CLAN & FAMILY CARRUTHERS: Court of Perambulation at Stirling Castle, 2026. Carruthers making history Pt 1 .

Saturday 23rd May 2026

The hereditary office of the castle’s Governor and hereditary keeper is held by the Earl of Mar, specifically James Erskine, the 14th Earl of Mar, 16th Earl of Kellie and Chief of Clan Erskine, who was present at the ceremony. The position of Governor has been associated with the castle for many centuries.

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically significant castles in Scotland, serving as a royal residence and a key fortification during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It has been the site of numerous sieges and battles, symbolizing Scottish independence and national pride and is recognised by Scots worldwide as an important part of our history.

According to Stirling’s page on the matter, the Walking of the Marches is a tradition that is probably as old as Stirling itself. It dates back to the days before accurate maps were available and it was necessary to check the burgh boundaries. This was to ensure that no offence nor encroachment had taken place.

As with other places across Scotland, this tradition has developed into an inclusive community celebration of our heritage. Where most places ride their Marches, in Stirling they have always walked them; this was done by the Birlawmen, led by the Captain of the Birlawmen.

Of course, it is no longer necessary to actually check all the boundaries but what we do is a modern interpretation of this tradition. The Birlawmen do check boundary points; however, the term Birlawman is no longer gender specific but it one of the many traditional terms that are still used and, like their predecessors, the Birlawmen still carry picks and shovels.

‘Birlawmen’, are the inspectors who traditionally marked the boundaries using those implements to turn sods of turf at each check point. For that reason picks and shovels are still carried ceremonially today.

Resplendent in their blue bonnets, the Captain takes reports from the Birlawmen that the Marches have been checked, are intact and have been marked in the traditional manner by the turning of turfs. This report is then conveyed to the Lord Provost, Lord Dean of Guild and Deacon Convenor of the Seven Incorporated Trades who are then invited to accompany the Birlawmen in a colourful celebratory procession through the city to the historic Cowane’s Hospital where entertainment is provided.

The Walking of the Marches is a free event and open to all. It takes place on the last Saturday in May starting at 11am at the rotunda at the foot of King Street in the heart of the city centre.

Ceremonial documents have now been written and printed ahead of today’s Court of Perambulation at Stirling Castle.

These documents will be signed by attending Chiefs and Clan dignitaries in the Great Hall and be retained by the City in their archives thereafter. The attendees to include signatories in bold, are:

• The Hereditary Keeper of Stirling Castle: The Rt Hon. James Erskine, 14th Earl of Mar and Kellie, Chief of Clan Erskine,
• Representing Grant: Timothy Atkinson, for and on behalf of Sir Michael Grant of Grant, The Lord Strathspey, Chief of Clan Grant, accompanied by Peggy Crossman (Banner Bearer)
• Representing McEwen: Sir John Roderick Hugh McEwen of Marchmont and Bardrochat (Baronet), Chief of the Honourable Clan McEwen, accompanied by Ross McEwen (Seanchaidh), Sean McCuin (Lieutenant), Ewen Rowland (Banner Bearer).
• Representing Buchanan: Michael Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan of that Ilk, Chief of Clan Buchanan, accompanied by Rory Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan, Jim Buchanan, President Clan Buchanan Association International (Banner Bearer), Karen Buchanan.
• Representing Carruthers: Michael Carruthers (Convenor) Clan Carruthers Society (International), for and on behalf of, Dr Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of the Clan and Family Carruthers.
• Representing Hunter: Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, Chief of Clan Hunter, accompanied by Graham Wright (Macer Ventatorus)
• Representing Irving of Bonshaw: Rupert Christopher Irving of Bonshaw, Chief of the Border Clan Irving, accompanied by Nikki Andrew (Partner).
• Representing Urquhart: Thomas Urquhart (Chieftain of Clan Urquhart), for and on behalf of Col. Wilkins Urquhart of Urquhart, Chief of Clan Urquhart, accompanied by Dee Urquhart (Wife), Jamie Differ (Banner Bearer)

The ‘Court of Perambulation’ is taking place on Saturday May 23rd, and will see our Convenor, Capt. Michael Carruthers attending and acting as signatory on behalf of the Chief whose duties take him elsewhere. The event begins at 10:15 with the Clan chiefs or representatives gathering at the top of Stirling Castle Esplanade when the Captain of the Birlawmen will call formation: Grant, McEwen, Buchanan, Carruthers, Hunter, Irving, Urquhart and they are piped into the castle by the Balaklava Pipes and Drums for the oath taking ceremony taking place in the Great Hall.

The order of procession at this stage is the pipe band, Birlawmen, Chief’s Banner Bearers, Clan Chiefs, Clan Chiefs supporters, Blue Blanket, Seven Incorporated trades. On reaching the Inner close, the Birlawmen will peel off and the Clan Chiefs, Banner Bearers and supporters will be piped into the Great Hall and assemble on the Dias. Thereafter the Birlawmen will be piped in and the Lord Provost will give a brief Introduction and welcome after which the Birlawmen will be sworn in.

The Clan Chiefs are sworn in, and this conforms thier role to protect the Birlawmen and outlines their other duties and responsibilities based on historic records of the Walking of the Marches.

