Unleash Your Inner Tartan: Clan Colquhoun

TheColquhoun name in Scotland originates all the way back to the 13th Century, when Alexander II, Earl of Lennox, gifted the Colquhoun lands to Humphrey of Kilpatrick, it was Humphreys son Ingram who was the first recorded Colquhoun. The Lands of Colquhoun are on the shore of Loch Lomond, with the original home of Clan Colquhoun in the nearby town of Luss. The Colquhoun family acquired the lands of Luss through marriage, when in 1368 Sir Robert Colquhoun married the daughter of the Laird of Luss. The family went from strength to strength shortly after this, as by the 16th Century they owned a vast amount of land, including: Rossdhu, Dunglass, Camstradden, Glenmachome. During this time they were also the governors and keepers of Dumbarton Castle. However, in 1632 the family did lose their lands for a short period of time after Sir John Colquhoun was accused of having relations with his sister-in-law, he went on the run and forfeited his lands. By 1645, his son had reclaimed the former family estates.

Another town linked to the clan is Helensburgh, which is located on the shoes of Gare Loch. The town was first established by Sir James Colquhoun, the Chief of Clan Colquhoun at that time, he first purchased the lands in 1752 but did not name the lands Helensburgh until 1785. Sir James named the lands after his wife Helen, granddaughter of the 16th Earl of Sutherland. Due to these connections with the Sutherlands and the Colquhouns the town Coat of Arms features elements of both of Clan Arms. The red stag's head crest and the greyhound are taken from the Colquhoun arms, and the savage from the Sutherland arms.

The Colquhoun Annual Gathering is always a fun one, unlike many of the Scottish Clans their gathering lasts for 5 whole days, opposed to the usual 3 that many clans opt for. The gathering started on Wednesday evening when clan members arrived at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel for a welcome by a few clan dignitaries, which was followed by a whisky tasting. The following day everyone attended a guided tour of both the Clan lands and the Glen Fruin Battle site, followed by a 4th July BBQ in the evening. Today sees the group attending a guided tour of the Rossdhu estate (the clans current seat) and the town of Luss. A formal dinner is taking place in this evening at Rossdhu House, where members will wear their finest Highland Dress.

Tomorrow is the biggest day of the gathering as the members will be attending Luss Highland Games, where the family will be piped into the event by the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band. Emily from our office will also be attending the games this weekend, so be sure to look out for her sporting her tartan jacket. There will even be a ceilidh on the games field in the evening! The gathering then ends with a church service in Luss on Sunday with the Clan Chief and his family.