Our family has always had close ties with the Border Reiver Clan of Irving of Bonshaw, with the current Chief, Rupert Irving being a friend to many of us to include our own Chief, which we are grateful for. Rupert was a guest of Peter Carruthers of Holmains, at his inauguration as Chief of Carruthers in Annan in 2024, and both were guests at the inauguration of the Buchanan in 2022.
Twa Chiefs: Irving of Bonshaw and Carruthers of Holmains
In the past we have ran a blog on this border clan, who not only continue to have a close relationship with us, but historically have been near neighbours of ours, and on occasions, riding and reiving companions.
Interestingly, during a conversation with the Lord Lyon at a function being hosted by the current Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Charles Lord Bruce at Broomhall House in Fife. It was here that information regarding the status of Irving of Bonshaw came up. Rupert’s father had just been confirmed Chief of the Name and Arms of the Irving’s of Bonshaw, taking them from an armigerous clan to being once again recognised in Scots law as a distinct border Clan in their own right.
As we were already well down the road in our own research, this information regarding the status of the Irvings, in part further strengthened my resolve to see Carruthers follow suit.
From there and with the support of Dana Caruthers Norton FSA Scot in the US and Antony Maxwell the heraldist, here in Scotland, for us as the Clan and Family of Carruthers the rest, as they say is history, with our own chief sitting on the Standing Council of Scottish chiefs along with Rupert Irving.
NB: It is important to note that the legal status of a Scottish Clan/Family does not rely on the ownership of a tower or building related to that name.
The Chiefship does however, fully rely on an individual being confirmed as Chief by the Lord Lyon, which only occurs after a full analysis of the proofs of his/her right to bear the chiefly arms of that name. This and only this can lead to an invitation to sit on the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, where that right in itself, may be viewed as a sign of recognition and legality.
Here is an excellent interview with the Chief, Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, published by the Scotland Shop, who are used by many of us for our Carruthers tartan wear.
An Interview with: Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Clan Chief & Chief Of The Name & Arms.
BY EMILY REDMAN August 04, 2025.
“We’re delighted to share this special interview with Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, 20th Chief of the Border Clan Irving. With a heritage stretching back centuries and a strong presence in both Scotland and across the global diaspora, the Irvings of Bonshaw represent a proud and enduring chapter of Scottish history. We spoke with Rupert about his upbringing, his family’s deep roots in the Borders, the significance of formal recognition by the Lord Lyon, and his hopes for the future of the clan. Whether you’re a long-standing member of Clan Irving or just beginning to explore your heritage, we hope you’ll find inspiration in Rupert’s reflections”.
- THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RUPERT, LET’S START BY ASKING WHERE DID YOU GROW UP, AND WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME THESE DAYS?
I was born in Edinburgh and spent a lot of my earlier life in Europe and the Middle East. My father was a senior officer in the Royal Navy so that meant that as family we travelled to various overseas postings such as Egypt, Italy, Portugal.
Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Clan Chief & Chief Of The Name & Arms
I presently live in Northumberland, roughly equidistant to my children at universities in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and my business based in the City of London. As my children are now close to graduating, I will no doubt be relocating to Scotland before too long.
- THE IRVINGS OF BONSHAW HAVE A DEEP-ROOTED HISTORY, DATING BACK TO 1506. HOW PRESENT WAS THAT SENSE OF HERITAGE IN YOUR LIFE GROWING UP, AND HOW HAS YOUR CONNECTION TO IT EVOLVED OVER TIME?
As a Clan we are fortunate to have “The Book Of The Irvings” that was put together by Colonel J B Irving, in 1907, a remarkable achievement given this was done without computers. Colonel Irving was my 3x great grandfather.
I am led to understand there is a Location Index for originals at Bonshaw Tower with books located worldwide: the House of Commons Library in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and in the United States of America including the Library of Congress, Washington DC.
The Book of Irvings – Colonel John Beaufin Irving of Bonshaw
The Irvings of Bonshaw, the line of Clan Chiefs, do indeed have a deep rooted history that is proven back to 1506 and further research has indicated there are records going back to 1120s.
