The MacNeils of Barra – descendants of Irish Royalty or raiding Vikings?
One of the delights of our cruises is mingling with the local population when we happen to meet them. The history of the people who populate the islands we visit is invariably fascinating and they are justly proud of their roots and ancestry. Barra has a population of 1,000 and the main name is MacNeil. There are of course MacNeils all over the world who are also proud of their heritage
For centuries the MacNeil clan of Barra have proudly claimed to be descendants of Ireland's "greatest" King, Niall of the Nine Hostages who emigrated to Scotland in the 11th century.
But a check on hundreds of modern day MacNeils has revealed their roots actually lie with the Vikings and not the Irish. DNA swabs taken from Barra MacNeils as far away as Canada and Australia have proved that the blood of fierce Norse raiders runs through their veins. The finding comes from the MacNeil Surname Y-DNA project run by genealogists Vincent MacNeil and Alex Buchanan.
Clansmen from all over the world including Scotland, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia have provided DNA samples but the DNA project has not found a single match to the O’Neills of Ireland.
Genealogist Vincent MacNeil, from Nova Scotia, Canada says the findings suggest the Barra MacNeils are probably of Norse descent. The clan was infamous throughout Scotland and beyond for its Viking-style pirating and great seamanship. MacNeils raided the seas from their base at Kisimul Castle in Birlinn vessels - boats similar to the Viking longships.
Why not find out for yourself on our Far Flung Islands cruise when we call in at Kisimul Castle in Castlebay seat of the Chiefs of Clan Macneil?
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable cruise to the Hebrides Cruises ( Skye, Small Islands,and the Shiants, in Scotland ( May 13-21, 2023), and I must say it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. The 8-day journey was filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating insights, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among the 8 participants and 4 staff members on board. One of the highlights of this cruise was undoubtedly the exceptional staff. From the knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist to the experienced skipper, each member of the team showcased a remarkable dedication to our well-being and enjoyment throughout the trip. The naturalist's expertise and passion for the islands were evident in every interaction, making each wildlife sighting and nature excursion a truly enriching experience. The skipper's lifelong knowledge of the islands and the sea, along with his emphasis on safety, instilled a sense of confidence and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Hebrides. Not to be forgotten is the cook, whose culinary skills transformed each meal into a delightful gastronomic experience. Not only were the dishes healthy and delicious, but they were also beautifully presented, showcasing the cook's artistic talents. Finally, and not any less significant, was the boat swain's excellent customer service, always attentive to our needs and ensuring our comfort throughout the journey. His prompt response to any request with a touch of his humor, further added to the overall exceptional service on board. What set this cruise apart was the intimate atmosphere created by the small group size and the daily rituals shared among the participants. The shared adventures and delicious meals fostered a sense of closeness and allowed for meaningful connections to be formed. We gathered each day to recount our sightings of birds and sea life, engaging in storytelling and discussion. This combination of shared experiences and diverse perspectives, with travelers from different
Alison Kinsey: 13 May 2023Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants