Mount McGoogan Conquered!!!
The deed is done, the mission accomplished. Mount McGoogan is conquered. The date: June 15, 2011. Those who have read How the Scots Invented Canada will know that my last expedition was thwarted by my Canadian deference to a sign warning that unauthorized persons should proceed no farther. Yes, I attempted a different route and got turned back by a rushing river. This time out, understanding that my surname conferred the requisite authorization, I climbed over the gate and, with Sheena, followed a dirt road as it zig-zagged upwards to the top of Cruach Mhic Gougain (higher, at 246 metres, than Montreal’s Mount Royal). The big surprise? The standing stone we found near the top. It marks the spot, I believe, where a lookout would light a beacon fire to relay news of any imminent invasion. We had neglected to bring champagne. The celebration would have to wait. Now, we unfurled a flag and marked the occasion by signing two copies of How the Scots.
Doing genealogy research. My name is Douglas MacGugan. Father/Grandfather from Perth & Glasgow area. Canadian from St. Catherine, Ontario, though living in Seattle area now (2025). Seems the “MacGugan” has lots of spelling variations, including McGoogan. Found reference to namesake as a SEPT of the Clan McNeill of Gigha. Also, found a registry dated 1594 of a Catherine McGugan from Kintyre. My father’s sister was named Sheena.
I’ve never really considered myself a “variant” but, as a MacGougan – living on Vancouver Island, BC Canada – apparently I am. I will be making my first attempt at Cruach Mhic Gougain in the last week in Sept. 2026 (in a few weeks). If I’m not back in a couple months – send best wishes.
My family sailed on the Edinburgh to Malpeque, PEI in 1771. The continent has never been the same.
Wonderful, Bill! Please give us a full report. I believe it may have become harder to get in there. But while you’re at it, you might want to deke over to Gigha! https://kenmcgoogan.com/2018/05/30/searching-for-ancestors-leads-to/
Thanks for this Ken. We’ll drive out there and just hope we can find a clear access. I hope I can also convince my unsuspecting (non-Gugan) travel partners to ferry over to Gigha. We’ll be in the area for a couple days.
Will report back.