Septs

In the context of Scottish clans, according to Professor Cosmo Innes, septs are families wholly descended from a branch of the founder or Chief of a clan, also called cadet branches, as distinct from the main family itself. Also, it can denote “an unaffiliated in-taken tribe”.

These families are part of the chief's larger clan. A sept might follow another chief if two families were linked through marriage, or, if a family lived on the land of a powerful laird, they would follow that chief whether they were related or not. Bonds of manrent were sometimes used to bind lesser chiefs and their followers to more powerful chiefs.

Today, sept lists are used by clan societies to recruit new members. Such lists date back to the 19th century when clan societies and tartan manufacturers attempted to capitalise on the enthusiasm and interest for all things Scottish. Lists were drawn up that linked as many surnames as possible to a particular clan, regardless of whether there was an actual historical connection to that clan surname. In this way, individuals without a "clan name" could connect to a Scottish clan and thus feel "entitled" to its tartan.

Affiliated Family

An Affiliated Name is a Family holding a different surname that pledges allegiance to a chief of another Clan or family.

Reference :

F. Adam, T. Innes of Learney, The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands, 1975 (originally published 1907)

Buchanan Cadet Branches

In heraldry and history, a cadet branch consists of the male-line descendants of a patriarch's younger sons (cadets). Such offspring were not expected/required to produce any offspring.

In Clan Buchanan, Cadet Branches of the name “Buchanan” in order of proximity to the chiefly line:

1. Buchanan of Leny

2. Buchanan of Arnprior

3. Buchanan of Spittal

4. Buchanan of Auchmar.

Other Cadet lines include:

• Buchanan of Achleshie

• Buchanan of Ardenconnel

• Buchanan of Carbeth

• Buchanan of Powis

• Buchanan of Ibert.

Cadets could apply for a Coat of Arms to become Armigers of the clan …

It is the prerogative of the Chief of a clan to accept a family as a sept or affiliated family and, as such, our sept and associated family list is constantly evolving.

Lairds

A Scottish Laird means a minor lord (or landlord) as a designation that applies to the owner of a large (over 5 acres) long-established Scottish estate.

In the traditional Scottish order of precedence, a laird ranks below a baron and above a gentleman.

This rank is held only by those lairds holding official recognition in a territorial designation by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. They are usually styled [name] [surname] of [lairdship]. However, since "laird" is a courtesy title, it has no formal status in law.

Many of us have seen the practice of selling “lordships” online by purchasing a souvenir plot of land; thereby allowing the use of the “Lord”, “Lady” or “Laird” title. 

Several businesses encourage people to “purchase a personal Lordship or Ladyship Title Pack with dedicated land in Scotland.” It claims that “Our Title Packs are based on a historic Scottish land ownership custom, where landowners have been long referred to as ‘Lairds’, the Scottish term for ‘Lord’, with the female equivalent being ‘Lady’.” The disclaimer notes “This is a purchase for a personal dedication for a souvenir plot of land. You may choose to title yourself with the title of Lord, Laird or Lady.” 

These offers are objectionable in terms of history, ownership, heraldry, legality and protocol. 

While some organizations state that you can “visit” this plot, you certainly cannot apply for ownership in the Land Register of Scotland. In addition, you cannot use “ownership” of this land to petition for your own Coat of Arms from the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This was argued and won is a court of law: “Scottish Green MSP Andy Wightman wins defamation case.” BBC News March 11, 2020. 

Most compellingly, calling yourself a “Lord” or “Lady” is a complete breach of protocol and is insulting to all members of the peerage, including our chief. 

Armigers

Armigers are people that have been granted a Coat of Arms by an Heraldic Authority such as the Lord Lyon King of Arms for Scotland or the British College of Arms. This is an ancient tradition stemming from the practical need at the time to identify the knights by their colours in battles from a distance. A bit later in history, the heads of branches of the family obtained a coat of arms as a display of their status in the community. They were considered the “Gentlemen of the Clan” and, therefore, had influence with the Chief.

Family branches were usually associated with a farm or territory and, hence, the addition of a territorial designation to their surname, eg. Buchanan of Arnprior, Buchanan of Leny, etc.

Effectively, in Scotland, this changed their surname legally from “Buchanan” to, say, “Buchanan of Arnprior” recognised by Lord Lyon (today, it is equivalent to a change of name by deed poll). So, with this change of surname, it follows the descendants down the generations, even if the farm/territory is sold (which is why there can be more than one, for example, “<name> of Spittal”)

Today, Coats of Arms can be obtained by anyone who, in the decision of an Heraldic Authority is an honourable person, and can be considered in the jurisdiction of the Heraldic Authority. The Arms are approved by the Heraldic Authority as a legal piece of personal property. Scotland is the only jurisdiction with an arm of the Lyon Court that will actively pursue the misuse of arms.

Chieftain

A chieftain is a designation applied to heads of branches of a clan. A chieftain may wear two feathers in their cap. 

In Scotland, Chiefains are usually identified by a Territorial Designation. In Clan Buchanan, the Chief has made his three younger children Chieftains.