Who Are We?
The Management Committee of The Duff Highlanders’ Society comprises:
Who Are We?
The Management Committee of The Duff Highlanders’ Society comprises:
His Grace The Duke of Fife
Patron
Captain Mark Nicolson (Trustee)
Patron & Chair
Brian J Wood
(Trustee)
Secretary
Joss D McGregor
(Trustee)
Treasurer
John McLeish
(Trustee)
Vice Chair
John McLeish
(Trustee)
Vice Chair
Brian J Wood
(Trustee)
Secretary
Joss D McGregor
(Trustee)
Treasurer
Magali Brat
Committee
Michel Brat
Committee
Lorraine Grant
Committee
Gareth
Johnston
Committee
Doreen Wood (Trustee)
Committee
Doreen Wood (Trustee)
Committee
Michel Brat
Committee
Magali Brat
Committee
Gareth
Johnston
Committee
Lorraine Grant
Committee
Keeping Highland Spirit at the Heart of Braemar
Through our Aims
The organisation is formed to benefit the community of Braemar and the surrounding area with the following purposes:
-
Celebrating Heritage
To foster a family/clan association to promote genealogy, tradition, the wearing of highland dress, music, spoken and written lore and history.
-
Adding Cultural Value to Ceremonial Life
To attend and add value and interest to local events of ceremonial significance eg Highland Gatherings, civic events, weddings, funerals, etc, as appropriate.
-
Championing Braemar’s Traditions
To represent and promote the traditions of Braemar at Highland Gatherings and other events in the area.
- Collaborating with Kindred Societies
To collaborate with the Braemar Royal Highland Society and Charity and other Highlander Societies which may emerge locally over time such as Invercauld and Balmoral, while still maintaining an independent identity.
About Us
Our Early Roots
The Duff Highlanders trace their roots to the early 19th century, when Braemar was a village steeped in Highland tradition and divided between Castleton and Auchendryne. In 1815, local artisans—known as “wrights”—formed the Braemar Wright Society, a Friendly Society aimed at mutual support and community welfare. These gatherings were marked by processions, music, and spirited competitions, laying the foundation for what would become the Braemar Highland Games.
By 1826, the Society evolved into the Braemar Highland Society, and in 1832, it began hosting formal athletic competitions. That same year, General Sir Alexander Duff of Delgaty, a key figure in the Duff lineage, took a keen interest in the Society. He personally trained the Duff Highlanders, outfitting them in clan tartan and preparing them to parade with pride and precision.
The arrival of Queen Victoria at Balmoral in 1848 gave the Gathering royal prestige. Her patronage, along with that of successive monarchs, elevated the event to national significance. The Duff Highlanders, alongside other clan groups, became a celebrated part of these royal festivities, marching in full Highland dress and representing the strength and spirit of their heritage.
Today, the Duff Highlanders’ Society seeks to revive this proud legacy—honouring the traditions of Braemar and once again marching before the Sovereign at the Braemar Gathering.
New beginnings
Our Revival
In October 2023, Captain Mark Nicolson, proprietor of Mar Estate, brought together a group of local residents to share his vision for reviving the Duff Highlanders—a proud tradition deeply rooted in the history of Braemar.
Inspired by this vision, the group began meeting regularly, welcoming new members who shared a passion for Highland heritage, ceremony, and community.
Together, they established The Duff Highlanders’ Society, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), with a clear and heartfelt aim:
to once again march before the Sovereign at the Braemar Gathering, honouring the legacy of the Duff Highlanders and enriching the cultural life of the region.
Our Tartan
John McLeish and Peter MacDonald of the Scottish Tartans Authority (STA) have carried out a considerable amount of research into the tartan worn by the original Duff Highlanders.
Using an early 19th century MacDuff tartan kilt in the collection of the STA as inspiration, the sett has been recreated in specific shades that represent traditional natural dyes of that period. This version of the MacDuff tartan is unique to the Society and may be worn by members.
