Jump To Section:
Clan Buchanan Stories
Every month we choose a Clan to celebrate and throughout October we've gone bonkers for Buchanan. We've been lucky enough to have had some wonderful stories sent to us over the month from members of the clan, far and wide. We've compiled all of our favourites here to share with you and the rest of the clan too!
Presidents, Chiefs and the Highland Games
At the start of October, Eric got in touch to share this wonderful photo of Clan Buchanan at the New Hampshire Highland Games, 2019. This was a particularly special event for the clan as this saw the first visit to America for the newly established chief, John Michael Baillie-Hamilton, The Buchanan. We asked Eric how it felt to see a new chief appointed and to meet them at the games:
Personally as a past President of Clan Buchanan Society International (nod to current CBSI president David Byrne), it was exciting to have this kind of news and to finally get to meet The Buchanan, his lovely wife, sons and daughters. Our clan is one of the few with it's own official flag, the black lion rampant with tears. The tears have been the symbol of our lost Chief line over the past 337 years. We've decided to keep them as tears of joy with the reestablishment of the Chiefdom. It's exciting to think of the milestones Clan Buchanan has had in one's lifetime, from the establishment of CBSI in the 70s, to the 1000th anniversary of the clan a couple of years back, and now this. It kind of puts a button on it. - Eric Bullard
David Byrne was also kind enough to share some additional photos of the New Hampshire Games with us.
McCormack Connections
Robert shares with us the story of his connection to the clan:
Hello I'm a McCormack and my family has been a part of Clan Buchanan since 1100 a.d. from what I have been able to research , we have fought in major battles together and held lands at one time . I'm still learning about my ancestors I thought we were Irish until I went to a gathering in Fortuna, CA about five years ago since then we attended three or more gatherings a year in Northern California and can't wait to go back again when we get to. - Robert Payne
Buchanan's in Illinois
My father, Warner Knight Buchanan, was born in 1915 to Gertrude and Ralph Buchanan. He was the fourth born out of nine children to this farming family . The home place was four miles south of Lawrenceville, IL. My dad was a P-38 pilot during WW II and would buzz the barn on the farm when he would have leave for a quick home visit. At his funeral, I arranged for a vintage airplane to buzz the Buchanan cemetery where we buried him. The cemetery was on a hill with a clear view of the same barn. When the plane surprised all of the grieving mourners, the women's hats blew off and tears were swallowed up by smiles as those gathered figured out what was happening. At the end, the plane flew straight up in the air then disappeared over the horizon. My dad was remembered for his generosity and kindness to all. The funeral procession was three miles long going to that cemetery. Local folks showed up in pressed blue jeans and clean shirts. Too poor to own a suit but wanted to remember my dad. When I was born in 1958, I was the youngest of four children. Anne Louise Buchanan. I grew up hearing stories of the Buchanan's and their heritage. Wonderful stories!
The old black and white photos are my father's family in Illinois. His parents were farmers. The history of Buchanan's settling in that area of Lawrenceville, Illinois is that they came up the Wabash river on a flatboat. Poling upstream.
My grandpa is driving the old pickup truck with Buchanan on the side, delivering milk. From his milk cows.
The Buchanan school house is where we also, met for church on Sunday's.
Through the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana, I had the grand opportunity of attending Harlaxton College in Grantham, England in 1977 along with my cousin Debbie, who was also half Buchanan. Her mother was one of my father's younger sisters. I visited Buchanan Castle ruins in Scotland during that time and had my photo taken standing in the window in a fisherman knit sweater from Scotland!
The Buchanan genes were always mentioned by folks that knew us. Very strong resemblance to one another and lots of blonde, strawberry-blonde, hair and blue eyes. Many are the stories I can recall of my grandparents, great grandparents. They loved farming and working with the land.
I Love the many bright colours in the Buchanan plaid and my grandchildren seem to be big fans too! - Anne James
An Interview with the Regional Director
I first met George Mcausland, Regional Director for Clan Buchanan in the UK, last year when Clan Buchanan set up a Clan Village at Luss Highland Games so it was lovely to catch up with him virtually this month when Amy and I interviewed him as part of our Clan celebrations:
Now that October has come to an end, that certainly doesn't mean our love for Clan Buchanan is over, so be sure to get in touch with us if you fancy chatting all things Buchanan!
