Scottish Clans

Scottish Clans

Scottish clans are a staple of Scottish culture and a critical step in identifying a person's Scottish ancestry. Not every person who bears a particular surname is related to the respective clan, but the shared identity of each has been influential in shaping Scottish geography. The modern idea of clans originates in the early 19th century as the Highlands were increasingly romanticized in literature. Historically, kin groups with close relatives formed local communities who over the years began adopting similar surnames and the clan system developed. As clans grew in number and influence, many began forming alliances with their neighbors, or rivalries began over land and personal property. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden, the clan system was officially abolished in 1745 with a series of harsh laws. By the mid-1800s, romantic memory about the Scottish Highlands saw the resurgence of clan mythology and history.

Today there are hundred of Scottish clan organizations with thousands of members worldwide. Many of them have websites you can visit and if you travel to Highland games and festivals, clan tents are always a permanent fixture. Clan representatives and ambassadors travel the country finding new members and educating the public about their respective clans. Some of our own below to such groups and even hold high offices as well!

If you have questions about a specific Scottish clan or want to learn more about the clan system, message us on our Contact page or click on the regional clan resource links below!

Clan of the Month:

Clan Anderson

Clan Anderson is a Scottish clan that is recognized as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. However, as the clan does not currently have a chief recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon, it is therefore considered an armigerous clan. Variations of the surname are however considered septs of several other clans of the Scottish Highlands: The surname MacAndrews is considered a sept of the Clan Mackintosh and Clan Chattan, and also associated with the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The surnames Andrew and Andrews are considered septs of the Clan Ross.

Origins

As Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland the surname Anderson, which means Son of Andrew is commonly found throughout most of the country. The Scottish Gaelic derivation of the name is Gilleaindreas which means servant of Andrew. The Scottish historian, Ian Grimble, states that although arms were granted to an Anderson of that Ilk in the sixteenth century, as the name is so widespread no exact place of origin can be established.

16th and 17th centuries

The historian George Fraser Black lists Andersons as being burgesses of Peebles as well as in the county of Dumfries. In 1585 John Anderson was a commissioner to Parliament for Cupar.  Alexander Anderson was a famous mathematician who was born near Aberdeen and later settled in Paris, where he published works on Algebra and Geometry. Alexander's kinsman, David Anderson of Finshaugh, also a scientist, is renowned for removing a rock that was obstructing the entrance to Aberdeen harbour with the application of science and mechanics.[2] His wife Jean Anderson was a noted philanthropist.

19th and 20th centuries

In 1863 William Anderson published his famous biographical history of the people of Scotland, The Scottish Nation, in three volumes. In this book he praised the above-mentioned rock remover, David Anderson, stating that he had been rich enough and generous enough to found and endow a hospital in Aberdeen for the maintenance and education of ten poor orphans, although it was Jean Anderson (and her relatives) who made that gift after he died.

In the 20th century the name is remembered for the famous Anderson shelters, a type of bomb shelter that was designed by John Anderson, 1st Viscount Waverley, during World War II.

21st century

Anderson Clan Society

The Clan Anderson Society was formed in 1973 and is active throughout North America. A clan room and archival display are maintained at Wyseby House in KirtlebridgeDumfriesshire. The Clan Anderson Society was Granted Letters Patent Clan Anderson Society Coat of Arms by Lyon Court in 2014 and Dr. Joseph Morrow Lord Lyon King of Arms presented the Letters Patent to the Clan Anderson Society at the Loch Norman Highland Games in North Carolina in April 2014. The Clan Anderson Society Coat of Arms depicts the more inclusive Clan Anderson motto WE STAND SURE .

Cadet branches

As the Clan has never been able to proclaim a Chief, there are no cadet branches for this clan. However, the major families have been identified as Anderson of Ardbrake & Westerton (whose crest is used by Andersons as a clansman's crest badge); Anderson of Kinneddar (scion of the Ardbrake line), Anderson of Noth, Anderson of Newbiggin & Kingask, Anderson of Dowhill & Stobcross, Anderson of Linkwood, Anderson of Inchyra & Stonyhill, Seton-Anderson of Mounie and Anderson of Candacraig.

Clan profile

  • Motto: "Stand Sure"
  • Crest: An oak tree Proper
  • Gaelic Name: Mac Aindrais
  • Badge: On a wreath of the liveries, an oak tree Proper within a circlet belt & buckle]
  • Lands: Aberdeenshire, Banff & Moray
  • Origin of Name: "Son of Andrew"
  • Tartan: First seen in 1815 when collected by the "Highland Society of London." It has an azure field and it is one of several Scottish tartans woven with seven colours.

