Clan Colquhoun

Clan Colquhoun is considered a lowland Scottish Clan originating in the Dunbartonshire district of Scotland. The surname Colquhoun was derived from a place-name which evolved from the Gaelic term còil meaning nook or corner. It is believed that the Colquhoun family has held lands in the Loch Lomond area of Scotland since the 12th century. The Colquhouns expanded their holdings and gained a title in 1358 when Robert of Colquhoun married the daughter of the Laird of Luss.

The clan motto is Si Je Puis, which translates into, if I can, and the clan’s crest features a stags head.

The historic seat of the clan is Dunglass Castle in West Dunbartonshire. Dunglass Castle was believed to have been built in the 14th century and was granted to the Colquhoun clan in 1439. The Colquhoun’s abandoned the castle in 1592 after Sir Humphrey Colquhoun fled after a battle with the MacFarlane Clan. The castle has passed through many hands and has been restored several times. In 2013 Historic Scotland declared the remains a protected site and plans were initiated to make the walls and house watertight. The current seat of the clan is Rossdhu Castle. The castle was built some time in the 15th century and was granted to Sir John Colquhoun by King James II in the 17th century. A new house was constructed on the property in 1773 called Rossdhu house and became home of the clan chiefs. The house is now part of the Loch Lomond Golf Club.

The Clan Colquhoun international Society was formed in San Diego, California with the goal to preserve the clan’s history. The clan museum is located in the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. The museum focuses on the history of the Colquhouns and it’s neighboring clans.

Septs and Dependents – Cowan, Kilpatrick, Kirkpatrick, MacCowan.