Families of Scotland

Failte!

An Eclectic Blend of American Scottish and Scots-Irish

The popularity of genealogical research has been increased with the growth of the Internet and the World Wide Web (www). Paralleling this growth in genealogical research has been the increasing popularity of Scottish Festivals and Highland Games. As this popularity grows, so do the urges of many Americans to learn more about their Scottish Heritage. Many persons assume that since they have Scottish ancestry, their name must surely be among the names of the great Clans of Scotland. Indeed, generations upon generations of marriages among the settlers of the New World and the Americas have produced many American and Canadian descendants with a variety of possible Clan affiliations by surname. Unfortunately, there are also many of Scottish descent wishing to trace their most recent surname's history, only to be frustrated by a lack of information. A study of Scotland shows that approximately seventy percent of all the families of Scotland and their descendants were not affiliated with, or members of, the ancient Highland Clans. Your ancestors could have been shopkeepers, merchants, skilled craftsmen, small farmers, fishermen, in-laws, etc. They may have allied with a clan in their territory, or may have provided services or engaged in trade. In times of trouble, they would have fought alongside their kinsmen and to defend Scotland and freedom. Scottish descent and pride in heritage is not contigent upon being part of a Clan. Clansmen were Scots. Families of Scotland who were not members of clans were Scots. Celebrate a proud and oble heritage.

As a descendant of one or more of Scotland's families you should always feel like you can celebrate your Scottish heritage with as much pride and spirit as any member of a Clan society. For those interested in wearing specific tartan colors related to Scottish heritage, there are many possibilities. For instance, the Black Watch and Royal Stewart are open tartans that can be worn by anyone. There are also tartans for the United States, Carolina, and Georgia, to name a few as well. In addition, most of the districts of Scotland have their own tartans. And all of the districts of Scotland have colorful and exciting histories.

This page extends a warm welcome to all persons interested in promoting their heritage, as well as the heritage of the families of Scotland. Alba gu brath!

There is a largely untapped potential for an increased awareness and promotion of Scottish and Scots-Irish heritage. This potential lies among the approximately seventy percent of all persons descended from the great families of Scotland that were never affiliated with the Clans.