About the Learned Kindred of Currie
Preserving 800+ Years of Scottish Heritage Through Community, Culture, and Connection
Since its modern-day founding in 1992, the Learned Kindred of Currie (our global family) and the Clan Currie Society (our official not-for-profit organization) have brought together Scottish heritage enthusiasts from around the world. As descendants of the ancient MacMhuirich bardic family, we honor our Celtic roots while actively building community through cultural programming, educational scholarships, and meaningful connections that span generations and continents.
Join our global family and help us keep Scottish traditions thriving for future generations!
Ancient Name, Modern Community
The Learned Kindred of Currie represents one of Scotland’s most ancient and distinguished cultural lineages. Our story begins with the MacMhuirich bardic family, who served as hereditary poets to a number of prominent Scottish dynasties, including the Earls of Lennox, the Lords of the Isles and the MacDonalds of Clanranald for centuries. These learned bards were the keepers of Gaelic culture, responsible for preserving the stories, genealogies, and traditions that defined Highland society.
Today, we continue that legacy through the Clan Currie Society, a nonprofit organization that channels our ancestral commitment to cultural preservation into modern programming. From our signature events like The Pipes of Christmas and Tartan Day on Ellis Island to our scholarship programs supporting young Celtic artists and scholars, we create meaningful opportunities for people to connect with Scottish heritage.
Our community is distinguished by its combination of deep historical roots and forward-looking action. Preserving our heritage is not enough — our mission is to ensure Scottish traditions continue to evolve and thrive.
Whether you're researching your genealogy, learning to play the bagpipes, or simply seeking connection with like-minded heritage enthusiasts, you’re part of the family. Welcome!
The Board
Robert Currie
Commander of Currie
Michael Currie
Executive Director and Acting President
Tom Barr
Treasurer
Rev. David Currie
Director and Chaplain
Alan Currie
Board Member and Commissioner for Scotland
Claire Currie
Board Member and Commissioner for Scotland
Don Currie
Board Member and Commissioner for Scotland
Edward “Ned” Currie, Esq.
Board Member and Commissioner for Scotland
Matt Sinclair
Board Member
Rev. Dr. Susan Porterfield Currie
Board Member
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Learned Kindred of Currie and the Clan Currie Society?
The Learned Kindred of Currie refers to our global family of descendants and supporters of the MacMhuirich bardic tradition, spanning over 5,000 members worldwide. The Clan Currie Society is the official nonprofit organization that serves this community.
Think of it this way: the Learned Kindred is the people, and the Clan Currie Society is the organization that brings us together. The Society was incorporated in 1992 to preserve our heritage through programs like The Pipes of Christmas, Tartan Day on Ellis Island, scholarships, and cultural initiatives.
Whether you’re researching your Scottish ancestry, passionate about Celtic culture, or simply drawn to our mission of preserving Highland heritage, you’re welcome to join the Kindred through membership in the Clan Currie Society.
Are the Curries considered a Clan or Family?
The MacMhuirichs (Curries) are officially recognized as a Learned Kindred rather than a Highland Clan or a Lowland Family. According to the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, a clan is “a community which is both distinguished by heraldry and recognized by the Sovereign, with a chief at the head of this honorable community.”
The MacMhuirichs were unique among Scottish families — they served as a “Gaelic learned kindred” rather than following the traditional clan structure. As genealogist Dr. Bruce Durie explains, “The MacMhuirichs were unusual in not being a ‘clan’ as such, but a Gaelic learned kindred.”
Our family traces back to Muiredach O’Daly, who came to Scotland from Ireland in the 13th century and established the bardic dynasty that served as Hereditary Bards to the Lords of the Isles and the MacDonalds of Clanranald for over 800 years.
Today, the Learned Kindred of Currie continues this legacy as an independent family, proudly preserving our unique heritage while welcoming all who share our passion for Scottish culture.
Who is our clan chief?
The Currie family currently has no chief, but we do have a Commander. In 2018, following a worldwide search and Family Convention held in Glasgow, the Court of the Lord Lyon commissioned Dr. Robert Currie as Commander of the Name and Arms of Currie.
Commander Currie has led the Kindred in various forms since the late 1980s and was elected to the prestigious Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs in 2019. As Commander, he serves as our official representative and guides our cultural mission worldwide.
The process toward potentially electing a chief began in 2015 with extensive genealogical research led by Dr. Bruce Durie, one of Scotland’s foremost genealogists. This research uncovered compelling historical evidence of the independent nature of the MacMhuirich bardic family.
The Lord Lyon reviews the Commander’s position periodically to determine the most appropriate path forward for our family’s official recognition.
Do we have a tartan?
Yes! The Currie of Balilone tartan is the official tartan of the Clan Currie Society. This tartan was alleged to have been created in 1822 for King George IV’s visit to Edinburgh, when all clan chiefs and families were urged to appear in their family tartans. The Currie variant of the old “Lord of the Isles” tartan may have been granted by the 2nd Lord MacDonald as a direct descendant of the last Lord of the Isles, and was reconfirmed by the current High Chief of Clan Donald in 1971.
