What began many years ago, and with the blessing of Charles, Lord Bruce heir of the Earl of Elgin and Chiefship of Bruce, we finally got there.
On the evening of the 24th of August, after the Chief’s official Inauguration, the Inauguration Dinner was held at the Annan Distillery. Three speakers were on hand to entertain and inform; these were Dr George Carruthers FSA Scot, Shennachie to the Chief who recounted the origins of the name Carruthers, the position of the groundworks of Caer Rydderch (pronounced Ruthers) on Birrens Hill, and its use by the Selgovae during the time of the Roman Occupation. He also touched on part of Carruthers history moving through William de Carruthers, Carruthers of Mouswald and included the sad case of the orphans of Mouswald (pronounced Mooz’ald locally) after the last chief of that line was killed in 1548. It was Sir Simon’s death that led to the Chief’s mantle being passed to the next senior line of Carruthers of Holmains where it sits today. He then discussed the Holmains line, with some background on the same up to and including the current Chief.
The second speaker was Mr Steve Carruthers Colburn, whose detailed research on Carruthers DNA was based on the years of study by the Clan Carruthers yDNA Research Project which Steve heads. This study, using the most robust form of DNA research available, is analysed, logged and cross referenced with our family’s genealogy to allow us to accurately map our history and past. To date it has shown that Carruthers or at least our DNA snp, arrived in the UK from Europe, appearing on the east coast of Scotland sometime around 500 BC. From there it migrated down into what is now Annandale and the Carruthers line in our ancestral home began. His talk was in-depth and interesting putting to bed any thoughts of either a direct Viking, Gael or Norman link. This study itself is dynamic and ongoing with some fascinating results and outcomes to come, so future surprises are expected. One thing we can say is that you really cannot get more Scottish than this.
The third speaker is renowned throughout heraldic society, both in Scotland and overseas. His Master’s degree in Scots Law gives him a great understanding of the workings and relevance of a Chief and their role in the 21st century. Ross McEwen Esq is an armiger of Clan McEwen and has played a huge role in assisting them in having a clan Commander Commissioned. His talk on Clans, Chiefs and their roles in today’s society was enlightening during which he emphasised that “the Chiefship of a Clan is a living, breathing, walking embodiments of heritage, history, identity, community and in many ways they legitimise all of those aspects too, especially in Scotland where thankfully the Chiefship of a Clan or Family is a social dignity, a legal identity still enabled and empowered in law, recognised by the Crown”.
“Following the path of Carruthers, either by genealogy as they did, or in some cases by a gathering to choose a commander, are the following clans and families: ‘Strachan, MacGillivray, Logan, MacEwen, Baird, MacPhee, Currie, Ewing, and MacAlpine, with the families Young and Bell looking to commence and recommence the process before the end of the decade“. “The Chiefship of MacDonald of Glencoe is also currently in play, and a few more are in the wings“.
All of these clans mentioned and their progress to have a Chief confirmed or a Commander commissioned come under the auspices and supervision of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
More information on Ross’s speech will be published shortly.
The Chief then delighted us with his ideas on the way forward for Carruthers, both as a clan and family and as a Society, separate but conjoined. He thanked Dr George Carruthers, Shennachie for all his work and stated without him we would not be here today. He mentioned Mr Antony Maxwell, our heraldist, sadly passed and the work he’d done and of course offered grateful thanks to Michael Carruthers, Society Convenor on all the work he and his family had done in the organisation and set up of the event itself. He then thanked his family and guests for coming and for giving him the support throughout the journey and all those from overseas; Africa, Australia, Europe, Canada, the US and from the UK for the same.
He went on to share his personal thoughts and discussed his own family line back to John 12th of Holmains and beyond. He touched on the many successes of our family the many scientific naming of the flora and fauna of which members of the Carruthers family were involved. He further mentioned and praised the Carruthers tartan, which is now worn all over the world with great pride, and was in abundance today on the field.
His family, listed below were well represented with all members being present to support the Chief on his big day. The inauguration gives Peter Carruthers of Holmains both the legal and official status as Chief of Carruthers here in Scotland and also wherever the Carruthers name or derivations of the same may be found worldwide.
Madam Holmains
Judith Carruthers of Holmains
Asher Carruthers of Holmains yr.
Abigail Carruthers of Holmains
During the weekend, the Chief officially appointed individuals, either into their existing posts or to new posts within the clan and family itself. All these clansmen and clanswomen will join the Chief on the roll of his Council.
Carruthers’ Elders and Stewards
Dr George Carruthers, FSA Scot,
Armiger
Shennachie to the Chief.
Cécilia Mitchell-Carruthers, Clan Armiger
Hereditary Banner Bearer to the Chief
Member of the Chief's Household.
Gail Carruthers White
Honorary Member of the Chief's Household.
Advisors to the Chief
Accepting their areas of expertise, the respect he has for them and their proven honesty and ongoing support, the Chief appointed two individuals as personal Advisors. These appointments come directly from the Chief on recommendation or by personal choice and are both a great honour, and allow the individual to be included on the Roll of the Chief’s Council as a member.
Gary John Carruthers Esq,
FSA Scot
Armiger
Advisor to the Chief.
Dr George Haig,
FSA Scot petitioner),
Armiger
Advisor to the Chief.
On the Day of his Inauguration, the Chief then reappointed or appointed his Society Convenor and Regional Clan Commissioners. These appointments come directly from the Chief on recommendation or by personal choice and are both a great honour, and allow the individual to be included on the Roll of the Chief’s Council as a member.
Society Convenor
Michael Carruthers
Society Convenor for the Clan Carruthers Society (International)
Regional Commissioners
Ian Leslie Hewett Carruthers
Regional Commissioner for Africa
Craig Carrothers Monument (FSA Scot petitioner)
Regional Commissioner for Australasia and Oceania
Andrew James Carruthers
Regional Commissioner for Canada
Cécilia Mitchell-Carruthers
Regional Commissioner for Europe
Awaiting Confirmation
Regional Commissioner for the United Kingdom
Awaiting Confirmation
Regional Commissioner for the United States of America
Clan Genealogists
The Chief’s appointment of four senior genealogists raises them from the regions to Clan Genealogists. This reflects his appreciation of their reputation and tenacity in their chosen field, to ensure accuracy for the benefit of our name. Being a great honour, he was pleased to announce that their skill set and seniority, raises them to the status of being a member of the Chief’s Council.
Dana Caruthers Norton,
FSA Scot
Clan Genealogist
Gary John Carruthers Esq FSA Scot
Clan Genealogist
Laurie Carruthers Caron
FSA Scot
Clan Genealogist
Steve Carruthers Colburn
Clan Genealogist (DNA)
These appointments began as of the 24th of August 2004 and come directly under the Chief’s remit and decision, as such a certificate will be issued and he will be in contact with all listed in due course.
Congratulations to all concerned and on a personal note, thank you for the many years of support you have given me in the past as your Convenor. What we have achieved has been a guiding light to others to follow. We should be proud of ourselves. I believe muy own morro says it all : Non Sto Solus (I do not stand alone)
Dr George Carruthers, FSA Scot
Shennachie to the Chief
Congratulations to all!