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INTERNATIONAL CLAN MACFARLANE SOCIETY
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About The Clan MacFarlane

Story of The Clan

story_mapThe MacFarlane homeland is located in the Highlands of Scotland between Loch Long and Loch Lomond, having the same boundaries as the Parish of Arrochar. For over five centuries this area was held by the Chiefs of Clan MacFarlane and before them by their ancestors, the Celtic Earls of Lennox. A Saxon male line ancestry was first proposed for this family in Crawford’s Peerage in 1716. Walter MacFarlane, the renowned antiquarian, in his Notes on Genealogy (available on microfilm from the National Library of Scotland) also held this belief. On the other hand, William F. Skene, (in The Highlanders of Scotland, Vol. II p 149), provides a Celtic descent of this family. These sources base their statements on the old Celtic genealogy of Duncan, eighth Earl of Lennox, who was executed in 1425, and the coming of age poem composed for Alwyn, last Mormaer and first Earl of Lennox in the twelfth century. This Alwyn was the son of Murdac (son of Maldouen son of Murdac) and his wife who was a daughter of Alwyn MacArkil (son of Arkil son of Ecgfrith in Northumbria). When the first earl died his children were still minors so the king warded the earldom to his own brother David, Earl of Huntingdon.  By 1199 Alwyn, the second Earl of Lennox, had finally succeeded his father.  The second earl may have had as many as ten sons.  Among the youngest (maybe seventh) was Gilchrist who obtained a charter to the barony of Arrochar from his eldest brother Maldouen, third Earl of Lennox.  Although the charter is not dated, it bears the seal of King Alexander II (r. 1225 – 1239), and is thought to be from the earlier part of his reign. Gilchrist’s son, Malduin, is said to have befriended and aided Robert the Bruce during his fight for independence from the English.  He and his followers are reported to have fought at Bannockburn in 1314.  Robert I granted a charter to a Dougal MacFarlane for the lands of Kindowie and Argushouche, etc., but it isn’t known who this Dougal was, or where he was from originally. The clan takes its name from Malduin’s son, Pàrlan.  All we know about him is that he lived during the reign of Robert I and David II (r. 1329 – 1371).  There is a strong possibility that he, too, fought at Bannockburn for the Bruce, but there is no way to be certain at this time. Nevertheless, his place in this chronicle is of the highest importance, as he provided the surname for his descendants and their followers. Malcolm Mac Phàrlain, his son, received the first charter for the lands of “Arrochar above Luss” made out to a “Mac Phàrlain” in about 1344 from Donald, the sixth Earl of Lennox. The name, Pàrlan, has been linked to Partholán in Irish myths and legends. Gaelic grammar requires changes within a word to indicate possession. A “P” is softened to a “Ph”, and an “i” is added to the last syllable.  In this way, “son of Pàrlan” becomes Mac (son) Phàrlain (of Pàrlan). In many 18th, 19th and 20th century books, it is said that “Pàrlan” or “Partholán” are Gaelic forms of “Bartholomew”.  Linguistic studies of Old Gaelic and Old Irish Gaelic have shown this to be an invalid assertion.  In fact, both languages use the Latin form, “Bartolomeus” in their early liturgical writings in Latin and in Gaelic-language Bibles.  It is far more likely that “Partholán” and “Pàrlan” are remnant names from the pre-Gaelic languages of Ireland and Britain.

story_castleWhen Duncan, the last Celtic Earl of Lennox, his son-in-law, and two of his grandsons were executed by James I in 1425, there were some who considered that the MacFarlanes were the legitimate heirs to the Earldom.  However, Iain (John), the 7th Chief, didn’t have enough political power to make the claim stick.  The title was given by the Crown to John Stewart, Lord Darnley. Over a period of nearly fifty years, the MacFarlanes sought to oppose the Stewarts, but they proved too powerful.  In 1486, John Stewart finally overrode all opposition, becoming the ninth Earl of Lennox.  About two years later, Andrew MacFarlane the 10th Chief, married Stewart’s younger daughter, forging a new alliance. Thereafter, the MacFarlanes followed the new earls of Lennox in most of the major conflicts of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

The 11th Chief and many of his clansmen fell at Flodden in 1513. The MacFarlanes later opposed the English at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 where Duncan the 13th Chief and his uncle were killed along with many others.

