CLAN & FAMILY CARRUTHERS: The Inauguration; All Hail the Chief!!!

On the 24th of August 2024, Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains, confirmed Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers by the Lord Lyon in 2019, was inaugurated in our ancestral home of Annandale. He and other chiefs were welcomed by Dr Fiona Armstrong, Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries and wife of the Chief of Gregor.

The Inauguration took place at the Annan Festival, attended by well over 2000 people during the course of the day. Sadly, the weather forecast kept many away. However, 100’s of messages offering best wishes and congratulations to the Chief have been received by our Convenor, from all around the world.

Prior to the inauguration itself, Dr George Carruthers, FSA Scot who retired as Society Convenor, was appointed Shennachie to the Chief. His role on the day was to conduct the inauguration ceremony and ensure the ancient format was adhered to.

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The Chief was processed into the centre stage area, led by the new Convenor, Mr Michael Carruthers carrying the Society banner. He was followed by the other Chiefs and Commanders in attendance, the Shennachie and his banner, the Chief’s Household, the Inauguration Chaplain, the Lord Lyon’s representative and the Chief himself and his heir with their banner.

Dr George Haig, FSA Scot, Advisor to the Chief, welcomed all those present and called them to stand, while the procession entered and was seated. The Shennachie was then invited on to the stage to conduct the ceremony. The Chief was asked by the Shennachie to join him and the importance of the Chief’s role in legalising a clan and family within Scots law was conveyed to the crowd.

Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw Bt, Albany Herald Extraordinary, as the Lord Lyons representative presented the Chief’s Letters Patent from the Lyon on behalf of the Sovereign. Sir Crispin is Chief of Clan Agnew and had acted as a Herald at the Coronation of King Charles III in September 2022.

Sir Crispin read out part of the :etters Patent covering the Chief’s ancestry and genealogy and his legal right to hold the title. He described the arms, first registered along with all other Scottish Arms after the Lyons Act of 1672 by the Chief’s ancestor John 9th of Holmains and 5th Baron and that they have remained unchanged ever since. They are now registered to Peter Carruthers of Holmains as Chief, with additaments. These additiaments denote his status and consist of a compartment of heath on which is strewn the clan plant of Gorse in bloom and the two supporters of fallow deer bucks rampant proper. This, along with the banner and pinsel can be seen below on the Letter Patent itself. He further mentioned that Carruthers, on the death of John Carruthers 12th of Holmains, 8th Baron had been dormant since 1809, but after over 200 years, Carruthers were officially recognised as a clan and family.

He went on to highlight the 1587 Act of the Scottish Parliament ‘For the quieting and keping in obiedince of the disorderit subjectis inhabitantis of the borders hielands and Ilis‘ and that Carruthers were mentioned as one of the 17 border clannis in the Act.

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After Sir Crispin had retired, the Chief then received, according to tradition, 4 items of his office:

• A bible, embossed with the Chiefs arms, which was given to his grandfather on his Christening. This followed the presentation to King Charles at his coronation who was also presented with a bible with the same words used. To keep mindful of the law of the Gospel of God as the ruler for the whole of life and government of Christian princes and leaders , receive this book, the most valuable thing that this world afford. Here is the wisdom; this Royal Law, these are the lively oracles of God.
• A Balmoral bonnet carrying three eagle feathers, which were a gift from his friend and fellow Chief, Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, as the symbols of the Chief of a Clan, and was advised to wear them well and with pride.
• A gold signet ring bearing the Chiefs shield, from his clansman and former Commissioner for Australia, Gary John Carruthers. This was given as a sign of his authority as leader of his clan and family.
• The final item was a Chief’s cromach. This was made by the Chief’s friend Frank Rodgers. The handle is of lime and ancient symbol of justice and joy, the shaft is sycamore symbolising longevity. The crook speaks of a shepherd caring for its flock and suggested that all these virtues be the Chief’s as he protects and cares for his clan.

At this point the Chief gave his oath of loyalty to the Clan to preserve, protect and defend our name to the best of his ability in all matters, and on behalf of the elders and stewards of Carruthers the Shennachie gave his oath of fealty and loyalty to the Chief and to honour our name to the best of his ability. This was followed by an oath of fealty and loyalty by the clansnen and clanswomen present, that they will remain faithful and honour the traditions of our heritage by being ready and faithful to our name. (Oaths have been summarised).

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The oaths having been exchanged, the Inauguration Chaplain, the Reverend John G Pickles, minister of the Church of Scotland for the parishes Annan, Brydekirk, Dalton and Hightae was asked on to the stage. He gave readings from Psalms and the Gospel of St Luke, led all present in prayers and gave a blessing to the Chief, taken from the Coronation of King Charles, and to all before him, a blessing of light, grace and peace.

The Chaplain then returned to his seat and the Shennachie gave messages of greetings offering fealty and loyalty from his 6 Commissioners worldwide to the Chief. He then invited those other clan and family Chiefs present who wished to do so, to offer their own greetings.

The Shennachie closed the proceedings by declaring, on behalf of the clan and family, Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of Carruthers. He went on to thank all concerned, and that the day would contunue at the Inauguration Dinner and Ceilidh but apologised to those who couldn’t attend it as it was fully booked. He also commented on the fact that this was a culmination of a great many years of hard work and effort but by ensuring we had followed the correct legal process to have a Chief officially named, today marked the end of a long road.

Of these, Sir Crispin had given his congratulations and best wishes earlier, but Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterson, Chief of Clan Hunter, Sir John MacEwen, Commander of Clan MacEwen, Dr David Hanney of Kirkdale of that Ilk, Chief of Clan Hanney, John MacArthur of that Ilk, Chief of Clan Arthur, Ross McEwen FSA Scot, on behalf of Micheal Buchanan of Buchanan, Chief of Buchanan who sent greetings and finally Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Chief of Clan Irving, gave greeting from a fellow unruly clan.

The ceremony was closed after a heart felt thank you speech from the Chief to all who had attended, supported and had made it happen. He reiterated his oath and commitment to the Clan and Family of Carruthers worldwide, and pledged to keep its rich history and its heritage alive.

He offered thanks to those who had taken us to where we are today. Dr George Carruthers, FSA Scot who laid the groundwork over the many years was thanked and Michael Carruthers and his family for the organisation of not only the day itself, but the clan tent. The tent itself was never empty with well-wishers from the local area and from overseas wanting to know more about their Carruthers history and heritage. He also thanked the Annan the History Town committee, namely Graeme MacGregor and Neil Carruthers for making the day both possible and memorable.

Carruthers were and are through this inauguration of our Chief, officially recognised in Scottish clan and family society worldwide as a recognised, proud and ancient Border name.

Update on the Inauguration Meal will follow.

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