Our Tartan
John McLeish and Peter MacDonald of the Scottish Tartans Authority (STA) have carried out a considerable amount of research into the tartan worn by the original Duff Highlanders.
Using an early 19th century MacDuff tartan kilt in the collection of the STA as inspiration, the sett has been recreated in specific shades that represent traditional natural dyes of that period. This version of the MacDuff tartan is unique to the Society and may be worn by members.
our Banner
His Grace The Duke of Fife has had an accurate replica of the original banner, flown by the Duff Highlanders, made and we hope to have it on parade at the Gathering in September.
The original banner of the Duff Highlanders now on display in the Braemar Highland Games and Visitor Centre.
our Banner
His Grace The Duke of Fife has had an accurate replica of the original banner, flown by the Duff Highlanders, made and we hope to have it on parade at the Gathering in September.
The original banner of the Duff Highlanders now on display
in the Braemar Highland Games and Visitor Centre
How To Become A
Duff Highlander
If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining the Society and who has some connection with the ancient Earldom of Mar then please encourage them to get in touch and we’ll send them joining details.
Or register using the link below
How To Become A
Duff Highlander
If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining the Society and who has some connection with the ancient Earldom of Mar then please encourage them to get in touch and we’ll send them joining details.
Or register using the link below
Society Activities
New Spears, Axes and Staff
Some of the weapons which local craftsman, Michel Brat, has been busy creating over the last few months – 16 spears, 2 Lochaber Axes and in the centre is the staff which will carry the banner of the Duff Highlanders.
Drill Practice
We meet in the Braemar Games Park, every Sunday afternoon at 4.00pm
The First of the MacDuff Tartan
Woven for the Duff Highlanders’ Society comes off the loom at Macnaughton’s Mill in Keith.
Society Activities
New Spears, Axes and Staff
Some of the weapons which local craftsman, Michel Brat, has been busy creating over the last few months – 16 spears, 2 Lochaber Axes and in the centre is the staff which will carry the banner of the Duff Highlanders.
Drill Practice
We meet in the Braemar Games Park, every Sunday afternoon at 4.00pm
The First of the MacDuff Tartan
Woven for the Duff Highlanders’ Society comes off the loom at Macnaughton’s Mill in Keith.
Society Activities
New Spears, Axes and Staff
Some of the weapons which local craftsman, Michel Brat, has been busy creating over the last few months – 16 spears, 2 Lochaber Axes and in the centre is the staff which will carry the banner of the Duff Highlanders.
Drill Practice
We meet in the Braemar Games Park, every Sunday afternoon at 4.00pm
The First of the MacDuff Tartan
Woven for the Duff Highlanders’ Society comes off the loom at Macnaughton’s Mill in Keith.
Society Activities
New Spears, Axes and Staff
Some of the weapons which local craftsman, Michel Brat, has been busy creating over the last few months – 16 spears, 2 Lochaber Axes and in the centre is the staff which will carry the banner of the Duff Highlanders.
Drill Practice
We meet in the Braemar Games Park, every Sunday afternoon at 4.00pm
The First of the MacDuff Tartan
Woven for the Duff Highlanders’ Society comes off the loom at Macnaughton’s Mill in Keith.
Society Activities
The First of the MacDuff Tartan
Woven for the Duff Highlanders’ Society comes off the loom at Macnaughton’s Mill in Keith.
New Spears, Axes and Staff
Some of the weapons which local craftsman, Michel Brat, has been busy creating over the last few months – 16 spears, 2 Lochaber Axes and in the centre is the staff which will carry the banner of the Duff Highlanders.
Drill Practice
We meet in the Braemar Games Park, every Sunday afternoon at 4.00pm
Contact Us
Secretary
Brian Wood (Trustee)
secertary@duffhighlanders.com
Treasurer
Joss D McGregor (Trustee)
treasurer@duffhighlanders.com