Clan Buchan

Clan Motto

Non inferiora secutus
Not having followed mean pursuits

Chief

CAPTAIN DAVID BUCHAN OF AUCHMACOY
(Represented by son, Charles Buchan)
Auchmacoy House
Ellon
Aberdeenshire
AB41 3RB Associated Names

The History of the clan

Buchan derives from the Buchan district in the north east of Aberdeenshire. The ancient earldom of Buchan was passed to the Comyns. It was later confiscated when Robert the Bruce defeated them. After this it was the son of Robert II who received the earldom. Ricardus de Buchan is the first Buchan on record, having been a clerk to the bishop of Aberdeen c.1207. William de Buchan held some land in Aberdeen before 1281 and Sir Thomas de Boghan appears on the Ragman Roll of 1296 pledging allegiance to Edward I of England. The Buchans supported the Stuarts throughout the 17th century.

Thomas, the third son of Auchmacoy served in Douglas's Scots Regiment for the King of France. He fought for his monarch loyally with the infamous Viscount Dundee. Buchan became commander in chief of the Jacobite forces in 1689 when Dundee died at Killiecrankie. In 1690 Buchan was attacked by a strong government force led by General Mackay. Buchan managed to escape, aided by the forces of the Farquharsons who helped Buchan grow enough in confidence to restart his offensive. Buchan marched towards Aberdeen but was stopped by the Master of Forces.

Buchan managed to confuse the enemy into thinking he had a superior force and this caused a general panic in Aberdeen. Buchan confused the enemy again by marching past Aberdeen for Inverness. During this march many of Buchan's Highlanders left him for their home glens while Mackay was marching on them to intercept.

Outnumbered, Buchan eventually became exiled in France until his death in 1721.James Buchan, 14th of Auchmacoy was recognised by the Lord Lyon as chief of the name in April, 1830. The title passed to Sir Norman Sinclair, 18th Earl of Caithness. In April 1913 he assumed the arms and surname. Their younger son became Lord Lyon Sir Malcolm Innes of Edengight. Her son became chief of the Buchans in 1949. The chief's seat remains at Auchmacoy House near Ellon.