Septs

Andrew, Anderson, Andrews, Gillanders, MacAndrew, M'Anderson

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Clan Anderson

Clan Anderson is a Scottish clan that is recognized as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. However, as the clan does not currently have a chief recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon, it is therefore considered an armigerous clan. Variations of the surname are however considered septs of several other clans of the Scottish Highlands: The surname MacAndrews is considered a sept of the Clan Mackintosh and Clan Chattan, and also associated with the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The surnames Andrew and Andrews are considered septs of the Clan Ross.

Local Contact: Pam Davis Wayne_and_Pam@yahoo.com

Clan Buchanan

Clan Buchanan is a Highlands Scottish Clan whose origins are said to lie in the 1225 grant of lands on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond to clergyman Sir Absalon of Buchanan by the Earl of Lennox.

https://www.theclanbuchanan.com/

Local Contact: Danny McMurphy mcmurfy1@yahoo.com

Clan Campbell

Clan Campbell is a Highland Scottish clan. Historically one of the largest and most powerful of the Highland clans, their lands were in Argyll and the chief of the clan became the Earl and later Duke of Argyll.

Local Contact: Jeff Campbell turlogh1@yahoo.com:

Local Contact: James Campbell jac_7296@yahoo.com

Clan Carruthers

Clan Carruthers is a Lowland Scottish clan of the Scottish Borders headed by their Chief, Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains and is recognised as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. A Clan Chief of Carruthers was confirmed after over 12 years of research and investigation by the official representatives of Carruthers internationally; Clan Carruthers Society International.

Local Contact:  Jeanne Abert jabert57@gmail.com

Clan Cochrane

Clan Cochrane

Clan Cochrane is a Lowland Scottish clan.  Traditionally the original ancestor of the Clan Cochrane in Scotland was a Scandinavian Viking who settled in what is now known as Renfrewshire between the eighth and tenth centuries.

Local Contact:   Cathy Rave theraves@centurylink.net

Clan Colquhoun

Clan Colquhoun is a Scottish clan.

Local Contact: Kara Whittaker kara@clancolquhourn,com

Clan Davidson

Clan Davidson is a Highland Scottish clan and a member of the Chattan Confederation.

Local Contact: Wayne Davis wayne_and_pam@yahoo.com

Clan Donald USA

         Home of the MacDonalds               

Clan Donald is the oldest, largest, and most famous of the Scottish clans. Its Celtic heritage goes back into antiquity, beyond the six century AD to the great clans of Conn and Colla in what is today Ireland. Our ancestors were regarded as the heads of the ancient race of Conn and the lineal heirs  of  the kings of the Dalriadic Scots.

Clan Donald begins its recorded history with Somerled. In 1156, Somerled defeated  the Norse King of Man, who had occupied the western isles and large portions  of  the  Scottish mainland. He thus secured independence for the Celtic people who lived there. This independence lasted for over four centuries.

Somerled became known as “Rex Insularum” or “King of the Isles.” Over time,  this  title  evolved to “Lord  of  the Isles.” Somerled’s genius at both land and naval warfare gave rise to the clan motto, “Per Mare Per Terras,” which means “By Sea By Land. Clan Donald takes its name from Donald, the grandson of Somerled. In  Gaelic “Mac” means “son of.”

Over the centuries, the power of the Lord of the Isles grew and it brought them into conflict with the English and Scottish kings, and with other powerful clans\

In  1493, King James IV of  Scotland declared the Lordship of the Isles forfeit to  the  crown  and  this  ended  the  long reign of the Clan Donald chiefs. The Macdonalds remained powerful   and important in the  Highlands, but the six major  branches  of  the  clan  were  no longer unified as under  the  Lord of the Isles. When James VI of Scotland, who held the title of Lord of the Isles, became James the I of England, the title went with him.

After the battle of Culloden in 1746, the clan way of life was destroyed and massive   migrations began that sent Macdonalds’ all over the world.

Clan Donald U. S. A., Inc. is a family organization embracing the MacDonalds’ and all of the other surnames that are recognized as septs, branches, or adherents of the greatest of the Highland clans. Clan Donald is different than other clans in Scotland and the United States in that the clan is viewed as an extension of the Clan Donald in Scotland.

Clan Donald U.S.A. began in 1956 when the then Lord Macdonald asked Reginald H. Macdonald of Kingsburgh  O.B.E., the great, great grandson of Flora Macdonald, to become the first High Commissioner in the United States. The clan was incorporated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that same year.