After the murder of Henry Darnley, Mary Queen of Scots’ second husband, the MacFarlanes opposed the Queen and were noted for their bravery at the Battle of Langside in 1568.  It is reported that the MacFarlane Chief, Andrew, and 300 of his clansmen turned a flank of Mary’s forces, and captured three of their opponents’ standards.  The valour of Andrew and his men was rewarded by the Regent, James, Earl of Moray, with the Clan’s original crest and motto.  The crest and motto alludes to the defense of the Crown and Kingdom.  Mary had abdicated previously in favour of her infant son, so she was actually in rebellion against the Crown, Moray, and James VI during these times.

plateFor much of their history, the MacFarlanes were a very turbulent lot. Their rallying cry, “Loch Sloy”, signalled many a night raid to “collect” cattle from their richer neighbors to the south and east. Their march-piobaireachd “Thogail nam Bo theid sinn“(To Lift the Cows We Shall Go) gives ample notice of intent. They were so competent that the full moon was known as “MacFarlane’s Lantern”.  In 1592, the Clan was accused of slaying the Colquhoun of Luss and was outlawed.  It no sooner got out from under that ban, than it were named in legislation in 1594, as being required to provide surety for good behaviour.  Feuds, reiff (cattle raids), murder, fire-raising (arson), and even sorning (taking food and drink without payment) were commonplace accusations against the MacFarlanes and their allies during this period.  They had to establish their homes on the islands of Inveruglas and Eilean a’ Bhùth (now called Island I Vow).  This last was burned out twice during the Cromwellian invasions in the mid-17th century. John “Môr”, the 17th chief, Andrew, the 18th and his son, John, the 19th, managed to bring a level of prosperity to their people that allowed the latter John to build “Arrochar House” in New Tarbet, now the village of Arrochar on Loch Long.

image of Walter Macfarlane of that Ilk

The Last Chief of MacFarlane

Walter, the 20th Chief, (1705 – 1767) was a renowned scholar and antiquarian. William F. Skene, the 19th Century Scottish scholar wrote of him:

“Walter Macfarlane, of that ilk, who is as celebrated among historians as the indefatigable collector of the ancient records of the country, as his ancestors had been among the other Highland chiefs for their prowess in the field. The most extensive and valuable collections which his industry has been the means of preserving form the best monument to his memory, and as long as the existence of the ancient records of the country, or a knowledge of its ancient history, remain an object of interest to any Scotsman, the name of Macfarlane will be handed down as one of its benefactors. The family itself, however, is now nearly extinct, after having held their original lands for a period of six hundred years.”

After Death Remains Virtue

skull

Memorial stone to the Macfarlane chiefs in the wall of the kirk at Luss. Inscription: “After Death Remains Virtue.”

Plant Badge: European Cranberry

Slogan: Loch Sloy (Loch Sloidh – The Loch of the Host)

Motto: This I’ll Defend

Crest: A demi-savage brandishing in his dexter a broad sword Proper and pointing with his sinister to an Imperial Crown or standing by him on the wreath.

Arms of the Chief: Argent, a saltire engrailed between four roses Gules

Supporters: (on a wavy compartment) Two Highlanders armed with bows and arrows, all proper.

About The Society

In 1911 the original Clan MacFarlane Society, An Comunn Chloinn Phàrlane, was established in Glasgow and London. The Secretary of this society was the historian James Macfarlane, Author of History of the Clan Macfarlane, The Honour of Lennox, The Red Fox, and the recently released Ean Dudh.

Due to the events of World War I, and the following economic depression An Comunn Chloinn Phàrlane faded out of existence by 1922.

