Announcement From The Chief

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 interaction with other Clans and Families, Chiefs and Clan Members around the world. The strength of the Scottish Clan community depends entirely on the shared kinship and celebration, understanding and friendship between Clans and Families.

Over the past few years Clan Irving has reached out and interacted with Clans and Families large and small, some we have historic links with and some we do not. Regardless of how busy or otherwise some Clans are, we have had great pleasure in extending hands of friendship and to provide whatever support we can. In return we have been given assistance and guidance for which long term valued relationships have been established.

In recent years, Clan Irving has been forging closer bonds of friendship with Clan MacEwen, Clan Grant and Clan Hunter through working together on several exciting initiatives to foster worldwide engagement and success for all those involved. The time has come to formalise these longstanding relationships and as Chief of Irving of Bonshaw, I am delighted to announce a ‘BOND OF FRIENDSHIP’ between these aforementioned Clans.

The first ceremony will take place at the Clan Hunter International Gathering at Hunterston Castle on Friday 24th July 2026. Similar ceremonies will be held at future events arranged by us at dates yet to be confirmed.

As Chief of Irving of Bonshaw, I will be present at Hunterston to participate, welcome, and celebrate this historic event where I will sign a Bond of Friendship with Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston – Chief of Hunter, alongside Lord Strathspey – the Chief of Grant and Sir John McEwen – Chief of McEwen. The event will also be supervised by senior members of the Court of the Lord Lyon.

Scotland’s story is now a worldwide story, and I look forward to joining my fellow Chiefs this coming July for what will be an historic and enjoyable day at Hunterston Estate.

Rupert Irving of Bonshaw
Chief Of The Name and Arms
20th Clan Chief