Top 10 Surprising Facts you may not know about Scottish Clans

10

The earliest documented tartan in Scotland is known as the “Falkirk” tartan, it may  date from the 3rd century. It was uncovered at Falkirk in Stirlingshire, Scotland, near the Antonine Wall. It is a direct link back to the Roman occupation of the area around 250 A.D. and was found stuffed into a pot filled with over 2000 silver coins.  It is now kept in the National Museum of Scotland.

9

Many Scottish clan mottoes have been composed in French. French was considered prestigious after the Norman invasion in 1066.  Also, Many of the clan élite were  of Norman-French descent.

8

It is a common mistaken belief that every person who bears a clan’s name is a descendant of the clan chief. Many clansmen , took the chief’s surname as their own to either show solidarity, or to obtain protection and support.  Many of the followers of  clans were tenants or supplied labour to the clan leaders.

7

The Clan Tartan was banned by the English government in 1756 in an attempt to pacify the Scottish Highlands.  There was a severe penalty for anyone caught wearing one.  In 1782 with the fear of a Scottish uprising greatly diminished the English lifted the ban  lasting 26 years.

6

The Frasers are a clan with two chiefs. Clan Fraser is a Scottish clan of the Lowlands. It should not be confused with the Clan Fraser of Lovat who is a separate Scottish clan of the  Highlands. The Lowland Frasers of Philorth, Lords Saltoun, are Chiefs of the Fraser name. The Highland Fraser Chief is Lord Lovat and the lands of Inverness-shire around Black Isle are Fraser of Lovat territory.

5

Legends often claim that the Scottish clans began before 1100AD and that many of the chiefs were originally the descendants of kings or gods.  However, in reality, the progenitors of clans can rarely be authenticated further back than the 11th century, and in most cases cannot be found until the 13th or 14th centuries.

4

There are over 500 clan associations  around the world, who host clan gatherings to celebrate their Scottish heritage. It’s estimated that more than 120 million people through out the world are descended from the clans of Scotland. 

3

MacDonald of Clanranald is the largest of the Highland clans.  The Norse-Gaelic Clan Ranald was descended from Ranald, son of John, Lord of the Isles. At one time the Lord of the Isles had its own parliament and was powerful enough to challenge the kings of Scotland.

2

The first historical reference to the type of events held at the Highland Games in Scotland was made during the time of King Malcolm III in the 11th century. There was thought to have been events where the strongest and bravest soldiers in Scotland were tested. Musicians and dancers were also encouraged to reveal their skills and talents.  Victors were considered to be great representatives of their clans.

1

Marriage alliance were often used to make alliances between neighboring clans as well as within territorial families of the clan. The marriage alliance was  a commercial contract that also involved the exchange of livestock, money, and land.  The bride was known as the tocher and the groom was known as the dowry.