How to discover 10 of the most famous Scottish clans

Whether you want to discover more about your connection to the famous Scottish clans or want to know how to visit your ancestors’ historic lands, then this is the Scottish travel guide for you! Here is how to discover 10 of the mosts famous Scottish clans.

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How to discover 10 of the most famous Scottish clans

For Clan Chisholm – visit the beautiful Glen Affric near Loch Ness

Originally from the Scottish Borders (via Normandy) Clan Chisholm (Chesholme) gained control of the beautiful glens around Beauly when Alexander Chisholm married The Lady of Erchless in 1359. The Chisholms were most famous for cattle raiding and it is said they once stole 56 oxen, 60 cows, 300 sheep, 80 swine and 15 horses from Clan Rose! The Chisholm lands are all centred around Glen Affric. Here is how to discover Clan Chisholm.

• Explore Glen Affric – the best way to explore the Clan Chisholm lands is to hike the 11-mile circular path around Loch Affric. Amongst the remnants of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Scots Pine forest, the walk takes you alongside the River Affric, past Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain amongst huge surrounding mountains. Shorter walks in the Glen Affric include the Dog Falls (2 miles, 1.25 hours) and the Viewpoint Trail (1.45 miles, 1 hour). The Forestry Commission has a great guide to Glen Affric.
• Stay at Erchless Castle – now private holiday accommodation, you can stay in the original Chisholm clan castle. Visit Erchless Castle.
• Clan Chisholm Burial ground – opposite the castle is the Erchless burial ground which contains many graves of the clan chiefs.
• Find the Chisholm Stone at Loch Mullardoch – At the head of Glen Cannich is a stone which marks a meeting point for Chisholms from Strathglass and Glen Cannich. Why not add a stone to the cairn to mark your visit?
• Visit the Struy Stone – a memorial to William Chisholm who supported the Jacobite cause and was standard bearer of the chief of Clan Chisholm and died at Culloden.

> Read more: how to visit Glen Affric

> Stay at Eagle Brae lodges, try Caledonian Glamping near Cannich, Craskie Glamping Pods in Cannich Glen, The Boathouse at Tomich, or East Craigdhu Cow Byre near Erchless Castle.

> Find out more about Clan Chisholm

For Clan Campbell – Inveraray

One of the largest and most powerful clans in Scottish history, the Campbells were big supporters of King Robert the Bruce, benefitting from his patronage – Sir Neil Campbell was even married to Mary, Robert’s sister.

Clan Campbell’s chief rivals for control of lands in Argyll and the west coast of Scotland were the MacDonalds, and this rivalry led to one of the most famous massacres in Scottish history. In 1692, 38 unarmed members of the Macdonald clan were killed in the Massacre of Glencoe, part of a British Government initiative to suppress Jacobite risings. 

The Campbells went on to support the British Government in the Jacobite risings. Today the Duke of Argyll is a hereditary peerage – and part of the nobility of Scotland. Here is how to discover Clan Campbell.

• Inveraray Castle – the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. Taking 43 years to complete, the castle was designed by celebrated Scottish architect William Adam and finished by his sons James and Robert Adam. The castle is still lived in by the Campbell family and tours are available (book in advance) of the rather lavishly decorated interior. The castle has gorgeous gardens and woodlands which are free to explore. Visit Inveraray Castle for booking information.
• Kilchurn Castle – the seat of the Campbells of Glenorchy. Constructed in the mid-15th century, the castle holds a strategic postion on Loch Awe. The castle is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
• Innes Chonnel Castle – the the original seat of Clan Campbell in the 11th century. You can see the island in Loch Awe near Dalavich.

> read more: how to visit Inveraray

> stay at: The Loch Fyne Hotel – a dog-friendly spa hotel on the lochside with a pool, restaurant and bar, The Inverary Inn – opened in 1755, this is a traditional Scottish inn, in the heart of town. Brambles of Inverary – traditional rooms alongside a popular bistro and bakery.

