CLAN FORBES

Clan Motto

Grace Me Guide

Chief

The Rt. Hon. The LORD FORBES K.B.E, D.L
Represented by Malcolm, The Master of Forbes D.L.
Castle Forbes, Keig.

Associated Names

Bannerman, Berrie, Berry, Boyce, Boyes, Faubus, Fobes, Forbess, Forbis, Forbus, Forbush, Fordice, Fordyce, Furbush, Lumsden, Macouat, Macowatt, MacQuattie, MacWatt, Mechie, Mekie, Meldrum, Michie, Middleton, Walter, Walters, Watson, Watt, Watters, Wattie, Watts

The History of the clan

Although there is doubt with regards to the Celtic or Gaelic origin of clan Forbes, it was one of the most powerful and influential of the northern clans.

The traditions regarding the origin of the surname of Forbes vary, but it is thought that the clan took its name from the Aberdeenshire parish of Forbes, where the present peer still holds most of duthus or Lordship of Forbes.

There is a traditional connection between the clans Forbes, Mackay and Urquhart which originated from a famous hunter, Concur, from Ireland, who, having slain a ferocious bear in that district, took the name of Forbear, now spelled and pronounced Forbes.

Consequentially, clan Forbes carries three bears' heads in their arms. The lands of clan Forbes span the north-east of Scotland from the mountainous ranges of Aberdeenshire to the coast of Banff and Buchan.

Today, over looking the Don stands Castle Forbes built in 1815 by James Ochoncar, 17th Lord Forbes. The first of the Forbes of Culloden, in Inverness-shire, was Duncan Forbes. He was also provost of Inverness, and purchased the estate of Culloden from the Laird of Mackintosh in 1626. John, the 4th Laird of Culloden, played an active role on the government's side during the rebellion of 1715. He died without issue in 1734 to be succeeded by his only brother, Duncan.

The present chief of the clan is

Nigel 22nd Lord Forbes and he lives at Balforbes on the south side of the River Don. He follows in his father’s footsteps, Atholl 21st Lord, into the Grenadier Guards and fought throughout the major campaigns of the Second World War before becoming a military assistant t the High Commissioner for Palestine. Nigel was elected to serve as a representative peer for Scotland in the House of Lords and was minister of State for Scotland during the Conservative government of Harold Macmillan in 1958-59.