameron!
I traveled to Scotland many years ago and visited several locations, including Edinburgh.
I was helping “stand guard” in front of Edinburgh Castle.
My big dream is to some day explore the Highlands of Scotland and see the Cameron lands and Archnacarry Castle, which is the home of the present day Chief of the Clan.
Through the years, I have collected many Scottish treasures and display them throughout my house.
They decorate my walls:
Here are Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
Crests of important cities
Laid of Grant and his son
My favorite is a painting of a member of Clan Cameron, which was a surprise Christmas gift from my husband many years ago.
Many treasures are on displayed on side tables:
This small box was purchased at a local antique store.
These charming figurines are reproductions, but I love them anyway!
The wee Edinburgh Castle came from Scotland.
Some treasures help educate me about all things Scottish – books and more books!
My Scottish treasures are sometimes used on my dining tables:
The “Cameron” tablecloth is from Crate and Barrel.
An Edinburgh crystal bowl – a much-loved gift from my husband.
Two Meakin plates:
One is from Alfred Meakin and is the “Edinburgh” pattern.
The other darling one is from J&G Meakin. It is the “Prince Charlie” pattern. I have seen only three others like it on the internet. One is in Australia, one is in New Zealand and the other one is in the US. I bought mine at an antique show in Leslie, Georgia. I would love to find a whole set of these!
The blanket keeps me warm on chilly days. I found it in a “Scottish Woollen” store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. It is the Cameron of Erracht pattern, which is the tartan of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders military regiment.
I wear this clan pin on my jackets and coats in the winter.
My son wore this tiny Cameron of Lochiel tartan bow tie, when he was very small.
Two of these Scottish Santas from Horchow guard my mantle at Christmas time. I love the details of his kilt, bagpipe and sporran!
I hope that my ancestors would be happy that I am trying to keep my Scottish heritage alive. The Cameron war cry is “Sons of the hounds, come here and get flesh”. They sound like serious warriors, don't they? I think I prefer the motto on my crest badge, “Aonaibh ri cheile” (Unite) to pass on to my children and grandchildren. What could be better than a united family!
Have you started researching your family heritage? A complete family history is a wonderful gift to leave to your descendants. Perhaps, you will find a “fierce” ancestor in your family tree. Happy hunting!
“Here’s tae the health, the hill and the heather
The bonnet, the plaid, the kilt and the feather”