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Scottish Clans & Societies

Scottish Societies in General      Clan Societies      Scottish Heritage Organizations & Web Sites - Washington, DC - Virginia - Maryland - West Virginia
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Capital Scot Note: This site attempts to give publicity to all organizations that promote Scottish heritage.  Exclusions are noted at About The Capital Scot.

Scottish Societies in General

This list of clans and associations contains links to sites that have come to the atttention of The Capital Scot.  Some of the sites have extensive search engines and databases relative to clan and family names.

New items this week under topics marked

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland was founded in 1780 and it was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783.  It is the second oldest antiquarian society in Britain.  The purpose of the Society is set out in the first of its Laws: '.... the Study of the Antiquities and History of Scotland, more especially by means of archaeological research'; the Society today is concerned with every aspect of the human past in Scotland.  
The Society has been active in publication since its inception.  Its first volumes of the transactions of the Society were published under the title Archaeologia Scotica, between 1792 and 1890. ... However, the Society began the publication of its Proceedings in 1851; the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland quickly established itself as the primary journal dealing with archaeology, architectural history and the study of historical artefacts of Scotland in its wider British and European context.  It remains the premier journal in this area in Scotland.  The Archaeologia Scotica and the Proceedings are now available to the public online.

The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA) site is designed as a resource of those interested in all things Scottish.  The Purpose of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, Inc. shall be to preserve and promote the customs, traditions, and heritage of the Scottish people educating the public as to Scottish history, literature, music, poetry, art, and architecture.  Additionally, the Council shall, through a variety of means, provide service to the various clan and family associations of the Scottish community.
One of COSCA's key services is to assist people who wish to identify their Scottish clan.  Whether online or at one of the many highland games and festivals throughout the country, COSCA representatives offer a wealth of extensive research materials designed specifically to facilitate this process.  Visitor inquiry forms are forwarded to the appropriate clan(s) so they may contact the prospective member directly.  This, in effect, allows COSCA to act as the Clan's representative even if they aren't present at the games.

Scottish Clan Genealogists and Addresses http://thecapitalscot.com/scotgenealogy/clangenealogist.html is a list of Clan Genealogists and Clan points of contact for genealogy (for the Scottish Clans and Family Associations).  The amount of information available from these genealogists varies greatly, with some having extensive records and research sources.  Robert D. McLaren, genealogist of the Clan MacLaren, maintains that list and an explanatory page on this site in the following formats:
   HTML
      MS Word
         Adobe Acrobat
Bob McLaren may be contacted at bobmclaren@earthlink.net.

Local to the District of Columbia:  Scottish Heritage Organizations & Web Sites - Washington, DC - Virginia - Maryland - West Virginia

Visit the "Gathering of the Clans" for articles about articles about the Celtic heritage.  Also, search for your name and clan affiliation in the "Clan Finder" and conduct genealogical research.

Scottish American Athletic Association - and their calendar of events

The House of Tartan has a published extracts from the book "Identifying Tartan" by Blair Urquhart.  (It is also available in Japanese.)

Clan/Family Histories - Index Page: Here are histories of a large number of clans and families who have been significant in the making of Scotland. These histories contain links to other sources of useful information including clan/family Web sites. [Rampant Scotland]

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Clan Societies

Visit the site of Clan Agor to learn about the Agors and the MacGregors.

The Anderson Association is the home of family history for people wherever, with links to the name Anderson (or a derivative) who derive ancestral connections in the British Isles.  Many Scots by the name Anderson migrated abroad.  The root of the name is Andrew.

The Armstrong Clan Society strives to seek friendship and unity among Armstrongs and associated families, provide for the preservation of Armstrong artifacts unique to the family and to maintain a library,and serve as a genealogical and historical recorder of the membership.

Clan Cameron of North America

Clan Cameron of North America Mid-Atlantic Chapter

The Clan Crawford Association - The Crawford surname is of Scottish origin, being traced to the upper Clyde River Valley in Lanarkshire.  The surname is followed back to the late 1000's when the Barony of Crawford is noted in records.  Members of this Clan have played the most important roles in establishing and reuniting Scotland as a nation.

Clan Cunningham USA - Recognizing the need to form an organization whose governance would be fully democratic and respectful of all participants, CCUSA was formed in May 2002.  CCUSA is a fully recognized Scottish Clan society and is a member in good standing of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA).