With that history and family connection to it, we felt it would be a good idea to have the book cross-referenced and checked for validity by professional ASGRA researchers and what we found is quite surprising. The Book itself is 98% correct with a couple of anomalies that were ironed out by the research.
- 2014, THE LORD LYON KING OF ARMS FORMALLY RECOGNISED YOUR FATHER AS CHIEF OF THE NAME AND ARMS OF IRVING OF BONSHAW A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF WILLIAM IRVING OF BONSHAW, UPON WHOM THE HONOUR WAS FIRST CONFERRED IN THE 1670S. HOW SIGNIFICANT WAS THAT MOMENT FOR YOUR FAMILY AND THE WIDER CLAN?
My father was encouraged to matriculate as we discovered the last person to do so was back in the 1890s. This was also driven by the fact that we had been made aware of misinformation being spread about by others , so we decided to do something about it.
Captain Robert Alec Snow Irving RN (Retd.), Clan Chief & Chief of the Name and Arms of Irving of Bonshaw (1930-2021))
This was a significant moment for us as a family as it reaffirmed what we knew about our history and role within the Clan.
- WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY TO HAVE YOUR ARMS FORMALLY MATRICULATED IN 2021 AND TO BE RECOGNISED AS CHIEF OF THE NAME AND ARMS OF IRVING OF BONSHAW?
On my father’s passing in 2021, I felt that it is important to continue with matriculating the Arms and this was kindly approved by Lord Lyon in March 2021.
To have this formal recognition carries with it a certain responsibility I believe that still has relevance in today’s digitally driven environment. The role of Clan Chief evolves over time and today there is a particular focus as the guardian or keeper of each Clan’s history, its roots and above all else its unique identity.
(Fergus Scottish Festival (Canada) 2024 L-R: Ted Arnott, Member of Provincial Parliament, Wellington/Halton Hills & Speaker of the Legislature | Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Chief of the Name & Arms and 20th Clan Chief | Michael Chong, Member of Parliament, Wellington/Halton Hills | Rob Black, Member of the Senate of Canada.)
- YOU’VE SPOKEN ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING TOGETHER AND CELEBRATING SHARED HERITAGE WHAT DOES THAT SENSE OF UNITY LOOK LIKE WITHIN THE IRVING CLAN?
Within the Irvings & Irvines, we have a rather unique situation with two Chiefs being granted Arms formally recognised by the Court Of The Lord Lyon.
The Irvines of Drum, located in Aberdeenshire, are a Scottish Family being appointed by the monarch in 1324 to the Forest of Drum with the barony created in 1326. Their present Chief is Alexander Irvine of Drum 27th Baron.
The Irvings of Bonshaw, located in Dumfries & Galloway, are a Scottish Border Reiver Clan with Gaelic origins and earliest records back to 1120s.
- YOU’RE ALSO A MEMBER OF THE STANDING COUNCIL OF SCOTTISHY CHIEFS. COULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT THAT INVOLVES AND HOW THE COUNCIL SUPPORTS SCOTTISH HERITAGE?
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs was formed in March 1952 in Edinburgh, with the Earl of Elgin, Chief of the House of Bruce, as its founding Convener. At the annual meeting this year his grandson, Lord Charles Bruce, agreed to become the new Convener, succeeding Sir Malcolm MacGregor.
The council and its members not only liaise actively with their clan societies but also with umbrella groups in the US and Canada. Back home, the council also works closely with the Scottish Government both in furthering Scottish interests around the world and in raising awareness within Scotland of the vital role played by heritage tourism in the economy.
Today, there are more than 135 members of the council, including the heads of almost all the major Clans and Families in Scotland.
- YOU RECENTLY MARCHED IN EDINBURGH’S FIRST EVER TARTAN DAY THIS MAY. WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR YOU, BOTH PERSONALLY AND AS CLAN CHIEF?
This was in itself a unique event that I hope will be continued annually in Edinburgh. I have to say this great fun and there was 8 Chiefs available to march in the parade. In years to come there will be more Chiefs being involved.
