The 3^rd Scottish Tattoo

"The Highland Spirit"

Script  Page 2 + New MP3 Sound clips

and now the Pictures Ian 3 November 2001

Highland Lady                                                                                        

Pictish culture was extinguished by that of the Gaels and Scots.  Like the Pictish kings before them all Celtic kings were buried on the holy Isle of Iona.

MacGREGOR  

So Highlanders are a mix of Picts & Scots?  

Sound Track 6        

Early in the last millennium MacBeth ruled Scotland.  He was last to claim the Pictish line of inheritance and a great Highland king.  He was slain by Malcolm Canmore who had married an English princess.  Land was not owned but was free to farm by the people.  Communities protected each other.  They supported their chief and in return their chief ensured their survival. The king now demanded allegiance from his countrymen, who answered the call to fight. The Norman influence in the Scottish Royal family led to land ownership and the taxation of the people. "Nobles" were now in charge of the Highlanders destiny.  

Sound Track 7                                                  

In the Highlands and Islands, the Norsemen and Gaels had become one people, with Ghaidhlic as their language. Strong leaders emerged who have left their mark on the history of the Clans. Somerled, the legendary first lord of the isles, and father of the Macdonalds of Sleat and his rival, Godred of Man, father of Macleods and Macauleys.  These men and their people were masters of the Sea.  They fished, farmed and fought, recounting stories and mysteries of their own and of their forefathers. Stories of their battles are still told today.