Clan MacLaren

Clan Maclaren is a highland Scottish clan originating in the Tiree region of Scotland.  Legend has it that the Maclaren clan descended from Fergus MacErc who was the founder of the kingdom of Dal Riata, a gaelic kingdom that controlled western Scotland and northeastern Ireland in the 6th and 7th centuries.

The Clan’s motto is Creag an Tuirc, which translates into the boar’s rock.  The clan’s crest features a crowned lion’s head surrounded by a wreath.

The historic seat of the Maclaren’s was Balquhidder, a small village located in Stirling Scotland.  The Maclaren’s lost their ancestral homeland in the 16th century after the MacGregor clan raided the homes of the Maclaren’s resulting in the death of much of the clan.  The current clan seat is Kirkton Farm in Balquhidder.

Due to the attack by the MacGregor’s in the 16th century, the clan was rendered “chiefless and landless”.  In 1957 the clans status was returned when Donald MacLaren of MacLaren was established chief by the Lord Lyon’s Court and was able to purchase land in Balquhidder.

The Maclaren Clan Society was formed a few years after the resurrection of the clan.  The society’s goal is to support the clan’s interests and bring together members from around the world.  A newsletter is published and sent out each year with information about national and international MacLaren events.  The clan’s AGM takes place at the Lochearnhead Highland Games each year.