Septs

In the context of Scottish clans, septs are families that followed another family's chief, or part of the extended family and that hold a different surname. These smaller septs would then be part of the chief's larger clan. A sept might follow another chief if two families were linked through marriage, or, if a family lived on the land of a powerful laird, they would follow him whether they were related or not. Bonds of manrent were sometimes used to bind lesser chiefs and his followers to more powerful chiefs.

Today, sept lists are used by clan societies to recruit new members. Such lists date back to the 19th century, when clan societies and tartan manufacturers attempted to capitalise on the enthusiasm and interest for all things Scottish. Lists were drawn up that linked as many surnames as possible to a particular clan, regardless of whether there was an actual historical connection to that clan surname. In this way, individuals without a "clan name" could connect to a Scottish clan and thus feel "entitled" to its tartan.

Affiliated Family

An Affiliated Name is a Family that pledges allegiance to a chief of another Clan or family.

Lairds

The Scots equivalent of "Lord", is a generic name for the owner of a large, long-established Scottish estate.

In the Scottish order of precedence a laird ranks below a baron and above a gentleman.

This rank is held only by those lairds holding official recognition in a territorial designation by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. They are usually styled [name] [surname] of [lairdship].

Cadets

In heraldry and history, a cadet branch consists of the male-line descendants of a patriarch's's younger sons (cadets). Such off-spring were not expected / required to produce any offspring.

In Clan Buchanan, Cadet Branches of the Name Buchanan in order of proximity to the chiefly line:

1. Buchanan of Leny

2. Buchanan of Arnprior

3. Buchanan of Spittal

4. Buchanan of Auchmar

Other Cadet lines include:

• Buchanan of Drumakill

• Buchanan of Achleshie

• Buchanan of Ardenconnel

• Buchanan of Carbeth

• Buchanan of Powis

• Buchanan of Ibert

Cadets then applied for a Coat of Arms, and become Armigers…

Armigers

Armigers are people that have an approved Coat of Arms. This is an ancient tradition stemming from the practical need at the time to identify from a distance the knights by their colours in battles. A bit later in history, the heads of branches of the family obtained coast of arms in display of their status in the community. They were considered to be the “Gentlemen of the Clan” and, therefore, had influence with the Chief. In this respect, these family branches were usually associated with a farm or territory and, hence, the addition of a territorial designation to their surname, eg. Buchanan of Arnprior, Buchanan of Leny etc.

Effectively, in Scotland this changed their surname legally from “Buchanan” to, say, “Buchanan of Arnprior” recognised by Lord Lyon (today, it is equivalent to a change of name by deed poll). So, with this change of surname it follows the descendants down the generations, even if the farm/territory is sold (which is why there can be more than one, for example, “<name> of Spittal”)

Today, Coats of Arms can be obtained by anyone who, in the decision of an Heraldic Authority is an honourable person, and can be considered in the jurisdiction of the Heraldic Authority. The Arms are approved by the Heraldic Authority as a legal piece of personal property. Scotland is the only jurisdiction that has an arm of the Lyon Court that will actively pursue the misuse of arms.

Seanchaidh

(pron. “shen-ark-ee”)

Gaelic for Shenachie, the Clan’s historian

The clan Seanchaidh is essentially the genealogist, historian, storyteller and keeper of the memories, traditions and ceremonies.

It is an important position in the household of a king, noble, or clan chief, and a particularly significant one when it came to the choice, recognition and installation of a new chief - a process that was overseen by the Seanchaidh. His role was highlighted when he presented the new chief to his clan by reciting his pedigree - a ceremony also carried out at other important gatherings of the clan. 

Seneschal

An Estate Manager or Chiefs Steward

A steward in charge of a lord's estate in feudal times.

A seneschal was an official in the houshold of a sovereign or nobleman, to whom the administration of justice and entire control of domestic arrangements were entrusted. The word "seneschal" has also been used to refer to the governor of a city or province, and of various administrative or judicial officers.

A standard-bearer, also known as a flag-bearer is a person who bears an emblem known as a standard — a type of flag or sign, which is used (and often honoured) as a formal, visual symbol of a country, state, prince, military unit, etc.

This can either be an occasional duty, often seen as an honour, or a permanent position (also on the battlefield). If a perpetual position it might be reflected in official rank titles such as Ensign, Cornet and Fähnrich.

While at present a purely ceremonial function, at its origin in medieval warfare the standard-bearer had an important role on the battlefield: an indicator of where the position of a military unit was, with the bright, colorful standard or flag acting as a strong visual beacon to surrounding soldiers. It was an honorable position carrying a considerable risk, as a standard-bearer would be a major target for the opposing side's troops seeking to capture the standard or pull it down.

Luchd-giùlain a’ Chlaidheimh

(pron. “look-gyool-ine klayev“)

Gaelic for the Sword Bearers

An official who carries a sword before an officer on ceremonial occasions. Mostly a symbolic gesture that the dignitary is under physical guard at a time when the official might not be carrying their own arms. It is a token of authority to protect the ward and power to punish criminals.

Clairinch Pursuivant

(pron. “clare-inch per-su-vant”)

The title of the private Herald of Arms to the Chief of Clan Buchanan. Clairinch (Clairinsh) is the island in Loch Lomond granted to the Laird of Buchanan in 1225 and gives the clan its rallying cry or war cry “Clar Innis”

A pursuivant or, more correctly, pursuivant of arms, is a junior officer of arms attached to official heraldic authorities, such as the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh. In the mediaeval era, many great nobles employed their own officers of arms to ensure heraldic accuracy. Pursuivants of arms look after matters of heraldic and genealogical importance for clan members.

It is the Pursuivant's duty to assess and announce applicants for admission into the official clan functions by their names and titles; to take charge of the jewels and regalia of the clan; to attend all meetings of the clan, and to perform such other duties as may be required by the chief. 

Pìobairean Chlann Cananaich

(pron. “Pib-rock piberairn clan cananark”)

Gaelic for the Clan Buchanan pipers. Cananaich translates to Buchanan

A ceremonial role of chief appointed pipers, to lead and play it official clan functions. 

Magadh

(pron. “mag-ay”)

Gaelic for Mage

Faidh

(pron. “fiey”)

Gaelic for Seer

Draoidh

(pron. “druy”)

Gaelic for Druid

Buisneach

(pron. ‘bush-nyark”)

Gaelic for wizard