Unveiling the Scottish Roots Behind Pints and Power

When I began writing Pints and Power, I declared—perhaps with a wink—that I’m not Irish. But the truth is, the tapestry of my heritage is a little more woven than that. While the heart of this project beats with Guinness and Irish culture, there’s another story running quietly beneath the surface: my Scottish roots, carried through the MacKay line on my mother’s side.

From the Highlands to the Harbor

The MacKay name—Mac Aoidh in Scottish Gaelic (pronounced “mahk EE”), meaning “son of fire”—originates in the wild and beautiful Highlands of Scotland, specifically Strathnaver in Sutherland. The MacKay were known as fierce defenders, their motto “Manu forti” (“With a strong hand”) as much a description as a declaration. My grandmother, Anne MacKay, embodied that quiet strength, a living echo of an ancient clan that once stood on the far edge of the world.

History, however, was rarely gentle with Highlanders. War, famine, and the infamous Highland Clearances scattered families like mine. The MacKays, along with many others, looked west for hope, crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia—a new home that looked and felt much like the one they left behind. From the granite cliffs of Cape Breton to the fishing villages of Peggy’s Cove, the MacKays built new lives, carrying their songs, stories, and stubborn endurance with them.

One of the most vivid connections I have to this heritage is my memory of visiting my great-uncle Angus MacKay in Peggy’s Cove. Angus made his living as a lobsterman, rising before dawn to haul his traps through the fog. When I visited his home in 1977, I was just a child, but the salt air, the weathered boats, and the stubborn endurance of that place left a mark on me. Standing on those granite rocks, I realized I was treading the same kind of ground my ancestors once farmed and fought for in Scotland—another hard, beautiful place where people survived by their hands and their hearts.

The Scottish Thread in Irish Tapestry

If you follow the threads of Irish history, you’ll find they’re often entwined with Scottish ones. The proximity of Ulster to the Scottish coast, centuries of migration and trade, and the shared Gaelic heritage have blurred borders and blended cultures. Even some of the most iconic Irish stories and surnames have roots that stretch back to Scotland.

Take the Guinness name itself. While most associate Guinness with Ireland, the original family name—Magennis—has been the subject of some debate. Some historians suggest it’s of Irish origin, rooted in County Down, while others wonder about possible Scottish links, given the centuries of movement between the two lands. It’s a reminder that identity in this part of the world is rarely simple or single-threaded.

And when it comes to language, the differences are as rich as the accents. In Scotland, the native tongue is Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig, pronounced “GAH-lik”), while in Ireland, it’s Irish (Gaeilge, pronounced “GAYL-guh”)—both part of the Gaelic language family, but distinct in sound and vocabulary. The Scottish burr—a rolling 'r' and a musical lilt—contrasts with the softer, more melodic Irish brogue. Each accent is a badge of origin, instantly recognizable to those who know the difference, and a living part of the culture that shapes our stories.

Carrying the Flame

For me, growing up in Massachusetts, the legacy of the MacKays was more than just a family tree. It was a sense of resilience—a pull toward the sea, a pride in hard work, and a respect for endurance. My mother, Gloria, inherited that quiet MacKay strength, and even now, I can feel that legacy in the way our family adapts, endures, and finds humor in the face of challenge.

So while Pints and Power is a love letter to Guinness and Irish identity, it’s also, in its way, a nod to the Scottish fire that burns in my blood. The journey from the heathered hills of Strathnaver to the storm-washed rocks of Nova Scotia, and eventually to the harbors of Boston, is a reminder that heritage is both map and compass—a story of place, character, and the strong hands that built them.

Sláinte— or as they may say in Scotland - “slàinte mhath” (pronounced: SLAHN-chuh VAH or SLAHN-tchuh VAH).

• Slàinte means “health” in Scottish Gaelic, just like the Irish “sláinte.”
• Mhath means “good,” so together it means “good health!”

It’s a classic Scottish toast—raise your glass and say, “Slàinte mhath!” If you want to respond, the traditional reply is “Slàinte mhath!” right back, or sometimes “Do dheagh shlàinte!” (to your good health).

Perfect for a toast in your next heritage-inspired post or event!

Curious about the Scottish-Irish connection, or want to share your own story about language, accent, or ancestry? Drop a comment or share your roots below!