The 2026 Games: Clan Graham 

We are proud to welcome Clan Graham as our Honored Clan this year. Known for their bravery, integrity, and dedication to Scotland, the Grahams are one of the most influential clans in Highland history.

This year’s recognition is especially meaningful to us — a proud Graham is one of the founders of our Games. Their leadership and commitment helped shape this new generation of Highland tradition right here in Tallahassee. Their legacy lives on not only through history, but in the very spirit of our festival today.

Return of the Tartan

Did you know? We owe Clan Graham a tremendous debt of gratitude—thanks to their Chief, the 3^rd Duke of Montrose, James Graham, Scottish family tartans were once again legalized after the infamous 1746 Dress Act. Their legacy helped restore one of the most powerful symbols of Scottish identity.

"No tartan. No identity. No more."
Thanks to the Grahams, that fate was undone.

Chief

The current chief of Clan Graham is His Grace, the 8^th Duke of Montrose, James Graham.

From the bold Marquess of Montrose to Mugdock Castle—and through noble lines like Graham of Menteith—Clan Graham has long stood for strength, tradition, and leadership. Though some branches have faded or merged, their legacy remains deeply woven into Scottish history. That legacy lives on with us, as we proudly honor Clan Graham at this year’s Games.

🛡️ Motto & Crest

Motto: Ne Oublie — "Do Not Forget"
More than just a phrase, Ne Oublie is a solemn vow. It calls all Grahams to remember the sacrifices, loyalty, and honor of their forebears. Whether in battle, governance, or the arts, the Graham legacy is one of service, courage, and integrity — and this motto reminds us never to let that heritage fade.

Crest:
The Clan Graham Society belted crest badge is derived from their Chief’s Coat of Arms, a golden eagle attacking a heron inside a buckled belt containing his motto “NE OUBLIE”. Their Chief’s crest did include a peregrine falcon at one time, but he changed this to a golden eagle in 2002 when he was awarded a new standard by The Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland.

Grahams wear this badge to show allegiance and respect to our Chief recognizing heraldic traditions connected with this Clan Graham Crest Badge.

Grahams wear this badge to show allegiance and respect to our Chief recognizing heraldic traditions connected with this Clan Graham Crest Badge.

Fun Facts:

1.      The Florida flag uses a red saltire originally based on the “Cross of Burgundy,” introduced by the Spanish who first held the territory-- in honor of St. Andrew.

2.      Besides being the patron saint of Burgundy, St. Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland. Saltires were used in coats of arms of vassals of the Bruce Scottish royal family.

3.      St. Andrew replaced St. Kessog as the Scottish patron saint in the ninth century under King Kenneth MacAlpin. St. Kessog was a favorite of the Bruces.

4.      The Grahams of Dundaff and Montrose patronages were based on the previous Scottish patron saint, St. Kessog. They transitioned to St. John the Evangelist when they inherited the Strathearn earldom. It is St. John’s eagle symbol that is featured in the Graham badge.

5.      The red saltire has been more commonly associated with St. Patrick since 1783, so many of the 1.9 million Florida residents who claim Irish descent choose to identify the Florida saltire as St. Patrick’s .

6.      The first recorded St. Patrick's Day celebration in America took place in 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida.

7.      Dunbartonshire, Scotland claims to be the birthplace of St. Patrick, the home of St. Kessog, Scotland’s 1^st patron saint, and the Chiefs of the Grahams.

The Castles of Clan Graham

These historic landmarks are not just places — they are echoes of a legacy. One which we are excited to host as our Honored Clan

Mugdock Castle

Dalkeith Palace

The earliest recorded Graham seat in Scotland, granted to William de Graham c.1124. Later passed to the Douglas family, Dalkeith became the foundation of generations of noble lineage. Visit today at Dalkeith Country Park