2024 Scholarship – Zach McClain

My Journey to Oban: A Reflection on Heritage and Scholarship

As the 2024 recipient of the John Carasik Scholarship from the MacDougall McCallum Heritage Foundation, I had the unique opportunity to visit Oban, Scotland, from July 3-5. Despite a series of travel mishaps that unfortunately limited my time at the Dunollie Museum, Castle, and Grounds, the experience was invaluable. The town’s breathtaking beauty provided a stark contrast to the challenges we faced along the way. The trip was not only an exploration of the history of Clan MacDougall but also a journey of personal healing, as my mother and I traveled to the ancestral home of my late father. During this time, I had the privilege of working closely with Jamie MacGregor, Dunollie’s Heritage Engagement Officer, on two important projects that allowed me to delve deeper into the legacy of Clan MacDougall.

One of my primary focuses during my time at Dunollie was a “Historical Overview and Statistical Analysis of the MacDougall Chiefs.” This project, featured in the program for the Clan MacDougall Gathering 2024, provided a comprehensive examination of the Clan MacDougall leadership from its inception in 1164. The analysis highlighted the clan's extraordinary stability, with thirty-one chiefs leading since its founding by Dougall, the son of Somerled. The average tenure of a chief is approximately 27.5 years, underscoring a remarkable consistency in leadership, particularly when compared to the shorter reigns of English and Scottish monarchs. For instance, English monarchs have averaged less than 20 years on the throne, while Scottish kings average around 25 years. The MacDougall Clan’s stability in leadership, in contrast to these more volatile lineages, stood out as a defining characteristic.

What fascinated me most about the research on the MacDougall Chiefs was the comparison between the tenure of the clan's leaders and those of English and Scottish monarchs. Despite the tumultuous periods of history, such as the Wars of Scottish Independence or the Jacobite risings, the MacDougall Clan remained remarkably stable. For example, the 23rd Chief, Alexander of Dunollie, who served from 1737 to 1801, had one of the longest tenures, spanning an impressive 63 years. His long leadership period significantly impacted the clan's stability during the 18th century, a time marked by significant upheaval in both Scotland and England. Understanding this context deepened my appreciation of the clan's resilience and the importance of steadfast leadership in maintaining clan unity and identity.

While engaging in this research, I also had the chance to work on preserving the legacy of Miss Hope MacDougall, whose passion for documenting not only the Clan MacDougall but also Scottish rural life has left an indelible mark on the Dunollie Museum. Hope MacDougall was instrumental in collecting and preserving artifacts not only about Clan MacDougall but also artifacts that spoke to the everyday lives of Scots, ranging from agricultural practices to traditional crafts. Her efforts, inspired by Dr. Isabel Frances Grant, founder of the Highland Folk Museum, spanned from the 1950s until her death in 1998. During my time at the museum, I meticulously reorganized her binder, highlighted key information, and wrote a summary to accompany it. It became clear that without Hope’s dedication, the Dunollie Museum, Castle, and Grounds would not be the treasure trove of heritage it is today. Her work was not just about collecting objects but preserving the narratives and memories that those objects carried, reflecting a deep respect for the people who lived and worked in the Scottish Highlands.

This trip also offered a profound personal connection. With my father’s recent passing, traveling to Oban with my mother became a deeply emotional experience. The warmth and dedication of the staff at Dunollie Museum, particularly Jamie MacGregor, provided a sense of solace during a challenging time. Jamie not only guided us through the museum’s rich history, heritage projects, and a world-class tour, but also assisted in recovering our lost luggage, going above and beyond in supporting us. The care and commitment of everyone at Dunollie in preserving the history of Clan MacDougall were palpable, and their hospitality was a comforting reminder of the strength of community and shared heritage. The compassion I experienced from the team at Dunollie reaffirmed my belief in the power of heritage to bring people together and support one another in times of need.

Reflecting on my experience, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity provided by the MacDougall McCallum Heritage Foundation. This journey was more than just a research project; it was a path to understanding my roots, a way to honor my father's memory, and a chance to contribute to the preservation of Clan MacDougall’s history. My time in Oban, though brief and fraught with challenges, left a lasting impact on me. I have come away with a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation, a stronger connection to my heritage, and a renewed sense of purpose in my studies and career goals. This experience is one I will cherish forever, and I am thankful to everyone who made it possible. The lessons I learned about leadership, resilience, and community are ones I hope to carry with me in all my future endeavors, continuing to honor the legacy of Clan MacDougall in my own way.