In June 2026, the grounds of Scone Palace—long regarded as the spiritual heart of Scottish kingship—will once again echo with the clash of arms. This time, however, history is not simply being remembered; it is being lived anew. Among those taking the field is Andrew McKinnon of New South Wales, Australia: an armiger of Clan MacKinnon, his arms granted by the Court of the Lord Lyon, and serving as Gillie Mòr (swordbearer) for the clan.
He has been invited to compete in a full-contact medieval tournament on 20–21 June, representing Australia alongside fellow New South Welshman Rodney Deaman. Their opponents are not merely other competitors—but history itself.
Where kings were crowned
Few locations could be more fitting. Scone Palace stands near the ancient Moot Hill, where Scottish kings—including Robert the Bruce in 1306 and Charles II in 1651—were crowned upon the Stone of Destiny. Centuries later, the same ground will host a different kind of coronation: not of kings, but of courage, skill, and living tradition.
At the heart of the tournament lies something far rarer than sport: a true interclan contest. Not since the Battle of Mulroy in 1688—fought between MacDonald of Keppoch and Clan Mackintosh—have Scottish clans met in formalised combat. In that final clash of the old clan era, Clan MacKinnon stood alongside MacDonald of Keppoch.
Now, 338 years later, Clan MacKinnon once again takes the field—this time against Clan Murray. Representing Clan Murray is Roy Murray, serving as Gillie Mòr for his clan and fighting on home soil. Opposing him, Andrew McKinnon carries both the weight of his lineage and the distinction of representing Australia in what is believed to be the first international jousting contest between Australia and Scotland. Rounding out team Australia is Rodney Deaman, a highly experienced international competitor. Roy Murray’s teammate for Scotland will be experienced horsewoman Jane de Bleu. History, it seems, has come full circle.
The tournament will feature two principal disciplines:
- The joust—the thunder of hooves, the splintering of lances, and the timeless test of nerve and precision.
- Ground combat with poleaxes—a demanding and highly technical form of armoured fighting, requiring strength, control, and tactical awareness at close quarters.
For McKinnon and Deaman, this is not theatre, but the culmination of years of training in historical martial disciplines—where authenticity is matched by athleticism.
A clan story renewed
For Clan MacKinnon, the symbolism runs deep. To have stood in the last interclan battle of the old era, and now to take the field in the first of a new one, is a rare and powerful continuity. It speaks not only to heritage, but to resilience—the enduring identity of a clan whose story has crossed both centuries and continents. From the Hebrides to New South Wales, and now back again to the ancient seat of Scottish kings, the journey is as meaningful as the contest itself. “I am proud to represent both Australia and Clan MacKinnon. I feel a deep calling to serve the betterment of our Clan. Though small, we have achieved remarkable things throughout history, and I am in a unique position to win new renown for the MacKinnon name. Cuimhnich bàs Alpein.”
History, as the clans have always known, is not something left behind. It is something carried forward—into the field, and into the fight.
Beyond the tournament, this moment marks the beginning of a broader storytelling journey. Andrew McKinnon’s participation will form part of The Bard & the Blade, a developing series exploring Scottish history through lived experience—where scholarship meets steel, and where stories are not only told, but embodied. For history, as the clans have always known, is not something left behind. It is something carried forward—into the field, and into the fight.
Andrew McKinnon (gàidhlig – Anndra Mac Fhionghuin Nan Cath [Andrew McKinnon of the battles]) is an armiger of Clan MacKinnon and serves as Gillie Mòr (swordbearer) for the clan. Based in New South Wales, Australia, he trains in historical martial disciplines and represents both Australia and Clan MacKinnon in competitive medieval tournaments across the globe.
Do you enjoy our content?
Content on the Scottish Banner website remains free for users. Stories and events listed for the international Scottish community continue to be an important resource for many across the world. As advertising revenue remains a challenge, our readers can donate to help us produce unique Scottish content for global Scots. Every contribution counts and thank you for considering your support.
Support the Scottish Banner! To donate to assist with production of our publication and website visit: The Scottish Banner