Need Help Finding Clans for Research

[Bruce Scott]

Does Surnames of Scotland list those in an alphabetical list, or is there more information?

There is more information. Black provides details of the origins and meanings of surnames with historic information. Often this will be the earliest appearances of the name in written records - charters and suchlike.

In his preface to the book he says: "As this work is historical and scientific in the treatment of its subject the folklore and fairytales of family and clan origins are left to be dealt by other writers with a penchant for that kind of writing."

[caig]

Hi Youngman. My surname is Caig and my family comes from the Dumfries/Kirkcudbright areas, but we are a sept of Clan Farquharson which comes the Braemar area in NE Scotland. My Clan Chief thinks the reason for that association is lost in time.

[macwilkin]

YoungMan,

I hope you noticed CajunScots comment "traditionally they would not be associated with the Highland clans". By using the more modern concept that "If it's Scottish it must be Clan associated" is not totally accurate.

In the lowlands the folks did not usually think of themselves as owing allegience to a Clan as much as they did to their town, region or district.

What you may find is that you will feel more comfortable and authentic with one of the Regional Tartans than you would in a Highland Clan Tartan.

A "wizard" post, Wizard!

Black's Surnames of Scotland estimates that only about 30% of Scottish surnames have any legitmate ties to Highland clans, if I remember correctly.

That being said, I have no issue with Lowland and Borders families adopting the kilt & tartan.

T.