Clan Currie - "The Clan Currie Society Web site is more than a place for Currie descendants to learn about their ancestry.  Think of it as the circle in which we gather to tell our stories and experiences.  As the Curries have long been the bards of Scotland, we now weave our history in this new tradition of electronic discourse, noting who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going."

The House of Denovan accepts members of other surnames, with the main requirement being the possession of an interest or desire to become a loyal member of the House, Clan, and Family.  The Denovan Lairdship has a most illustrious history within Scottish families, going back to well before the Norman Conquest.  Denovan was the site of an ancient fort of the Celtic peoples preserved in the name, dun avon, fort by the river.  [Motto: Air Muir's Air Tir (On Sea and Land)]

The Clan Donnachaidh invites you to visit its web site.

Visit the Dunlap Family Society [Capital Scot advisory: Colorful, artistic, unexpected popup windows!]

Clan Duncan Society - Based in the Scottish Highlands the Clan Duncan Society's primary purpose is to bring together all those with the name Duncan and the associated names of Duncanson, Duncane, Dunkinson, Duncean, Dunken, Donkin, Dunkin and other alternate spellings; to globally unite all those with an interest in their history, heritage and ancestral roots in Scotland and unite us all as one Clan.

Clan Forbes

The Clan Ewen Society has represented clansfolk of all variants of the clan name MacEwen, MacEwan, MacEwen, McEwan, McEwen, McEwing, Ewan, Ewen, and Ewing.  2009 membership is free.

The Clan Grant Society US aims to cultivate a spirit of friendship amongst the Clan, and to help keep them in touch with one another.

The American Clan Gregor Society "has three objectives: 1) To gather MacGregors together in clanship; 2) to collect and publish historical and genealogical material and help educate MacGregors about the history of the Clan in Scotland and America; and, 3) to aid descendants within the Clan."

Pacific Northwest Chapter, Clan Gregor Society

Visit the Clan Hunter site.

The Clan Irwin Association -- This "Scottish Clan has existed for more than ten centuries and continues today; historic in its contribution to the nation of Scotland; central to the Scottish 'Plantation of Ireland'; and impressive in the importation of culture and strength to the American colonies by the Scots and the Scots-Irish.  The line reaches back to the High Kings of Ulster (Ireland) and has come unbroken to this day."

The Kyle Family Society welcomes membership from Kyles of name or blood, related names, related families and from those wishing to support our society.  The Society is a non-profit corporation organized in California, USA.  All participants donate their time and money without remuneration.

Clan Lamont Society of Canada:  Supporters of the Kilfinan Church in Kilfinan, Argyll, Scotland, the Ship Hector Foundation, tree planting Canada-wide, Clan Gatherings, the Gaelic, music and Culture of the Scots.  They print a Newsletter The Heather Line and encourage all to become involved in the Scottish Culture.

The American Clan Lockhart Society.

The Clan Logan Society.  [Note: Automatically plays a soundtrack upon opening.]

Clan MacAlpine

Clan MacAulay

Clan MacBean - Contact mac2mac@msn.com.

Clan McLea - the Highland Livingstones:  Livingstone is an anglicised version of the more ancient Gaelic name MacLea.  The most plausible theory as to how this 'Anglicisation' came about is that it was adopted as a defensive measure after the 1647 massacre of Dunavertie, in which many McLeas were killed supporting the MacDougalls.  In 1641 King Charles I had granted James Livingston of Skirling, Baron of Biel, Keeper of the Privy Purse a lease of the lands and teinds of the bishoprics of Argyll and the Isles (not the abbey lands).  In 1648, when the King was a prisoner in England, they both found it wise to assign the lease to the victorious Marquis of Argyll who had been present at the Dunavertie massacre.  At this time the McLeas adopted the practice of using the name Livingston(e) when in the lowlands.

You are cordially invited to visit the website of The MacDonnell of Leinster Association.  If you know of any Leinster MacDonnells, or of any other Gael inclined to our cause, we would appreciate your passing our torch.

Clan MacDuff - Lakes States Region:  Clan MacDuff is one of the most ancient of clans and has a rich, unique history unlike that of any other clan. Browsing through our pages at the Clan MacDuff Society of America website will give you a sense of Clan MacDuff both past and present.

Clan MacGillivray

The Clan MacKay Society of New Scotland

The Clan MacKay Society, USA

Look at the Clan MacKenzie.

