Scottish Highland and Island Clans Many Scottish Highland and Island clans preserved the formal structure including Clan Chiefs until the present day. Clans that don’t have a chief who is recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms are known as armigerous clans. Some of most notable Scottish clans from the Highlands and Islands include: Clan Arthur. It is one of the oldest clans in Argyll although the first historical records date from the 13th century when it was divided into the branches of Mac Cailinmor and Mac Arthur. The clan was without chief from the late 18th century until 2002. Clan Buchan. The clan name is taken from the Buchan district in the Aberdeenshire council area. It is first mentioned in the early 13th century, while the first chief is generally considered Andrew Buchan who gained the lands of Auchmacoy in the 15th century. Clan Buchanan. The clan is not related to the Clan Buchan. It probably originates in 1225 when Sir Absalon of Buchanan was granted the land on the shores of Loch Lomond. However, the clan traditionally traces its ancestry to Anselan O Kyan who came to Argyll in the early 11th century and helped Malcolm II of Scotland against the Danes. Clan Cameron. The origin of the clan whose lands are in Lochaber is surrounded by mystery. Traditionally, it traces its origin to the Danish royal family but there are other theories which, however, cannot be proved either. History of the clan becomes clearer only after 15th century when it established itself in Lochaber. Clan Campbell. It is one of the largest Highland clans and claims to descend from the mythological Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. But like most Scottish clans, it established itself only in the 13th century. In 1701, the clan’s chief Archibald Campbell was made 1st Duke of Argyll. Chattan Clan/Confederation. It is unique among Scottish clans in that it is a confederation of clans. It was formed in the 14th century by Clan Chattan and Clan Mackintosh who were soon joined by other clans and families. Clan Donnachaidh. It is one of the oldest Scottish clans but its origin is uncertain. According to one theory, the clan descended from Duncan, the son of Angus MacDonald and Lord of the Isles. But according to the second, the clan descended from Earls of Atholl whose progenitor was Duncan I of Scotland (1001-1040). Clan Fraser. It is one of the most influential Scottish clans since the 13th century. The first undisputed record of the clan dates from the mid-12th century when Simon Fraser held lands in East Lothian. Clan Fraser is known for its activity in politics not only in Britain but in Canada and the United States as well. Clan Graham. The story about the origin of Clan Graham goes as far as the Roman Empire. The first Graham is believed to be a man named Greme who torn down the Antonine Wall and forced the Romans out of Scotland. Most historians, however, believe that the first clan chiefs were most likely Anglo-Normans. The clan is known for certain to exist in the time of William the Conqueror. Clan Grant. It is believed that the clan is of Norman origin although it is sometimes also associated with the Siol Alpin family that gave the first king of Scots – Kenneth MacAlpin. The first records of the clan date from the 13th century when it established itself in the lands of Stratherrick. Clan Lamont. The clan claims to descend from Anrothan Ua Neill, an Irish prince from O’Neill family. A part of the clan, however, also traces its roots to Niall Noigiallach, a High King of Ireland. Clans MacEwen of Otter, MacNeil of Barra, Sweeney and MacLachian also claim to descend from Anrothan and are thought to be related with Clan Lamont. Clan MacAlister. It is a branch of Clan Donald and is thought to be the first branch to split off from the latter. The clan claims ancestry to Alasdair Mor but it is uncertain who was really the founder of MacAlisters. Clan Murray. The clan that played an important role throughout Scottish history traces its origin to Freskin de Moravia, a Flemish nobleman who is also associated with clans Sutherland and Douglas. The seat of the clan is the Blair Castle which is also the host of annual gathering of the Atholl Highlanders, the last private regiment in Britain. clandonald.org.uk/scottish-highland-and-island-clans.html
Posted on: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:24:38 +0000
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