The following book review written by Louisa
Cross appeared in the 2010 edition of the Clan Chattan Journal
(illustrated right). It is reproduced here
with the kind permission of the
author.
The
History of the Clan MacThomas
2010 is the 40th anniversary of
Andrew MacThomas of Finegand’s Chiefship of Clan MacThomas and
so it is an apt time to celebrate this with the publication of
his updated history of the Clan MacThomas.
Finegand’s sense of pride and enthusiasm for his
clan is tangible throughout the book, combined with his
dedication to the development and promotion of the flourishing
Clan MacThomas Society. Having bought the land round the
’Clach na Coileach’ for the Clan Society in the 1990s, the
book also coincides with the re-design of the site of the
famous Cockstane in Glenshee, which the MacThomas Clan
celebrated at their Gathering in August 2008. The close links
with Clan Mackintosh, Clan Farquharson and Clan Chattan are
highlighted, with the historic importance of the Clan Chattan
Association to Clan MacThomas emphasised.
The story of Clan MacThomas
is set within the wider context of the history of Scotland as
a whole, with a timeline highlighting key MacThomas events and
achievements throughout the years. Each chapter is enhanced by
illustrations of clan lands, key buildings and descriptions of
aspects of Scottish history, such as living conditions in
Glenshee and descriptions of the claymore or ferrara sword.
The book, therefore, brings to life many aspects of Scottish
social and cultural history in an accessible way, with
associations to aspects of MacThomas clan history. He also
explains the geographical locations of different sept names of
MacThomas, such as McComb, Thom, while explaining the
differences between MacThomas and MacTavish, with the former
being a member of the Clan Chattan Association and the latter
not!
The MacThomas clan history is rich with culture
and colour – the heraldry, flags and tartans associated with
the clan are beautifully illustrated and clearly described.
Explanations are given for the detail of the thread count of
the tartan, as well as the protocols of the wearing of the
tartan and also for the raising of the standard and other clan
flags. There is also a wealth of poetry, songs, pipe and dance
tunes associated with the clan, which are compiled in the
book, highlighting the depth of feeling for the clan lands in
Glenshee.
