Jump To Section:
Globe Trotting Stories from Clan Forbes
During our celebrations of Clan Forbes as our Clan of the Month throughout October we have been sent so many amazing stories from customers and clan members sharing their connections to this famous Scottish family. We have picked out the very best of the bunch to share with you.
Catherine's Amazing Mazda
Catherine sent us these amazing pictures of her 1995 Mazda Miata wearing a Forbes tartan skirt. We love that even the car is showing off Catherine's Scottish pride!
I am the descendant of at least five clans: Fraser, Douglas, Keith, and Hay on my father’s side, and Forbes on my mother’s. I have chosen Forbes as my affiliation in her honor. I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, in the Cape Fear region, and approximately 20,000-50,000 Scottish immigrants came to America through the ports of Brunswick and Wilmington, so we have a strong Scottish heritage here. I belong to the Scottish Society of Wilmington, and we participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year. As the Parade was cancelled in 2020, and postponed in 2021, this year, we celebrated “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade” a few weeks ago.
Elaine's Forbes Wedding Story
Elaine was proud to share that her daughter was recently married and the Forbes tartan featured heavily on the big day, celebrating the Scottish heritage on the brides side of the family, and leaving her husband Robert in no doubt about which tie to choose for the special occasion.
I love this photo of my daughter on her wedding day, sitting with her dad, my husband Robert, who is proudly wearing his Forbes tie! The tartan was on full display that day as we added ribbons of it to bouquets and other flower decor.
The Forbes Shadow Box
We were delighted to receive this picture of the Forbes tartan project created by one of our customers. What an amazing way to pay homage to your Scottish heritage, featuring the two tartans linked to the family, the clan crests and a clan map. We do love a clan map and can't wait to add a giant one to our brand new store in Albany, NY just like the one we have in Edinburgh.
I am of both the Forbes and Forsyth clans ~ as my maternal grandmother's family immigrated from Scotland to the mountains of Virginia a few centuries ago. I recently had the privilege of visiting the grave of my great great grandparents near Goshen, Virginia and was excited to see the Forbes crest on their stone! Many of the Forsyths in my direct lineage are buried in Roanoke, VA. Since I have lived in Pennsylvania throughout my life, it was a very special trip to visit the region in Virginia where many of my ancestors spent their days.
Mark Harris
We received this lovely story from Mark about his connections to the Forbes Clan, which he can trace back through generations. And as for those face masks - brilliant!
My father was in the Liverpool Scottish Regiment, 1/51 Highlanders territorial Army (now sadly disbanded), but they still have bagpipers and regular meet up with all their veterans who proudly wear and wore the Forbes tartan. I was a young Liverpool Scottish cadet, who wore the Forbes tartan at many events including the Edinburgh Tattoo. I then went onto be a Green Beret, Royal Marine Commando, I always attached a piece of Forbes to my equipment for luck. From Northern Ireland tours to yomping the Falklands with Zulu company, 45 commando RM (The proud Scottish commando based in Arbroath). Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus, Belize and many artic commando winters in Norway, the Forbes tartan was always with me and my family. Even when my son was growing up he had Forbes tartan patches on his school sports kit, and now he is in the Army his equipment has tartan attached. How’s that for a few generations worth of proud Forbes heritage?
Roy Sumner
Another customer also sent us the story of their father's time serving in the Liverpool Scottish Territorial Regiment. Make sure to let us know if you too have family connections going back to the regiment.
My Father was in the Liverpool Scottish Territorials before WW2 broke out, the Forbes Tartan was worn by them. They were attached to the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, and trained as Army Commandos, at Spean Bridge near Fort William. My father took part on the raid on St Nazaire, on 28th March, 1942. He was captured, and spent the rest of the War as a POW.
Valerie Edwards
Another proud member of the Forbes Clan and Convener of the Clan Forbes Society, Valerie Edwards, got in touch to share pictures of her attending the Highland Games wearing the Forbes tartan most honourably.
My dad was the reason that I have gotten so involved with the games. Dad wore the Ancient Forbes. Myself and sons wear modern. We are proud to wear the Forbes Tartan.
We hope you enjoyed reading our favourite stories, filled with Scottish pride. If you want to chat all things Clan Forbes, or any Clan for that matter, be sure to get in touch, we always love to hear your stories.
