Fans of historical dramas and Scottish history are being urged to watch a docu-drama series telling the tale of Scotland's 17th-century civil war. The series, which originally aired on the BBC in 2020, is hosted by Scottish presenter Neil Oliver, and it has been hailed as "enthralling" by fans.
Epic conflicts and ancient feuds
The BBC teased: "When the Scottish Parliament, led by the Chief of Clan Campbell, declares war on Charles I, clans loyal to the King rise up in rebellion. At the heart of this epic struggle lies an ancient feud between the Campbells and the MacDonalds, and all hell is unleashed as the Royalist clans use the war to wreak bloody vengeance on their rivals in an epic conflict."
Blood of the Clans is the series in question, and it explores a range of famous conflicts from the fall of the Stuart kings to the rise of Bonnie Prince Charlie, as it journeys through one of the most explosive periods in British history. The three-episode series is the perfect binge-watch for history fans.
Episodes and fan reviews
The first episode, titled The Year of Victories, sees Neil Oliver retell the 17th-century conflict between royalist clans and parliamentarians. Episode two, titled The Highland Rogue, uncovers the real story of a Scottish legend - Rob Roy MacGregor. Finally, episode three, titled The Last Rebels, exposes how Scotland was torn in two by Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebellion.
Blood of the Clans is available to buy on Prime Video and fans took to Amazon reviews to share their thoughts on the series, with one saying: "This was an education. We are not taught about Scottish history in English schools, so the most I really thought I knew was about Glen Coe. Apparently, there was much more to clan history than just that, and I was enthralled learning about it."
Another shared: "Excellent series!", while a third added: "Absolutely loved this series. I don't usually like the reconstructions fed into the story, but these are so well done and Neil Oliver telling the story as an observer is just brilliant."
It clearly tells the stories over the years which have been warped and confused by fiction and legend, and as well as hugely entertaining, it is educational and informative with lots of 'Oh, I didn't know/realise that' moments. Highly recommended and watchable over and over again.
A final fan shared: "I always enjoy watching and learning from Neil Oliver, love his voice and he makes things very interesting. He knows his Scottish history and passes the interest on to others."
Presenter and story details
The presenter, from Renfrew, has hosted several series on archaeology and history, including A History of Scotland, Vikings and Coast. He is also an author of popular history books and historical fiction. He earned a degree in archaeology and worked as a freelance archaeologist before training as a journalist.
The series delves into how humble cattle trader Rob Roy MacGregor came to be despised by the most powerful noblemen in the land, and how he went on to become Britain's most-wanted man. Viewers also learn about how Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived in Scotland to reclaim the crown of his ancestors, and clans were called upon to rise in armed revolt for him. While some did, others opposed him and joined the British to fight against the rebels.
Blood of the Clans is available to buy on Prime Video.
