Tartan Tales of Clan Graham

Throughout December we have been celebrating all things Clan Graham. We have met some famous faces, visited many sites, and gained great insight into the history of this ancient clan. Finally, we called upon the valued Clan members to share their stories and we had a lovely response; read the blog to find out more!

Antony Graham sent in photos from his daughter's wedding on the Isle of Skye two years ago. Antony says they took a boat from Elgol to Loch Coruisk which is in the background and that they were lucky with the weather in April. We think they all look great in their tartan!

Keith and his wife Leila at Highland Games

We reached out to Keith Graham from Clan Graham Society of Florida to see if he'd like to be featured in this blog and we're delighted he agreed! We asked some questions about his Graham heritage - read his answers below. Thanks again for taking part, Keith!

"What does your Graham heritage mean to you?

A sense of belonging and a source of pride!  Clan Graham has a rich history and has had a powerful impact on Scotland and beyond.

Have you always been interested in your Scottish ancestry?

Yes! Growing up and not having met my father or anyone on that side of the family, I’ve always wanted to know the who and where of my ancestry.  Between Clan Graham's help and a few friends in Scotland, I’ve been able to fill in a lot. 

Keith and his son Andrew

What is your role in the Clan Graham Society of Florida, and what do you like most about it?

I’ve helped with the Clan Graham tent at the Central Florida Highland Games for a few years, and then was the Chairman of the Clan Graham games in Central Florida.   

We have to ask of course, what is your favourite Graham tartan?

We wear the Graham of Montrose Modern in respect to our clan chieftain, but my favorite is the Graham of Montrose Ancient.  I am severely colorblind and the modern tartan colors don’t stand out for me.  The ancient is more vibrant to my eye.

Keith with his granddaughter in her first kilt

How do you celebrate your heritage these days?

As often as I can, I attend Highland games and look for fellow Grahams.  My job as a traveling radiology tech takes me around the US, so I get to see other places and experience their celebrations.

You’ve mentioned you are an independent author and have written a few books including some on the Loch Ness mythology. Why did you choose this subject? Have you visited Loch Ness yet?

Nessie has always fascinated me and I wanted to come up with rebuttals to the naysayers that say Nessie can't exist because there isn’t enough food and why isn’t she seen more often. My tales are a combination of the Nessie lore and Science Fiction.  The first two books are out and a third is on the way!

Keith made a Nessie for his garden!

I’ve made a few attempts to visit Loch Ness, but have been thwarted so far. (work,covid,etc)  Making another attempt in August 2025!

Any good Graham stories or anecdotes you’d like to share?

As a young child, I thought about legally changing my name and dropping my last name Graham. I didn’t have any family with the name, didn’t know any Grahams and felt like an outsider.  After researching the clan history and meeting Grahams at the Highland games, I realized I was a part of a large family and have instilled in my two sons the appreciation of our name and what the Grahams have accomplished. Ne Oublie!"

Keith's eldest son Daniel and his wife Kyra

Thanks, Keith, and we wish you good luck with your latest book and we hope you get to visit Loch Ness in 2025!

Unfortunately December has come to an end, that certainly doesn't mean our love for Clan Graham is over, so be sure to get in touch with us if you fancy chatting all things Graham!