Clan Forbes
Clan Forbes is a highland Scottish clan originating in the Aberdeenshire district of Scotland. It is believed that the surname Forbes is derived from the Gaelic term Forba, meaning field. According to legend, the clan founder, Oconachar, claimed the Forbes lands by killing all of the bears in the area, making a piece of inhabitable land, habitable.
The clan motto is Grace, me guide, which means, “it is god’s grace that leads us”, and the crest features a stags head.
The historic seat of clan Forbes is Culloden House, they bought the property from the Mackintoshes in 1620, and it is currently a hotel. The present seat of the clan is Castle Forbes located in Alford, Scotland. The clan has owned the estate for 600 years and is the current residence of the chief.
Clan Forbes supported the British government during the Jacobite uprising in the 18th century. The Clan was instrumental in raising eighteen highland companies and successfully helped the British defeat the Jacobites at the battle of Culloden.
The Clan Forbes Society was formed in December 1980 with the goal of promoting cultural, historic and genealogical activities within the clan membership. Visits can be booked to visit Castle Forbes to enjoy many of the activities offered on the estate such as fishing, traditional farming and even visiting the old burial grounds.
Septs and Dependents – Banuerman, Fordyce, Michie.
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