Clan Irving Theme
August 2026
The Irvings have a powerful place in Border history — riders of the Marches, loyal to kin, and known for their courage along the Annan and the old frontier line. I’ve started working on a cinematic Irving anthem to honour that legacy, capturing the mist, the hills, and the spirit of the Marches.
Clan
August 2026
A Clan is more than a name upon a page, More than a tartan worn with pride. It is the living thread that binds The past, the present, and those yet to come. It is the voices of our ancestors, family one and all Whispering courage into every generation. It is honor carried, not […]
The Laws of Succession for Clan Chiefs in Scotland
July 2026
The succession to Scottish clan chiefships is governed by a combination of historical custom, feudal law, and modern legal recognition. Unlike a single uniform rule, succession varies depending on the clan’s historical practice and the type of dignity involved. Nevertheless, key principles have emerged over centuries, particularly through the authority of the Lord Lyon King […]
The Heraldic Arms of Irving of Bonshaw
July 2026
The heraldic Arms of the Irvings of Bonshaw constitute a central element of the clan’s identity, embodying lineage, authority, and symbolism within the framework of Scottish heraldry. As recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon, the Arms of the Chief represent only the individual bearer and not the wider Clan under their leadership. The […]
The Irvings of Bonshaw: A Border Clan in History
July 2026
The Irvings of Bonshaw are one of Scotland’s ancient Border families, long associated with Dumfriesshire in the southwest. Their seat at Bonshaw Tower formed the centre of a lineage that can be traced in documentary form from the early sixteenth century, with continuity of chiefly succession recognised in modern heraldic records. Origins and Early Traditions […]
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games 2026
June 2026
To All Clan Members, Friends and Followers, Mark your diary for the 2026 Fergus Scottish Festival!! 7th – 9th August 2026 You will be warmly welcomed at the Clan Irving tent hosted by Clan Representative for Canada Lindsay Joseph and Clan Chief Rupert Irving of Bonshaw! We will also be hosting the Standing Council of […]
The Irving & Irvine Towers across the Scottish Borders
June 2026
Across the rugged landscapes of southern Scotland, particularly along the Anglo Scottish frontier, stand the remnants of a turbulent age defined by conflict, kinship, and survival. Among the most evocative of these structures are the Border towers associated with the Irving and Irvine families, a network of fortified tower houses that once dotted the valleys […]
The Ballad of Irving of Bonshaw
May 2026
To some, mere outlaws on horseback – Reivers of the border wild, Mounted thieves, the gossips claimed, Lawless, fierce, and undefiled. Yet bound in iron to kith and kin, To clan above all earthly call, For blood outran both crown and creed – Kinship stood above them all. One of the seventeen border clans, Unruly, […]
Who are the Irvings of Bonshaw?
May 2026
The Irvings of Bonshaw are a recognised Scottish Border clan, historically centred on Bonshaw in Annandale, situated in Dumfries & Galloway. They are distinct from – but historically related to – the Irvines of Drum in Aberdeenshire. Both share a common name-root but evolved into separate chiefly lines with different territories and historical roles. The […]
Stirling Walking The Marches 2026
April 2026
Hello to all Clan Members, Followers and Friends, Sharing with you this post regarding the ancient tradition of The Walking of the Marches in Stirling. The Chief will be attending to represent the Clan at both of these events. It’s interesting to note that in Stirling they walk the boundaries, whereas elsewhere across the Scottish […]
The Border Reivers of Scotland: Origins, Society, and Historical Interpretation Introduction
April 2026
The Border Reivers were kin-based raiding communities who inhabited the Anglo-Scottish borderlands from approximately the mid-fourteenth century until the early seventeenth century. Operating in a region marked by chronic warfare, environmental hardship, and weak governmental authority, the Reivers developed a distinctive social and economic system oriented around pastoralism, family loyalty, and organised raiding. Although often […]
Announcement From The Chief
January 2026
A very Happy New Year and a prosperous 2026 to Clan Irving – The Border Irvings & Irvines &c Family and Friends around the world. One of the principal objectives over the past few years as we are rebuilding Clan Irving and its community into a major presence on the Scottish Clan landscape, is the […]