Missouri Contact:      Heidi Campbell, MO Deputy Commissioner, heidiboaz7@gmail.com 

Illinois Contacts:        Craig Macdonald, IL Commissioner, riskimac1@gmail.com

Jann MacDonald, IL Conveener jmacjazz@gmail.com

Clan Douglas

Clan Douglas is an ancient clan or noble house from the Scottish Lowlands. Taking their name from Douglas in Lanarkshire, their leaders gained vast territories throughout the Borders, Angus, Lothian, Moray, and also in France and Sweden. The family is one of the most ennobled in the United Kingdom and has held numerous titles.

Local Contact: Tim Kirkpatrick kirkpatrick79@yahoo.com

Local Contact:  Harold Edington clan.douglas@yahoo.com

Clan Elliot

Clan Eliott is a Border Reiver Scottish clan.

Local Contact: Donna Anderson: donnainmisery@yahoo.com

Clan Ferguson

Clan Ferguson is a Scottish clan. Known as the Sons of Fergus they have spread across Scotland from as far as Ross-shire in the north to Dumfriesshire in the south.

Local Contact:  Stephan Butler Steveb63116@prodigy.net

Local Contact: Millie Slack revmslack@aol.com

Clan Galbraith

Clan Galbreith is a Scottish clan.  The clan does not have a chief recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.  Because of this, the clan is consi dered an armigerous clan, and as such Clan Galbraith has no standing under Scots Law.

Local Contact:  Paul B. Galbraith 2020clangalbraithpresident@gmail..com

Clan Gregor

                                         

Clan Gregor is a Highland Scottish clan that claims an origin in the early 800s
through descent from King Kenneth Alpin who united the Picts and Scots. More recently and after centuries of war, rebellion, proscription and the abolishment of the clan system after Culloden, Sir Evan John MacGregor Chief of Clan Gregor founded The Clan Gregor Society in 1822. This was the third Scottish clan society formed after the abolishment was lifted. The American Clan Gregor Society (ACGS) was founded in 1909 with the advice and assistance of the 22nd Chief of Clan Gregor, our current chief’s grandfather. Since its founding, each Chief of Clan Gregor has designated ACGS as the official representative of the Chief in America. Our bylaws state that the object of ACGS is:
1. To gather kindred together in clanship.
2. To promote, foster and collect patriotic, historical and genealogical records
for compilation, publication and addition to the history of the American
descendants of the Clan Gregor of Scotland.
3. To aid descendants within the Clan.
Clan Gregor’s most famous member is Rob Roy MacGregor of the late 17th and early 18th centuries who was immortalized by the writings of Sir Walter Scott. The Clan is also known to have been among the first families of Scotland to begin playing the bagpipes in the early 17th century.

Please visit our website ( acgsus.org ) and our Facebook page (American Clan
Gregor Society, Inc)

Local Contact: Jeanne Peter Lehr jeannelehracgs@gmail.com

Clan Gordon

Clan Gordon, also known as the House of Gordon, is a Scottish clan. The chief of the clan is the powerful Earl of Huntly, and now also the Marquess of Huntly. During the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 13th century, the Gordons supported William Wallace in the cause of independence. In the 15th century, the chiefship of the clan passed to an heiress, who married into the Seton family and her male descendants assumed the surname Gordon and continued as chiefs of the clan. The Gordons assisted in defeating the rebellion of the Earl of Douglas also in the 15th century. In the 16th century, the Gordons as Catholics feuded with their Protestant neighbors the Clan Forbes and also defeated at the Battle of Glenlivet, the Protestant Earl of Argyll. During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms of the 17th century, the Gordons supported the Royalist cause. During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the Clan Gordon was Jacobite. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, their chief, then the Duke of Gordon, pledged his support to the British-Hanoverian Government, but his clan remained Jacobite.

Local Contact:  Kim William Gordon kimwilliamgordon@houseofgordon.com

Clan Henderson

The Clan Henderson is a Scottish clan. The clan's historical seat is at Fordell Castle in Dalgety Bay, Fife. The current clan chief is Alistair Henderson of Fordell.

Local Contact: Charm Russell russell.charm@gmail.com

Clan Hunter

Clan Hunter

The Hunters were hereditary keepers of the royal forests of Arran and Little Cumbrae from an early date, and despite being heavily involved with the military in the 16th century, they were known primarily for being landowners who treated their tenants well. The Hunter clan motto is "Cursum perficio" (I have completed the course) and the clan crest is a hound with an antique crown.

