The Clan Forsyth Story

By the 16th century Forsyth was a recognized Clan with its own Chief. However they entered historical darkness around 1650 when Cromwell's ships carrying records of all the Clans as spoils of war, sank off Berwick on Tweed. The then chief failed to re-establish his claim to the name and his Armorial bearings when Charles II instituted a public register of Clans in 1672.

For 300 years there was no Chief and no Chief meant no Clan. During this time, the Family of Forsyth grew and spread world wide.

Interest in reviving the Clan began in the early years of the Twentieth Century with the formation of a Forsyth Family Association in Glasgow, Scotland. The ultimate achievement came on St. Andrews Day 1978 when the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, once again recognized Clan Forsyth as one of the whole name Clans of Scotland and accepted the claim of Alistair C.W. Forsyth, Baron of Ethie, the rightful candidate, to be Chief of Clan Forsyth.

Alistair received the nomination because his family genealogy traced back fifteen generations to a Fife laird, Andrew Forsyth, who lived near Falkland, where it is known that in the 16th century

Forsyths were courtiers of the Scottish Kings at Falkland Palace. It was therefore appropriate that the formal inauguration of Chief Alistair was held in Falkland Palace.