> Find out more about Clan Campbell

For Clan Mackenzie – Kintail and Eilean Donan Castle  

Hailing from Kintail, Clan Mackenzie held huge lands stretching from the Outer Hebrides to the Black Isle – gained from their enduring loyalty to the Scottish monarchy. Often acting as peacekeepers between the warring clans of the highlands of Scotland, the Mackenzies also happily joined in with the conflict – 500 Mackenzies contributed to the Battle of Bannockburn. Here is how to discover Clan Mackenzie.

• Eilean Donan Castle – probably the most iconic of all of Scotland’s castles and sits at the junction of three beautiful lochs – Eilean Donan Castle sits at the join of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. The castle was built in the thirteenth century as a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and destroyed in 1719 in retribution for the Mackenzie’s involvement in the Jacobite risings. The current castle is a 20th century reconstruction.
• Castle Leod – located near Strathpeffer, Castle Leod is the home of the clan chief of Clan Mackenzie and is a private home. If you have watched Outlander, Castle Loed is the inspiration for Castle Leoch, the seat of the fictional Clan Mackenzie – although in the TV series Doune Castle is used. You can visit Castle Leod during one of the annual open days.
• Cross the Mam Ratagan Pass – mimicking the fjords of New Zealand’s south island, the view over Loch Duich to the Five Sisters of Kintail – and across the lands of the Mackenzies – is one of Scotland’s best. There are two viewpoints on Mam Ratagan from which to admire the view. 

> read more: how to visit Kintail

> stay at Kintail Lodge Hotel, Ratagan Youth Hostel, or the The Cluanie Inn

> Find out more about Clan Mackenzie

Clan Fraser of Lovat – Beauly and Loch Ness

With lands around Loch Ness and Beauly, Clan Fraser of Lovat is not to be confused with the other branches of Fraser clans – including those in Aberdeenshire and the Lowlands. Otherwise known as the Fighting Frasers, Clan Fraser of Lovat has been made famous by the Outlander series of books which feature a fictional member of the Fraser family, Jamie Fraser.

One of the most famous real life Frasers include Sir Simon ‘the Patriot’ Fraser who had command of the Scottish forces in 1303 who defeated 30,000 invaders with only 8000 of his own men and saved Robert the Bruce’s life three times!

• Beauly Priory – the graves of the Frasers of Lovat from the early 1300s can be found in the graveyard of Beauly Priory.
• Castle Dounie / Beaufort Castle – the traditional seat of the Lords Lovat, Chiefs of Clan Fraser of Lovat, Castle Dounie is located on the River Beauly. Member of Clan Fraser and fancy living in the castle? Well you could as the castle is actually up for sale (at 2024)
• Reelig Glen – explore this steep wooded glen south of Beauly full of firs, cedars and spruces and find the 62m Dùghall Mòr (Big Douglas) which was once Britain’s tallest tree. James Baillie Fraser (1783 – 1856), the Scottish explorer laid out the glen with the fabulous trees. Visit Reelig Glen.
• Wardlaugh Mausoleum – located at Wardlaw Graveyard in Kirkhill village, the Wardlaugh Mausoleum was built for the Lovat Fraser family in 1634.

> Stay at: Dornie Lodge or the stunning Old Manse at Muir of Ord.

> Find out more about Clan Fraser of Lovat

Clan Cameron – Lochaber and Spean Bridge

Hailing from Lochaber, Clan Cameron’s lands centre around Fort William and included the mighty Ben Nevis. The first accepted chief of the clan was recorded as Donald Dubh in the 1400’s and subsequent clan chiefs fought on the side of the Stuarts and Jacobites. The chief of the clan is known as ‘Cameron of Lochiel’ – find out more Clan Cameron.

