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We were thrilled to interview members of Clan Colquhoun International Society during Colquhoun Clan of the Month celebrations in July 2026! Read the blog to find out more about their personal connections to the clan and society.
Clan Colquhoun International Society
Clan Colquhoun International Society (CCIS) celebrates, protects, and shares the rich Highland heritage of Clan Colquhoun. The society works to keep the clan's history alive and makes it easy for members to access family records and genealogical resources.
They attend various events such as Highland Games and organise their annual Clan Gathering at Luss Highland Games in July. The society welcomes anyone with the Colquhoun name and any of its spelling variations, by birth, descent or marriage, or a sept member, as well as those who are genuinely interested in the clan and share the society’s goals.
An Interview with Kara Whittaker | Society Member & Former Leadership Team Member
Thanks so much for joining us for our Colquhoun Clan of the Month celebrations, Kara!
Have you celebrated your clan heritage from a young age? Were there any favourite traditions?
Unfortunately, I did not know of our family Scottish history until my grandparents visited Luss, Scotland for their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1998. That is when my Mother and I (at age 30) learned of our Scottish family history. It wasn’t until DNA ancestry became popular that my Mom started to get more involved and started to complete the family tree my Great-Grandfather started. We really embraced learning about the tartan and Clan Colquhoun history. In 2014 I found the Clan Colquhoun International Society and my Mom was so excited. In 2015 my Mom lost her battle with cancer and I took over the stewardship of our family history. I joined the Society in 2015 and have remained a faithful member ever since in honour of my Mom.
What does being a member of Clan Colquhoun mean to you?
FAMILY. I love the connections I have made with my “cousins” from all around the world. I thoroughly enjoy learning each clan member's history and sharing the long history of the Clan with those I meet when traveling our nation and the world.
Do you have a favourite story or fun fact to share about the history of the Clan?
I loved hearing Sir Malcolm tell the story of the Luss Highland Games pillow fight. In Luss they have a permanent structure in the park where the Luss Games are held each year. The structure is simply made so two people can sit, straddling a log, and hit each other with pillows. Now keep in mind this is done with mats underneath so when you fall you don’t get hurt. Unfortunately, some people were playing on the structure (not during the games) and someone fell off breaking a bone or two (alcohol is thought to be involved) and the fair committee removed the structure and discontinued the event. It was discontinued for more than 40 years. Sir Malcolm stated he really enjoyed the event and with the help of his son, Patrick Younger of Luss, they were able to finally bring it back in 2018. I was lucky enough to witness the Highland Games and the pillow fight contest.
Ancient or Modern, which of the Clan Tartan Variations do you wear, and do you have a favourite?
I have been blessed to have access to both tartan variations. I love the deep colours of the Modern, which is the first tartan skirt I ever bought (Yes I bought it from ScotlandShop). As the years have passed since my first tartan, I have started to lean more towards the Ancient. After my Grandfather passed, my Grandmother gifted me the Ancient tartan blanket they brought home from their visit to Scotland in 1998. I also have a wonderful friend who makes custom cowboy boots and he made me a Clan Colquhoun pair of boots with the Ancient tartan incorporated on them.
You served on the leadership team of Clan Colquhoun International Society for over 10 years we hear. How did you first get involved, and what roles have you had within the Society?
At the first CCIS gathering I attended in 2016 I was “volunteered” to play “Vanna White” (a game show host) for the auction. From there I have loved helping and serving CCIS any way I could, which has involved hosting a clan tent at Highland Games throughout the U.S., new member correspondences, working with CCIS representatives, and planning Clan gatherings as Events Director. What I enjoy the most about serving on the leadership team is the friendships I have made.
How are you now involved with the Society?
My husband and I recently retired, therefore I am not actively working for the society to allow us more time to travel. However, I still attend CCIS events and help out wherever I can.
What has been the most rewarding aspects of being part of the Society and Clan?
Seeing the Clan Society grow and being a part of that growth has been extremely rewarding. Talking with our members, especially the new members, and ensuring they get fully immersed in our Scottish history and Society is the highest reward. Our Society is so welcoming and friendships are easily formed.
Is there anything you’d like to share about the clan, society or yourself that we’ve not asked?
The Director of our Society has created the Loch Lomond Initiative (LLI) - which brings together clans connected to Loch Lomond who want to grow together, learn together and enjoy their shared heritage through gatherings, shared projects, and participation in events and activities. Initiative clans work together to help build their membership, strengthen connections between members and introduce more people to Scotland’s history, culture, and traditions. It’s a ground-breaking program, there is no other like it that I know of. We have hosted several LLI events with great success and we were even featured on BBC. I can’t wait to see how this Initiative grows in the future.
Finally, what would you like to share with clan members about getting involved with Clan Colquhoun International Society?
I recommend taking advantage of the membership benefits:
- Priority Invitations to CCIS Clan and Society events worldwide.
- Access to CCIS Online Seminars covering Clan History and Heritage.
- Access to Member Area on our website, featuring historical, educational and family information about Clan Colquhoun and its many septs.
- Opportunity to Publish clan news and events in our newsletters and on social media.
- Meet the Clan Leadership including the Clan Chieftain, Sir Malcolm and Lady Colquhoun, Patrick Colquhoun, Younger of Luss, and other members of the Colquhoun family.
- Heritage Visit Opportunities - Members may have the chance to visit notable Colquhoun related sites in Scotland during organised gatherings or tours.
- Inclusion in the Clan Colquhoun Business Directory - Members who own or operate businesses can list them in the directory, making their services accessible to fellow members.
I recommend attending your local games and connect with your local CCIS representative. Try to attend the yearly Clan Colquhoun International Society and Loch Lomond Initiative events. I guarantee you will make new family memories with your extended Scottish Family.
Thank you, Kara!
What is the Loch Lomond Initiative?
The Loch Lomond Initiative aims to bring clans together and attract the younger generation. Emily Kirkpatrick, Communications Director for Clan Colquhoun International Society, has shared more details below about what the Initiative means, and events that have already been organised as a result:
"The Loch Lomond Initiative was established by Clan Colquhoun in 2015 following talks with several Scottish clans to answer: How can we strengthen the links between clans while continuing to promote our own clans and attract the younger generations?
Through the Loch Lomond Initiative, we organize events that bring clans together in Scotland and around the world. These gatherings give members the chance to meet, build friendships, enjoy a healthy sense of rivalry and celebrate a shared heritage. They also encourage younger generations to become involved in their own clans and Scotland's heritage by taking part--rather than watching from the sidelines.
The Initiative was first introduced at the Luss Highland Games in 2017, when Clan Colquhoun was joined by Clan Buchanan and Clan MacEwen. Rather than focusing on competition, the emphasis was on participation, with clans taking part in the local Luss Games, socials and even a black-tie dinner. The response was overwhelming. The Initiative continued to grow, with Clan Graham and Clan MacFarlane soon joining.
Do cowboy boots and kilts go together? Absolutely! Kilts and Cowboy Boots, held in San Antonio, Texas, was a huge success, bringing together 300 people, including clan chieftains from Scotland. The four-day event featured genealogy talks, the local Highland games, a trivia night (Are You Scottish or Nottish?) and a final evening of feasting, revelry and Texas line dancing. Also, the event recognized the historic links between Scotland and Texas, where many Scots fought and died at the Battle of the Alamo and where Scottish settlers played an important part in the early development of the state.
The Loch Lomond Initiative is not about replacing the traditions of individual clans. It’s about creating opportunities for clans to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, build lasting friendships and encourage the next generation to become involved in their own clans and Scotland's heritage."
