Clan Forbes Society Blogs

The Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 was one of the most consequential wars fought on Scottish soil. Popular myths abound to this day – such as this was a battle for Scotland’s freedom from England and that the clash pitted lowland Scots against the Highlanders. However, the first-hand accounts of two prominent members of Clan Forbes expose these myths as pure fabrications.

Before the 2024 Clan Forbes Society Tour this past August, Clan Forbes Society President Bart Forbes and member Antonio Uribe Jr. visited the Aberdeen and North-East Scotland Family History Society Resource Centre at 158-164 King Street in the center of Aberdeen. The Centre assists and promotes the study of genealogy and family history based on the North-East corner of Scotland.

The Forbes family of Boston were descended from the Forbes of Newe through a minister in East Florida. They married into the wealthy merchants called the “Boston Brahmins” and became themselves wealthy traders.

The House of Forbes was almost extinguished as the result of the wars of Scottish Independence. However, the first lairds of Forbes persevered to win the admiration of King Robert I and son King David II.

St. Ninian’s Cathedral in Perth, Scotland, was the result of the friendship of Horace Courtney Gammell Forbes, 19th Lord Forbes (1829 – 1914), and George Frederick Boyle, 6th Earl of Glasgow (1825–1890), while at Oxford University. Not only was St. Ninian’s the first cathedral built in Great Britain since the 1560 Scottish Reformation, but it also re-united two Protestant congregations separated by doctrinal beliefs.

This stunning maplewood and silver mazer (drinking bowl) was probably commissioned by William Forbes (1566 – 1627), son of William Forbes, 4th Lord of Corse and brother of Patrick, Bishop of Aberdeen.

No trip to the National Museums Scotland in Edinburgh is complete without admiring this cannon which once defended the House of Forbes Heritage Site Tolquhon Castle.

Everyone who visits Castle Forbes will notice an antique secretary overflowing with men’s shaving and grooming products. This line of...

Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Pitsligo Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Pitsligo, actively supported the efforts of the deposed James VII and II...

Alexander Forbes was born in 1564 as the son of John Forbes, 2nd laird of Ardmurdo, and his wife Helen Graham of Morphie. His grandfather...

If you love a good mystery and all things Scottish, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the imaginary world of “Loch Lonach” with Virginia...

The Monymusk Reliquary is an important eighth century religious artifact that was owned by the Forbes of Monymusk family in the...