The Buchanan Society
The Buchanan Society of Glasgow has no official affiliation to The Clan Buchanan Society International
Founded as "THE BUCHANAN'S CHARITY, kept in Glasgow" in 1725, it is the world's oldest clan society and, today, it is purely a charitable body.
Eligible members may apply for a Hardship Grant or an Education Grant.
They exist to help less fortunate brethren with hardship and educational grants. Membership of The Buchanan Society is open to those who bear the surname Buchanan (by birth, adoption or marriage) and also those of the recognised septs: MacAuslan, MacWattie and Risk.
The Buchanan Society receives no government funding so by becoming a life member, they are able to help. Membership is £100 for United Kingdom residents or £150 for Overseas residents. Monetary donations are also very much appreciated by the Society to support its charitable work.
Its formation in 1725 followed the publication by William Buchanan of Auchmar of his essay “The History of the Ancient Surname Buchanan” and Auchmar himself joined in 1726.
The Founders were a small number of successful businessmen who were concerned that some clan members coming to the city of Glasgow at the beginning of the eighteenth century, during the early days of the industrial revolution, were suffering great hardship.
Records of the Society’s activities and members are maintained and it is possible to trace some families from current members right back to the origin of the Society in 1725. These records provide a store of information about the forbears of many Buchanans now scattered throughout the world. On joining, each member receives a handbook giving much information about the Society and a full list of members joining in each year between 1725 and 2004. The total membership since foundation now exceeds 2000.
Registered Charity No: Sco 13679