Clan Chisholm

The ancestral lands of Clan Chisholm encompass some of Scotland’s most stunning glens, including Glen Cannich and Glen Affric. Originally a Norman family, the Chisholms settled in Roxburgh after coming to Britain with William the Conqueror. Later, they gained Highland lands through marriage, and Robert Chisholm became Constable of Urquhart Castle in Inverness-shire in 1359. His son Alexander married The Lady of Erchless, which led to substantial land holdings and Erchless Castle becoming the clan seat.

Clan history recounts how seven men from Glen Moriston, including Alexander, Donald, and Hugh Chishols, hid Bonnie Prince Charlie after his defeat at Culloden, while John Chshols provided him with food when he hid out at Fasnakyle Wood for ten days. Cattle raiding was also recorded, with Wiland CHischom leading a party that stole 56 oxen, 60 cows, 300 sheep, 80 swine, and 15 horses belonging to Hugh Rose of Clan Rose!

Each July, clan members can gather around Beauly or Inverness to visit sights such as Erchless Castle (not open to visitors but available for holiday let), nearby burial ground markers, or take a walk down Loch Beneveian towards Loch Affric, where there is a marker erected by the clan commemorating these ancient clan lands. Other places worth exploring include Loch Mullardoch shoreline overlooking dammed waters, where legend has it the chief would address clansfolk from a large stone underneath, a cairn above the water line erected by the society over the site, the Bannockburn site not far away where Sir John de Chesholme led them into battle against the English, setting off a new chapter in Scottish history books. Lastly, the iconic Urquhart Castle, located strategically yet scenically nearby Loch Ness, is well worth a visit!