clan associations

[macwilkin]

I belong to the Clan Buchanan Society International Inc. We don't have a chief so the Society keeps things going for the Clan. I am Region 1 - New England Commissioner and 2nd Vice President. I enjoy very much convening the Clan tent at various highland events and we have a very loyal group here in New England.

Information: the Buchanan Society (which is a seperate organisation from the CBSI) is considered to be the oldest clan society in the world -- founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1725 as a mutal-aid/benefit society for members of the clan who were in need*:

http://www.buchanansociety.com/html/...e_society.html

*which was the same purpose as many St. Andrew's & Caledonian Societies around the world, to provide aid to distressed Scottish immigrants, as well as social gatherings.

So the clan society does have a historic (and Scottish) pedigree, and many do continue the mission of the Buchanan Society by providing charitable activities, scholarship funds, etc. as well educational endeavours.

Regards,

Todd

[thescot]

I used to be a card carrying memeber of Clan Donnachaidh Society of the South which also made me a member of the clan society in Scotland. That was always part of our dues. I had occassion to meet some very nice people, many of whom I remain friends with; it was a fun experience.

But things change, people move on, etc., and I am no longer a member.

[Sir William]

No I am not a member of my Clan association as it all seems a bit artificial to me.

Jock,

I can certainly understand that.

I think most of us who do not live in Scotland join a clan association (society, etc) to celebrate our Scottish heritage. Those who live in Scotland don't have that need - it is all around them.

When I attended my clan gathering this summer I noticed that most of the Scots had a different perception of the "clan" than those of us who were of Scottish descent and living outside of Scotland (or even the UK). Most seemed to be of the opinion that they were an Elliot (or Armstrong, MacDonald, Fraser, etc) by birth, heritage and geography, and didn't need to wear a bit of tartan or formally join a group to prove it. I've no issue with that - and if I lived in Scotland I'd probably feel much the same as they do. But I live in the US and joining a clan association or society is a nice way to celebrate my Scottish heritage with others of like mind.

[NCMC]

I have not yet joined a Clan association but have considered it mainly to use/share genealogical and historical resources. Another research tool for now.
My motivation to join a Clan association may change in the future.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

Not a member of any association, the closest one is the states for me (Cunningham) run by Dave pickens, CS Cunningham, and LA woman etc (sorry if that is wrong team), which I am considering joining in the new year.

There is no association in New Zealand for the Cunninghams.

There was already an ANZAC association set up

Might want to be careful with the use of ANZAC in associations...it may may viewed by some as improper usage of the arconym, and cause grave offence.

(hasn't upset me though)

;)

[skauwt]

im a member of the chisholm clan society
my reasons for joining are purely genealogical by joining the clan i get access to the chisholm clan database containing notes and further reading into my ancestry
also the possibility that someone can perhaps complete part of there own family tree from my data , im the only chisholm on the dna/genealogical site with a tree so far back if noone match's mine at least its one less persons data to read into for any other chisholms around the world

[MacBean]

No I am not a member of my Clan association as it all seems a bit artificial to me.

For me, it's more that if you stretch the rubber band too far, two-hundred years plus, it snaps. Also, it leaves out all the other parts of the tree, for example, the German branch et al which make up the vast majority of the tree.

I completely agree with both comments, but I like to select and control my identity at this late stage in my life. This year I joined Clan MacBean in order to contribute to their journal, though have been a member of Clan Chattan a longer time. There were plenty of native Scots (and seven chiefs) at the recent Clan Chattan Confederation Band of Union Resigning...it's not just limited to Yanks, Aussies, etc. I think it important to preserve cultural heritage as best we can abroad. Jews have done it well (perhaps because their lines are entirely matrilineal). If dressing in kilts, learning the bagpipes, or even the Gaelic seem artificial, well, so be it. We are trying to preserve that which was so easily lost to our forbears upon emigration.

I calculate that I have about 120 forbearer lines back to Europe in the 1600's and 1700's. At least 7 of those families that I know about were Scottish: MacBean, Scot, Buccleuch, Faulkner, McAuley, Moore, Lamont, etc.

Look down the road far enough, and will anyone be able to claim they are really Scots? My children have already picked up Native American, African, Portuguese, and German in addition to what I brought them. The gene pool was never that isolated anyway, and certainly isn't now. I've lived in more than five countries, which one is mine?

[Urchurdan]

I have found it hard to find a clan for my last name. I guess LYTHGOE is not associated with a prominent clan. I am not really sure though.

Hey I thought when I saw your name it looked like the way we say the name of a Town near me called Linlithgow, this is from a web site I found.



This surname LYTHGOE was a habitation name from Linlithgow, between Edinburgh and Falkirk, which was probably named with the British words related to LLYN (lake, pool) and LLAITH (damp hollow). In the 13th and 14th centuries the name appears both with and without the first syllable. It has been assumed that Lithgow was the name of the settlement and Linlithgow was that of the lake. Lith and Lythgoe are now commonly found in Lancashire. Magister Symon de Lynlithcu witnessed a charter between the church of Cargil and another person in 1225, and Petrus de Linlithgoe was a canon of the priory of St. Andrews in 1245. Robert Lithew, a native of Scotland was granted a safe conduct to travel into England in 1440. Alba, the country which became Scotland, was once shared by four races; the Picts who controlled most of the land north of the Central Belt; the Britons, who had their capital at Dumbarton and held sway over the south west, including modern Cumbria; the Angles, who were Germanic in origin and annexed much of the Eastern Borders in the seventh century, and the Scots. The latter came to Alba from the north of Ireland late in the 5th century to establish a colony in present day Argyll, which they named Dalriada, after their homeland. The Latin name SCOTTI simply means a Gaelic speaker. James Lith in Dundee was charged with aiding the English in 1552, and Robert Lynlygow was a merchant of Glasgow in 1599. The name has numerous variant spellings which include LEYTHQUOW, LITHGOUW, LITHGOU, LYTH, LYTHEW and LYTHTGOW. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. They were not in use in England or in Scotland before the Norman Conquest, and were first found in the Domesday Book. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour.

[macwilkin]

Just beware that there is no such thing as a "family crest" in Scottish heraldry.

T.

[Sammac]

Member of Clan Campbell Society of North America. The members in our area are a great bunch to be around, which is part of the reason I joined. I've started helping at some of the games which is fun. The newsletter has great stories and is a joy to read. Have a connection to Clan Scott and of course there is always the in-laws, MacGregor and Donnachaidh.