10 Scottish surnames & their clan history

Clan Bruce was one of the richest and most powerful clans in the 12th-14th centuries. It produced two kings of Scotland including Robert the Bruce, who led the Scottish army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 that famously defeated an English army three times its size. 

Bruce sites to visit

King's Cave, Arran

Legend says that Robert the Bruce hid from the English armies in one of these caves and within these gloomy walls, he watched a spider repeatedly attempting to spin a web, inspiring Bruce to continue the struggle for Scottish independence. Step into these mysterious caves and hear echoes of history reverberate around you, with an atmospheric view of the churning waves beyond. 

• Location: Follow the popular circular trail and watch some of the best scenery on Arran unfold before you, with sweeping views over Machrie and the northern mountains. 
• Opening hours: open daily 
• Time: 2 mile walk 

Visit King’s Cave 

Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders

See sunlight stream through the atmospheric ruins of Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders. It's the supposed resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked by a plaque in the grounds. 

• Location: Melrose 
• Opening times: vary depending on season 

Immerse yourself in history at Melrose Abbey 

Discover more about the Bruce Clan 

Clan Campbell was one of the largest Highland clans, acquiring positions of power and becoming the major landowner in Argyll. By the 18th century, the family owned the lands of Inveraray, Rosneath, Kintyre, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Morvern, Lismore and Scammadale – so there are plenty of places to explore associated with this clan! 

Campbell sites to visit

Inveraray Castle, Argyll

Let the fairytale façade of Inveraray Castle on the edge of Loch Fyne spark your imagination, surrounded by the rugged landscape of Argyll. You might recognise the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell, from TV shows A Very British Scandal and Downton Abbey. 

• Location: 1 hour 30-minute drive from Glasgow 
• Opening times: vary depending on season 

Start your Inveraray Castle adventure 

Castle Campbell and Gardens, Clackmannanshire 

Formerly known as the Castle of Glooms, Castle Campbell sits on a narrow ridge overlooked by the Ochil Hills. Feel the breeze stir through the deep forests of Dollar Glen, which the medieval fortress towers above. It was once the home of the powerful Campbell Earls of Argyll and has connections with historical figures including John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots. 

• Location: 30-minute drive from Stirling 
• Opening times: Open daily until end of September 

Visit Castle Campbell and Gardens 

Discover more about the Campbell Clan 

A popular Scottish last name, the chiefs of Clan Donald, or Clan Macdonald, were the largest landowners for centuries and the most powerful lords in the whole British Isles after the Kings of England and Scotland. The clan controlled lands and waterways in the west Highlands and the Hebrides and its ancient chiefs were known as “Lords of the Isles”.

Donald sites to visit

Islay and Finlaggan Castle, Isle of Islay

Islay is a wonderful place to visit if you’re exploring your Scottish heritage. Experience the wild beauty of its landscapes and top it all off with a warming dram of golden whisky from one of its nine whisky distilleries. The ancient seat of Clan Donald, Finlaggan Castle, can also be found here. Today you can wander through this ruin of crumbling walls and scattered stones that cast a mythic spell. 

There’s a daily ferry from Kennacraig to Islay and once a week from Oban. You can also fly to Islay, with flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Colonsay and Oban. 

Soak up the land of your ancestors with a visit to Islay 

Armadale Castle 

Armadale Castle on Skye is the Clan Donald seat. Take your time wandering through the romantic castle ruins and feel the weight of 1,500 years of clan history in the award-winning museum and library. Lose yourself in the elegant gardens and grounds nearby and be mesmerised by the expanse of blue sea and hills beyond. 

• Location: Isle of Skye 
• Opening times: vary depending on season 
• Admission: tickets can only be purchased at the castle 

Discover more about Armadale Castle 

Culloden Battlefield, Scottish Highlands

Clan Donald largely fought on the side of the Jacobites during the 1745-46 uprisings; a stone bearing the Clan Donald name can be found in Culloden. Walk through one of the most atmospheric and historic sites in Scotland, where the visitor centre powerfully tells the story of the conflict and features a 360-degree battle immersion theatre. 

• Location: 5 miles from Inverness. 
• Opening times: vary depending on season 

Plan your trip to the historic battlefield 

Discover more about the Donald Clan 

Clan Fraser has two distinct branches, one in the Lowlands and one in the Highlands. Many members of Clan Fraser have distinguished themselves, particularly on the field of battle. They have defended Scottish lands against invading Danes and Norsemen, fought in the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Jacobite risings, both World Wars, and they still serve today. In more recent times, the historic novel Outlander by Diana Gabaldon features the fictional protagonist Jamie Fraser of Clan Fraser of Lovat.

