The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC) is the organisation that represents the Chiefs of many prominent Scottish Clans and Families. It describes itself as "the definitive and authoritative body for information on the Scottish Clan System".^[1]

History

The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs was founded in 1952 by Diana Hay, 23rd Countess of Erroll, who at the time held the title of Lord High Constable of Scotland.^[2][3] As of August 2023,^[update] the acting convenor of the council is Sir Malcolm MacGregor, chief of Clan Gregor, after the death of convenor Donald MacLaren, chief of Clan MacLaren, in July 2023;^[4] MacGregor was also convenor before MacLaren.^[5] The objectives of the SCSC are stated in its constitution:

The Objects of the Council, which is non-political, are to consider matters affecting Scottish Chiefs and the Clans and Names which they represent and to submit their views and interests to HM Government, to Departments of State, the Scottish Government, to Local Authorities, to Press and Public, to Associations connected with Clan and Family in Britain and overseas; also to educate the general public in matters connected with the rights, functions and historical position of Scottish Chiefs, together with the Clans and Names which they represent and to take such steps as may seem expedient to protect the titles, armorial bearings or other insignia of Chiefs from exploitation or misuse in trade or otherwise.

Non-members

The following chiefs have, by their own request, been removed as members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs:

• James Carnegie, 3rd Duke of Fife - Chief of Carnegie^[6]
• Charles Fergusson - Chief of Fergusson^[6]
• Alexander Haig, 3rd Earl Haig - Chief of Haig^[6]
• Robert Lindsay, 29th Earl of Crawford and 12th Earl of Balcarres - Chief of Lindsay^[6]
• David Menzies - Chief of Menzies^[6]
• Bruce Murray, 12th Duke of Atholl - Chief of Murray^[6]
• Grey Ruthven, 2nd Earl of Gowrie - Chief of Ruthven^[6]