HIGHLANDERS-warriers, musians and bards - Paperback

by Malcolm C. McDonald Oam (Author)

This narrative is of the vibrant history and culture of the Highlanders of Scotland in the period of the 12th century to the 19th century providing an interesting account of the warrior clans in the western Highlands when involved in the wars between England and Scotland in their battle for Independence and the internal skirmishes between clans. One can imagine the skirl of the Pipes along the glen and feel the mystic past when 'The Fiery Cross' travelled the purple heathered hills to rally the Clans. Latter chapters relate to the involvement of the Highlanders in the International Wars in Canada and how these changed the social structure of the Highlands and initiated the emigration of folk to lands afar. The emigrant sailing ships and the trials of the voyage provide interesting anecdotes for the appreciation of the reader concluding in a new life in lands afar.

Author Biography

Malcolm Cameron McDonald, Esq., OAM., O.St.J., FPA. Born in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Educated at the Cairns High and Technical College, participating in the sports of Foot running and member of the 1st Rugby League Team. Played Hockey to 'A' grade standard, successful in Minor and Major Premierships. Later took up the amateur sport of Motorcycle Scramble racing for a couple of years. Served in the RAAF in 10 (Operational) Squadron as an Armament Fitter for National Service Course 5, 1952-3. An Officer with the Queensland Ambulance Service from 1959, serving throughout the State and in the Central Queensland Aerial Ambulance, fully operational to Coronary Care. Retired in 1993 as Assistant Commissioner, Queensland Ambulance Service, Region 5, Metropolitan. Fellow of Paramedics Australasia and Life Member. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for " Service to the Community especially the Ambulance, Fire and State Emergency Services, 1992." - Officer of the most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The author has a strong involvement with his Scottish heritage in the research of history and genealogy of Clan Donald over the decades. He was Granted personal Arms by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Scotland in 1992 and is currently Toiseach of the Council of Finlaggan, Clan Donald International. PUBLICATIONS: Historical narratives: "Trust Me, I'm an Ambulance Officer" (1993) - on a brief history of the first 100 years of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade and the experiences of an Ambulance Officer. "The Chain that Binds - Further Links" (1997). The history of seven McDonald families who sailed to Australia in the 1830s.