Clan Macrae Society Bagpipes

Bagpipes Clan Macrae Society played the LA Scots

The Clan Macrae is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan has no chief; it is therefore considered an Armigerous clan.

According to tradition, the Macraes were originally from Ireland, and shared a common ancestry with the Mackenzies and Macleans. The Macraes were said to have originated from Clunes, which is located near the southern shore of the Beauly Firth, and was within the lordship of Lovat. Alexander Macrae stated that these traditions likely refer to a period sometime in the middle of the 13th century. According to John Macrae, after a violent dispute arose between the Macraes and more powerful Frasers of Lovat, three sons of the Macrae chief set off for new lands. One of the sons settled in Brahan, near Dingwall; another settled in Argyll; and the other settled in Kintail.

The Macraes are known to have been constant supporters of the Mackenzies in recorded times; in 1520, and for many years onwards, they were constables of Eilean Donan Castle. In view of their constant service to the Mackenzies, the Macraes of Kintail became known as the Mackenzies' "shirt of mail". Macraes also served as counsellors to the chiefs, tutors of the chiefs' sons, chamberlains of Kintail and ministers of the local churches. There were also poets, physicians and musicians among the Macraes.

Eilean Donan Castle, located on Loch Duich, has long been associated with the Macraes, when it was a stronghold of the chiefs of Clan Mackenzie. The ruinous castle was purchased and rebuilt during 1912-1932, by Lt.-Col. John Macrae-Gilstrap. Its beauty, and spectacular setting, has made it the most photographed castle in Great Britain,[citation needed] and it draws many visitors every year.

A 2/4 March for bagpipes was composed in honour of Clan Macrae.