Clan MacLeod – The Isle of Skye and Raasay

There are two main branches of Clan MacLeod – the the MacLeod of MacLeod (Dunvegan, Harris and Glenelg) and Macleod of The Lewes (Lewis, Assynt and Raasay) both descended from Olaf the Black, one of the last Norse Kings of Man. The clan’s home, Dunvegan Castle is the only Highland castle o have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years. Here is how to visit Clan MacLeod’s lands:

• Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye – the home of Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle sits in a stunning location on the seafront, and the gardens are also lovely to wander around.Visit the castle to learn not only about the history of this clan but also the role of clans today – as well as their most famous member, Dame Flora MacLeod. 
• The MacLeod Tables – two strange, very flat-topped hills – also called Healabhal Mhòr (1,539 ft) and Healabhal Bheag (1,601 ft) – which were formed by lava flows and then Glacial retreat in this part of Skye 58 million years ago. Climb the Tables with this walk from Walkhighlands (7miles, 4 hours) 
• Macleod’s Maidens – these three sea stacks to the south of the Duirinish Peninsula are said to be the wife and two daughters of one of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod – who sadly drowned. Visit the Macleod’s Maidens on this 10 mile walk from Orbost. 
• Stay at Raasay House – originally built as a a laird’s house by the Macleods of Raasay, you can now stay at this Raasay House Hotel, outdoor centre and restaurant on the Isle of Raasy.

> Read more: the complete guide to the Isle of Skye

> stay at: the trendy Marmalade or the Bosville Hotel or the classic accommodation at The Portree Hotel. If you are looking for luxury accommodation on the Isle of Skye, try the Three Chimneys and The House Over By, Kinloch Lodge and restaurant on the Sleat Peninsula, or Edinbane Lodge.

> Find out more about Clan MacLeod

Clan Bruce – Clackmannanshire and Dunfermline

One of the Royal houses, Clan Bruce (Family of Bruce) has produced two of the Scottish Kings – Robert the Bruce and David II of Scotland. The story of Robert the Bruce is one of Scotland’s most well known, making him a national hero. While the Bruce clan is a lowland clan, and their lands are most associated with Clackmannanshire and Dunfermline, there are lots of sites associate with Robert the Bruce all over Scotland.

• Dunfermline Abbey – Scotland’s newest city, Dunfermline was once the ancient capital of Scotland and is the burial place of our most famous king – Robert the Bruce. Bruce’s heart might rest in Melrose, but his bones lie in Dunfermline Abbey. Elizabeth de Burgh, Robert’s wife who was also buried in the Abbey in 1327. Look out for the King Robert The Bruce carved into the Abbey’s tower.
• Melrose Abbey – the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce’s heart, Melrose Abbey is probably the best known and best preserved of the four Scottish Border’s abbeys.
• King’s Cave, Arran – whether or not they once sheltered Robert the Bruce, the King’s Cave on Arran’s west coast still make for an impressive site. There are impressive views of the Kintyre Peninsula and Drumadoon Point. The walk takes between 1-2 hours and starts at a signposted car park near Machrie.
• Clackmannan – Clackmannan Tower dates back to 1359 and built by the Bruce family, after the lands were gifted to Sir Robert Bruce. It is thought that Clackmannanshire is named after Robert the Bruce’s glove (or mannan).
• Stay at Brucefield Estate – stay in a bothy on the the 1000-acre Brucefield Estate, home to three gorgeous luxury Scandi-style eco cabins – Tod, Mertrick and Brock. They also have a fabulous holiday cottage – Slackbrae.

> read more: how to visit Dunfermline and the complete guide to Clackmannanshire

> Stay at a four star spa hotel outside of Alloa, Inglewood House and Spa is a luxurious place to stay in Clackmannanshire, stay in the The Tower, a luxury apartment with Dollarbeg Castle, go glamping at the Devon River Glamping Pods, located outside of Menstrie, Broomhall Castle Hotel is a stunning old baronial castle in which you can stay.

> Find out more about Clan Bruce (Family of Bruce)

Clan Maclean – the Isle of Mull, Coll and the West Highland Peninsulas

Once the owners of the isles of Mull, Tiree, Islay, and Jura, Clan Maclean are one of the oldest highland clans in Scotland. Named after the 13th century warrior and Scottish chieftain, Gillean of the Battle Axe, Clan Maclean were fearsome warriors. With six branches across the highlands, the chief of the clan is now called Maclean of Duart and Morvern.