Clan MacLaren "has established a special associate (non-voting) membership for any Scouter who has earned his or her Wood Badge.  Wood Badge membership in the Clan MacLaren Society of North America (CMSNA) is therefore extended to all Wood Badge-trained Scouters who have completed their "ticket" and have received their Wood Badge beads.  Membership is $10 per year.  Pick up a membership form at the Clan MacLaren tent at a Highland Games."

Sites for the Clan Maclean (MacLean, McLaine, McLean, McLane, etc.) may be found as follows:

• Clan Maclean
• The Clan MacLean History Server
• The Clan MacLean - Atlantic.

Clan Macnachtan Association Worldwide

Clan MacNeil in Canada

Clan MacNeil in the US: Our Objective is to foster and promote Scottish Clan traditions in friendly association; provide information pertaining to the history, tradition, culture, and present-day life of the Macneils of the Isle of Barra as well as the McNeills of the Inner Hebrides; to support the extended Macneil family around the world; and to foster Highland Games and Gaelic culture, language, music, and tradition.

The Clan Macpherson Association was organized in Badenoch, Invernessshire, Scotland and held its first Rally in 1947.  Membership in the Association has continued to grow over the years and now we are the third largest Clan Association in the world.  The Macpherson Electronic Museum has been designed to be a virtual or 'electronic' representation of the real Clan Macpherson Museum located in Newtonmore, Scotland.  Its principal purpose is to permit the far-flung members of Clan Macpherson to learn more about their heritage, particularly those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit in person.

The Clan Macquarrie Society is on-line.  They are also on Facebook and the National Facebook page

Clan Macrae Online

Clan MacTavish:  A web site officially sanctioned by the Chief of Clan MacTavish

US Branch of Clan MacThomas - This is the official website of the Clan MacThomas Society, as authorized by the Chief of the Clan, and the Ruling Council.  There are other websites which provide information about MacThomas, but we cannot vouch for their accuracy.

MacThomas, North America, Inc. - An Independent Association of MacThomas Descendants Associated Friends and Families in North America.  "We are the descendants of the MacThomas Family and Septs.  Our earliest record places us in the Badenoch Region of the Highlands.  Originally we were identified with the Clan MacIntosh and the Clan Chattan Confederation."

Hello Matheson (and surname variations) researchers.  We now have a mailing list.  To join, write the single word message:  subscribe  and send to: MATHESON-L-request@rootsweb.com.  Instructions will soon arrive to direct the proper use of the mailing list for the MATHESON surname.

Visit the website for Clan Moffat.  The Moffats are an ancient Borders family who were influential and powerful as far back as the time of Sir William Wallace.  The ancestor of the Moffats most likely gave their name to the town of Moffat in Dumfriesshire.  The origin of the name itself is thought to be Norse.  William de Mont Alto, progenitor of the Movats, married the youngest daughter of Andlaw, who came to Scotland from Norway during the tenth century.  Over the years the name softened to Montealt, then Movat, through Movest, eventually settling at Moffat in its modern form.  In the twelfth century the family was of sufficient importance to be designated in deeds and records as 'de Moffet', showing the family were considered to be principal lairds, or landowners.

Visit the website for Clan McLeod worldwide.

Clan Muirhead Society - Raymond L.Morehead Esq. FSA Scot. was elected President/Commander and Chief Elect by the Council of Elders of the Muirhead Clan Society in 2001.  Research is currently on going to determain and have recognised a Chief of Clan Muirhead.  Clan Muirhead has and is in contact with the Lord Lyon Office and is working under advisment of his Office toword submitting prospective representatives to the Lord Lyon for consideration as representiters of the Name Muirhead.  In a letter from Robin Blair, LVO, WS Lord Lyon King of Arms dated 13 March 2002 to Raymond L. Morehead Esq., Robin Blair, LVO, WS Lord Lyon King of Arms stated that So far as the Muirheads are concerned there is certainly evidence in the various items of documentation in support which you have submited that they were an organised family and it would therefore be quite proper for the appointment of a person to represent them to be considered.  Clan Muirhead's goal is to one day have a Chief named by The Lord Lyon.  If you are a Muirhead, or of a sept of Muirhead, please feel free to send your family genealogical information to raymond8@ix.netcom.com.  The Family information you send to the Muirhead Clan Society becomes part of an active computer-based Muirhead/Morehead genealogy project.  Note your membership gives you the added benefit of access to the Clans growing database for genealogical inquires.  Please remember Susan has the burden of a database that is growing all the time but will respond to your requests as time permits.

