Scottish Clans - Clan Buchanan

SCOTTISH CLANS - BUCHANAN


MOTTO BRIGHTER HENCE THE HONOUR	CLAN TARTAN BUCHANAN

The progenitor of the Buchanans, Ansalen O’Cain, son of a king of Ulster, is said to have received from King Malcolm II, the lands of Buchanan on Loch Lomond for his services against the Danes. The island of Clarinch later became the Clan’s gathering place in time of war. It has also been said that the benefactor was Gilbert, Seneschal to the Earl of Lennox and the lands bestowed were in fact in Stirlingshire. There are indications that the Buchanans may have been dedicated to the service of the ancient Celtic church. The Buchanans supported Bruce in the war of independence.

The Buchanan arms is almost the same as the Royal Arms of Scotland, with a significant difference: the lion and fleur de lys are black instead of red. It is said that the colouring reflects a sense of mourning at the loss of status as the nearest relatives to the disinherited family. Other descendents of the family (Buchanans of Arnprior) held lands in Kippen in Perthshire.

The Buchanans fought at Flodden, where their Chief lost his life. They also took an active part in the battles of Pinkie and Langside. In 1746 Buchanan of Drumnakill betrayed Lord Tullibardine to the Government. The Buchanan lands were sold in 1682 and the principal line became extinct in 1762.

The most famous Buchanan is probably the poet and protestant reformer, George Buchanan, born in Stirlingshire in 1506. After travelling abroad, he became classics tutor to the young Mary, Queen of Scots. He was not, however, a supporter of Mary but did become tutor to her son, James IV and is credited for his King’s later considerable academic prowess. James Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States.

The present Buchanan house, in Stirlingshire, stands where the family previously built a castle which was called the Peel of Buchanan. The mansion was owned by the First Duke of Montrose who added to it as did subsequent dukes. It is now the chief seat of the Dukes of Montrose.