Clan Forbes Society Blogs

The Clan Forbes Society has published a new clan guide that is clear and accurate -- unlike many other versions peddled by Scottish...

From recorded Scottish history in the13th century until today, members of the House of Forbes have amply demonstrated their military...

Excerpted from the National Museums of Scotland The Fettercairn Jewel is an exceptionally rare Renaissance gold pendant locket. Set with...

The uneasy truce between the Forbeses and Gordons was shattered against the backdrop of the abdication of a Queen, the Assassination of a...

The tour is now full! As noted in the January 2024 newsletter: "This is your last chance to join the 2024 Clan Forbes Society Tour to Forbes heritage sites in Scotland! At the end of this month, reservations will be made for all the confirmed participants." Make plans now to join us for the August 2026 Clan Forbes Tour! The Clan Forbes Scotland Ancestral Tour on August 19 to 26, 2024, will include the most important Forbes heritage sites such as Druminnor Castle and Castle F

Pitfichie Castle, just seven miles from Castle Forbes, was built around 1560 by the Hurrie (or Urrie) family then sold in 1597 to John Cheyne of Fortrie. Sir John Forbes of Monymusk, 3rd Baronet (1640 – 1700), received a Crown Charter of Pitfichie in 1661 and gave the estate to his eldest son of his second marriage, John Forbes (1680 – 1716). In 1711, John purchased the estate of Upper Boyndlie in Buchan from Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Pitsligo (1680 – 1762) and was known as

Alastair “Cam” is generally considered to be the fourth and youngest son of Sir John “of the Black Lip” (c. 1350 - c.1387) but mystery...

Historic Bellabeg House, located in the hamlet of Bellabeg in Strathdon, links Forbes heritage to the modern era. The mansion house overlooks the Lonach field, the site of the annual Lonach Highland Gathering and Games. Originally called Invernochty, or confluence of the Water of Nochty, Bellabeg is the site of a large motte, or mound, of the Pictish Doune of Invernochty. This is from the Scottish Gaelic “dùn” which means “castle” or “fortress.” The settlement was later calle

After being imprisoned several times for attending illegal assemblies, devoted Quaker John Forbes of Aquhorthies became one of the first...