Clan Buchanan is one of the most significant and oldest Highland Clans of Scotland, with charters dating to 1217 and roots stretching back to the Picts (DNA shows our presence in the Auld Kingdom of Alba, well before the year 1000 AD). The lands of Clan Buchanan are on the border of the Highlands, to the East of Loch Lomond, in the middle of Scotland, just north of Glasgow. In Gaelic the name of the clan is Canonaich. The Anglicized name is said to derive from “Mac a Chanonaich” (“The Son of the Canon”) and “Buth Chanain” (“house or seat of the canon”). Fiercely Scottish, our chief at the time refused to sign the Ragman Roll in 1296; and during the Wars of Scottish Independence the clan Buchanan supported King Robert the Bruce by aiding his escape in 1306. The Clan crest depicts a hand holding a Ducal Cap, which reflects the legend of Sir Alexander Buchanan (circa 1470) whom killed the Duke of Clarence at Battle of Beauge. Having dispatched the Duke, Buchanan seized the Duke’s jewelled gold coronet, and raising it aloft: rallying the Scottish troops and inflicting significant casualties upon the English. The English troops retreated, giving the victory to the Scots with very few Scottish casualties. The Chiefs Coat of Arms depicts a black Rampant Lion with red claws; which heralds our connection (through marriage) to the Robert the Bruce; King of Scotland. Our previous chief died in 1681 without male heirs or grandchildren. And along with significant debts and persecution following the Highland Clearances, Clan Buchanan was armigerous for nearly 3 centuries. But, in 2018 John Michael Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan was named Chief of the Name and Arms of Buchanan, and has made the clan whole and is leading a resurgence in our popularity, strength and relevance. Our Clan Mottos is “Clarior Hinc Honos”, which means “Brighter hence the honour” We proudly reflect the Scottish Diaspora and welcome Canadians to learn more about us at www.theclanbuchanan.com

The CBSI was formed in 1970 as the “Clan Buchanan Society in America” at the Grandfather Mountain Games in North Carolina. The name was later changed to the Clan Buchanan Society International Inc., to reflect our society's expanded purpose and membership. We have membership on most continents, and particularly in USA, Canada, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand.
The wonderful thing about the CBSI is that any person who is of Buchanan descent or one of the 50 Septs and Associated Family Names can join and celebrate their Scottish heritage with many links to Buchanan history, traditions, activities, and genealogy.
The CBSI Motto is “Collegite Fragmenta Ne Pereant” (Gather the pieces lest they be lost)
CBSI members are called Wardens of Clan Buchanan, and we benefit from:
- Pride in actively contributing to the Modern history of the clan
- Regular magazine, the “Buchanan Banner”
- Participation in clan activities and representation at Highland Games and Celtic gatherings
- Connection with clansfolk from around the world
- Access to the new, exciting and evolving Buchanan Genealogy database, including advice from a clan Genealogist
- Participation in Archaeology and Archiving projects being undertaken on clan lands in Scotland
- And expansion and promotion of Scottish culture