The History of Scottish Clans & 10 Most Common Scottish Surnames

Few aspects of Scottish culture elicit as much patriotism and pride as clans. Clan tourism is now big business, with thousands of Scots who emigrated and their descendants visiting their homeland each year to trace their ancestors.

Though the clan system in Scotland was well established by the 11th and 12th centuries, the seeds may have been sown as early as the 6th century, when the Celts began to establish themselves in Scotland.

The term ‘clan’ is derived from the Gaelic word ‘clann,’ which means ‘family,’ and it is believed that the first clans were basically extended family groups who shared a piece of land. This is not to say that they were all blood relatives: many clan members would have been blood relatives, but there were also septs – branches of the clan with no blood connection to a chief but ties nonetheless, or locals who pledged their allegiance and took on the clan name in exchange for protection.

Clans were bound together by a collective loyalty to each other and their land – kinship – and early clan names were frequently linked to the area and landscape in which they lived: Clan Colquhoun, for example, derives its name from the Gaelic place name ‘cuil cumhann’ (meaning ‘narrow corner’) on Loch Lomond’s western shores.

Clans were found in traditionally Gaelic lands such as the Hebrides and Highlands; indeed, until recently, the Court of the Lord Lyon, which oversees all issues relating to Scottish heraldry, refused to recognize any Lowland families as clans, though the Scottish Government now makes no distinction.

It’s also worth noting that, until the 15th century, Norway held no clans on Orkney or Shetland (with the exception of Clan Sinclair, who rose to become Earls of Orkney). Clan MacLeod, who is said to be descended from a Norse-Gael leader named Leod, is thought to have Viking ancestors.

The concept of Duthchas, an ancient belief that people are connected to the land on which they are born, underpinned much of Gaelic clan culture.

Clan chiefs were elected through a tanistry system under Duthchas. Rather than inheriting the title, the position of chief was given to the best candidate for the job.

The chief’s role was to act in the best interests of the clan in exchange for clan members working on the land and offering their services in battle if the chief ever needed them.

Unfortunately, chiefs frequently summoned their clans to battle; border conflicts and fighting between rival clans were common. Almost always, loyalty to the clan came before loyalty to the country.

The instability that led to the formation of the Kingdom of Alba (modern-day Scotland) in the ninth century cemented the clans’ role in Scottish culture.

The clan chief had no right to earn money from people living on the land or evict them under tanistry, but the arrival of feudalism in the 11th century began to erode this central ethos by encouraging land ownership and the charging of rent.

SEE MORE: What Is The Kilt? (Traditional Scottish Clothing)

Over the centuries, additional measures were implemented to bring clans, which had grown increasingly powerful, under control. King James VI required clan chiefs to attend court in Edinburgh each year, which meant they suddenly needed money, and imposing rents on clan members became increasingly appealing.

And, like other monarchs before and after him, James exploited clan loyalties by befriending clan chiefs and offering them more land in exchange for bringing their clans to fight for the Crown.

The Jacobite Rising of 1745/6 and its aftermath were pivotal moments in clan culture history. As Bonnie ‘Prince’ Charlie arrived in Scotland in 1745, raising his father’s standard and staking his family’s claim to the Crown, many Scottish clans set aside their bitter rivalries to rally behind him against an increasingly interfering Hanoverian monarchy led by King George II.

Of course, not all clans supported the Jacobite cause; some, such as Clan Campbell, supported the British Hanoverian government.

Though the Jacobites had a few moments of victory, their crushing defeat at the hands of the British at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 effectively ended clan culture.

Following Culloden, clan chiefs who supported the Jacobites had their lands confiscated by the Crown. Clan members were forced from their land and dispersed over a century or more, often as far away as Canada and Australia.

The Highland Clearances were sometimes blatant and brutal, with people being dragged from their land to make way for more profitable sheep farming, and sometimes the tactics were more subtle, with the promise of new lives dangled in front of them.

The diaspora that resulted feeds the romanticism for clan culture around the world, as well as the yearning to return to the land where they once belonged.

