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As technology continues to move us in the future, people around the world are utilizing it to become more connected to their past. With DNA tests revealing both recent and distant ancestors, digitized records that allow people to search through generations, and the wealth of resources available to both professional and hobby genealogists, people continue to be fascinated by family histories. For those with Scottish ancestry, researching clans can be a powerful connection to the lives of their ancestors.
Family ties have always played an important role in Celtic culture. While Celts are spread throughout a broad area of Europe, Scotland recognizes family groups as clans. Meaning "children or offspring," clans are groups of families related to the Chief either through direct blood relation or allegiance. They are spread across Scotland, with major clans having a castle where the Chief lived. Clans and septs (family names other than the Chief's clan name but whose allegiance lie with him) lived in the surrounding area. Some of the most recognizeable clan symbols include a chief, motto, badge, crest, and tartan.
Some clans recognize over 100 different surnames as septs of their clan, determined either by the main clan or through geographical proximity. Clan societies exist around the globe, and many are represented this weekend at the Skagit Valley Highland Games, many with active chapters in Washington. Clan societies all have different criteria for membership (some accept anyone who shows an interest in their clan, others only accept those with a matching surname or sept name under their clan). For those who are just getting started with research on their clans or Scottish ancestry, groups such as the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society offer a variety of resources. Want to read more? Visit the Council of Scottish Clans & Associations website.
This year we will not be hosting a Gathering of the Clans Dinner, but we invite you to join us for our kick-off event on Friday night at the Littlefield Celtic Center - Glenfiddich Champions Night! Click here for more information.
Clan Hay - 2025 Skagit Valley Highland Games Host Clan
Innes Clan Society
Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie
Clan Campbell PNW
Clan Ross
Clan MacLachlan Society - Western USA
Clan Thompson Society International
Chisholm
Muirhead Clan Society
Clan Grant
Clan MacLean
Clan Maclellan & Macduff
Clan Stewart Society in America
Clan Maxwell
Clan Fraser of NA
Clan Donald Pacific NW
Clan MacKenzie
Clan Macneil Association
Clan Keith
Clan Crawford
Clan Macnaughton Association Worldwide
Clan Macpherson
Clan Donnachaidh
Clans of Ireland
Clan Gregor Pacific Northwest Chapter
Clan MacMillan
Clan MacKay
Clan MacGillivray
Registration for Clans and Non-Profits at the 2025 Skagit Valley Highland Games closed on June 1st, 2025.
