The President and Committee of the Bundanoon Highland Gathering are delighted to announce that Lord Strathspey has accepted the offer to be their Chieftain of the Day in 2025.

DATES & DEETS

Sir Michael Grant of Grant, Lord Strathspey, 34th Chief of Clan Grant, was born in Edinburgh in 1953. 

He spent his early years in Scotland, with family summer holidays in West Wittering, on the south coast of England. 

Sir Michael attended Prep School in Gloucestershire, followed by Harrow (1964-70) and then Oriel College, Oxford (1971-74), where he graduated with an MA in Modern History. 

A Chartered Surveyor by profession (MRICS), Sir Michael has enjoyed a career in Project Development, Asset Management, Sales and Lettings. He has travelled extensively, working on projects throughout Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Now retired, Sir Michael’s interests span a wide range of subjects including property, design, architecture and art. He has a particular passion for cars (old and new) and continues to enjoy walking, sailing and kayaking.  

As a person who likes to travel and connect with others, Sir Michael’s vision is to “Think Global” when it comes to building and growing the Clan Grant community. His wish is to promote the Clan traditions throughout the world, strengthening bonds and preserving the Clan Grant history – for this generation and the next. 

As the Chief of Clan Grant, Sir Michael takes particular pride in the Clan Grant history. Inspired by two 18th Century paintings of the Grant Champion and Piper by the artist Richard Waitt, he has reintroduced the Grant 1714 tartan, one of the earliest tartans on record.


New Grant tartan inspired by paintings

The Grant 1714 tartan, one of the earliest recorded, has been revived and authorised by Sir Michael Grant of Grant, Lord Strathspey, 34th Chief of Grant. Its origins trace to 1704, when Alexander Grant directed clansmen to don “Highland Coates trewes and short hose of tartaine of red and Greine sett broad springed,” recorded in the Court Book of the Regality of Grant. 

Although no fabric remnants survive, clues from two 1714 portraits by artist Richard Waitt reveal ceremonial red and green tartans, likely woven by the same weaver. 

Inspired by these works, Lord Strathspey collaborated with tartan historian Peter MacDonald to reconstruct the pattern. 

MacDonald’s extensive analysis resulted in a pattern woven by Lochcarron of Scotland, using historic shades typical of the early 18th century. Registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans, the Grant 1714 tartan is now available in light, middle, and heavy weights as well as custom-made garments and accessories.

More information at www.lochcarron.co.uk.