What is a Clanfellow in Scotland?

Clanfellow is a term used in the context of Scottish clans to refer to members of the same clan who are not directly related by blood or marriage.

In Scotland, clans have historically been organized around kinship ties and were often led by a chief who was the head of the family. However, not all members of a clan were necessarily related to the chief or each other. Instead, anyone who shared the same clan name and claimed allegiance to the clan's chief could be considered a clanfellow.

Clanfellows were typically people who lived in the same geographic area as the clan's chief and were part of the same social and cultural network. They might share common lands, resources, or cultural traditions, and they would often come together for events such as festivals, weddings, and funerals.

The concept of clanfellowship was an important aspect of Scottish society and culture, as it provided a sense of community and belonging for people who might not have been directly related by blood. It also helped to reinforce the bonds of loyalty and allegiance that were central to the clan system.