Local Contact: John Hunter john.r.hunter@att.net

Clan Logan

Clan Logan is a Scottish clan. Two distinct branches of Clan Logan exist: the Highland branch; and the Lowland branch. The clan does not have a chief recognised by Lord Lyon King of Arms, and therefore can be considered an armigerous clan. Today, some regard Clan MacLennan as a variant of the Highland Logan clan.

Local Contact:  Charles Logan loganirish@sbcglobal.net

Clan MacAuley

Clan MacAulay, also spelt Macaulay or Macauley is a Scottish clan. The clan was historically centred on the lands of Ardincaple, which are today consumed by the little village of Rhu and burgh of Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute. The MacAulays of Ardincaple were located mainly in the traditional county of Dunbartonshire, which straddles the "Highland Line" between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. Clan MacAulay has been considered a "Highland clan" by writers and has been linked by various historians to the original Earls of Lennox and in later times to Clan Gregor. The MacAulays of Ardincaple, like Clan Gregor and several other clans, have traditionally been considered one of the seven clans which make up Siol Alpin. This group of clans were said to have claimed descent from Cináed mac Ailpín, King of the Picts, from whom later kings of Scotland traced their descent. The chiefs of Clan MacAulay were styled Laird of Ardincaple.

Local Contact:  Bob MacAuley bobmac74@charter.net

Local Contact: Mike MacAuley mikedurkanmac@gmail.com

Clan MacFarlane

 

Clan MacFarlane is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan derived from the Earl of Lennox about 1395.  The MacFarlanes occupied the land forming the western shore of Loch Lomond from Tarbet up-wards. From Loch Sloy, a small sheet of water near the foot of Ben Vorlich, they took their war cry of Loch Slòigh. Loch Sloy was where the Clan hid its stolen cattle, and they were so good at cattle rustling that the full moon came to be called "MacFarlane's Lantern." Sir Walter Scott wrote about this fact, and to this day Scottish television weather forecasters sometimes announce a full moon as a "MacFarlane's Moon."

Local Contact: Eric Funkhouser funkhousereric1995@yahoo.com

Local Contact: Bill Hamrick isleofionafan@gmail.com

Clan MacIntyre

Clan MacIntyre is a Highland Scottish clan. The name MacIntyre, means "son of the carpenter" Although no documented history of the clan exists, it is most commonly said to descend from Maurice Mac Neil a nephew of Somerled, the great 12th century leader of the Scottish Gaels. Through an ingenious strategy, Maurice secured the marriage of Somerled to the daughter of the King of Mann and the Isles, thus greatly increasing Somerled's territories. At an unknown date the clan journeyed from the Hebrides to the Scottish mainland where the chiefs established their home at Glen Noe, in Ardchattan Parish, on the east side of Loch Etive.

Local Contact: Loretta McIntire Kelly lorettakelly2@gmail.com

Clan Macleod

Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is MacLeod of MacLeod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid; the Clan MacLeod of Lewis and Raasay, whose chief is MacLeod of The Lewes, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill. Both branches claim descent from Leòd, who lived in the 13th century.

Local Contact: Ian Good ian_good@sbcglobal.net 

Ronnie McLeod mcleodco@swbell.net

 

Clan Maxwell

Arms of Maxwell, Earls of Nithsdale.svg

Clan Maxwell is a Lowland Scottish clan and is recognized as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. However, as the clan does not currently have a chief, it is considered an armigerous clan.

Local Contact: William Rave  theraves@centurylink.net

 

Clan McLaren

Clan MacLaren is an ancient Highland Clan that has occupied lands in Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, and around Strathearn since the 12th Century: signed the Ragman's Roll in 1296. The ancient rallying place of the Clan is Creag an Tuirc (The Boars Rock) and is located on a hill overlooking the Balquhidder Kirkyard. The MacLarens had strong ties to the Stewarts of Appin and have been involved in many battles over the centuries: for example, the Clan fought for David I of Scotland in 1138, were a force at Flodden in 1513,
and lost many men with the Jacobites at Culloden, in 1746.

There are over 14 different MacLaren tartans, 30 Septs in the Clan, and over 60 different spellings of the name. The current Clan Chief is Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine.