10 Most Common Scottish Surnames & Their Clan History

Do you want to learn more about your ancient clan ties? Here are some Scottish surnames and locations where you can walk in your ancestors’ footsteps.

BRUCE

Clan Bruce was a wealthy and powerful clan in the 12th and 14th centuries. It gave birth to two Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce, who led the Scottish army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, defeating an English army three times its size.

BRUCE’S CAVE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

According to legend, Robert the Bruce hid from the English armies above Kirtle Water, near Kirkpatrick Flemming. Within these foreboding walls, he observed a spider repeatedly attempting to spin a web, which inspired Bruce to continue his fight for Scottish independence.

• Dumfries is a 30-minute drive away.
• Hours of operation: daily
• Time: 5 minutes walk from the parking lot

MELROSE ABBEY, SCOTTISH BORDERS

This mysterious ruin in the Scottish Borders is said to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, as indicated by a plaque in the grounds.

• Melrose Avenue
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Adults pay £7, children pay £4, and concessions pay £5.50.

CAMPBELL

Clan Campbell was one of the largest Highland clans, rising through the ranks to become the largest landowner in Argyll. The family owned the lands of Inveraray, Rosneath, Kintyre, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Morvern, Lismore, and Scammadale by the 18th century, so there are plenty of places to visit associated with this clan!

INVERARAY CASTLE, ARGYLL

Inveraray Castle’s fairytale façade on the edge of Loch Fyne, surrounded by the rugged landscape of Argyll, will inspire you. The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell, may be familiar from the TV shows A Very British Scandal and Downton Abbey.

• Location: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Glasgow
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £16.

CASTLE CAMPBELL AND GARDENS, CLACKMANNANSHIRE

Castle Campbell, formerly known as the Castle of Glooms, sits on a narrow bridge overlooking the Ochil Hills. It was once the home of the powerful Campbell Earls of Argyll and has historical connections to figures such as John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots.

• Stirling is a 30-minute drive away.
• Opening hours: The site is currently closed for maintenance.

DONALD (MACDONALD)

The chiefs of Clan Donald, or Clan Macdonald, were the largest landowners and the most powerful lords in the British Isles for centuries, after the Kings of England and Scotland. The clan controlled lands and waterways in the west highlands and the Hebrides and its ancient chiefs were known as “Lords of the Isles”.

ISLAY AND FINLAGGAN CASTLE, ISLE OF ISLAY

If you want to learn more about your Scottish ancestors, Islay is a great place to go. The island is wild and beautiful, and it also has nine whisky distilleries! Finlaggan Castle, the ancient seat of Clan Donald, is also located here. It is now a ruin of crumbling walls and scattered stones, but it is a very atmospheric ruin that quickly casts a mythic spell.

A ferry runs daily from Kennacraig to Islay and once a week from Oban. Flights to Islay are also available from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Colonsay, and Oban.

ARMADALE CASTLE, ISLE OF SKYE

Clan Donald’s seat is Armadale Castle on Skye. In addition to exploring the romantic castle ruins, you can learn about 1500 years of clan history in the award-winning museum, browse the library/archive, and stroll through the elegant gardens.

• The Isle of Skye is the location.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Tickets can only be purchased at the castle.

ARMADALE CASTLE, ISLE OF SKYE

During the Jacobite uprisings of 1745-46, Clan Donald fought on the site of the Jacobites. A Clan Donald stone can be found in Culloden, one of Scotland’s most atmospheric and historic sites. The visitor center vividly tells the conflict’s story and includes a 360-degree battle immersion theater.

• Inverness is about 5 miles away.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £14 for adults and £11 for students.

FRASER

Clan Fraser is divided into two branches, one in the Lowlands and the other in the Highlands. Many Clan Fraser members have distinguished themselves, particularly on the battlefield. They defended Scottish lands from invading Danes and Norsemen, fought in the Scottish Wars of Independence, Jacobite risings, both World Wars, and continue to serve today. In more recent times, Diana Gabaldon’s historical novel Outlander features the fictional protagonist Jamie Fraser of Clan Fraser of Lovat.

