

The original “great” kilt was quite different to the modern one you see today. Clan surnames have spread beyond Scotland’s borders and there are various events whereby members get together to celebrate their heritage. Many clans continue to exist today in Scotland and around the world. Members of this House held the Scottish throne during the 11th and 12th centuries. They played a powerful role in Scottish history, fighting alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.Ĭlan Donnachaidh, also known as Clan Robertson, is one of the oldest clans in Scotland with an ancestry dating back to the Royal House of Atholl. Descendants of Ranald, son of John, Lord of the Isles, the MacDonalds controlled most of Scotland’s northwest coast. These families are known as “septs”.Ĭlan MacDonald of Clanranald is one of the biggest Highland clans. Many of them would’ve been invited to join the clan, in order to gain protection or forge an alliance. For example, the name “MacPherson” derives from “Mac a’ Phearsain” in Gaelic, which translates to “Son of the Parson”.Ĭlan members weren’t necessarily direct descendants of the chieftain. In terms of the origins of clan names, most are believed to be anglicised forms of Gaelic, French, Norman, and other languages. Many clans still hold gatherings and social events to continue their traditions. Scotland has approximately 500 clans with members from across the world. This major clash between the British and Jacobites (Scottish rebels) marked the beginning of the end for Highland life and clan culture. To this day, there are still clan chiefs that head up the family.įor centuries, clans formed the backbone of Scotland’s political system, until the defeat of the Scots at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Within the clan system, each clan has a chief or leader.


The word “clan” is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “clann”, which can roughly be translated as “‘children” or “kindred.”Ĭlan members also, traditionally, lived within the same area and sometimes had an ancestral castle where they’d hold social events. They share a sense of identity, history, and of course, clan tartans.

To prepare for your trip, we've put together a basic introduction to Scottish ancestry. Perhaps, like many of our private tour customers, you'd love to explore your own family history when you visit Scotland. As a result, clan descendants have spread far and wide. In the aftermath of these defining cultural moments, thousands of clan members migrated to destinations across the New World, like America, Canada and Australia. Now, come with us on a journey through the events that shaped Scottish history, such as the Jacobite rebellions and the Highland Clearances. Start planning your journey through Scotland: explore our privately guided and self-drive tours There are so many monuments, castles and significant clan sites for you to explore in Scotland. On a trip to Scotland, you could uncover the legacy of Scottish clans for an interesting insight into the country's history. We are also possibly the number one Coat of Arms dealer in the world.Clans are an intrinsic part of Scotland’s heritage and a fascinating element of Scottish culture. We are the oldest and most visited Coat of Arms / Family Crest Site on the Internet.
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