Being appointed into any position of honour by a Scottish Clan Chief carries with it, its own respect, accessibility and recognition. This is reflected in the arms seen to the left, with the cross batons reflecting the office, are the personal arms of the Carruthers Shennachie. The term Shennachie/Sennachie/Seanachaí is an important title, bestowed upon the individual recognised by the Chief as custodians of the clan/family’s history to include its heraldry. These roles are therefore an integral part of the Chief’s Council and household, and act as an archive for all important clan/family information. They are the bearers of the old folklore of the family, the keepers and recorders of the past for future generations to enjoy.
Accepting that the Lord Lyon may be classed as the High Shennachie of Scotland more and more Scottish Chiefs are appointing them in post, thus ensuring their histories are recorded for future generations. It is therefore a great honour for one to hold the title and converse and communicate with others of that ilk.
On the confirmation of Sir John R H McEwen of Marchmont and Badrochat as Chief of Clan McEwen, our own Shennachie, Dr George Carruthers FSA Scot, received a correspondence from his opposite number in Clan McEwen, reflecting the special bond that exists between both names. This shows the importance of the Lord Lyon in the process, on behalf and with the recognition of the British Crown, who without his approval, no Chief of a Scottish clan or family will be recognised as such.
At the behest of the Acting Seannachie to the Chief of McEwen, our own Shennachie is happy for us to share the communication with you, see below.
Being part of an officially recognised Scottish clan/family, with its own Chief confirmed by the Lord Lyon, through the auspices of the British Crown, gives not only official status, respect and credibility to those names, it also allows them to move forward into the future based on there own historical legacy while offering great deal of pride and honour for future generations. Further, it allows a base line interchangeable acceptability amongst those names and families duly recognised, which an important concept in today’s world.
Carruthers
In the same vein as all other Scottish border names, there is only one Clan and Family of Carruthers and for those like us who are not armigerous, one Chief. That Chief, is Peter Carruthers of Holmains who is recognised as such by the Lord Lyon. We also only have one official Society, the Clan Carruthers Society (International), of which the Chief remains as Honorary President.
All three are proudly portrayed under the banner of the official clan / family tartan of Carruthers, registered as such with the Scottish Register of Tartans, on which, as can be seen above is placed our clan / family crest.
The Carruthers crest badge of course contains a seraphim proper, which is always portrayed with a face in the centre of the six wings. If no face, it has no place claiming the name of Carruthers.
Promptus et Fidelis
Congratulations to Clan McEwen!