In 1973 The International Clan MacFarlane Society was established at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, USA and became heir to the original records of An Comunn Chloinn Phàrlane.

The International Clan MacFarlane Society, is an educational, secular, society formed to promote the perpetuation of Scottish Gaelic culture, traditions, customs, literature, and the preservation of artifacts and archaeological sites. It is incorporated and functions as a non-profit charitable trust in Scotland (Scotland Scottish Charity #SC032498) and a 501(c)(3) in the United States.

We continuously strive to perpetuate our Scottish history and culture, to encourage our children to be proud of their heritage and participate in cultural events, to preserve our Clan MacFarlane artifacts and archaeological sites and to educate current and future members about their Clan MacFarlane roots.

Today, the International Clan MacFarlane Society has grown into a global organisation with members from many different countries.

At present, the Clan Chiefship is dormant.  However, our Society is recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon, having been issued a grant of arms in the year 2000.

The Clan MacFarlane Heritage Trust was founded by the International Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc. to create a Heritage Centre in Scotland for the preservation and presentation of MacFarlane Heritage and the Loch Lomond area.

We hope you already know about your Scottish heritage.  If you do not, we will help you discover your history.  Loch Sloy!


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Officers & Staff

Michael MacFarlane, FSA Scot

President

Contact Michael

photo of Jack Knox, Clan MacFarlane Vice President

Jack Knox

Vice President

Contact Jack

photo of Clan MacFarlane treasurer John Manchester

John Manchester, FSA Scot

Treasurer

Contact John

photo of Melisa Bermudez, Clan MacFarlane Secretary

Melisa Bermudez

Secretary

Contact Melisa

Diana MacFarlane, FSA Scot

Executive Director

Contact Diana

Jonathan Palmer, FSA Scot

Director of Heritage

Contact Jonathan

Michael McFarlane

Chairman Scholarship Committee

Contact Michael

Shawn “Ragnar” McFarland

Librarian

Contact Shawn

Regional Commissioners

Jason Knox, KRG, Tosgair

Commissioner At Large

Contact Jason

Timothy Miller

Australia (New South Wales)

Contact Tim

International Clan MacFarlane Societ Arms

Anthea Adams

Australia (Western Australia)

Contact Anthea

International Clan MacFarlane Societ Arms

Helen McFarlane

Australia (Queensland)

Contact Helen

Gordon Lennox-Selcage

Canada (Ontario)

Contact Gordon

Jack & Sylvia Knox

Germany

Contact Jack & Sylvia

George Mcfarlane

Scotland

Contact George

Ludwig MacFarlane

USA (Alaska)

Contact Ludwig

Erin Knox

USA (Arizona)

Contact Erin

Bill & Melisa Bermudez

USA (Northern California)

Contact Bill & Melisa

Diana MacFarlane, FSA Scot

USA (Southern California)

Contact Diana

Sarah Kelly

USA (Connecticut)

Contact Sarah

Neil and Debbie Webb

USA (The Carolinas)

Contact Debbie & Neil

photo of Jason T. McFarland, Clan MacFarlane Commissioner from George

Jason T. McFarland

USA (Georgia)

Contact Jason

Doug & Robin Childs

USA (North Florida)

Contact Doug & Robin

photo of Scott and Gina McFarland, Clan MacFarlane Commissioners to South Florida

Scott & Jean McFarland

USA (South Florida)

Contact Scott & Jean

photo of Clan MacFarlane treasurer John Manchester

John Manchester

USA (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana)

Contact John

James & Mari Bittner

USA (Louisiana)

Contact James & Mari

Jonathan Palmer

USA (Minnesota)

Contact Jonathan

Doug Williams

USA (New England)

Contact Doug

photo of Clan MacFarlane Commissioner to New York, Hamilton Galloway

Hamilton Galloway

USA (New York)

Contact Hamilton

Shawn “Ragnar” McFarland

USA (Oregon)

Contact Ragnar

photo of Ken Burkitt, Jr.- Clan MacFarlane Commissioner To Pennsylvania USA

Ken Burkitt, Jr.