ARBROATH ABBEY, ANGUS

Sir Alexander Fraser married Robert the Bruce’s widowed sister in 1316, became Chamberlain of Scotland in 1319, and was a signatory to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. Learn about this pivotal period in Scottish history as you stand among the ancient stones of Arbroath Abbey.

• Dundee is 30 minutes away.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £4.75 for adults, £2.75 for children, and £3.75 for concessions.

CASTLE FRASER, ABERDEENSHIRE

Michael Fraser built this lovely baronial tower house between 1575 and 1636. It is open to the public and is one of Scotland’s grandest homes. Take a walk through the nearby old woodlands to experience Scotland as your forefathers did.

• Aberdeen is a 40-minute drive away.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £14.50 for adults and £11 for students. Members of the National Trust can attend for free.

BEAULY, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

This village, located 10 miles west of Inverness, is the epicenter of Fraser of Lovat country. Stop for a moment of peace at the atmospheric Beauly Priory, a setting in the Outlander series and the final resting place of many of the clans’ chiefs.

GREGOR (MACGREGOR)

Clan Gregor is the descendant of the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor, a soldier and cattleman in the 18th century who became an outlaw after failing to pay a debt. After waging his own private blood feud with the Duke of Montrose, he became a folk hero, thanks in part to Sir Walter Scott’s book about him. In the 17th century, the clan was also one of the first Scottish families to begin playing the bagpipes!

THE TROSSACHS, DUMBARTONSHIRE

Rob Roy lived in this beautiful area of lochs, woods, and mountains. It’s a romantic and atmospheric place to visit, and you’ll be inspired to learn more about the past.

LOCH KATRINE, DUMBARTONSHIRE

Rob Roy was born on the northern shore of this tranquil loch in the heart of the Trossachs, and a small island in its center is named after him. The loch’s beauty has long inspired literary figures such as Sir Walter Scott, Samuel Coleridge, and William Wordsworth.

MACKENZIE

Clan Mackenzie members have traveled far and wide from their traditional homelands in Kintail and Ross-shire. The clan’s original home was spectacular Eileen Donan, but their current seat is Castle Leod. Kintail, Torridon, Applecross, and Assynt were all part of the clan lands.

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

This is one of the most famous and spectacular Scottish castles, and it’s worth a visit even if you’re not interested in the Mackenzie connection! However, if you are a member of the clan, you can be proud to know that Eilean Donan Castle has been held by the Mackenzies of Kintail since the 13th century.

• Location: A 20-minute drive from Skye.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £10 for adults, £6 for children, and £9 for concessions.

CASTLE LEOD, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

This unspoiled Highland towerhouse is open for visitors on a number of occasions throughout the year. It is also the inspiration for Castle Leoch, the seat and home of Clan Mackenzie’s laird in Outlander.

• Inverness is a 30-minute drive away.
• Opening hours: the site is currently closed.

HIGHLANDERS MUSEUM, FORT GEORGE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Three Mackenzie regiments were raised for the British Army in 1778, and two of them merged in 1881 to form the Seaforth Highlanders, who wore Mackenzie tartan and a stag’s head badge. The Highlands Museum at mighty Fort George tells the story of this historic regiment.

• Several miles east of Inverness.
• Hours of operation: daily
• Admission is free.

MACRAE

The “wild MacRaes” were a clan that was both feared and respected for their skill as archers, warriors, and bodyguards. Kintail’s lochs and mountains were their domain, and the clan’s residence was the magnificent Eileen Donan castle.

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

If you are touring the Clan MacRae lands, you must see Eilean Donan castle, which is one of Scotland’s most iconic images. It was featured in the films Highlander and The World is Not Enough, and it serves as a gathering place for MacRaes from all over.

• Location: A 20-minute drive from Skye.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £10 for adults, £6 for children, and £9 for concessions.

ARTHUR’S SEAT, EDINBURGH

The Kintail Battalion mutinied at Edinburgh Castle in 1778, believing that ships were waiting off the coast of Leith to take them to India against their will. They marched down the High Street behind their piper to Leith Links before returning and scaling Arthur’s Seat, where they camped until a resolution was reached. Follow in their footsteps and keep an eye out for the path they named “Piper’s Walk” in their memory.