The Introduction of International Representatives for Clan Irving
December 2025
At Clan Irving, we are pleased to announce the addition of two international representatives for Clan Irving in Australia and Canada, as follows: Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Chief of the Name & Arms and 20th Clan Chief, is pleased to confirm Andrew Mead in the appointment as – Clan Commissioner for Australia As Clan Commissioner, […]
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
July 2025
Every year the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games invites a clan chief to come to the Games and act as Chieftain of the Games. Grandfather is the preeminent Games in North America for clans and it’s always a great experience for chiefs to come and engage with them. Grandfather is also the home base for both […]
Clan Irving Territory Map
December 2024
We have commissioned an old style map of what was the Clan Irving Territory with the known locations of the Irving Border Towers shown. You can purchase own copy via Unique Maps Co direct at sales@unqiemaps.com and mention that you are a member of Clan Irving to get your discount. Click on this digital copy […]
The Saltire Gathering update
December 2024
We have found it increasingly difficult to secure sufficient funding for the launch of The Saltire Gathering Festival, which was due to take place in May of 2026. Despite significant interest and enthusiasm for such a Festival in Scotland, we have been unable to date to develop the festival in line with the timeline required […]
The link between Irving of Bonshaw and Irvine of Drum
December 2024
There is a legend that on his flight from the English Court at Westminster, Robert The Bruce and his entourage sought refuge in the Borders of Scotland and on one occasion was taken in by Irving of Bonshaw. During his period of refuge, he was hidden in a cave in cliffs just down the Kirtle […]
Chiefs of the Name & Arms of Irving of Bonshaw
July 2024
Ancient Line Eochaid XII Ard Ri of Ireland (c.344AD-c.362AD) succeeded by his son Niall of Nine Hostages High King of Ireland died c.438AD, succeeded by his eldest son Cineal Conail Cousin, Tyrconnel branch, who came over to Dalriada c.495AD, succeeded by his eldest son Duncan Hereditary Abthane & Lay Abbot, Earl & Governor of […]
Clan Chiefs and Lairds of Bonshaw and Drum
July 2024
I was encouraged to draft this article when I was in conversation with an American friend with whom I spent some time, and hours, explaining that in Scotland there is a great deal of difference between someone who owns land and calls themselves a Laird and that of a formally recognised Clan Chief. There is […]
Clan Hunter and Clan Irving of Bonshaw Forge Links of Friendship
June 2024
Rupert Irving of Bonshaw Chief of the Name & Arms and 20th Clan Chief and Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston Chief of the Name & Arms and 30th Chief agree to provide mutual cooperation and support and to build links of mutual friendship with assistance across the USA and Canada as follows: To provide official […]
Gathering of the Local Clans & Families
February 2024
Annan The History Town Welcomes You To The Gathering of the Local Clans & Families Saturday 24th August | The Everholm, Annan Local Clan Chiefs in attendance Pipe Bands Highland Dancing Scottish Country Dancing Teviot Steel Bonnets – bringing the Border Reiver experience The Time Bandits Trade Stands Performances by CLANADONIA – tribal drum and […]
Clan Muirhead and Clan Irving of Bonshaw Forge Links of Friendship
November 2023
Clan Muirhead Society and Clan Irving of Bonshaw have forged a link friendship to provide mutual cooperation and support and to build links of mutual friendship. This agreement of mutual cooperation and support is established on 30th November 2023 until date to be agreed by both parties.
Moss Troopers vs Border Reivers
September 2023
The term ‘Moss Trooper’ is often, but quite erroneously applied to the Anglo-Scots border reiver of the sixteenth century. In fact there was an important difference between them in that most border reivers were otherwise respectable farmers and landowners, who from time to time set forth from their castles to steal livestock from their neighbours […]
Irving of Bonshaw and Carruthers; the sharing of an historical path
August 2023
This article has been written by George Carruthers – Convenor, Clan Carruthers Society and contains some interesting and historical links between the two Clans – the Irvings of Bonshaw and Carruthers of Holmains. This article is shared with kind permission from The Clan Carruthers Society We know that of the 17 clans mentioned in the […]