USA (Pennsylvania)

Contact Ken

Darrell & Sandra McFarland

USA (Utah & Colorado)

Contact Darrell & Sandra

photo of Clan MacFarlane Commissioner to Virginia, USA - Katelyn McFarland

Katelyn McFarland

USA (Virginia)

Contact Katelyn

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Scotland County Highland Games | Clan MacFarlane Hospitality Tent | Laurinburg, North Carolina • USA

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October 14 @ 9:00 am - October 15 @ 5:00 pm PDT $20 - Ventura County Fairgrounds
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YEARS SINCE FOUNDING

Are You Ready?

The International Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc. is an educational, secular, non-profit society formed to promote the perpetuation of Gaelic–Scottish culture, customs, and traditions. You can help preserve our proud history by joining today. When you join the Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc. you may begin to feel a personal bond with the other members who have made the link between their modern lives and their heritage.

Membership is open to persons eighteen years of age or older, bearing the surname MacFarlane in any of its various forms and spellings, or of any of the family Sept names of the Clan MacFarlane, by birthright or descent from paternal or maternal lineage, or by marriage. Eligibility for Society membership shall not be denied due to race, creed, color, sex, orientation or national origin.

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YOUR CLAN NEEDS YOU!
BECOME A COMMISSIONER.

Are you an active Clan MacFarlane Society member in good standing?  Connect with your heritage by teaching others about their Clan MacFarlane roots! Clan MacFarlane Society is currently seeking motivated individuals to serve as global and regional commissioners for the following areas:


MEMBERS APPLY HERE

Blog, Clan News, Members' Exclusive Content

Clan MacFarlane Society’s Sponsorship: Bridging Heritage and Technology at Arrochar Parish Church

The International Clan MacFarlane Society generously sponsored high-speed internet for the historic Arrochar Parish Church in Scotland, a deeply significant place intertwined with Clan MacFarlane’s heritage. The sponsorship elevated the church into the digital age, expanding its outreach globally. The church, originally tied to Walter MacFarlane, the last Clan Chief, holds historical significance, housing MacFarlane ancestors’ graves and precious artifacts. Today, the MacFarlane Hunting tartan adorns the pulpit and communion table as a symbol of unity, celebrating the fusion of heritage and technology, envisioning a future enriched by both.

Read more
September 30, 2023/0 Comments/by Diana MacFarlane
https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Arrochar-Sanctuary-edited.jpg 478 494 Diana MacFarlane https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-logo-6.png Diana MacFarlane2023-09-30 14:05:232023-10-01 09:32:55Clan MacFarlane Society’s Sponsorship: Bridging Heritage and Technology at Arrochar Parish Church
Members' Exclusive Content, Periodicals, The Scottish Banner

The Scottish Banner
Sep 2023

Thumbnail image for The Scottish Banner September 2023
In this issue... 2023 WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS The spectacular finale of The World Pipe Band Championships saw Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band crowned the winners of the renowned international contest. It is the long-established Scottish pipe band’s first-ever... DUKE OF SUTHERLAND'S COAL MINE The arrival of the railway at Brora, Sutherland in June 1871 was a special day especially for the 3rd Duke of Sutherland who had great plans for Brora. He was interested in... WILD HIGHLANDS The Highland Wildlife Park. On a 260-acre expanse of land near Kingussie, Highland in the Cairngorms National Park, you’ll find a menagerie of animals ranging from small Japanese snow monkeys to...
This post is only available to members.
September 6, 2023/by Diana MacFarlane
https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SB-4703-September-23-130dpi-NA-pdf.jpg 1024 731 Diana MacFarlane https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-logo-6.png Diana MacFarlane2023-09-06 15:44:492023-09-06 15:50:12 The Scottish Banner
Sep 2023
Clan MacFarlane Library, Members, Members' Exclusive Content, Periodicals, The Scottish Banner

