Meeting Modern-Day MacLean's

This month we are taking a closer look at the MacLean Clan and the many members that make it such a fantastic worldwide family. We have been so lucky to have been able to speak to so many interesting people, from fashion bloggers to MasterChef champions, this clan really has it all!

Ashleigh MacLean

Ashleigh, you are a Scottish lifestyle blogger, writing about travel, books, fashion, and food. Can you tell us a bit about your blog and what inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always been creative and I’ve always had something to work towards so when I finished university I was almost at a loss. I really missed having a creative outlet so I began writing. It’s been a really good way to push myself to try new things.

You are based in Glasgow so is this your favourite City to write about or is there anywhere else in Scotland you are particularly passionate about?

I moved to Glasgow in 2012 for university but I’m originally from Inverness. I love the beauty and calmness of Inverness as much as I love the buzz and friendliness of Glasgow.

My parents are originally from Harris and it’s one of my favourite places in the world. The beaches are phenomenal. A lot of people love Luskentyre but Seilebost is my favourite.

Here in Scotland we have so many traditional dishes that are celebrated around the world. What is your favourite meal and are there any Scottish chefs whose recipes you enjoy testing out?

I used to be really fussy and refused to try most Scottish foods, though I loved oatcakes and tablet! The first time I tried haggis, funnily enough, was when I had some Americans staying with me and I had been taking them sightseeing. They had said it was only fair that I tried it, if they were and I ended up loving it!

My favourite Scottish delicacy is black pudding, specifically Stornoway Black Pudding. I always buy a large one whenever I visit my family.

Who are your favourite Scottish authors, bloggers, and designers?

I really enjoy Peter May’s novels. I find them very atmospheric and they manage to describe Harris and Lewis in a way that even strangers to the islands can picture their beauty. In a happy circumstance, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a talk he held at the Scalpay Bistro a few years ago - I picked up his books shortly after. For lovers of crime novels, I highly recommend.

I have always admired Alexander McQueen. His father was from Skye and he really identified with his Scottish heritage which in turn influenced some of his collections. His collection inspired by the Highland Clearances was inspirational and very thought provoking. When he sadly passed in 2010, his ashes were scattered in Kilmuir.

You have a passion for hand knitting, is this something you taught yourself or do you come from a family of knitters?

My mum was the first person to teach me how to knit, she taught me how to knit scarves - something I still love to make. My granny on my dad’s side is a very talented knitter and makes the most brilliant socks made from Harris wool. She and my great grandmother used to spin their own yarn. My granny still has her traditional yarn spinners which she tried to teach me to use last year.

I’ve carried on developing my skills as I got older and lockdown gave me an unique opportunity to develop my skills even further. Last year I began selling my knitted items under the name The Ashmosphere Crafts. I have been so overwhelmed by the positive response. Especially with my hot water bottle covers and Harris wool socks - they’ve been a huge hit!

Have you ever written about your Scottish / Clan heritage? Is this something you and your family celebrate and are you proud to be a MacLean?

It’s not something I’ve ever really written about or celebrated but more something I felt a strong affinity for. I grew up next to Culloden Battlefield so I’ve always had an awareness and pride for my heritage.

Growing up in the heart of the Highlands shaped me and my Scottish identity. We learnt about the historical significance of the area, we learnt how to ceilidh dance at an early age and had an ‘Address to the Haggis' every year.

As for being a MacLean, I like the idea of there being threads of history which unify us as a collective. One of my favourite things about being a MacLean is our tartans, my favourite being the Ancient Hunting MacLean.

I think having a family ‘Clan’ name gives you a sense of pride which is unique to Scotland and its people. We have a feeling of belonging and history, which goes beyond immediate family tree and ancestry.

Charles MacLean

At the start of the month we were lucky enough to chat to Charles MacLean, founder and director of luxury travel company MacLean & Bruce, who focuses on whisky related travel. Charles is very well known as being a whisky expert and has spent the last 40 years travelling the world, writing and teaching people about Scotland's national drink. We ask Charles questions on a whole range of topics, from his childhood on the Isle of Arran to accidentally featuring in a film, he really has some amazing stories to tell!

Gary MacLean

Scotland's very first National Chef just so happens to be a member of Clan MacLean, so we just had to interview him all about his incredible journey! Gary's career first took off after becoming the MasterChef champion, this had been his dream for many years after students he lectures at Glasgow College challenged him to compete. We ask Gary what it takes to become a MasterChef champion, as well as what it means to him to be a member of Clan MacLean.

Lewis MacLean

We do love a good Scottish snack here at ScotlandShop, which is why on our hunt for interesting members of Clan MacLean, we couldn't let Lewis MacLean and MacLean's Highland Bakery pass us by! We sat down with Lewis to ask him about how the business transitioned from a small town bakery to the nationally recognised brand it is today.