Official Clan Napier Website

The Clan Ramsay Association of Nova Scotia was formed in 1982 and is a excellent source of information for individuals in search of their Ramsay heritage.  We are building our on-line resources and working to entice Ramsays around the globe to share our enthusiasm for our Scottish Heritage.

Ruthven Clan  The introduction itself is interesting.

Clan Scott Society.

Visit the Prince Henry Sinclair Society of North America.  It was organized in 1993 in Nova Scotia, Canada, the area that Henry St. Clair touched shore in North America in 1398, 94 years prior to the recognition of Columbus having "discovered" America in 1492.

Clan Stewart/Stuart Association of Nova Scotia was founded in Halifax, October 17, 2002.  The name Stewart derives from the official name for the person in charge of the household and treasury of the King.  Then called a 'Steward'. ... The spelling 'Stuart' originated with some Stewarts living in France and when the Young Queen Mary came home to Scotland she used the French spelling.  In the French spelling the use of 'w' was almost nil.  It became fashionable to spell the name like the Queen.

Clan Wardlaw:  The various printed accounts of this family claim for it a very long antiquity, stating that it came from Saxony early in the sixth century.  On coming from Saxony to the time we know of in 1066, when Malcolm Canmore conferred on them large estates in Scotland, they were in England.  The Wardlaw lands were in Galloway until they lost them by siding with Baliol.  When King Robert the Bruce came into power the Wardlaws went to his side and he bestowed on them half of the Barony of Wilton, and they were of Wilton for over 120 years.  Wardlaws of today are spread all over the globe. They went to Australia, New Zealand, England, Canada and America.

Clan Wood represents an ancient clan whose continuing line of Fifer chiefs dates back to the mid 15th. century.  The Society is here to promote the spirit of Clan fellowship, Scottish traditions and friendly relations with other clan societies.  If your name is Wood or any of its variations; if you are the partner or a descendant of someone of the Name; if you support our aims (c.f., web page), then you are welcome to be a member of this Society

Clan Young [Capital Scot advisory: Colorful, artistic, unexpected popup windows!]

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Other Organizations of General Clan Interest

The Grand Lodge, Daughters of Scotia is an Auxiliary to the Order of Scottish Clans.  Fifteen or more women in a locality without a lodge may start one by applying for a charter from the Grand Lodge.  The Daughters of Scotia is a Fraternal Order founded July 2, 1895 in New Haven, Connecticut.  
Give me the land of the heather and the kilt,
The mountain and the river.
For the blood leaps in my veins,
When I hear the bagpipe's strains.
Scotland - Dear Old Scotland, Forever!

Map of Scottish Clans Locations

The Clans of Scotland, USA [was at http://www.clansofscotland.org/] had been formed in Alexandria, Virginia in 1962 as a way of promoting good fellowship among those people residing in the Washington area, and beyond, who are interested in Scottish culture.  They participated in social and cultural/educational programs as well as fundraising and philanthropy projects
  At their meeting on November 5, 2011, the Clans of Scotland was dissolved.  However, Clan Wallace has been kind enough to accept all the organization's material assets and will be displaying their research material, tartans, etc. at most of the games they attend.  You're invited to visit them at the games and where you'll be made most welcome.  All remaining monetary assets are being donated to various other non-profit organizations as designated by the Clan Council, in accordance with State and Federal regulations.  The website and Facebook page have been shut down.

The Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia has been the Voice for our province's Scottish communities, associations and clans.  Together, the Federation strives to keep them abreast of the many activities hosted by Scots across New Scotland,  An appreciation of individual clan history, the recognition of Nova Scotia's Scottish founding-culture status, and the joy of sharing our Scottish culture and heritage with other Scots and non-Scots alike.  Inquiries about membership for Clan association and/or individual memberships are most welcome.

The Maine Ulster Scots Project is sponsored by the Saint Andrew's Society of Maine. Its mission is to gather and save the stories of Maine's Ulster Scots (Scots-Irish) families and to periodically publish and otherwise share that information with the public and with Maine's students.

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Scottish-Related Charitable Organizations

Ayshire Cancer Support Shop sell products to support that charity.

