More on Septs

[creagdhubh]

According to my Chief, Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, TD, as well as Clan Macpherson Chieftains, armigers, our clan sennachie, guardians and the majority of Macpherson clansmen and clanswomen, the word 'sept' does not exist within the confines and organisation of our clan, and never has. Instead, we refer to divisions or associations within the Clan Macpherson as 'associated families of the Clan Macpherson' and not 'septs of the Clan Macpherson.'

Cluny, as well as his predecessors, has always maintained that the word sept is an Irish Gaelic word meaning a 'clan' or 'family' and in Scottish Gaelic, clann translates to 'children,' so it may be correct in saying that there are indeed some degrees of separation between the use of 'clan' and 'sept,' especially from clan to clan. And simply how each chief wishes to designate and call the smaller families that have long/traditionally associated with a larger Highland clan for a place to live as tennants; eventually becoming extremely loyal to their chief, regardless of having a different surname, ultimately gaining the protection of the clan, yet were also called to arms for battle with neighboring clans, the English, etc.

There is no such thing as a 'sept' list within the Clan Macpherson Association, rather there is a list of associated families approved by our Chief. However, Cluny has stated that the Clan Macpherson may be considered a 'sept' of the Clan Chattan Confederation, since the Clan Chattan is a confederacy composed and structured by various Highland clans located throughout Inverness-shire and surrounding areas. The Clan Macpherson (along with the Clan Mackintosh) is a leading Highland clan within the Clan Chattan Confederation.

Black's, Surnames of Scotland is an excellent resource for both Highland and Lowland surnames, as well as many common and uncommon 'associated' names.

Cheers,