Clan Maclachlan

Clan Maclachlan also known as Clan Lachlan is a highland Scottish Clan originating in the lands of Strathlachlan, Argyll.  According to legend the progenitor of the clan is Lachlan Mor who was believed to be descended from the O’Neill dynasty of Ireland.  It is believed that the family immigrated to Scotland from Ireland in the 11th century when Anrothan, during a campaign, married a local heiress.

The clan’s motto is Fortis et Fidus, which means strong and faithful.  The clan’s crest features a castle perched on a rock emerging from a crown.

The historic seat of the clan is Castle Lachlan located on the shore of Loch Fyne in the Cowal Peninsula.  Many believe that the castle was built in 1270 by the wife of the clan chief while he was away at the crusades.  The castle was the home of the clan until the New Castle Lachlan was built a short distance away in 1790.  The old castle is presently owned and controlled by the Lachlan Trust, a non profit organization dedicated to maintaining and preserving the castle. The clan chief still resides in the new castle Lachlan.

In the 18th century the Maclachlan clan supported the Jocobite rebellion and in response had their castle shelled by a government ship.  The chief’s family had to abandon the castle and their lands were forfeited to the crown.  In 1747 Archibald Campbell, the 3rd Duke of Argyll helped the Maclachlan chief regain the clans land.

The Clan Maclachlan Society was formed in 1979 and claims to have branches in eight countries. The Society is responsible for holding events, connecting clan members and publishing a magazine titled Clan Lachlan.