The Scottish Banner
Aug 2023

Cover of The Scottish Banner, August 223, Clan MacFarlane
In this issue... CELEBRATING STORIES AT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO This month, set against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will welcome local and international audiences to their new show, Stories. Staged between 4-26 August,... MY 5 FAVOURITE EARLY HISTORIC SITES Previously, I shared five of my favourite Scottish medieval castles and five of my favourite ancient sites. Now, it’s time to pick five from the somewhat awkward middle child, the Early Historic period. You may be more familiar with the term ‘Dark Ages’,... HEAD TO SCOTLAND FOR AN ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER Scotland benefits from beautiful scenery, many hills and mountains to explore, as well as stunning wildlife and spectacular walking routes and trails. With the arrival of summer...
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August 24, 2023/by Diana MacFarlane
https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB-4702-August-WEB-FILE-130dpi-NA-pdf.jpg 1024 731 Diana MacFarlane https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-logo-6.png Diana MacFarlane2023-08-24 05:00:572023-08-19 14:12:43 The Scottish Banner
Aug 2023
Clan MacFarlane Library, Members, Members' Exclusive Content, Periodicals, The Scottish Banner

The Scottish Banner
July 2023

Cover of The Scottish Banner - July 2023
In this issue... THE ART OF BUILDING A NEW TOWN Celebrating 75 years of Glenrothes. The Fife town of Glenrothes was ‘born’ on 30th June 1948. It was Scotland’s second new town and became the first in Scotland to appoint its own artist to specially create public art. Today the town houses tens of thousands of people, has a strong connection to the electronics industry, as well as a much loved African animal, as Judy Vickers explains. In 1950,.. BACK TO THE TOP The Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The Cairngorm funicular railway in the Cairngorms National Park has the double distinction of being the only funicular railway in Scotland, and the highest railway in the United Kingdom. Positioned on the north side of Cairngorm, the railway serves the Cairngorm Mountain alpine ski area that,.. MY FIVE ANCIENT SITES In the May 2023 edition I reflected on five of my favourite Scottish castles following twelve years of non-stop exploration. Let’s now turn the clock back, way back, into the mists of prehistory. Scotland has tens of thousands of prehistoric sites, from intangible yet significant Mesolithic settlements hinting at...
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August 16, 2023/by Diana MacFarlane
https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB-4701-July-2023-NA-pdf.jpg 1024 731 Diana MacFarlane https://www.macfarlane.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-logo-6.png Diana MacFarlane2023-08-16 08:32:202023-08-16 20:57:49 The Scottish Banner
July 2023

ARTICLES & FEATURES

  • History & Heritage of The Gaelic LanguageFebruary 23, 2023 - 6:44 pm
  • Painting of Robert Burns, Clan MacFarlane
    Robert Burns And The MacFarlane HomelandsJanuary 24, 2023 - 8:00 am
  • Art for Clan MacFarlane post John Knox The Thundering Scot
    John Knox | The Thundering ScotDecember 3, 2022 - 11:23 am

LATEST NEWS

  • Clan MacFarlane Society’s Sponsorship: Bridging Heritage and Technology at Arrochar Parish ChurchSeptember 30, 2023 - 2:05 pm
  • Thumbnail image for The Scottish Banner September 2023
    The Scottish Banner
    Sep 2023
    September 6, 2023 - 3:44 pm
  • Cover of The Scottish Banner, August 223, Clan MacFarlane
    The Scottish Banner
    Aug 2023
    August 24, 2023 - 5:00 am

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CLAN MACFARLANE SOCIETY, INC.


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The Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc., is an educational, secular, society formed to promote the perpetuation of Gaelic-Scottish culture, tradition, customs, literature, and music.  It is incorporated as a non-profit organization under the U.S Internal Code 501 (c)(3). All Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc. - historical text, Macfarlanes' Lantern, archived information, and related society information © Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc. 1973-2022 are used with permission, all rights reserved.

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