In 1737, William Forsyth from Old Meldrum was born and went to London where he studied at the botanical gardens in Chelsea to become a distinguished horticulturist and was appointed Chief Superintendent of the Royal Gardens at both Kensington and St James' Palace in 1784.

He researched actively and was particularly interested in plant diseases.

By the 16th century Forsyth was a recognized Clan with its own Chief. However, at the time of Oliver Cromwell many of the Scottish Records were lost and as a result re-registration was necessary. This took place between 1672 and 1676 and our Chief failed to register.

For over 300 years the Clan was unrecognized. The Forsyths had entered historical darkness around 1650 when Cromwell's ships carrying records of all the Clans as spoils of war sank off Berwick on Tweed. The then chief failed to re-establish his claim to the name and his Armorial bearings when Charles II instituted a public register of Clans in 1672.

Interest in reviving the Clan began in the early years of the Twentieth Century with the formation of a Forsyth Family Association in Glasgow, Scotland. The ultimate achievement came on St. Andrew's Day in 1978, when the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, once again recognized Clan Forsyth as one of the old, whole name Clans of Scotland. The Lord Lyon of Scotland accepted the claim of Alistair C.W. Forsyth of that Ilk, Baron of Ethie, the rightful candidate, to be Chief of Clan Forsyth and Alistair officially became our Chief.

Alistair received the nomination because his family genealogy traced back fifteen generations to a Fife laird, Andrew Forsyth, who lived near Falkland, where it is known that in the 16th century Forsyths were courtiers of the Scottish Kings at Falkland Palace. It was therefore appropriate that the formal inauguration of Chief Alistair be held in Falkland Palace. Today, Clan Forsyth is an active Clan, with members throughout the world.

Forsythia

Next...