MacLaren The clan MacLaren was located in the area around Balquhidder and Strathyre (Scotland) from the 9th century. Their territory was bounded by four lakes: Loch Doine, Loch Voil, Loch Earn en Loch Lubnaig. The MacLarens descend from Lorn, king of Dalriada in the 6th century. The original (Gealic) name for MacLaren is Labhran and was used for the first time in the early 13th century by Labhran of Achtow. According to an ancient legend, there was a mermaid who lived in a loch in Alba and who fell in love with a mortal. The clan MacLaren is to have descended from this commitment. Scottish clans became local governmental institutes. The clan members are part of the same blood line. The clan is lead by a chief together with the chieftains (representatives of the chief). The clan leaders protected the clans population , took care of the elderly, orphans etc. The Chiefs Arms of Clan Labhran (the symbol with the mermaids) is the personal arm of the chief. The mermaids on the sides symbolize the legend. The motto Ab Origine Fidus means: “Loyal by nature”. The galleass symbolizes the clans connection with the western isles.   The top part of the chiefs arm is depicted in the clan badge. This crest is worn by the clansmen (and our band members). The arm exists of a lions head in between two laurel branches. This whole is surrounded by a belt, on which the text Creag an Tuirc is written; the ancient battle cry and name of the meeting place of the clan and means The Boars Rock. A cairn stone on this rock reminisces to the fact that this place is still owned by the Clan MacLaren Society.   Creag an Tuirc