However, there are no strict rules about what tartans Curries can wear. Due to the historical changes in the 18th century when many Highland Gaelic names were anglicized, the MacMhuirich name evolved into Currie, MacPherson, MacMillan, Murray, and others. Given our long association with Clan Donald, Curries may choose to wear tartans associated with any of these families.
We also hold the design copyright for the Ellis Island Tartan, created in 2011 for all Americans whose ancestors arrived through Ellis Island. Scotland Shop in Edinburgh, Scotland is our exclusive supplier for quality tartan products.
Why doesn't the Clan Currie Society charge a membership fee?
We could, but we believe family membership is granted by birthright or affiliation. You can’t charge an individual to be a member of a family. Preserving and sharing Scottish heritage should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. As a nonprofit organization, we’re committed to building a global community united by our shared passion for Celtic culture and the MacMhuirich bardic tradition.
Free membership allows us to reach more people who are interested in Scottish heritage and keep them informed about our cultural programs, events, and educational initiatives in a timely way. Our goal is to foster connections and spread knowledge, not create financial barriers.
Instead of charging membership fees, we rely on individual donations, fundraising events like The Pipes of Christmas, and partnerships with cultural institutions to support our scholarship programs, heritage preservation efforts, and community outreach activities. This approach allows us to focus on our mission while building an inclusive, worldwide family of supporters.
How can I participate?
Join the conversation on our Facebook page, where over 5,000 members of our extended family connect, share stories, and discuss Scottish heritage. You don’t need to be a Currie to participate — we welcome anyone interested in Highland culture.
Volunteer at events throughout the year. From Highland Games gatherings to our annual Pipes of Christmas concerts, volunteers play an essential role in making our programs successful. It’s rewarding work that’s also a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
Attend our events like Tartan Day on Ellis Island, The Pipes of Christmas, or one of the many Highland Games where we host information tents. These gatherings offer wonderful opportunities to connect with fellow members and experience Scottish culture firsthand.
Support our mission through donations that fund scholarships, cultural commissions, and heritage preservation efforts. Every contribution helps ensure that Scottish traditions continue to thrive for future generations.
Does the Clan Currie Society provide scholarships?
Yes! We’re proud to award scholarships annually to young people in the US, Canada, and Scotland through partnerships with leading educational institutions.
Our scholarship program reflects our commitment to preserving and promoting Scottish Highland heritage by supporting those working to keep Celtic culture flourishing. Current scholarships include awards for bagpipe studies, clarsach (Scottish harp), Gaelic language research, music composition, and fine arts.
We administer scholarships through prestigious institutions like the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the National Piping Centre, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (Scotland’s Gaelic College), and the Gaelic College of Nova Scotia. Each scholarship honors the memory of individuals who made significant contributions to Scottish culture and our family’s legacy.
In addition to scholarships, we sponsor cultural events including the National Scottish Harp Championship of America, the Royal National Mòd, and special competitions that celebrate emerging talent in traditional Scottish arts.
Our scholarship program ensures that the bardic tradition of supporting artists and scholars continues into the next generation. Learn more on our Scholarships & Programs page.
How is the Clan Currie Society funded?
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on individual donations and fundraising activities rather than membership fees to support our programs.
Our primary fundraiser is The Pipes of Christmas, our annual concert series held in New York City and Summit, New Jersey, with highlights webcast globally. This beloved holiday tradition generates much of our operating budget for the year ahead.
We also collaborate with leading institutions and organizations to enhance our programs while sharing costs and expertise. These partnerships and sponsorships allow us to present world-class events, support scholarship programs through established educational institutions, and preserve heritage through museum exhibitions and archives.
We also receive support through Tartan Day on Ellis Island, our free annual celebration that showcases Scottish-American heritage to thousands of visitors. Additionally, we earn a small commission from sales through our partnership with the House of Tartan in Scotland, which helps support our ongoing work.
Individual donations—which are tax-deductible in the United States—directly fund our scholarship programs, cultural commissions, heritage preservation initiatives, and community outreach efforts. These gifts, whether large or small, make it possible for us to continue our mission of preserving the MacMhuirich bardic tradition for future generations.
Every contribution helps ensure that Scottish culture continues to thrive worldwide.
Does the Clan Currie Society accept donations?
Yes! We welcome and deeply appreciate donations of all sizes. In fact, we rely on the generosity of individuals who share our commitment to preserving Scottish heritage and supporting the next generation of Celtic artists and scholars.
Your donation directly supports our scholarship programs, funds new cultural commissions, preserves important heritage sites and monuments, and makes possible our community outreach efforts worldwide. Whether you contribute $25 or $2,500, every gift makes a meaningful difference in continuing the 700-year legacy of the MacMhuirich bardic tradition.
As an IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, all gifts to the Clan Currie Society are fully tax-deductible. You can make a donation by check, credit card, or online through our secure donation page. We also welcome planned giving and memorial donations as lasting ways to honor loved ones while supporting our mission.
To learn more about how your gift creates impact, visit our Programs & Outreach page to see the scholarships, cultural initiatives, and heritage preservation projects your support makes possible.
Get Involved
Whether you’re passionate about supporting Celtic artists, preserving Scottish heritage, or collaborating with a nonprofit rooted in Scottish ancestry, there are many meaningful ways to get involved with the Learned Kindred of Currie.