Jump To Section:
The Clan Grant Society UK
Many Scottish clans today have their own clan society, created as a way for people to come together and celebrate their shared heritage. These societies often feel like an extended family, welcoming not only descendants of the clan but also friends who share an interest in Scottish history and culture. They give members a place to connect, learn about their roots, and keep traditions alive through gatherings, stories, and friendships. For many, being part of a clan society is a way to feel closer to Scotland, no matter where in the world they may live.
The Clan Grant Society was founded in 1897 and since this time Societies have been established across the world in the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
An Interview with Charles Grant | Vice Chair
We’re delighted to welcome Charles Grant, Vice-Chair of the Clan Grant Society UK. Charles has played a key role in supporting the work of the society and keeping the Grant community connected. We’re excited to chat with him about his role, his connection to Clan Grant, and what the society means to its members.
Where in Scotland did you grow up, and are you still there today?
I was born in Montrose in Angus and lived at Marykirk Station until 11 years old we then moved to Laurencekirk. I left school at 15 as I wanted to join the Royal Marine Band Service as a junior bugler. This did not work out and I was told to come back when I was 16 and join Commando Wing which I did in 1971.
Have you celebrated your clan heritage from a young age, or was it something you discovered later in life?
My clan heritage was drummed into me from an early age by my father and to some extent my Grandfather.
What does being part of your clan society mean to you personally?
Being part of the Society is something to be felt but hard to explain, suffice to say it is an interest to be pursued as I am always finding out different stories regarding the Clan Grant Diaspora.
How did you first get involved with the society?
I first got involved with the Society when Sir Patrick Grant of Dalvey was Chairman and sent a letter to every Grant in the phone book. That was more than 20 years ago.
Can you tell us a little about the history of the society itself and how it has developed over the years?
The Society was first formed in the late 19th Century and the aims laid out then are still as relevant in today’s Society.
What does your current role in the society involve?
My current role is vice chair which means anything to do with helping support the Chair and the Chief.
I have mostly been used over the years as Parade Marshall, tent erector, Chiefs Standard Bearer, MC at the after games dinner and jumping in to help in any other areas such as attending other games and wreath laying.
What do you find most rewarding about being part of the society and its activities?
Probably the most rewarding thing I find is that the job is done and done well and that people enjoy themselves.
Do you have a favourite story, tradition, or fun fact about your clan’s history?
One of the most memorable times was when my wife Barbara and myself organised a clan gathering in Rome in 2016. People came from Australia, Canada, USA and UK.
We also forged an allegiance with the Trastevere Rowing Club found by William Grant and made friends with the Rome Caledonian Society.
It has a poignant significance for ourselves that it was the last holiday that the last Chief Sir James Grant of Grant Bt., Lord Strathspey, and the 33rd Chief of Grant had with his partner Judy Lewis but boy did we have a fun time.
The Clan Gathering at Nethybridge is always well supported in 2010 we had 40 members of the Cherokee Nation marching with us and another time a group of German folk dancers were persuaded to join the march.
Clan Grant has several tartan variations, do you have a favourite, and do you have a preferred way to wear it?
The Grant tartan variations can be quite confusing but most used are the Grant Ancient and Grant Modern, there is however a new tartan, the Grant 1714 commissioned by Sir Michael Grant of Grant, Lord Strathspey, 34th Chief of Grant, this has been well received and seems to be popular.
How can people get involved with or join the society if they’re interested?
You can join the society by visiting the Clan website clangrant.org all the details are on there. You don’t have to be a Grant to join.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of your society and the way it connects members with their Scottish heritage?
We are now on the path to bringing younger fresher blood and thinking into the society and plans are being drawn up to attend several more parades around the country and abroad.
We now have a new chairman and 5 new (younger) council members so we are expecting some good ideas to come from them.
Clan Grant Society USA
The Clan Grant Society USA was established in 1978 after George and Lucille Grant, inspired by their experience at the 1977 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, received permission from Lord Strathspey to form a society in America. With the support of fellow Grants nationwide and the involvement of Lord and Lady Strathspey, the society quickly expanded, welcoming charter members, hosting major events, and building a strong presence at Highland Games across the country.
An Interview with Fred Grant | President Elect
We were happy to chat with Fred Grant, President Elect Clan Grant Society USA. Read on to find out about his Grant heritage and passion for the clan.
Have you celebrated your clan Grant heritage from a young age, or was it something you discovered later in life?
I have always known I was a Grant and my family takes great pride in our heritage. It’s very easy to track my heritage because I’m the first born son after a long lineage of first born Grant sons; I am Frederic James Grant V, my father is Frederic James Grant IV, his father is Frederic James Grant III, and so on.
What does being part of your clan society mean to you personally?
It feels like I have family in all parts of the world and a direct tie to Scotland. It’s quite amazing to have that close of a connection to history and gives me a sense of duty and honour to carry on the Grant name.
How did you first get involved with the society?
I was a member from a young age through my family. Growing up we often went to the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Georgia. Whilst living in Los Angeles in my mid-twenties, my wife and I went to the Queen Mary Highland Games every year. Finally, once we settled in Washington State we wanted to get heavily involved with the Clan and help in any way we could.
You’ve just been elected President of Clan Grant Society USA. Congratulations! What was your role before being elected? What plans or hopes for the society do you have as the new President?
Thank you! Being President of Clan Grant Society USA was never something I thought would ever happen in my life, but I think my youthful energy, new ideas, and willingness to take initiative was noticed. Before this I was a committed member helping Jeniphr Grant, our Board Member at Large, operate the Clan Grant tent at highland games all around Washington.
What do you find most rewarding about being part of the society and its activities?
I think it’s fun celebrating my heritage with others from our clan. Meeting new people and spending time with current members gives off a sense of belonging and it feels like spending time with extended family. I even tried competing in the games themselves once. I accidently signed up for the wrong category, but I was welcomed with opened arms by the competitors, and I look forward to competing again… after some training of course.
What was special and unique about the Clan Grant International Gathering this month? How often does it occur?
The international gathering was a once in a lifetime experience! It was my first time meeting our clan’s Chief; as well as, my first time really having the chance to visit Scotland. My wife and I stayed in Grantown, saw Castle Grant, Grant Museum, marched in the Abernathy Highland Games, and had dinner with our clan. It was truly a memorable experience, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
The International Gathering takes place approximately every five years.
What is your favourite story, tradition, or fun fact about your clan’s history you can share with us?
I was reflecting on this the other day. Although we have a grand history, a US president, a Whisky, a collaboration with Walkers shortbread, and many more claims to our name I want to remind our members that we are still living in history here and now. It’s important to acknowledge what’s going on in our current time and all of the accomplishments that we are achieving. We can uphold our name by striving to push the bar further than before and keep on creating more stories to be told for future generations.
Clan Grant has several tartan variations, do you have a favourite, and do you have a preferred way to wear it?
Yes we do! Well, I’m a big fan of all of them, but I find myself favouring our Hunting Tartan and Modern Red Tartan. I’m a personal fan of blue (and the Hunting Tartan colours) and can understand why the queen was inspired to make it her Black Watch Tartan, but the Modern Red is very eye-catching and I see it being a powerful “brand” if you will. We just recently adopted the 1714 Tartan which has a fascinating story and I think it looks really cool.
How can people get involved with or join the society if they’re interested?
For those interested in Clan Grant Society USA or have a lineage to our clan you can visit our website, check us out on our new official Facebook page, or email me at [email protected]. If you live in other countries outside of the USA, you can contact your corresponding country’s website and from there you can learn how to get involved.