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs at Edinburgh Tartan Parade 2025 L-R: Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw Bt, Chief of Agnew | Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Chief of the Border Irvings | Dugald Skene of Skene, Baron of Skene, Chief of Skene | Richard Oliphant of that Ilk, Chief of Oliphant | John MacArthur of that Ilk, Chief of MacArthur | James Macnab of Macnab, Chief of Macnab | Hugh Montgomerie of Montgomery, Chief of Montgomery | Charles, Lord Bruce, heir to the Chiefship of Bruce and the Earldoms of Elgin & Kincardine.
I was particularly impressed with the number of people in the parade itself and strong sense of community on the day. It is a uniquely Scottish event that should be continued and developed.
- CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE IRVING OF BONSHAW TARTAN? DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WHAY TO WEAR IT?
There are two Clan/Family tartans formally registered with The Scottish Register of Tartans in Edinburgh. The other Irvine and Irving tartans are formally registered as Personal only.
There is the ‘Irvine’ tartan which is not affiliated with any particular Clan or Family and can be worn by Irvines & Irvings worldwide diaspora. The ‘Irving of Bonshaw’ tartan is for all those individuals and families affiliated with the Old Scots Border Clan of the Irvings & Irvines.
Clans & Families Gathering (Annan) 2024 | Rupert Irving of Bonshaw
Both are attractive tartans to wear, easy on the eye and both look just as excellent in formal or day wear, so our view is that if you like them then why not wear either or both of these tartans.
I have both kilt and trews, and I do prefer wearing the kilt as this has become recognised worldwide as Scottish National dress.
- THERE IS A GROWING INTEREST IN SCOTTISH HERITAGE AND FAMILY HISTORY. HAVE YOU SEEN AN INCREASED ENGAGEMENT FROM CLAN IRVING MEMBERS IN RECENT YEARS
There continues to be contact with Clan members over the years with a remarkable increase in followers in recent times. The website www.clanirving.com is proving to be the primary point of contact and people’s interest is highlighted when they recognise and understand their Border Reiver heritage.
- FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN CONNECTING MORE WITH THE IRVING CLAN, WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO START?
Best place to start is probably to drop me a note to clanchief@clanirving.com. A lot of the questions I am asked are to do with research and I help as best I can to steer people in the right direction. It is genuinely a pleasure to hear from people.
“Thank you to Rupert for generously sharing his time and insights with us. His passion for heritage, history, and community truly brings the story of Clan Irving to life.
If you’d like to learn more about the Irvings of Bonshaw, their history, tartan, and how to connect with fellow clan members, visit our dedicated clan page.”
The continual and increased interest in both Scottish history and clan and family culture worldwide, has seen an increase in Chiefs and Commanders over the years, the latter where there is no evidence of the chiefly line. Both Chiefs and Commanders can only be confirmed by the Lord Lyon. A chief through proven geneology and if no genealogy, then a derbfine/gathering is held in Scotland, usually on the ancestral lands of the clan or family and supervised by the Lyon Court. It is here where a Commander is chosen to lead the clan for a sert period, until a Chief of the clan/family is confirmed by the Lord Lyon.
As a member of the Scottish judiciary, the Lord Lyon is the only authority, patented by the crown to recognise an individual’s right to bear the chiefly arms of a Scottish name. As such, the recognition of this legal and robust process carries respect worldwide wherever Scottish culture and heritage are celebrated. This ancient and vigorous practice to ensure that only the worthy are confirmed, only strengthens the anchorage to our Scottish ancestry, whether native Scots born, or a member of the diaspora, and is something to celebrate.
An example of celebrating opur heritage and culture, is the wonderful turnout in Edinburgh this May ’25 for their first ever Tartan Parade, previously mentioned in Rupert’s interview. As you can see Carruthers are well represented by our Convenor Michael Carruthers and his family, namely Glynnis Carruthers Shaw, Patricia Carruthers Somerset, Susan Carruthers and Karen Carruthers Johnson where our tartan was proudly displayed in the parade.
Here on this website, our blog posts and the information on the pages themself, are designed to inform and educate interested parties based on current well-researched evidence that exists with regards both our family, and those we have close links with.
We do this, not for self-promotion, agenda, ego nor gain, but simply to ensure that the truth relating to our clan and family stands the test of time for all future generations of Carruthers going forwards.
Promptus et fidelis
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