Fraser sites to visit

Arbroath Abbey, Angus

Sir Alexander Fraser married the widowed sister of Robert the Bruce in 1316, became Chamberlain of Scotland in 1319 and in 1320 was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath. Stand amid the ancient stones of Arbroath Abbey and learn about this vital moment in Scotland’s history.

• Location: 30 minutes from Dundee
• Opening times: vary depending on season

All you need to know about visiting the abbey

Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire

This beautiful baronial tower house was built by Michael Fraser between 1575 and 1636. It’s one of Scotland’s grandest homes and is open to the public. Experience Scotland like your ancestors and take a walk through the old woodlands nearby.

• Location: 40-minute drive from Aberdeen
• Opening times: vary depending on season
• Price of Admission (Free for National Trust members)

Plan your Castle Fraser adventure

Explore Aberdeenshire further

Beauly, Scottish Highlands

This village, 10 miles west of Inverness, is the heart of Fraser of Lovat country. Pause for a moment’s peace at Beauly Priory, a setting in the Outlander series and where many of the clans’ chiefs were buried.

Experience the historic village of Beauly

Discover more about the Fraser clan

Clan Gregor is the clan of the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor, a soldier and cattleman in the 18th century who was branded an outlaw when he defaulted on a debt. After waging his own private blood feud with the Duke of Montrose he became a folk hero, thanks in part to the book written about him by Sir Walter Scott. The clan was also one of the first Scottish families to begin playing the bagpipes in the 17th century!

Gregor sites to visit

The Trossachs, Dunbartonshire

This beautiful area of lochs, woods and mountains was home to Rob Roy. It’s a romantic place to visit and you’re sure to come away inspired with a passion for the past.

Plan your lowland adventure in the Trossachs

Loch Katrine, Dunbartonshire

The northern shore of this serene loch in the heart of the Trossachs was Rob Roy’s birthplace – a small island in its centre is known as Rob Roy island. Visit his grave in Balquhidder Kirkyard, or follow in the footsteps of this legendary outlaw on the Rob Roy Way which follows his former cattle rustling routes. The beauty of the loch has long inspired literary figures, including Sir Walter Scott, Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

• Book a cruise on the SS Sir Walter Scott
• Adventure on the Rob Roy Way
• Find inspiration at Loch Katrine

Discover more about the Gregor Clan

The members of Clan Mackenzie have roamed far and wide from their traditional homelands in Kintail and Ross-shire. Spectacular Eilean Donan was the clan’s original home, but their seat today is Castle Leod. The clan lands included the wild landscapes of Kintail, Torridon, Applecross and Assynt.

Mackenzie sites to visit

Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands

This is one of the most famous and spectacular of all Scottish castles – it’s worth a visit even without the Mackenzie connection! But if you are part of the clan then you can feel proud to know that Eilean Donan Castle was long held by the Mackenzies of Kintail from the 13th century onwards.

• Location: 20-minute drive from the Isle of Skye
• Opening times: vary depending on season

Experience the magic of Eilean Donan Castle

Castle Leod, Scottish Highlands

This unspoilt towerhouse in the Highlands is open for visitors on several days a year. It is also the inspiration behind castle Leoch, the seat and home of the laird of Clan Mackenzie in Outlander.

• Location: 30-minute drive from Inverness
• Opening times: the site is temporarily closed

Find out more about visiting Castle Leod

Highlanders' Museum, Fort George, Scottish Highlands

In 1778, three Mackenzie regiments were raised for the British Army, two of which were joined in 1881 to form the Seaforth Highlanders, who wore Mackenzie tartan and a stag’s head badge. The story of this historic regiment can be explored at the Highlands Museum at mighty Fort George.

• Location: a few miles east of Inverness
• Opening times: open daily
• Admission: free

Delve into the epic history of the Seaforth Highlanders

Discover more about the Mackenzie Clan

Famed for their skill as archers, warriors and bodyguards, the “wild MacRaes” were a clan feared and respected in equal measure. The lochs and mountains of Kintail were their realm, with spectacular Eilean Donan Castle the clan’s home.

Macrae sites to visit

Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands

If you are touring the lands of Clan MacRae, visiting Eilean Donan Castle – one of the most iconic images of Scotland – is a must. It featured in the movie Highlander and The World is Not Enough and is a gathering point for MacRaes near and far.

