Scottish clans

What is a clan?
Few aspects of our history are as colorful - or as bloody - as the Scottish clan system. From their ancient origins in the Celtic, Norse or Norman-French traditions, the clans had grown firm roots in the Highlands by the 13th century. The word ‘clan’ comes from the Gaelic ’clann’ which means family or children - although it should be noted that not everybody in the same clan was related to each other.

The clans lived off the land, with cattle being their main source of wealth, and, along with border disputes, the prime cause of inter-clan unrest. The system remained largely intact until the time of the bloody battle of Culloden in 1746, where the Jacobite rebellion was mercilessly crushed by the royal troops of King George II.

Researching your own clan 
Many clans can be traced back to a specific part of Scotland. The MacLeods of Skye for example or the MacNabs of St Fillan on Loch Earn. For those with a clan history, a trip to the clan homeland is an absolute must. You can find out more about your own particular clan by using our clan search. There you'll find a history of the clan and its tartan. For some clans you'll also find a special clan itinerary to help you walk in your clan ancestors' footsteps when you visit Scotland.