MacLean Family Genealogy & History

Dougie MacLean, OBE, born on 27 September 1954, is a renowned Scottish singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his significant contributions to folk music. His most famous works include "Caledonia," often regarded as Scotland's unofficial national anthem, and "The Gael," the main theme for the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans. MacLean's extensive career includes founding Dunkeld Records and releasing numerous albums, earning him a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2013. His music has been covered by artists like Dolores Keane and Paolo Nutini, solidifying his influence in the music world.

Dougie MacLean grew up in the Perthshire countryside, where music was a family affair. His father, a gardener, played the fiddle, while his mother played the melodeon, providing a rich musical environment that influenced his career.

Sorley MacLean, born on 26 October 1911, was a prominent Scottish Gaelic poet known for his significant contributions to modern Scottish poetry. His works, such as "Dàin do Eimhir" and "An Cuilthionn," blended traditional Gaelic elements with European influences, and he was instrumental in reviving the Gaelic language and literature. MacLean's poetry often reflected on historical events like the Highland Clearances and the Spanish Civil War. He served in the Royal Corps of Signals during World War II and later became an advocate for Gaelic education as head teacher at Plockton High School.

Raised on the island of Raasay, Sorley MacLean was the second of five sons born to Malcolm and Christina MacLean. His family was deeply rooted in Gaelic culture, with both parents' ancestries marked by the history of the Highland Clearances. His paternal grandmother, Mary Matheson, played a pivotal role in his early education in traditional songs. His family background combined a strong oral tradition with an involvement in social activism and education, shaping MacLean's worldview and poetic voice.

Tara Margaret Charity MacLean is a renowned Canadian musician, singer, and composer known for her solo hits "Evidence" and "If I Fall." Formerly part of the Atlantic Canadian group Shaye, MacLean has performed with notable acts like Dave Matthews Band and Barenaked Ladies. Her debut album "Silence" sold over 20,000 copies in the U.S., while her second album "Passenger" achieved over 50,000 sales. MacLean's impact extended to soundtracks, with her rendition of "Rattlesnake Mountain" featured in "Inventing the Abbotts." She has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and had a cameo in "Coyote Ugly."

Tara MacLean was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, to Sharlene MacLean, an actress, and Danny Costain, a singer and dancer. She was influenced musically by her stepfather Marty Reno, a songwriter and guitarist. Raised as the eldest of four siblings, MacLean experienced a life-saving rescue from a house fire in 1987. The family relocated to British Columbia when she was 13.

Charles Rawden Maclean, also known as "John Ross," was born on August 17, 1815, in Fraserburgh. He is celebrated for his adventurous spirit and his positive interactions with the Zulu people, a rarity among British figures of his time. Maclean's notable achievement includes a daring journey on foot to Delagoa Bay to secure essential supplies for his community, showcasing his courage and resilience. His legacy is recognized for fostering goodwill between the British and Zulu, distinguishing him from others involved in the Anglo-Zulu conflict.