Mission
The purpose of Clan MacKinnon Society is to promote and foster the spirit of Clan MacKinnon, to provide a focal point and means for expressing MacKinnon sentiment, and to aid members in establishing and maintaining contact with each other and with others of Scottish heritage. Society membership encourages, promotes, educates, and supports the preservation of Scottish and MacKinnon history, tradition, and cultural activities.
The Society
Clan MacKinnon Society is headquartered in the United States with members from all over the world. We show fealty to the Chief of Clan MacKinnon in Great Britain, Madam Anne Gunhild MacKinnon of MacKinnon, who named Stephen MacKinnon (of Massachusetts, USA) her Representative.
Clan MacKinnon Society is led by a Board of Directors, all volunteers, who meet on a monthly basis year-round via Zoom and in person every two years at a Society Gathering to discuss the direction and future of the Society. The Board is guided by a set of bylaws voted upon by our membership. To help advance our charitable and educational goals, Clan MacKinnon Society was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States. Learn more about the current leadership of Clan MacKinnon Society here.
Clan MacKinnon Society is led by a Board of Directors, all volunteers, who meet on a monthly basis year-round via Zoom and in person every two years at a Society Gathering to discuss the direction and future of the Society. The Board is guided by a set of bylaws voted upon by our membership. To help advance our charitable and educational goals, Clan MacKinnon Society was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States. Learn more about the current leadership of Clan MacKinnon Society here.
A Statement from Clan MacKinnon Society
The Clan MacKinnon Society is aware that rumors have been circulating through social media regarding attempts to challenge the chiefship of Clan MacKinnon, claiming that there are ten chiefs of the Clan, and disputing the rights of individuals to wear the tartan and badge of the Clan.
All matters pertaining to heraldry in Scotland, including coats of arms, clan badges, and clan headship, are governed by the Court of the Lord Lyon. Through the Court of the Lord Lyon, the office of Chief of the Clan MacKinnon in Great Britain was bestowed upon Madam Anne Gunhild MacKinnon of MacKinnon. Until investigated and confirmed by the Court of the Lord Lyon, claims of other or multiple chiefs are false. Additionally, anyone who claims descent or fidelity to Clan MacKinnon is entitled to wear the tartan and badge of the Clan without special permission. While there are many Clan MacKinnon associations globally engaged in a variety of educational and promotional activities, any claims of other Chiefs are false.
The Clan MacKinnon Society was founded in Scotland in 1891 and existed there until 1975, by which time membership had lagged and the Society was dissolved. In 1980, a petition was made to then-Chief Neil MacKinnon to reconstitute the Society. Since that time, it has been headquartered in the United States, currently in Michigan. We make no claim to be the sole source of all things MacKinnon. The CMS focuses on educational activities, community building among members and with other clan associations, and the propagation of our history and traditions. The CMS recognizes the decision of the Court of the Lord Lyon on matters relating to the Chief of Clan MacKinnon.
Our Vice Chair, Steve Mills, has prepared a short video which elaborates on this statement. It can be found at on the Clan MacKinnon Society website and social media channels.
All matters pertaining to heraldry in Scotland, including coats of arms, clan badges, and clan headship, are governed by the Court of the Lord Lyon. Through the Court of the Lord Lyon, the office of Chief of the Clan MacKinnon in Great Britain was bestowed upon Madam Anne Gunhild MacKinnon of MacKinnon. Until investigated and confirmed by the Court of the Lord Lyon, claims of other or multiple chiefs are false. Additionally, anyone who claims descent or fidelity to Clan MacKinnon is entitled to wear the tartan and badge of the Clan without special permission. While there are many Clan MacKinnon associations globally engaged in a variety of educational and promotional activities, any claims of other Chiefs are false.
The Clan MacKinnon Society was founded in Scotland in 1891 and existed there until 1975, by which time membership had lagged and the Society was dissolved. In 1980, a petition was made to then-Chief Neil MacKinnon to reconstitute the Society. Since that time, it has been headquartered in the United States, currently in Michigan. We make no claim to be the sole source of all things MacKinnon. The CMS focuses on educational activities, community building among members and with other clan associations, and the propagation of our history and traditions. The CMS recognizes the decision of the Court of the Lord Lyon on matters relating to the Chief of Clan MacKinnon.
