Chattan Confederation

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

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 s, driven out by the advancing.
 * The name is taken from Cait, an ancient name for the present counties of and.
 * The clan derives its name from Gillchattan Mor, baillie of, follower of St Cattan. This is the most widely accepted theory.

Clans of the Chattan Confederation

 * {or MacBean}
 * of Badenoch
 * {or MacBean}
 * of Badenoch
 * of Badenoch
 * of Badenoch
 * of Badenoch

History
Little is known, or can be reliably proven about the clan before the. It is claimed that the last of the Chattan line, Eva, married Angus, 6th Chief of in, 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.

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

During the, Angus, the chief of Clan MacKintosh was a captain in the. Although traditionally the Clan supported the 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 in  the clan was severely diminished in strength and influence. In 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, but again died out around 1900. The third Association was founded in 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 Torcastle line.

Chief of Clan Chattan
In 1942 the leadership of Clan Chattan was passed from the Mackintosh of Mackintosh line, to the Mackintosh of Torcastle line. The current chief, MacKintosh of Torcastle, 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' may mean "without" or "ungloved", either being a warning to those who would harm the clan.

Plant Badge
Red Whortleberry lat. vaccinium vitis-idaea

Tartan
The individual Clans of the Chattan Confederation had their own. There is a Clan Chattan tartan, formerly known as Mackintosh Chief, recognised by Lord Lyon in 1938.