Clan MacLaren Society (Scotland) brings together members and friends from around the world, helps continue the traditions, and fosters kinship.
https://www.clanmaclarensociety.com/index.html

Clan MacLaren Society of North America (CMSNA) is a Scottish Family society promoting the history, arts, and tradition of Scotland and of Clan MacLaren.
https://www.clanmaclarenna.org/

Local contact: Jim McLaren mclaren@strathkirn.com

Clan Moffet

Clan Moffat

Clan Moffat is a Lowland Scottish clan of ancient origin. The clan was leaderless and obscure from the mid 16th century until 1983, when Francis Moffat of that Ilk was recognised as the hereditary chief of the clan by Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Local Contact:  Larry Moffet  LawrenceMoffet@gmail.com

Clan Moncreiffe

Clan Moncreiffe is a Highland Scottish clan. The name Moncreiffe comes from the feudal barony of Moncreiffe in Perthshire. The lands of Moncreiffe take their name from the Monadh croibhe which is Scottish Gaelic for Hill of the sacred bough. The plant badge of the clan is the oak and this presumably comes from the sacred tree.

Local Contact: Greg Moncrief gmoncriefrn@gmail.com

Clan Montgomery

Clan Montgomery is a Lowland Scottish clan.

Local Contact: Kenneth Vardeman vardemkw49@gmail.com

Clan Montgomery Society International:  www.clanmontgomery.org

Clan Scott

Clan Scott is a Scottish clan and is recognised as such by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Historically the clan was based in the Scottish Borders.

Local Contact: Anita Scott-Philbrick dr.arphil@gmail.com

Clan Sinclair

Clan Sinclair is a Highland Scottish clan who held lands in Caithness, the Orkney Islands, and the Lothians. The chiefs of the clan were the Barons of Roslin and later the Earls of Orkney and Earls of Caithness. The Sinclairs are believed to have come from Normandy to England during the Norman conquest of England, before arriving in Scotland in the 11th century. The Sinclairs supported the Scottish Crown during the Scottish–Norwegian War and the Wars of Scottish Independence. The chiefs were originally Barons of Roslin, Midlothian and William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness and Baron of Roslin founded the famous Rosslyn Chapel in the 15th century. He split the family lands, disinheriting his eldest son from his first marriage, William, who later became the second Lord Sinclair, instead giving the lands of Caithness to the second son from his second marriage, William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness, in 1476, and the lands at Roslin to his eldest son from his second marriage, Sir Oliver Sinclair. In the 16th century the Sinclairs fought against England during the Anglo-Scottish Wars and also feuded with their neighbors the Clan Sutherland. During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the Sinclairs supported the Jacobite cause, but during the Jacobite rising of 1745, while the clan largely had Jacobite sympathies, their chief, the Earl of Caithness, supported the British-Hanoverian Government. The current chief is Malcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness.

https://www.clansinclairusa.org

Local Contact:  Scott Sinclair scottsinstl@att.net

 

Clan Stewart

Clan Stewart

Clan Stewart is a Scottish Highland and Lowland clan. The clan is recognized by Court of the Lord Lyon; however, it does not have a Clan Chief recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Because the clan has no chief it can be considered an armigerous clan; however, the Earls of Galloway are now considered to be the principal branch of this clan, and the crest and motto of The Earls of Galloway's arms are used in the Clan Stewart crest badge. The Court of the Lord Lyon recognizes two other Stewart/Stuart clans, Clan Stuart of Bute and Clan Stewart of Appin. Clan Stuart of Bute is the only one of the three clans at present which has a recognized chief.

Local Contact: Duane Stewart president@clansstewart.org

Clan Thompson

The Thom(p)sons were one  of the Reiving families of the lawless Anglo-Scottish borderlands. For the best part of 300 years, the Border Reivers raided on both sides of the border from Dumfriesshire to the high wastes of east Cumbria, from Roxburghshire to Redesdale, and from the lonely valley of Liddesdale, to the fortress city of Carlisle and east to Edinburgh.

Local Contact: Allan Thompson allan@clanthompson.org

Clan Turnbull

Clan Turnbull is an armigerous Scottish clan.

Local Contact: Keith Turnbull tkturnbull@charter.net

Local Contact: Therese Turnbull tkturnbull@charter.net

Clans from Virtual Burns

Clan Buchanan

Clan Carruthers

 

 

Resources

Council of Scottish Clans & Associations, Inc.

COSCA's primary purpose is to preserve and promote the customs, traditions, and heritage of the Scottish people.  We strive to do this by educating the public about Scottish history, literature, poetry, art, and culture. Here you can find information on Scottish clans, upcoming events, association calendar, articles and blog posts, and ways to donate to the association.

Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs

The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is the definitive and authoritative body for information on the Scottish clan system.  Here you can search for the most current information on clan news, blog posts and articles from members, a directory for clan contacts, and other relevant content.

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