Scottish and Irish Clans & Families
Most of our material comes from antiquarian books published in the 1800's. There are many references to Scottish clans in our History section as well so do use our search engine to find other mentions of your clan or family in our thousands of historical pages. Should you enjoy Scottish History then why not get our Free weekly email newsletter.

• Clans
  This is where we list recognized clans along with their histories and where we also provide links to official Clan societies where we know of them. These are all clans that are recognized by the Lord Lyon Court.
• Information on other Scottish Names
  Should you not have found your name in our Clans page above then try in here.
• A History of individual Irish Families
  This section includes both Irish and Scots Irish families.
• Scottish Clans and their Tartans
  A 213 page book listing some 96 clans with their tartans and additional notes in pdf format printed in 1886.
• Names and Spelling of Names connected with Clans (329k)
  This is a huge list of names connected with clans as well as many spelling variations. This is thus a good place to try to find your clan connection. It's a large page and once loaded we recommend you use your browsers Edit/Find search facility to search the page.
• Chiefs and Chieftains
  A list provided by Iain Brodie of Falsyde.
• Quick Clan and Tartan Finder
  This is where we produce a list of the most popular clans that link to information about them. Alongside this list you will also find links to the associated clan tartan.
• List of Septs and Dependants
  Having difficulty in knowing if your name is associated with a clan? We explain all about septs in here and provide lists of names associated with the various clans.
• Scottish Names (Big File 228k)
  Comes from the Encyclopaedia of Clans and Families and is another attempt to list names associated with individual clans. 
• The Great Historic Families of Scotland
  Here we have a detailed look at the great historic families of Scotland.
• Historic Earls and Earldoms of Scotland
  An account of the Earldom and Earls of Mar, Earldom and Earls of Buchan, Earldom and Earls of Huntly, Earldom and Earls of Erroll, Keiths, Great Marischals of Scotland, and Earl Marischals, Earldom and Earls of Findlater, and Seafield.
• Scottish Roots Research
  This is our genealogy guide. In here we tell you what we at Electric Scotland can and can't do to help and we also provide pointers to other good research resources.
• Tartans
  This is where we have a searchable database of tartans with thanks to the Scottish Tartan Society.
• ScotSearch Clans
  Use the ScotSearch search engine to locate clan societies.
• ScotSearch Scottish Festivals
  Use the ScotSearch search engine to locate a Highland Games or Festival in your area.

Further information on Scottish Clans and Families

• Clans and Families of Ireland and Scotland!
  This is a significant book by C. Thomas Cairney detailing where the Gaels came from and how clans and families of Ireland and Scotland fit into the overall picture.
• Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland
  This book includes a detailed map of the Clans of Scotland together with other Clan information including other maps and accounts of the Highlands.
• The Highland Clans
  A description of the Highland Clans and how they came into being.
• The Scots-Irish: The Thirteenth Tribe
  An excellent account of who the Scots-Irish are.
• Chiefs of Clans and Names in Scotland
  Here are a list of known Clan Chiefs and their addresses.
• Clan Newsletters
  Some Clans send us in copies of their newsletters which you can view here.
• Clans, Families and Septs
  A modern explanation of Clans, Families and Septs as they are viewed by the Lyon Court.
• Clan Mottos
  Here is a list of clan and family mottos.
• The Court of the Lord Lyon
  I have scanned in most of the standard leaflets available from the Lord Lyon's office for you to read here.
• Mini Biographies of Scots and Scots Descendants
  This is where we list mini bios for you to enjoy and we provide a form for you if you'd like to contribute a story or two to our collection.
• Explanation of Clanship
  A very detailed account of how clans came into being and how they were organised.
• Kings of the Isles
  A follow on to the above section which goes on to explain more about the influence of the Irish and Vikings.
• How the Peerage is Ranked
  Where do Duke's, etc lie in precedence or ranking.
• Historic Clan Postcards
  These postcards come from the publication "The History of Scotland" by James Browne, LL.D published in 1909.
• Society of Scottish Armigers
  Information on what is an Arminger.
• Armorial Bearings & Clan Crests
  This page explains about clan shields and crests and is a publication from the Lord Lyon's office.
• Armorial Bearings
  These come from the publication "The History of Scotland" by James Browne, LL.D published in 1909.
• Tartans
  This is where we provide links to find your tartan and also explains how you might choose which tartan to wear.
• The Heraldry Society of Scotland [External Link]
  The aim of this website is to bring about a greater awareness of the Art, Law and Science of Scotland's unique heraldry and also to provide a forum for the Society's heraldry enthusiasts, the heraldic professionals and the public at large.
• Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs [External Link]
  The Standing Council is the body which represents the interests of its members in all matters pertaining to the use and protection of their armorial bearings.
• Parliamentary Register 29 July 1587
  Giving a list of clans as at 1587
• Looking for your roots?
  This is an email we got from Mary Mills Kennedy where she explains her motivation for searching for her roots and what she has got from it.
• Conflicts of the Clans
  This is a compilation of short stories about various conflicts between clans.
• Scottish Clan Displays at Highland Games
  By Carole Rattray Nickels
• Join our FREE Mailing List
  As so much is added to the site each day we started this mailing list which sends you an email once a week telling you what's new and includes some stories of Scotland.
• Register your clan web site with us!
  Should you have a web site featuring your clan then this is where you can apply to register it on Electric Scotland under your clan page.

This map is accurate to the Acts of Parliament passed in 1587 and 1594 respectively.

Map showing the districts of the Highland Clans of Scotland (912k)

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