Scottish clan Chief 

The clans of Scotland, were not known to be sophisticated societies, however were well structured and functioned efficently .  Each Clan began with a Clan Chief.  The Chief was the ruler in which all people devoted full loyalty and trust.  Due to the Chief's high ranks and power his family usually resided in their own ancestral castle. The next level of power was given to the Chief’s sons.  There duty was to provide contact with the people of the Clan to help properly run the territory (www.scotland.org.uk).  Lastly were the ordinary people of the Clan or the Clansmen who lived on the Chiefs land among others in the Clan.  In this society, the Chief settled any disputes, ensured the Clan had enough food, in general looked after the well being of his people.  In return the Clansmen would work on the land, and agree to serve in his army.  As a token of appreciation they would provide him with gifts (www.scotland.org.uk). All members of each clan were fiercely passionate, and therefore took great responsibility in guarding their territory.

The Clan system was centered around the man’s name.  Thus the reasoning when a women married a man she became apart of her husbands Clan.  While her biological family remained in her fathers Clan.  This helped to create stronger relationships between clans  which was beneficial during times of hardship or attack.  The Clans closest to one another would join together to protect each other’s land, food, belongings and other resources (www.scottish-at-heart.com).

St. Andrews Cross - Scottish flag 

                Clan disputes over territory