• Edinburgh city center is the location.
• Hours of operation: daily
• Admission is free.

MURRAY

The Scottish clan names Moray, Murrie, Murry, MacMurray, Morrow, and the Irish O’Murray, Murrihy, and O’Muireadhaigh are all variations on the name Murray. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s great-great-great grandfather was famous, as was Andy Murray in recent years. Clan Murray also keeps Europe’s only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders, who salute at Blair Castle.

BLAIR CASTLE, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Blair Castle, complete with towers, turrets, twisting staircases, and labyrinthine corridors, will leave you speechless. Admire the paintings and grounds, as well as a fascinating collection of Murray clan weapons, hunting trophies, and souvenirs.

• Perth is about 30 miles away.
• Hours of operation: daily
• Admission is £17 for adults, £11 for children, and £15 for concessions.

SCONE PALACE, PERTHSHIRE

This magnificent historic house is a prime example of the late Georgian Gothic style. In ancient times, Scone was the site of the coronation of Scottish kings such as Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II. The Murrays were granted the lands in the 1600s.

• Perth is a 10-minute drive away.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £16.50 for adults and £7 for children.

CULLODEN, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Lord George Murray was a skilled general who led the Jacobite charge at Culloden. Despite his military acumen, the cause failed. At the excellent visitor center near the battle site, you can learn all about how this tragic event affected the Murray family.

• Inverness is 5 miles to the east.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £14 for adults and £11 for concessions. National Trust members can attend for free.

STUART/STEWART

From 1371 to 1603 the royal Stewarts ruled Scotland, including the reigns of Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI of Scotland and I of England.

Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace, Castle Stuart, Castle Stalker, Traquair House, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Craigmillar Castle, Mount Stuart, and the Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall are among the Stewarts’ most luxurious and formidable strongholds.

EDINBURGH

• Edinburgh Castle – Begin your tour at the dramatic castle in the city’s heart, which was once owned by the Stewart clan.
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse – most closely associated with Mary Queen of Scots, it is also where the current monarch stays when visiting Edinburgh.
• The Corinthian monument on Calton Hill – take a short climb up Calton Hill to admire the views from this monument, which was built in memory of Dugald Stewart (1753-1828), a philosopher and Sir Walter Scott’s teacher.
• East Lothian – a short drive from Edinburgh, visit the Prestonpans battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Jacobites to victory at the start of the 1745 Rising.
• Scotland’s National Museum – Jackie Stewart was the winner of three Formula One Drivers’ Championships. Visit this free museum and keep an eye out for his 1971 car.

STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle was a favorite retreat of the Stewart monarchs and Mary Queen of Scots’ childhood home. It’s also a short distance to the poignant Battle of Bannockburn, where young Walter the Steward led a division to victory.

• Stirling city centre is the location.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £16.50 for adults, £10 for children, and £13 for concessions.

WALLACE

Clan Wallace is a household name in Scottish history, thanks to the legendary William Wallace, a freedom fighter during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The clan’s famous war cry, “Freedom!” terrified their opponents.

THE WALLACE MONUMENT, STIRLINGSHIRE

This monument to the famous leader, perched on a lofty crag, towers over the bend in the river where Wallace led the Scots to victory at Stirling Bridge. See the fascinating exhibits about Wallace, including his famous sword, inside. The view from the top is well worth the effort of ascending the stairs!

• Stirling is a 15-minute drive away.
• Opening hours vary depending on the season.
• Admission is £10.75 for adults, £6.75 for children, and £8.75 for concessions.

ROSLIN GLEN COUNTRY PARK, LOTHIAN

The glen was the site of the Battle of Rosslyn in 1303, in which Wallace and the valiant Scots defeated a superior English force. A trip to Wallace’s Cave, a supposed hiding place for Wallace and his men, will spark your imagination and allow you to walk in the footsteps of the legend.

• Edinburgh is a 30-minute drive away.
• Hours of operation: daily
• Admission is free.

Topic: The History of Scottish Clans & 10 Most Common Scottish Surnames

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By: Travel Pixy