Q: Where do the MacLachlans come from?
A: Since the Middle Ages the MacLachlans have clung to a narrow strip of
land, some ten miles in length, rising steeply from the eastern shore of
Loch Fyne (pronounced fine), on the western side of Scotland.
Q: Where does the name MacLachlan come from?
A: The MacLachlans take their name from Lachlan Mor (Mor is Gaelic
for "great"), a thirteenth century chieftan who lived by Loch
Fyne. Lachlan Mor himself is descended from Anrothan, son of Aodh O'Neill,
King of the North of Ireland from 1030-1033 A.D. The name MacLachlan means
"Son of Lachlan" and comes to us from the Gaelic Lochlainn,
which refers to Norway. Legend holds that the first Lachlan may have been
the son of a Norse princess, who named him after her homeland. Click
here for History of the Clan MacLachlan.
Q: My name is not spelled the same way as the Clan spells it. Am I
still a MacLachlan?
A: There are some 200 different ways of spelling the clan name. Our Chief
prefers the spelling "MacLachlan." In ancient times, usually the
only person who knew how to read and write was the local parish priest. He
would write the name, spelling it as it sounded. In addition, when
immigrants passed through places like Ellis Island, the official who did
the processing spelled their name the way he heard it, often leading to
some interesting variations. Click here for numerous
spelling of the Clan names.
Q: My name is spelled "Mc" and not "Mac." Does
this mean that I am Irish and not Scottish?
A: "Mac" in Gaelic for "son of" and is the most common
element of both Scottish and Irish surnames. "Mac" is often
abbreviated "Mc" in Ireland as well as Scotland. Even if your
name is spelled "O'Lachlan," you are still a member of the clan.
The prefix "O" is Irish Gaelic for "grandson of." Click
here for numerous spelling of the Clan names.
Q: What is a Sept?
A: Sept is a term which comes to us from the Irish, which means
"family." It is used to explain the variety of surnames of
members of a clan or family.
Q: Does Clan MacLachlan have any Septs?
A: The Clan MacLachlan has one sept, the Gilchrists. The Gilchrists were
neighbors on the northeast end of Loch Fyne. Little is known of their
history. We do know that Gilchrist in Gaelic means "Servant of
Christ." Click here for History of the
Gilchrists.
The Clan MacLachlan also has a protectorate, the clan MacEwen. The
ancestoral MacEwen lands touch on the southwest end of the MacLachlan's,
around an area known as Otters Ferry (Otter in Gaelic means
"Shallow"). The MacEwen Chief gave up his position in the 1300s.
His land was eventually sold to Clan Campbell. There still exists a
MacEwen cemetary in the area. Click here for
History of the Clan MacEwen.
These two families lost their chiefs, and for political purposes, and for
protection, they asked to become affiliated with the Clan MacLachlan. if
you go back far enough, the MacLachlans, Gilchrists and MacEwens all have
a common ancestor.
Q: Does our Clan have a castle in Scotland?
A: Yes, we actually have two castles. The old Castle Lachlan, built in the
1100s, was damaged by cannon-fire from a British man-of-war after the
Rebellion of 1745. Repairs were made, and it remained the family home
until the middle of the 19th century, when a new castle was built about a
half-mile away. The ruins of the old castle, overlooking Loch Fyne, still
stand.
Q: Does our Clan have a plaid?
A: Yes. They are called tartans, and Clan MacLachlan has five different
tartans: ancient, weathered, modern, hunting and dress. As a MacLachlan
you are entitled to wear any of them, except for the MacLachlan Dress
Tartan, which is reserved for the Chief and his family. The Gilchrists can
also wear the MacLachlan tartan. The MacEwens have their own tartan, and
can wear either theirs or that of the Clan MacLachlan. Click
here to see the Clan tartans.
Q: As a member of the Clan, may I wear a feather in my bonnet?
A: We must quote from "So You're Going to Wear the Kilt" by
J. Charles Thompson: "In Scotland a chief may wear three eagle
feathers in his bonnet, a chieftan two and a gentleman with his own arms
one. This does NOT apply to the "chieft" and "chieftans"
of American clan societies ... unless the Lord Lyon, who controls all
Scottish heraldry, has recognized the right in each individual case, it is
in the worst possible taste for an American to wear a feather in his
bonnet."
Q: What is worn under the kilt?
A: "Nothing is worn 'neath the kilt - everything is in perfect
working order!'" In actuality, a Highland soldier in the kilt is out
of uniform if he wears anything under it except when dancing, taking part
in Highland Games, or participating as a bandman. The fact is, though,
that you must never admit you are wearing anything under your kilt. This
lends to the mystery of it all.
Q: Who is the Clan Chief of the MacLachlans?
A: Euan J.R. Maclachlan of Maclachlan, lord of the barony of
Strathlachlan, is the 25th Chief of the Clan. He succeeded his mother
Marjorie upon her death in 1996. Euan has two sons and three daughters.
His eldest son, Charles Rome Maclachlan, is the Younger of Maclachlan.
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