You can help the Royal Caledonian Schools Trust:  The Highland Society of London launched an appeal in 1808 to raise money for an Asylum to house and educate the many young Scots who were roaming the streets of London, having been orphaned by the Napoleonic wars.  It took seven years to raise sufficient funds and to prepare the necessary Act of Parliament needed to create the Asylum. ... Since the educational trust was formed we have helped hundreds of young Scots and awarded over one million pounds in grants.  A whole new generation of Caley Scholars is emerging. ... Our links with the Armed Forces remain strong and we have recently launched an educational project which continues our work in helping to alleviate the effects on service children caused by the moves required of their parents.  Phone: 01923 215350  Fax: 01923 215354  Email:

The Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is a Scottish charity that provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.  CHAS runs two children's hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.  The hospices support the whole family by offering short planned breaks, emergency support, end of life care and a range of bereavement services.

The Moffat Charitable Trust was formed in 1999 following the death of Jim Moffat, the co-founder of A.T. Mays, the travel agents.  The Trust provides financial support to a wide variety of charitable causes throughout the UK, with preference given to organisations in Ayrshire and the West of Scotland.  Currently the major categories under which the Trustees consider support are: Care, Children/Young People, Community, Education/Training, Sport/Art  Only applications from organisations in Scotland are considered.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland's National Academy.  Its mission is to advance learning and useful knowledge and by doing so it supports the cultural, economic and social well-being of Scotland and its people.  It is an educational charity, registered in Scotland, operating on a wholly independent and non-party-political basis and providing public benefit throughout Scotland.  It was established in 1783 and since then has drawn upon the considerable strengths and varied expertise of our Fellows, of which there are currently more than 1500, who are based in Scotland, the rest of the UK and beyond.  Fellowship includes people from a wide range of discipline - science and technology, arts, humanties, social science, business and public service.

The Royal British Legion Scotland is part of The Royal British Legion (RBL), sometimes referred to as simply The Legion, which is the United Kingdom's leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to those who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their dependants.

Poppyscotland is the leading charity supporting ex-Servicemen and women and their families in Scotland. We are probably best known for running the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, but we work all year round to help veterans and their families receive the care and support they urgently need.

You can help the Scottish Veterans' Garden City Association:  Housing For Disabled Ex-Service Personnel Or Those Discharged On Medical Grounds - The Scottish Veteran's Garden City Association was formed in 1915 with the aim of providing low-cost accommodation for disabled ex-servicemen and Merchant Navy personnel.  While they have no problems in finding new tenants, very few were discharged on medical grounds but are eligible by virtue of subsequent injury or chronic ill-health.  They are now trying to attract to sort of person that the Association was founded to assist, namely ex-Service personnel who have been recently discharged on medical grounds and are ideally (but not necessarily) in receipt of a disability pension.  Contact: The General Secretary, Scottish Veterans' Garden City Association, New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ.  Tel: 0131-557-1188

Scotland's Gardens Scheme (SGS), a registered charity created in 1931, raises funds for other worthy charities by facilitating the opening of large and small gardens of horticultural interest throughout Scotland to the public.  SGS facilitates the opening of Scotland's finest gardens, most of which are private, to the public as a means of raising funds for charity.  Scotland is very fortunate in having many outstanding gardens and a great horticultural history.  Many of the plant hunters back in the 1800s were from Scotland and they brought home samples of remarkable plants, some of which, along with their progeny, still flourish.  Many famous gardens around the world have been created with progeny from these plants.  We already have many visitors from North America to the gardens that open for us but realise that the awareness of our organisation and the wonderful gardens that open for us remains very limited.

The Sick Kids Foundation was set up in 1992 to support the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Kids in Edinburgh.  The Hospital receives over 100,000 children through its doors each year from all over the East of Scotland.

The Tartan Army Children's Charity raises as much money as possible to support disadvantaged children in Scotland and in the countries we visit to watch Scotland play [football].  Selling t-shirts, kilts and badges, organising events, raffles and auctions and the TACC Lottery, and encouraging and helping fans to organise their own club events on behalf of TACC.  On behalf of Scotland's football supporters we then make grants to desperate children's homes and projects, take children to their first Scotland matches, and generally try to brighten up the lives of children who need it the most.

Trellis is the national Scottish charity that supports, promotes, and develops the use of horticulture to improve health, well-being and life opportunities for all. ... Trellis, established in 2005, works across Scotland with nearly 170 therapeutic gardening projects. The Network helps projects to support each other through the sharing of expertise, good practice and resources.  Projects operate in hospitals, secure units, day centres and community gardens, often with limited resources and little recognition.

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