Clan Strachan Today
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Clachnaben (archaically "Cloch-na'bain"; Scottish Gaelic: "Clach na Beinne") , one of the eastern Grampians in Strachan parish, Kincardineshire. It is crowned by a mass of bare granite, from which it is sometimes called the "White Stone Hill." According to an old-world couplet: "There are two landmarks out at sea, Clochnabin and Bennachie." |
The Strachan homeland is located some 20 miles southwest of Aberdeen, in the Royal Deeside Grampian Highlands of Scotland.
The surname STRACHAN is a local name, derived from the Scots Gaelic word 'STRATH' meaning "valley"; and AWEN (pronounced 'awn', like lawn) from one of the small rivers that run through the Strachan District.
As STRACHAN is a local name we are not one family, but a collection of many unrelated families, who lived originally in the Strachan District at the time the feudal system came to rise (~1100).
The Strachan surname has two pronunciations based on different languages. The first is 'STRAWN' based on the Scots Gaelic language, and the second is "STRA-KH-AN' with a guttural for the 'ch'... like loch or Bach and is based on the Scots language. In Scotland, the Scots version is most common.
The village of Strachan, like all other villages in the Highlands is pronounced using the Gaelic language... STRAWN.
There is a saying in Scotland, "STRAWN is the place, STRA-KH-AN is the people."
The Strachan surname is recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon, and the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs as an Armigerous Clan. The recognized current head (or Patron) of Clan Strachan is Major Benjamin Strachan, Mill of Strachan, in Strachan, Kincardineshire.
Today, the Clan Strachan Scottish Heritage Society hopes to carry on the traditions and heritage of Scotland, and the many families that serve it. Founded by Jim Strachan and Dennis Strawhun, the Society hopes to help and assist others located worldwide who have an affinity towards their Scottish heritage and genealogy.
Our activities include helping instruct others on how to perform their Genealogical research. To this end, the Society has three Genealogist each specializing in a certain geographical area (UK, Canada, and the USA).
We are also in open discussions with Mr. W. David H. Sellar, Esq., Lord Lyon King of Arms in holding a Derbhfine meeting in order to recognize a commander for Clan Strachan.
Finally, and needless to say, the Society actively participates and coordinates Scottish Highland events, such as attending various Scottish Highland Games and Festivals; as well as plan, organize, and run an Annual Robbie Burns Supper.
For those Members of the Society interested in obtaining personal Arms, one of the Co-Founders of the Society provides free consultation and assistance in completing the appropriate paperwork, and supporting documentation.
Our Members is open to everyone, regardless of surname or clan affiliation.