Clans

[Tentcavalier2@aol.com]

Some information that came to light from a small travel publication about 
Scotland.

The Clans of Scotland

Clan identity has been fostered by various clan societies, which began to be 
founded in the 1880's. The fact that they are still flourshing today is a 
reflection of the need for roots and a sense of belonging. The CLAN system in 
Scotland began to evolve around 1200. The distinction applied to Highland 
families with a common ancestor to whose heirs succeeding generations would 
declare their allegiance. In Gaelic, 'Clann" means children, and under the 
feudal clan system, the Chief was regarded as the father of his clan, with 
parental right of punishment and reward, or low and high justice in the 
feudal sense.

For centuries the Highlands stood apart, little involved in Scottish 
politics. Living north of the Highland line - a variable boundary running 
northeast from Stirling to Aberdeen - the Clans had little care for the rest 
of the kingdom. Removed from contemporary civilization, these quarrelsome and 
often violent families and alliances did produce one valuable asset - 
ferocious fighting men whose descendents served as the backbone of the 
British Army from the 17th century to the present day.

The first Clan Society appeared in the late 18th century, and was followed by 
others in a short time. Sir Walter Scott was primarily responsible for the 
resurgence of Highland culture in the early 19th century, both in his novels 
and his organization of the Royal Visit to Scotland by King George IV, in 
1822.

Learn more about your Clan and the numerous families that comprise it from 
Caithness, the Orkneys, the Shetlands and Midlothian.
GaryD 
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