SCOTTISH CLANS

The Scottish clan system is a unique and fascinating aspect of Scottish culture. While the system has changed over the centuries, with many of the old clans no longer in existence, it still plays an important role in Scottish life. Whether you are a member of a Scottish clan or simply interested in Scottish history and culture, learning about the clan system is a great way to deepen your understanding of this fascinating country.

JOIN US & CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE!

2025 REGISTRATION - NOW OPEN

2025 MAIL IN REGISTRATION

Any questions? Please contact Larry Hay at: clans@scottishgames.org.

Larry Hay has organized the many Scottish clans who attend the Colorado Highland Games for more than 20 years!

2025 Patron Clans

List will be updated as registrations come in.

Clan Fraser

There are two theories on where the name Fraser comes from: The first theory is that the Frasers came from France, and the name is derived from the French names Fresel, Freseau, or Fredarious. The second, and more popular theory is that the name comes from a Roman Gaul tribe whose badge was a strawberry plant – fraisier in French, and the strawberry is featured on the Fraser coat of arms to this day. Either way, history books inform us that the first Fraser to arrive in Scotland lived in Keith in East Lothian around 1160. Until the 14th century, Clan Fraser was a single clan up to the point when Clan Fraser split into two separate clans – the senior being the Lowland Frasers of Saltoun and then the Highland Frasers of Lovat – which are both recognized as two separate clans with common ancestry. It should be noted that Clan Fraser of Saltoun is led by one of only five female Clan Chieftains out of over 500 clans. For more information on Clan Fraser contact: Clarke Simm, Clan Vice Chairman Clan Fraser Society of North America

Clan Mackay

A place where western region Mackay family and friends can connect and keep in touch with what is going on and each other. Clan Mackay has been active in the Rocky Mountain region for 30+ years. Our mission, embrace our Scottish heritage, build friendship

Clan Hay Society - American Branch

Clan Hay is one of the oldest of the major Clans in Scotland, whose Chiefs, the Earls of Erroll, have been hereditary Lords High Constable of Scotland since given that title by Robert the Bruce in 1314. Merlin Sereld Victor Gilbert Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll, Lord of Hay and Slains, Chief if Clan Hay, is one of only 4 peers entitle to a private pursuivant. It's crest and motto "Serva Jugum" derive from its founding legend where a Scotsman and his two sons turned the tide of the battle of Luncarty against the Danes using their ox yokes as weapons. We welcome all descendants of Hay, its many Septs and all those interested in Scottish lore.

Family of Bruce

2025 Sponsor Clans

List will be updated as registrations come in.

Ulster-Scots

The Ulster-Scots of Colorado is an educational and social organization committed to the promotion of the Ulster-Scots history and heritage. We focus on both the colonization of Ulster during the reign of King James I (17th Century), known as the “Plantation of Ulster” as well as the “Great Migration” of the 18th Century as it pertains to the near quarter of a million immigrants who left the north of Ireland (Ulster) and settled in America. The majority of these immigrants were the descendants of Lowland and Border Scots as well as Northern English. They sought to carve out of the American wilderness a better life for themselves and their families. In the process, they helped establish and build our great American republic. Once in America, these immigrants came to be known as Scots-Irish. In the British Isles they are known also as Ulstermen or Ulster-Scots. Today nearly 22 million Americans can trace the roots of at least one family member to these hardy settlers from the North of Ireland.

Clan Maclean of Duart

Clan Maclean of Duart is a group of people passionate about saving Duart Castle and increasing awareness of the origins of the surname Maclean of all spellings and their connection to Duart. Help us save Duart Castle.

Innes Clan Society

The Innes Clan Society welcomes you! Founded in 1984, we seek to draw together all who have a connection to the Innes family originating in 1160 in Moray, Scotland. That year, King Malcolm IV (“Malcolm the Maiden”) granted land to Berowald of Flanders. The land, described by the Gaelic word “Innis”, gave its name to the family. Whether your name is Innes, one of the many spelling variants, or one of the recognized associated names, or simply any name with an ancestry of Innes members, we invite you to join our Society. Look through these pages to learn more.

Clan MacKenzie

The Mackenzie clan crest was a symbol of allegiance, used by clan members to show allegiance to their clan chief. The clan Mackenzie crest features a mountain in flames, and the motto ‘I shine not burn’. The clan’s other motto ‘help the king’ gives a firm nod to their dedication to the monarchy.

NEW DATE - Sept 20 & 21, 2025 Tickets ON SALE NOW!