• Location: 20-minute drive from the Isle of Skye
• Opening times: vary depending on season

Visit Eilean Donan Castle

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

The MacRaes of the Kintail Battalion mutinied at Edinburgh Castle in 1778, believing that ships were lying off the Port of Leith to take them to India without their consent. They marched behind their piper down the High Street to Leith Links before returning and scaling Arthur’s Seat where they set up camp until a resolution was reached. Follow in their steps and look out for the path named in their memory, “Piper’s Walk”.

• Location: Edinburgh city centre
• Opening times: open daily
• Admission: free

Plan your walk up Arthur’s Seat

Discover more about the MacRae clan

There are many Scottish clan names that are variations on the name Murray, including Moray, Murrie, Murry, MacMurray, Morrow and the Irish O’Murray, Murrihy, and O’Muireadhaigh. Famous family members include President Franklin D Roosevelt’s great-great-great grandfather and, in more recent years, Andy Murray. Clan Murray also maintains Europe’s only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders, who take their salute at Blair Castle.

Murray sites to visit

Blair Castle, Perthshire

You won’t forget your visit to Blair Castle, complete with towers, turrets, twisting staircases and labyrinthine corridors. Admire the paintings and grounds as well as a fascinating collection of weapons, hunting trophies and souvenirs of the Murray clan.

• Location: 30 miles from Perth
• Opening times: open daily

Find out more about visiting Blair Castle

Scone Palace, Perthshire

This magnificent historic house is one of the finest examples of late Georgian Gothic style. The kings of Scotland were inaugurated at Scone in ancient times including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II. In the 1600s, the lands were granted to the Murrays.

• Location: 10-minute drive from Perth
• Opening times: vary depending on season

Delve into history at Scone Palace

Culloden, Scottish Highlands

Lord George Murray was a talented general who led the Jacobite charge at the Battle of Culloden. Despite his military sharpness, the cause was defeated. You can learn all about how this tragic event affected the Murray family at the excellent visitor centre near the battle site.

• Location: 5 miles east of Inverness.
• Opening times: vary depending on season

Plan a visit to Culloden

Discover more about the Murray Clan

The clan of the royal Stewarts ruled Scotland from 1371 to 1603 and included the reigns of Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI of Scotland and I of England.

The Stewarts have built and lived in some of Scotland’s most luxurious and formidable strongholds, including Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace, Castle Stuart, Castle Stalker, Traquair House, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Craigmillar Castle, Mount Stuart and the Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall.

Stuart sites to visit

Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Castle – start your visit at the dramatic castle in the heart of the city, once owned by the Stewart clan.
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse – perhaps most closely associated with Mary Queen of Scots, it’s also where the current monarch stays when in Edinburgh.
• The Corinthian monument on Calton Hill – take a short climb up Calton Hill and admire the views from this monument which was erected in memory of Dugald Stewart (1753-1828), a philosopher and teacher of Sir Walter Scott.
• East Lothian – just a short drive from Edinburgh, visit the battlefield of Prestonpans where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Jacobites to victory at the start of the 1745 Rising.
• The National Museum of Scotland – Jackie Stewart won three Formula One Drivers’ Championships. Take a trip to this free museum and keep your eyes peeled for his 1971 car.

Get inspired and find out more about visiting Edinburgh

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle was a favoured retreat of the Stewart monarchs and the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. It’s also only a short trip to the poignant site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where young Walter the Steward jointly led a division to victory.

• Location: Stirling city centre
• Opening times: vary depending on season

Visit Stirling Castle

Discover more about the Stuart Clan

The name of Clan Wallace is a Scottish history staple thanks to the legendary William Wallace, a freedom fighter in the late 13th and early 14th centuries during the Scottish Wars of Independence. The clan struck fear into their enemies with their famous war cry of “Freedom!”

Wallace sites to visit

The National Wallace Monument, Stirling

Perched on a lofty crag, this monument to the famous leader towers over the bend in the river where Wallace led the Scots to victory at Stirling Bridge. Inside, see the fascinating exhibits about Wallace including his famous sword. The view from the top is well worth the climb up the stairs!

• Location: 9-minute drive from Stirling
• Opening times: vary depending on season

Take a trip to the Wallace Monument

Roslin Glen Country Park, Midlothian

The glen is the site of the Battle of Rosslyn 1303, when Wallace and the brave Scots defeated a superior English force. Spark your imagination with a trip to Wallace’s Cave, a supposed hiding place of Wallace and his men.

• Location: 30-minute drive from Edinburgh
• Opening hours: open daily
• Admission: free

Explore the beauty of Roslin Glen

Discover more about the Wallace clan

Can’t find your clan name on the list? Take a look at our page on Scottish ancestry or use the clan finder on ScotlandShop’s website.