Tartan Tales of Clan Boyd

Throughout October we have been celebrating all things Clan Boyd. We have met 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; read the blog to find out more!

We received a wonderful email from Steven who says, "How exciting it was to read your email saying that this month clan of the month is BOYD.
 

I have seen these clans monthly and often seem very popular clans so was thrilled to see October’s clan is BOYD.

Here is a photo of our wedding with me wearing MODERN BOYD and my husband wearing a matching tie.

I wore my ANCIENT BOYD kilt when I ushered at a production of Hamlet at The Lantern Theatre, Philadelphia. The photo is me with the director of the play.

The other photos are of me wearing ANCIENT BOYD kilt.

I love our tartan and heritage and am looking forward to your information regarding our clan."

Thanks so much for the wonderful photos, Steven! We hope you've enjoyed the Clan Boyd celebrations.

We had another lovely email from Amanda who says, "I'm writing to share my story about Clan Boyd and the Boyd tartan. I've attached some of my family lineage for reference, since it took me quite a while to find out how far back my family goes.

My Boyd roots are on my father's side, through Gerald Boyd. His family settled in Meyersdale and Somerset, Pennsylvania, after coming over from Scotland in the late 1700s. Our earliest known ancestor there is James Boyd of Scotland, who married Anna Maria (Jauler) Boyd in Somerset on 3 August 1790, and later married Catherine (Smith) Boyd around 1815. One of James and Catherine's children was Chauncey Forward Boyd, my fifth-great-grandfather. You can see James Boyd's record on WikiTree here.

After all that research, it meant a great deal to wear the Boyd tartan to the Kirkin of the Tartan at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia. I've attached last year's program, which explains the tradition and lists the Procession of the Tartans.

The program closes with the line "Our tartans symbolize God's grace over the generations past, present, and future." I was so proud to have this opportunity to wear the Clan Boyd tartan, along with our crest.

I'm looking forward to wearing the Boyd tartan again on November 1 at this year's annual Kirkin of the Tartan and have attached the church flyer and a photo from last year, which explains the history of the Kirkin of the Tartans at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA .

Thank you for keeping these tartans alive and making it possible for families like mine to stay connected to where we came from."

Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your lovely story!

Have you read the interview blog with the House of Boyd Society, Inc. yet? It's a fantastic read!

We were delighted to interview both the current President of the Society, Rev. Dr. Christian D. Boyd, and the Hon. Simon Boyd, Tanist & Honorary President of the Society.

Find out more about their hopes and plans for the future, their own Boyd Clan connections, favourite Boyd tartans and so much more.

Read 'An Interview with the House of Boyd Society, Inc.' here.

House of Boyd Society Inc. | Courtesy of the Society

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