Clan Buchan
Clan Buchan (Buchan Tartan)
Crest: A sun shining upon a sunflower full blown, Proper
Motto: Non Inferiora Secutus (Not having followed mean pursuits)
Origin of Tartan: Family tartan derived from Cumming, relatives of Buchan
Badge: Sunflower
Clan Chief: Charles Buchan of Auchmacoy
1. Clan Buchan History
The Buchan region, nestled in the northeast corner of Aberdeenshire near Banffshire, serves as the ancestral homeland of this clan. Once under the sway of the Comyns, the Earldom of Buchan slipped from their control after their clash with Robert the Bruce.
Later, the earldom came into the possession of Alexander Stewart, the illegitimate son of Robert II, famously known as the 'Wolf of Badenoch'.
However, it's crucial to note that the name would have been used by local nobility as well, even if they weren't directly tied to their Earls.
Auchmacoy fell under the family's sway from the early 14th century, but it wasn't until 1503 that Andrew, the second chief, was granted a charter to the lands by James IV. The Barons of Auchmacoy staunchly supported the Stewart claim throughout the 17th century.
Thomas Buchan, the third son of James Buchan of Auchmacoy, was appointed commander-in-chief of all Jacobite forces in Scotland after the death of Dundee at Killiecrankie in 1689.
He received his commission from the King in Ireland, returning to Scotland in April 1690, where he convened at Keppoch with chiefs sympathetic to the Jacobite cause.
Buchan led the Jacobite forces in a prolonged strategic struggle against government forces under General Mackay.
Despite eventual defeat, he was permitted to seek exile in France, only to return to fight at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715, maintaining his royal allegiance until his death in 1721.
2. Clan Buchan Tartans
The Buchan tartan holds a special place in Scottish heritage, serving as both a district and a family tartan. It's believed to be one of the oldest named sett, originally associated with the Glenorchy area as the hunting Cumming tartan.
The Buchan family formally adopted it in 1965, cementing their ties to the Cumming lineage, dating back to 1210 when Margaret, daughter of King Edgar and Countess of Buchan, married William Coymen, sheriff of Forfar.
In tartan terminology, 'ancient' denotes lighter dye shades, while 'modern' signifies darker hues, adding layers of meaning to this timeless symbol of Scottish identity.
Threadcount K/4 R4 G54 R4 K12 B4 K12 B4 R12 G12 R4 K48 R4 K4 B4 R4 K48 R4 G12 R12 B4 K12 R4 G54 R4 K/4
Buchan Ancient
Buchan Modern
3. Clan Buchan Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Buchan Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A sun shining upon a sunflower full blown, Proper
3.2 Clan Buchan Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
According to Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual (excluding civic or corporate arms). There is no concept of a ‘family coat of arms’. The arms depicted below are personal arms (with the exceptions mentioned above). Only the individual to whom these arms are granted has the privilege to use them.
BUCHAN of Auchmacoy
Argent, three lions’ heads, erased, Sable
4. Clan Buchan Places & People
4.1 Clan Buchan Places
Auchmacoy House
For over seven centuries, Auchmacoy estate in Aberdeenshire has remained in the possession of Clan Buchan. Completed in 1830, the current Auchmacoy House stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the clan, replacing earlier structures on the estate.
4.2 Clan Buchan
4.2.1 Alexander Buchan (11 April 1829 - 13 May 1907)
The Buchan Spells are a well-known concept in meteorology, named after Alexander Buchan, who was the first to observe these deviations from typical seasonal temperatures.
His pioneering work laid the groundwork for modern weather forecasting, emphasizing the importance of weather maps in predicting atmospheric conditions.
4.2.2 John Buchan (26 August 1875 - 11 February 1940)
A lad from a clergyman's family, schooled at Glasgow & Oxford universities afore he was summoned to the Bar in 1901.
He's well-kent for penning 'The Thirty-nine Steps', which gained fame thanks to Alfred Hitchcock's movie with the same title. Buchan took up the mantle as the 15th Governor General of Canada from 1935 till he passed in 1940, aged 64.
5. Associated Names
According to the Clan Buchan Association website, while Clan Buchan does not officially recognize any septs, the following surnames have been historically associated with the Buchan region in the north-east of Scotland:
Basken, Baskin, Bede, Bichan, Bichen, Bonnieville, Boyne, Buck, Buckie, Bucky, Cawsell, Chapp, Chrystal, Clapperton, Coscrach, Costie, Costy, Cranach, Crannach, Cruddon, Cruden, Crudon, Crystal, Crystal, Crystall, Fitchie, Fitchy, Gammerie, Gammery, Hardin, Hardman/ Hardnan, Kermack, Leisk, Mac, Meason, Merson, Mondie, Mondy, Mundie, Mundy, Nible, Niblo, Ogston, Ogstone, Ogstoun, Prince, Ratcliff, Ratliff, Rattcliff, Rattliff, Runcie, Runcy, Shakle, Tarves, Tarvis, Teunion, Teunon, Tewnion, Tinnon, Tucks, Wadsworth, Wadsworther, West, Whammond, Whyman, Whymon, and Willgook