Celebrating Women's Day with Scotland's Female Clan Chiefs

First up is Madam Arabella, chief of Clan Kincaid. She actually inherited the title from her grandmother, Madam Heather Kincaid, which really means that we’ve got two wonderful female chiefs in one, here. One of her most impressive accomplishments as chief is her involvement in the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. Like many great chiefs, she appreciates her clan’s incredible heritage and history, and loves being able to connect with members of her clan — us too, Madam Arabella!

Next up is none other than Madam Pauline Hunter. You might recognise Madam Pauline fromour interview with her a few months ago when we celebrated Clan Hunter as our clan of the month! We so admire Madam Pauline’s devotion to her clan and clan society. Her time is spent furthering the society's mission to help Hunter's around the world form a connection and support those making volunteer efforts for the clan. She also works to protect and preserve Hunterston Castle and the surrounding lands. One of her most impressive acts as chief was creating the Order of the Royal Huntsman, which honors members who have made significant contributions to the clan. You’re sure to find Madam Pauline at various events including Highland Games, Burns Suppers, Hogmanay, and other Scottish festivals around the world. We can’t wait to spot her at the next big event!

Moving on to Flora Fraser, who became the Chief of the Name and Arms of Clan Fraser in 1984, is also the 21st Lady Saltoun. Prior to her retirement in 2014, she was the only holder of a lordship of Parliament who had a seat in the House of Lords as an elected hereditary peer. Fun fact: In 1999, because of the House of Lords Act, a whopping 662 hereditary peers were removed from the House, but Lady Saltoun was one of the ninety hereditary peers who were elected to remain in the House!

Madam Margaret Eliott of Redheugh is the 29th Chief of Clan Elliot. Margaret is a direct descendant of hereditary chiefs dating back to the 1300’s. Some of her family are from the southern states of America, like Georgia and Tennessee, which means she not only has the strength and resilience of a true Scottish woman, but the grit and determination of a southerner! Currently, Madam Margaret Eliott resides in the family home of Redheugh farm, in theScottish Borders, not far from the ScotlandShop HQ.

Margaret Countess of Mar is currently Clan Marr’s clan chief, she descends from the Earls of Mar, first creation (1404) and is recognised as the 31st Clan Chief. She is also a Scottish politician, but better known for her farming skills and love of agriculture and is a specialised goats cheese maker. Margaret has three daughters and it is thought that her eldest daughter Susan Helen of Mar, will take her mothers place as chief when Margaret passes.

Clan Moffat’s current chief is Jean Moffat of that Ilk, who took on the role after her fathers passing. Her father Francis Moffat was recognised by Lord Lyon as the chief in 1983 after 35 years of research proving he was a descendant of the Moffat bloodline. Jean is involved with the Society and proudly attends events and gatherings.

Finally, we have Madam Morag MacDougall. She is the 31st Clan Chief of the Clan MacDougall—very impressive! And what’s more, Madam Morag isn’t even the first female chief of Clan MacDougall. She actually inherited the title from her Aunt Colina MacDougall, certainly making this clan another major stand out as one to celebrate on this important day. Madam Morag is quite connected to Dunollie Castle, the seat of Clan MacDougall, which today acts as a museum. While she and her family don’t reside at the ruined castle, she visits frequently and is an important supporter of the museum’s collections and archives.

A very famous female Clan Chief was Dame Flora MacLeod. Flora was Clan Chief of the MacLeod Clan from 1937 to her death in 1976. While chief she was a woman of great importance and she took what many considered a Scottish clan into international waters, she helped found the clans society in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and in the USA. She was well known for charity work and her kind heart.

Flora was brought up between both London and Edinburgh but eventually settled on theIsle of Skye at the family seat of Dunvegan Castle. She lived in the castle until 1973, then moved to Ythan Lodge in Aberdeenshire. She was named an inspiration and strong leader by many in and outside her clan.