Our Vice Chair, Steve Mills, has prepared a short video which elaborates on this statement. It can be found at on the Clan MacKinnon Society website and social media channels.
Our Society History
On December 22, 1891, at a meeting held in Glasgow, Clan MacKinnon Society was born. Twenty-five clansmen were present at the first meeting. During the preliminary meetings the matter of who held the chiefship of the clan was raised. William Alexander MacKinnon of Kent, whose father had been recognized Chief of MacKinnon by the Lord Lyon in 1811, was declared by the Society to be the recognized Chief of the Clan.
The Society grew rapidly during the years around the turn of the century and sponsored events throughout the year. At its founding the purpose of the Clan MacKinnon Society was understood to be about fostering clan sentiment, hosting social events for members, providing assistance to deserving clansmen, encouraging education, collecting and preserving clan records and traditions, and supporting Celtic literature and Highland arts and industries.
For several years after World War II, Clan MacKinnon Society continued to enjoy considerable popularity and a vibrant membership. British society, however, began to change. Throughout the 1960s, enrollment markedly declined as the membership aged. In 1975, Clan MacKinnon Society in the United Kingdom closed its books.
As Clan MacKinnon Society in the United Kingdom was finalizing its affairs, Mrs. Joanne MacKinnon Osbourne and her brother, Clinton, began investigating the possible establishment of a society in the United States. Neil MacKinnon of MacKinnon, then Chief of the Clan, gave his permission to found a new society. By 1980 Clan MacKinnon Society of North America was constituted and two years later boasted some 57 members. The purpose of the North American society echoed that of its predecessor.
During a 2005 reorganization meeting in Pleasanton, California, the Representative of the Chief and some 20 clansmen gathered to affirm the spirit of the modern Clan MacKinnon Society and acknowledge its Scottish roots and heritage. The “of North America” was eventually dropped to better show inclusivity for the many international members who had joined over the years.
Clan MacKinnon Society is now striving to unite MacKinnons and their descendants worldwide in their ancient fellowship, to promote the spirit of clanship, and cultivate an understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of Scotland. Clan MacKinnon Society is eager to face the future. Join us! Become a member today!
The Society grew rapidly during the years around the turn of the century and sponsored events throughout the year. At its founding the purpose of the Clan MacKinnon Society was understood to be about fostering clan sentiment, hosting social events for members, providing assistance to deserving clansmen, encouraging education, collecting and preserving clan records and traditions, and supporting Celtic literature and Highland arts and industries.
For several years after World War II, Clan MacKinnon Society continued to enjoy considerable popularity and a vibrant membership. British society, however, began to change. Throughout the 1960s, enrollment markedly declined as the membership aged. In 1975, Clan MacKinnon Society in the United Kingdom closed its books.
As Clan MacKinnon Society in the United Kingdom was finalizing its affairs, Mrs. Joanne MacKinnon Osbourne and her brother, Clinton, began investigating the possible establishment of a society in the United States. Neil MacKinnon of MacKinnon, then Chief of the Clan, gave his permission to found a new society. By 1980 Clan MacKinnon Society of North America was constituted and two years later boasted some 57 members. The purpose of the North American society echoed that of its predecessor.
During a 2005 reorganization meeting in Pleasanton, California, the Representative of the Chief and some 20 clansmen gathered to affirm the spirit of the modern Clan MacKinnon Society and acknowledge its Scottish roots and heritage. The “of North America” was eventually dropped to better show inclusivity for the many international members who had joined over the years.
Clan MacKinnon Society is now striving to unite MacKinnons and their descendants worldwide in their ancient fellowship, to promote the spirit of clanship, and cultivate an understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of Scotland. Clan MacKinnon Society is eager to face the future. Join us! Become a member today!
Equity Statement
The Clan MacKinnon Society (CMS) is aware of a report that a MacKinnon forebear was engaged in the slave trade. We denounce this activity and any other form of racial discrimination in the strongest possible terms. The Society, through its policies and procedures, is committed to the creation and preservation of an equitable and inclusive environment.
For further historical context, the following links are provided:
