Branches of Clan Chattan
Clan Mackintosh
The Mackintosh family served as the hereditary Captains of Clan Chattan from the late 13th century until modern times. Their leadership began when Angus Mackintosh, 6th Chief of Mackintosh, married Eva, the heiress of the original Clan Chattan line, around 1291. This union made their descendants the de facto heads of the entire confederation. From Moy Hall near Inverness, the Mackintoshes led Clan Chattan through centuries of alliances, feuds, and royal service. Notable figures include Lachlan Mor Mackintosh and the Mackintosh chiefs who signed the pivotal Clan Chattan Bonds of 1609 and 1756.
Clan Macpherson
Macphersons claim descent from Muiredach (Muriach), a 12th-century parson, and have long asserted descent from the original Clan Chattan line. Based in Badenoch, they maintained a degree of autonomy within the confederation and often disputed Mackintosh’s leadership. Their most famous chief, Ewen Macpherson of Cluny, led Jacobite troops in 1745 and evaded capture for years after Culloden. The Macphersons remain one of the most powerful and distinctive Chattan clans, with their own chief and clan organization today.
Clan Shaw of Tordarroch
Descended from Shaw MacDuff and closely related to early Mackintosh chiefs, the Shaws became an independent branch after receiving the lands of Rothiemurchus in the 14th century. Shaw Mor led Clan Chattan warriors at the famous battle on the North Inch of Perth in 1396. After losing Rothiemurchus, the family moved to Tordarroch in Strathnairn. They remained active members of the confederation and signed key bonds of manrent. Today, the Chief of Clan Shaw of Tordarroch represents the historic clan.
Clan Davidson
The Davidsons are traditionally believed to descend from David Dubh, a son of one of the early Clan Chattan chiefs. They played a major role in the late medieval feuds of the confederation, especially at Invernahavon (1370) and the North Inch of Perth (1396). The chiefship later passed to the Davidsons of Tulloch. Though weakened in the post-medieval period, the clan has seen a modern revival and is recognized as a principal branch of Clan Chattan.
Clan MacBean (MacBain)
Traditionally believed to have fled from Lochaber after killing a Comyn steward, the MacBeans settled in Petty and became close allies of the Mackintosh chiefs. Their ancestral home was at Kinchyle. Gillies MacBean’s heroic last stand at Culloden is legendary, and Major-General William MacBean was later awarded the Victoria Cross. Though never large in number, the clan is respected for its bravery and loyalty.
Clan MacGillivray
The MacGillivrays were among the earliest non-blood allies to join Clan Chattan, settling around Dunmaglass in Strathnairn. They remained loyal to Mackintosh leadership and led the confederation’s troops at Culloden, where Chief Alexander MacGillivray died in battle. Though dormant for many years, the clan appointed a commander in 2016 and remains part of the broader Chattan community.
Clan MacQueen
Believed to have come from the west with the bride of a Mackintosh chief in the 15th century, the MacQueens settled in Strathdearn and became known as Clan Revan. Their chiefs resided at Corrieborough and participated in the Battle of Harlaw and other confederation activities. The line became dormant in the 19th century, but the clan’s connection to both Clan Chattan and Clan Donald remains part of its legacy.
Clan Farquharson
Originating from Farquhar Shaw of Rothiemurchus, Clan Farquharson became prominent in Deeside and Braemar. Though geographically distant, they were associated with the Chattan confederation in earlier generations. The Farquharsons became a major independent clan in their own right and are still part of the Clan Chattan Association today.
Clan MacThomas
Descended from Thomas, a great-grandson of William Mackintosh, 8th Chief of Mackintosh, this clan migrated to Glenshee in the 15th century. The MacThomases became independent of the confederation, but they still acknowledge their origins in Clan Chattan. Today, the clan has its own chief and seat at Finegand.
Macleans of Dochgarroch (Clan Tearlach)
This branch of Clan Maclean, known as Clan Tearlach, settled near Inverness and aligned themselves with Clan Chattan in the 17th century. Though originally from the western isles, their long-standing ties to the Mackintosh chiefs led to their inclusion in the confederation. They continue as a recognized Chattan family today.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Old Clan Chattan (Clan of Gillichattan Mor)
The original Clan Chattan traces back to Gillichattan Mor, a 12th-century figure associated with the Culdee church and Saint Catan. This line became extinct in the male line around 1291 when the heiress Eva married Angus Mackintosh. After this union, the name “Clan Chattan” evolved from a single kin group to a confederation.
Clan MacPhail
An ancient branch believed to descend from Paul Cattanach of Lochaber, the MacPhails moved eastward with the rest of Clan Chattan in the 13th century. Though once a recognized family within the confederation, they gradually merged into the Macpherson and Mackintosh families and have had no chief since the early 1900s.
MacIntyres of Badenoch
Originally from Argyll, a branch of the MacIntyre clan settled in Badenoch and became closely associated with Clan Chattan. They served as bards and retainers but never developed into an independent clan. The name survives, but the Badenoch MacIntyres are no longer an active branch.
References (APA Format)
Clan Chattan Association. (n.d.). Clan Country. Retrieved from https://clanchattan.org.uk/clan-country/
Clan Chattan Association. (n.d.). Clan Shaw / Clan MacGillivray / Clan MacBean. Retrieved from https://clanchattan.org.uk
Electric Scotland. (n.d.). Scottish Clan Histories. Retrieved from https://electricscotland.com
Mackintosh-Shaw, A. (1880). Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. Edinburgh: R. Clay, Sons, and Taylor.
ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Macpherson / Clan MacThomas / Clan MacQueen Histories. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com
Wikipedia. (2024). Clan Chattan / Clan Davidson / Clan MacQueen / Clan MacPhail. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org