Discovering your Scottish clan

A guide to Scottish clans and how to find yours

If you have Scottish ancestry, chances are you could be a member of one of the great Highland clans. For those interested in discovering more about family history during a stay with us in Inverness, read on. This is our guide to Scottish clans and how to find yours…

What is a Scottish clan?

Clans were traditional kinship groups that operated in the Scottish Highlands from the 11th to the 18th century. Generally, they were based around a particular geographical area and led by a Clan Chief. The chief controlled the lands and offered protection to clan members in return for their loyalty. Members would often change their surname to match the clan in order to show their allegiance. Although the clan system broke down centuries ago, the concept remains in Scotland to this day. But being part of a modern clan is all about shared bonds and identity, rather than politics and power.

How to find your Scottish clan

Anyone with a clan surname automatically belongs to that clan. Here in Inverness and the surrounding areas the main clans are Fraser, MacKintosh, MacKenzie, Campbell, Urquhart, Rose, Grant, Munro, Brodie and Chisholm. So if you have one of those surnames, or close family ties to it, then that’s your clan. Search for a surname here to find out if there is a clan associated with it. Click on the clan name to find out further details, such as the tartan, crest and historic seat.

Exploring your clan in Inverness

During your stay here at the Kingsmills Hotel, you can explore the history of your clan further by visiting various sites and locations with clan connections. For example, the castle that once served as the clan’s original seat or stronghold, the market town or village linked with your clan, or an important clan burial site. If you’d like some guidance on where to visit, take a look at Scottish Clan Tours by Inverness Tours. These tours begin in Inverness and take you to significant sites related to a particular clan. Some even include the chance to meet the current Clan Chief!

So, book your stay at the Kingsmills Hotel for a true Scottish experience. If your clan has links in Inverness and the surrounding area, this is the perfect base to delve deeper and learn more about your ancestral roots.