| THE ORIGIN of the surname of Buchanan derived from the lands lying to the East of Loch Lomond which were known by that name. The origins of the Clan Buchanan are less clear. One suggestion is that the Clan are descendants of Antelan (Anselan) O' Kyan, son of a King of Ulster, who landed in Argyll c. 1016. For his services against the Danes, it is said, he received these lands from King Malcolm II. Some claim that Anselan was of, "Soil n'Cain", an ancicnt tribe of Moray, acquiring the lands by marriage. Beyond dispute is that the island of Clarinch on Loch Lomond, opposite Balmaha, was granted to Sir Absalon 'of Buchanan' in 1225 AD by the Earl of Lennox, and confirmed by a charter from Alexander II. From Absalon's son, Mac Absalon, came the name MacAuslan which was frequently used instead of Buchanan. In the reign of David II ( 1329-71 ) another charter confirms the lands of Buchanan to Sir Maurice Buchanan and to his "successors of that same name". Maurice married the daughter of Menteith of Rusky, and thus his son became connected with the royal house. Cadets of the clan included the Buchanans of Auchmar, Spittal, Arnprior, Drumikill, Carbeth and Leny. The clan supported Robert the Bruce in his struggle for Scottish Independence, and was represented amongst the 7000 men sent from Scotland to assist the French King after the battle of Agincourt. It is also claimed that Sir Alexander of Buchanan killed the Duke of Clarence at the Battle of Bauge in 1421. The Chief of the clan and Buchanan of Leny fell at Flodden in 1513, and the clan took active part in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 and at Langside in 1568. The Clan flourished, establishing many branches and gaining considerable possessions in the Lennox - reflected today by over fifty septs of Buchanan being listed (of which, Watson, is one). The lands remained in the possession of the family until the death of John, 22nd Laird of Buchanan in I682, the ancient estates being sold to the Marquis (Duke) of Montrose and the principal line becoming extinct in 1762. The chiefship then passed to the Buchanan of Spittal. Later successors were to fail also, and the chieftainship is now dormant. The Buchanan Society, the oldest clan society in existence, was formed in 1725 by a group of Glasgow rnerchants as a charitable institution This Society continues its work to this day from its central Glasgow Headquarters.
Motto: Clarior Hinc Honos (Brighter hence the honour ).
Some other related links:
Excellent book on the real historical character, William Wallace:
"William Wallace - Braveheart" Will ye Return to Dave's Place - aye? |
