The Clan Buchanan is one of the oldest Highland Clans of Scotland. We are comprised of over 50 affiliated families (or Septs) and our history dates back to 1016 or earlier on the banks of Loch Lomond, northwest of Glasgow. Like most Scottish clans, our family was disenfranchised and dispersed across every corner of the globe.
And things are only getting better as we reconnect with distant cousins; we rediscover our family trees; reaffirm our highland values; and inaugurate a Clan Chief (for the first time in over 300 years). We invite you to join us on this historic journey.
Clan crest
“A dexter hand holding up a ducal cap proper, tufted on the top with a rose gules, within two laurel branches disposed orleways proper”
Coat of Arms of the Chief
Tartan
The Modern Buchanan Tartan
Considered by many as the official Buchanan Tartan – brilliant colors and an asymmetrical design.
Plant badge(s)
The Bilberry and the Oak
Before the renaissance of clan tartans. Before the Act of Proscription of 1747 which prohibited anyone to wear Highland Clothes. Before the uprising of 1745 and the Battle of Culloden. Scottish clans identified themselves by putting the Suaicheantas, or Badge, which was a sprig of plant, in their bonnet or cloak pin.
Buchanan Clan Motto
Clarior Hinc Honos
“Brighter hence the honour”
War Cry
“ Clar Innis ”
Our island in Loch Lomond
Clan Oath
We will strive to honour the traditions of our Scottish culture and heritage
We will act with honour and integrity in all matters
We will uphold our Clan Motto “Clarior Hinc Honos”
As pledged to the Chief upon his inauguration, 2022. Read more
Etymology
Buchanan
In Gaelic the name of the clan is Canonaich. The Anglicized name is said to derive from “Mac a Chanonaich” (The Son of the Canon) and Buth Chanain (house or seat of the canon)
Traditional Location
Stirling, Scotland - eastward from the shores of Loch Lomond to the town of Callander
Clan Seat : Cambusmore, near Callander
About CBSI
The CBSI was formed in 1970 as the Clan Buchanan Society in America to promote and grow the Clan Buchanan. It was founded at the Grandfather Mountain Games in North Carolina. The name was later changed to the Clan Buchanan Society International Inc., to reflect our society's expanded purpose and membership.
The society is currently divided into sixteen US and international regions with many members active throughout the United States and around the world. The wonderful thing about the CBSI is that any person who is of Buchanan descent or one of the Septs and Associated Family Names can join and celebrate their Scottish heritage with many links to Buchanan history, traditions, activities, and genealogy.
CBSI is a member of the
Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA)
the Scottish Australian Heritage Council (SAHC)
Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC)
