Scottish Clan Maps

All Scots love finding their surname on a clan map! However, most “clan maps” appear to be pleasant fictions that bear only slight resemblance to actual ancestral family lands. The best of the maps is “Scotland of Old,” first published in 1956. This was crafted by Sir Iain Moncreiffe of That Ilk, Bart., Albany Herald, and Don Pottinger, Unicorn Pursuivant of Arms. This version was also approved by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs and the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The map notes that the lands indicate “general spheres of influence, usually about the time of King James VI but taking the history of each district or family as a whole.” The map clearly indicates the Forbes lands in eastern Aberdeenshire and actually marks the locations of Druminnor Castle, Castle Forbes, and Craigiever Castle. Learn more here: https://www.clan-forbes.org/post/clan-maps

First Lord Forbes

Alexander Forbes (1380 - 1448) was born to Sir John Forbes of the Black Lip and Elizabeth Kennedy, daughter of Sir Gilbert Kennedy of Dunure. In 1421, he commanded a regiment when Scotland sent 7,000 troops in support of the French Dauphin (Charles, son and heir of Charles VI) against the English at the Battle of Baugé. The Scots army defeated the English army and killed its commander, Henry V’s brother Thomas, Duke of Clarence. In 1423, Sir Alexander married Elizabeth, the only daughter of George Douglas, Earl of Angus, and granddaughter of Robert III by his daughter Mary. In that same year, Alexander, Earl of Mar, granted to him the lands of Alford, later the foundation of the estates serving Putachie House which became the present Castle Forbes. King James I appointed Alexander to his King’s Council and, in 1429, granted him a royal charter and created him a Lord of Parliament. Thus, he became the first Lord Forbes, and this title remains the oldest in Scotland.  Learn more here: https://www.clan-forbes.org/post/first-lord-forbes

Josie Forbes: The Witch of Taskee

Josie Forbes, the “Witch of Taskee,” was a popular clairvoyant in Missouri from the end of the 19th century until her death in 1944. She helped over hundreds of people from many states of the Union with everything from lost articles, stolen stock, and murders. Her front-page obituary in the Greenville Sun (June 1, 1944) noted that “During the years of her residence here she and her husband Mr. W. E. Forbes, who survives, won the admiration and friendship of hundreds of Wayne county people” and that “Her place of residence was the stopping point for thousands of people, her doorsteps having been visited by people from nearly every state in the union.” Learn more here: https://www.clan-forbes.org/post/witch 

Cannon of William Forbes, 7th Lord of Tolquhon

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. This cast bronze cannon is one of four identical cannons probably cast by a local founder for use in the castle.  They bear the arms and initials of William Forbes, 7th Lord of Tolquhon, and the date 1588. The castle was eventually abandoned in the middle of the 19th century and is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Learn more here: https://www.clan-forbes.org/tolquhon-cannon

The Gift of Membership and Forbes Merchandise

This Christmas, share your pride of our common Forbes heritage by signing up your friends and family members as Active Members! See: https://www.clan-forbes.org/join. You also make a donation to the Society in the name of loved one and send them a Clan Forbes Society Challenge Coin or the photographic book Castles & Mansion Houses of the House of Forbes. You can also check out the Clan Forbes Society Store for such merchandise as posters, luggage tags, bumper stickers, tote bags, refrigerator magnets, and buttons. Browse the store here: https://www.clan-forbes.org/store 

Board of Directors Nominations Now Open!

If you have been enjoying the Clan Forbes Society, why not get more involved? In addition to Clan Conveners, the Society needs advisers, officers, and directors who can help lead the Society.

The Board is currently comprised of three officers: the President serves as the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Operations serves as the Chief Operating Officer, and the Vice President for Conveners manages the outreach and marketing at all the highland games and Scottish festivals. The President can appoint any other officer and directors as needed and as interest allows. These may include Secretary, Treasurer, and Director for Membership, and Director for Genealogy.

Several people act as advisors to the Society in the areas of clan history, social media, and the past society. We’re looking for more advice in many other areas.
If you are willing to commit to specific duties and responsibilities, please consider becoming an officer, director or advisor. The deadline for nominations is November 30, 2019. If you want to find out more, please contact Bart Forbes at president@clan-forbes.org. Thanks!

Welcome Members!

Please welcome our new Active Members for September 2020:

• Mr. Bryan Scott Forbes, Missouri, USA
• Mr. James Ward Cox, Connecticut, USA
• Mr. John James Forbes, Virginia, USA
• Ms. Sheryll Maree Forbes, Queensland, Australia
• Ms. Veronica Larson, Washington, USA
• Ms. Christine Edwards, Washington, USA

Please welcome back our renewing Active Members for August 2020:

• Ms. Stacy Berry Workman, North Carolina, USA
• Ms. Linda Miller-Logan. Oklahoma, USA
• Mr. James Elliott Forbes, Virginia, USA
• Ms. Catherine Forbes McCausland, California, USA
• Ms. Shari S. Forbes, California, USA
• Mr. Jerry Wayne Forbes, Minnesota, USA
• Mr. Robert Allan Scott, Maine, USA
• Mr. John W. Forbes, Kansas, USA
• Mr. Fred Forbes, Florida, USA
• Ms. Lynn Forbes Hales, North Carolina, USA
• Ms. Wendy Grubb, Louisiana, USA
• John J. Brice III, South Dakota, USA
• Steven Anthony Forbes, Sr., Kentucky, USA
   

If you haven’t already supported the Society financially, please consider becoming a paid member! Active Membership is $25 annually will help the Society research the history and heritage of the House of Forbes; develop resources for tracing your genealogy with your cousins around the world; connect with other members in the Clan Forbes Community; and encourage more members to join us in events, tours and gatherings. Thanks to all our 2019 members – and now it’s time to renew your support for 2020! Renew your membership here.

Patron Members

If you don’t want the bother of renewing your membership every year, consider becoming a Patron Member for lifetime membership at the level of $600. 

Donations

Before the end of the year, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Clan Forbes Society! For your donation of US$60 or more, you will receive a copy of Castles & Mansion Houses of the House of Forbes as your free gift. For your donation of US$25 or more, you will receive a Clan Forbes Challenge Coin as your free gift. Our thanks go out to Ms. Victoria Forbes for her donation during October!
 

Highland Games & Festivals

Many of the 2020 Highland Games and Scottish Festivals have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check the Clan Forbes Society website for the latest announcements: https://www.clan-forbes.org/games