Swearing In: Clan chiefs to be sworn in as Marshalls, will step forward when called by their full title and after all have been called, will be asked collectively to take the Oath of Protecting the Birlawmen, to which all will respond ‘Aye’, collectively.

Once the ceremony has concluded, the Procession will form up and be piped out of the castle at noon, to next to the church of Holy Rude, where a toast will be given to the Marches.

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Once again Carruthers are at the forefront of Scottish history and pageantry. Since our Chief was confirmed, Carruthers have once again and on your behalf, been represented at many historic events by invitation to attend. The work that started prior to 2007 based on the Royal Charter to Holmains of 1755, has lifted Carruthers from being armigerous to a place of great repectability, not only in the Borders but throughout clan society in Scotland and we are not finished. More information and pics of the day will follow.

But what relationship does Carruthers have with Stirling? Well Carruthers supported John Maxwell on November 2, 1585 during his Siege of Stirling. The Chief at the time, George Carruthers 6th of Holmains and 2nd Baron and Charles a Cornet (2nd lieutenant) of the mounted, troop at Threave. where his father was Captain. George led a troop containing many border names such as Irvings, Kirkpatricks, Grahams, Bells, Armstrongs and of course Carruthers. Being well represented and supportive of the cause, there were another 40 or so Carruthers from Annandale who were part of the main force led by Maxwell himself.

However, I’m sure this did not play a part in the invitation, but rather we are seen as a proactive clan, with an active convenor.

Regarding the Blue Blanket of the Stirling Trades mentioned above, it is about 2 yards square, and is made up of ribbons and silk 8 inches broad sewed together, of a dingy flesh – colour and faded sky-blue, with a St. Andrew’s Cross in white silk from corner to corner. It was attached to a piece of wood, the ends of which are fixed to poles for carrying.

The tradition is that when Mary Queen of Scots granted the Charter of Privilege on 16th April, 1556, to the Stirling Trades, she presented them with a banner made by herself and her maids of honour. When the banner was unfurled at the Cross in High Street it was the signal for the Trades to fly to arms and rally round the Convener, each being required to bring along with him two pecks of meat and a bag of onions for his subsistence while his services were required.

The blanket was kept in a strong oak box furnished with seven locks. Each deacon had a key, so that all had to be present before the box could be opened. The ” airings” were considered notable occasions for ” a guzzle and a spate ” at the expense of the Incorporation.

The blanket was held up by the corners by four persons standing on chairs, while the deacons danced the Reel of Hoolachan below it. Sometimes it was fixed to the ceiling of the room. It is now too fragile to display and is kept by The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

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And finally, a letter of thanks and commendation from Ross McEwen, Shennachie to Clan McEwen regarding our Convenor, Michael Carruthers.

Dear Holmains, 

I hope this email finds you and your family well, and greetings from a gloriously sunny and warm day on the southern Fife coast this morning. 

I write to note my personal gratitude and that on behalf of the organisers of a series of events recently on the commitment, participation and collaborative spirit demonstrated in abundance by your faithful Clansman Mr Michael Carruthers. 

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Michael on a number of projects over the past year, which most recently this weekend included the Court of Perambulation at Stirling Castle. At all of the events where I have sought Carruthers involvement Michael has been a respectful, encouraging, good humoured and committed participant, representing you and your ancient house nobly and with dignity.

This past weekend Michael participated in the 2026 Court of Perambulation which took place in the Great Hall at Stirling Castle. Michael stood alongside The Earl of Mar & Kelle – Chief of Erskine and Hereditary Keeper of Stirling Castle, Sir John McEwen – Chief of MacEwen, Rupert Irving of Bonshaw – the Chief of the Border Irvings, Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston – Chief of Hunter, Michael Buchanan of Buchanan – Chief of Buchanan, and senior representatives of Lord Strathspey – Chief of Grant, and Col Wilkins Urquhart of Urquhart, Chief of Urquhart. Michael as I have come to know in his usual way, provided an upbeat, encouraging, respectful and friendly element to proceedings and it was a great pleasure to have him in our company.

During the ceremony Michael signed the Perambulation document – a copy of which I have attached to this email, alongside the Chiefs and representatives, which will now be entered into the Stirling City archives, and I am told is likely to be framed and displayed in Stirling Town House.

As you will be all too aware and I hope would agree, we are living in a vibrant age of Clans at the present time, where the international picture and level of engagement means that Clan representation is often required or wished for, in many places all at the same time. It is essential therefore, in the mind of many, that suitable representatives, who enjoy the faith and trust of their Chiefs and who are equipped and so minded to act accordingly with dignity, good humour and a solid grounding in what Clans are, and are not, in the present day, be permitted and encouraged to represent their names at events of importance.

My two great obsessions in life are shared learning, and for credit to be duly given to those who deserve it, and Michael, despite in many cases entering scenarios with senior clan figures for the first time, represents himself, and his name, very well indeed, and entirely appropriately given the occasion and company, and in my view, it was more than worth this short note to make you aware. 

Very best wishes and I hope to see you again before long, 

As Aye, 

Ross

Promptus et Fidelis
Non Sto Solus

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