Cèilidh Nam Freumhan

Category: Roots & Heritage

  • How I Found My Family Tartan

    How I Found My Family Tartan

    A few years ago, I did the DNA thing that Ancestry.com offers. It came with a three month free trial, so I spent that time getting as much information as I could, going back as far as I could. My DNA results indicate that I have quite a bit of Scottish ancestry, so I dug into it some more, and found out that I am related to the Grays, dating back to the 15th century. I was so excited, I bought a clan pin to go with my earasaid (which I still haven’t worn…it is more difficult than I thought to put it on, mainly due to the space needed to lay out the fabric).

    I had been watching Outlander during this time, which got me excited about my heritage even more. I started researching traditional recipes and how to make them vegan. I have only tried a couple of them so far, but they have turned out well. I am learning to crochet (though I know they are knitted in the show) so I can reproduce Claire’s shawls, fingerless gloves, etc.

    Ultimately, I’d like to write a dissertation, but right now, I am still in the research phase. But during this journey, I’d like to document the things that I do, from crafting to gardening to cooking. And since I am vegan, everything will be done without using animal products (except maybe honey…I am a “beegan”).

    Also, I work slowly, so I imagine I won’t be updating this every day. Sorry.

  • I Thought This Was a Highland Blog

    I Thought This Was a Highland Blog

    Sometimes we begin with one interest and discover it was really a doorway.

    When I first created this site, I imagined it as a place to explore Highland culture, heritage, and plant-based recipes inspired by Scotland. That still matters to me. But over time, curiosity has a way of wandering.

    The deeper I looked into roots and tradition, the more I found myself drawn to gardens, language study, handmade books, seasonal rhythms, and the quiet satisfaction of learning for its own sake.

    So perhaps this was never only a Highland blog.

    Perhaps it was always meant to be a place for roots, research, and everyday beauty.

    Since beginning this endeavor, I’ve branched into many interests that may not seem connected at first glance—but I love finding the threads between them.

    Right now, I’m exploring gardening, canning, Torah study, language learning, baseball stat apps, planners and journals, designing my own planner, and crafting useful paper goods such as reusable notebook covers and hand-bound notebooks. I also enjoy finding creative ways to use what I already own.

    Future projects include learning to knit and experimenting with making fountain pen ink.

    As a neurodivergent person, I’m proud of learning how to nurture many interests at once rather than feeling pressured to choose only one.

    I hope you’ll keep reading and join me in learning along the way.

  • How to Get Started With Your Highland Adventure

    I have dedicated a commonplace book to this topic, in order to have everything in one place. So far, it is divided into: gardening plans, 18th century history, and recipes.

    Here are some steps you can try:

    Tip #1 – Figure out what aspect of Highland culture you’d like to dig into

    Do you like history? Food? How to wear various types of tartans? All of the above?

    Tip #2 – Find a way to organize your notes and thoughts

    I like to keep as much as possible analog; I find that the act of writing things down helps me remember. I have also used my bujo, but the bujo fills up quickly and I don’t care to make a new one every month. Digital note-taking apps are available as well: Goodnotes, Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, and Notion, among others. I haven’t found one that works for me, but use whatever you need to to keep everything straight.

    There is scarcely anything to which I am so feelingly alive as the honour and welfare of my country, and, as a poet, I have no higher enjoyment than singing her sons and daughters.

    Robert Burns

    Tip #3 – After finding your note-taking method, make a list of what you think you might need (yarn, food ingredients, etc.)

    Google will be your friend here; there are lots of great resources that will help you find exactly what you need for your project.

    Tip #4 – Give something a try

    After finding out what you need, and getting all of it, try it out! If you want to crochet or knit, there are sites with free Outlander patterns (if that’s what you are looking for, otherwise there are free patterns all over). If you want to cook, there are plenty of Scottish recipe sites, both vegan and non-vegan. The best way to improve at something is to just do it.

    Tip #5 – Share your work

    This last tip is purely optional; I know I have trouble showing people anything I am working on, though I can share my cooking results with my spouse at any time. Even if it looks weird.

    Make this project work for you!

    If you want to research and/or just enjoy Highland culture, do what makes you happy in the way that makes you happy. And feel free to contact me, whether you have a question, want to share something you made, or just want to express your thoughts.

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