Clan Booths and Dinner Event

Clans and Clan Booths

As technology continues to move us in the future, people around the world are utilizing it to become more connected to their past. With DNA tests revealing both recent and distant ancestors, digitized records that allow people to search through generations, and the wealth of resources available to both professional and hobby genealogists, people continue to be fascinated by family histories. For those with Scottish ancestry, researching clans can be a powerful connection to the lives of their ancestors.

Family ties have always played an important role in Celtic culture. While Celts are spread throughout a broad area of Europe, Scotland recognizes family groups as clans. Meaning "children or offspring," clans are groups of families related to the Chief either through direct blood relation or allegiance. They are spread across Scotland, with major clans having a castle where the Chief lived. Clans and septs (family names other than the Chief's clan name but whose allegiance lie with him) lived in the surrounding area. Some of the most recognizeable clan symbols include a chief, motto, badge, crest, and tartan.

Some clans recognize over 100 different surnames as septs of their clan, determined either by the main clan or through geographical proximity. Clan societies exist around the globe, and many are represented this weekend at the Skagit Valley Highland Games, many with active chapters in Washington. Clan societies all have different criteria for membership (some accept anyone who shows an interest in their clan, others only accept those with a matching surname or sept name under their clan). For those who are just getting started with research on their clans or Scottish ancestry, groups such as the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society offer a variety of resources. Clans continue to be a rich part of modern Celtic culture, and we invite guests to learn more.

Registration for Clan Booths is now closed for 2024. See you at the Games!

2024 Host Clan: Clan Fraser Society of North America
Clan Hannay
Clan Campbell Pacific Northwest
Clan Mclellan/MacDuff
Clan Maxwell
Kerr Family Association of North America
Clan Grant
Innes Clan Society
Scottish American Military Society
Clan MacKay
Clan MacNachtan
MacLaine of Lochbuie
Muirhead Clan Society
Clan Donald
Clans of Ireland
Clan Chisholm
Clan MacNeil
Clan Keith
Clan Macpherson
Clan MacKenzie
Clan MacLaren of North America
Clan MacGillivray
Clan McMillan
Clan MacDougall/MacDowall
Clan Johnston/e in America
Clan Gregor
Clan Crawford
Clan Thompson
Clan MacLachlan
Clan Kennedy
Clan MacLean
Clan Hay

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Gathering of the Clans Dinner - Registration is now closed

For the eighth year in a row, we are pleased to present The Gathering of the Clans Dinner at the Littlefield Celtic Center. The official kickoff event to the Highland Games, this dinner and concert on Friday, July 12th is the perfect way to connect with friends old and new as we celebrate one of Skagit Valley’s most anticipated summer events.

Thanks to the generous support of Clans Munro (Doc Jim Monroe) and MacKenzie (Rod MacKenzie and Ruth Flucke), we are able to offer tickets for only $40 per person.

Guests are encouraged to represent their clan and don their tartan and kilts for the festivities! Social hour begins at 5:30PM with dinner to follow at 6:00PM. Our meals regularly feature meat, dairy, eggs, wheat, and other common allergens. If you have dietary restrictions or concerns, please contact us at least 10 days before the event so we may make special accommodations with the chef.