Clan Chattan or the Chattan Confederation is a confederation of a number of Scottish clans who joined for mutual defence or blood bonds and is closely linked with Clan MacKintosh.

Origin of name

The origin of the name Chattan is disputed. There are three main theories

• The name derives from the Catti, a tribe of Gauls, driven out by the advancing Romans.
• The name is taken from Catav, in Sutherland.
• The clan derives its name from Gillchattan Mor, baillie of Ardchattan, follower of St Cattan. This is the most widely accepted theory.

Clans of the Chattan Confederation

• Clan MacKintosh
• Clan Shaw
• Clan Davidson
• Clan MacBean
• Clan MacPhail
• Clan MacQueen
• Clan MacThomas
• Clan Macpherson
• Clan Farquharson
• Clan MacGillivray
• Clan MacIntyre of Badenoch
• Clan MacLean of Dochgarroch
• Clan Anderson
• Clan McElhatton

History

Little is known, or can be reliably proven about the clan before the 14th century. It is claimed that the last of the Chattan line, Eva, married Angus, 6th Chief of Clan MacKintosh in 1291, allowing the Chief of Mackintosh to assume the title of Captain of Clan Chattan. Throughout the centuries, the leadership of Clan Chattan by the MacKintoshes has been challenged, unsuccessfully, by Clan Macpherson.

During the War of Independence with England, the clan sided with Robert I of Scotland, most likely due to the fact that MacKintosh's enemy, John Comyn had declared for Edward Balliol. In reward for his fealty, MacKintosh was awarded the Comyn lands of Benchar in Badenoch in 1319. It was after this event that the Clan Chattan grew in size and influence to 17 tribes.

During the 1745 Jacobite Rising, Angus, the chief of Clan MacKintosh was a captain in the Black Watch. Although traditionally the Clan supported the House of Stewart they had not declared for the Young Pretender. Angus's wife, Anne, of Farquharson, successfully rallied the Chattan Confederation to the Jacobite cause.

Following the defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 the clan was severely diminished in strength and influence. In 1747 the Clan Chattan Association was established as a way to stimulate interest in the clan history. The Association floundered and a second Association was founded in 1893, but again died out around 1900. The third Association was founded in 1933 in London and continues to this day.

In 1942, the Lyon court separated the leadership of Clan MacKintosh and Clan Chattan. The leadership of Clan Chattan passed to the MacKintosh of Tordarroch line.

Chief of Clan Chattan

In 1942 the leadership of Clan Chattan was passed from the MacKintosh of MacKintosh line, to the Mackintosh of Tordarroch line. The current chief, Malcolm K MacKintosh of Clan Chattan, resides in Zimbabwe.

Chiefs of Clan Chattan Confederation

There is currently a council of eight chiefs, representing the major clans of the Chattan.

• John Mackintosh of Mackintosh (President)
• Captain A.A.C. Farquharson of Invercauld
• Honourable Sir W. McPherson of Cluny
• John Shaw of Tordarroch
• James McBain of McBain
• Alister Davidson of Davidston
• Andrew McThomas of Finegand
• The Very Reverend Allan MacLean of Dochgarroch

Crest

• A cat salient Proper

Motto

• Touch not the catt bot a glove. 'Bot' means without and is a warning to those who would harm the clan.

Plant Badge

Red Whortleberry lat. vaccinium vitis-idaea

Tartan

None, as the individual Clans of the Chattan Confederation had their own.