Support the Clan Macpherson Museum
Adopt An Artefact
Support the preservation of Clan Macpherson heritage by symbolically adopting one of our most meaningful artefacts.
This five-year sponsorship helps the Museum continue vital work — from caring for the collection and improving displays to covering the essential running costs that keep our doors open. Your support ensures the Clan’s story can be shared with future generations.
Every adoption includes:
- A personal thank-you from the Trustees
- Official Adoption Certificate
- Printed Adoption Card displayed beside your artefact
- Recognition in the Museum’s sponsor notebook
- Acknowledgement on the Museum’s website and social media
- Museum: The Music – a collection of Scottish-inspired instrumentals
- Museum Places of Interest – a 20-page guide to Clan landmarks in Badenoch
(Both are also available in the Museum Shop)
Please note: Each artefact can only be adopted by one sponsor at a time. On rare occasions, if a second adopter completes payment while a previous is still being finalised, we’ll let you know promptly and help you choose another artefact or offer a refund if needed.
Choose a Tier
Open a tier below to view the artefacts, then click any image to reveal its story
Bronze – £250
The Rugby Caps
🟢 Available
Worn by two of Scotland’s 1925 Grand Slam champions, these caps mark a sporting legacy
The Tartan Book
🟢 Available
A book of early clan tartans, reflecting culture through colour and cloth
Carved Clansman’s Badge
🟢 Available
A carved badge created over 40 hours, showcasing a clansman’s skill and heritage
Black Officer’s Soup Ladle
🟢 Available
This soup ladle fed young recruits and is linked to a tale of mystery
Portrait of Sir John Macpherson
🟢 Available
A miniature portrait of Sir John Macpherson, Governor-General of India in the 1780s
1895 Banquet Menu
🟢 Available
An original menu from the Clan Chattan Gathering held at Cluny Castle in 1895
Photo of 1895 Clan Gathering at Cluny Castle
🔴 Adopted by Mike & Denise Lagundzin
A proud moment in Clan history, this photo captures the loyalty pledged to Cluny at the 1895 Gathering
Oval Portrait of Duncan of the Kiln
🔴 Adopted by Ewen S.L. MacPherson
A portrait of Duncan of the Kiln, who helped reclaim Clan lands following the Jacobite Rising of 1745
Norman Macpherson’s Piping Medals
🟢 Available
Piping medals awarded for Norman Macpherson’s 19th-century victories in Scotland and North America
Silver – £500
The MacPherson Strut
🟢 Available
Earle S. MacPherson invented the Strut in the 1940s at Ford, transforming car suspension
Silver Piping Cup
🟢 Available
Awarded in 1866 to Angus Macdonald, this silver cup celebrates Highland musical tradition
Shinty Caman
🟢 Available
This 200-year-old caman links the Macphersons of Knock of Clune to Scotland’s iconic sport
Watercolour: ‘The Young Chief’s First Ride’
🟢 Available
This painting by John Frederick Tayler (1802–1889), shows one of Ewen of Cluny’s sons on his first ride
Dress Coat of John Alexander Macpherson
🟢 Available
Worn by John Alexander Macpherson, Premier of Victoria, Australia (1869–1870)
Portrait of Lachlan Macpherson of Nuide and Cluny
🟢 Available
An oil painting of Lachlan Macpherson, who became the 17th Clan Chief in 1722
Keys to Cluny House
🟢 Available
The only known objects to survive the burning of Cluny House by government troops after Culloden in 1746
Colonel Duncan Macpherson’s Diary
🟢 Available
A 1770s diary by Col Duncan Macpherson, recording his military life around the time of the American Revolution
Banff Town Clock Mechanism
🟢 Available
A clock mechanism believed to have played a role in Jamie Macpherson’s execution, tied to a dark moment in time
Portrait of Margaret Macpherson of Breakachy
🟢 Available
Daughter of Cluny of the ’45, Margaret’s portrait is one of the Museum’s few depictions of women
Print of Two Men of Cluny
🟢 Available
A print of Queen Victoria’s 1867 commission of Lachlan Macpherson with the Green Banner and Ewen Macpherson with the Medusa Targe
Engraving: Prince Charles’ Entry into Edinburgh
🟢 Available
An engraving of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s arrival that offers a glimpse into Jacobite history
Gold – £1,000
Portrait of Eliza Gordon Macpherson of Cluny
🔴 Adopted by Donna McPherson Rucks
An oil painting of Eliza Gordon Macpherson of Cluny, hidden for over a century before its restoration in 2011
Illuminated Address of the 1895 Clan Gathering
🟢 Available
An Illuminated Address to the 22nd Chief at the 1895 Clan Chattan Gathering, celebrating kinship and Highland heritage
Portrait of Lt. General Robert Barclay Macpherson
🟢 Available
A portrait of Lt. Gen Robert Barclay Macpherson, grandson of Cluny of the ’45 and a distinguished military leader
The Cumberland Medallion
🟢 Available
A 1746 medallion struck in London, commemorating the government’s victory at Culloden under the Duke of Cumberland
Watercolour: ‘Two Macpherson Families in 1818’
🔴 Adopted in honour of Ewen S.L. MacPherson, Trustee Emeritus
An 1818 painting of two Privates named John Macpherson, each shown with their family
Memoirs of the Chevalier de Johnstone
🟢 Available
A rare eyewitness account of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, written in French by a Scotsman
Portrait of Old Cluny
🟢 Available
A portrait of Ewen Macpherson, 20th Chief and the first chief to wear the Hunting Tartan
The Poetry Box
🟢 Available
An elegant box disguised as books, gifted to James Macpherson by the Prince of Wales in 1789
Portrait of James Macpherson
🟢 Available
A portrait of James Macpherson, whose Ossianic publications shaped views of the Highlands
Queen Victoria’s Chair
🟢 Available
Believed to have seated Queen Victoria during her 1847 visit to Cluny Castle, this chair remains a remarkable piece in the Museum’s collection
Portrait of a Macpherson Chief
🟢 Available
The earliest known portrait of a Macpherson Chief, thought to depict Andrew, the 15th Chief, or Cluny of the ’45
The 1745 Shilling
🟢 Available
A British shilling dated 1745, minted during the reign of George II and said to resemble the coin given to Cluny by Hector Munro
Miniature Portrait of Duncan of the Kiln
🟢 Available
A portrait of Duncan Macpherson, born in a corn kiln near the ruins of Cluny House after Culloden
Old Cluny’s Dress Sword
🟢 Available
A ceremonial sword presented to Old Cluny in 1883, later sold at auction and rediscovered in Texas
Portrait of Sarah Justina
🟢 Available
A portrait of Sarah Justina, wife of Old Cluny, whose life and influence are honoured with a cairn on Creag Bheag Uvie
Platinum – £5,000
James Macpherson’s Fiddle
🟢 Available
The fiddle of James (‘Jamie’) Macpherson, linked to the origins of Strathspey music and remembered as a symbol of resilience
The Silver Epergne
🟢 Available
Gifted to Old Cluny in 1882, this silver epergne became the centrepiece of Clan dinners and is linked to a favourite tale of Cluny of the ’45
The Black Chanter
🟢 Available
The Black Chanter, one of the Museum’s most treasured artefacts, is said to have been bestowed on the Clan by an angel
The Invereshie Book
🟢 Available
The Invereshie Book tells of battles, genealogy, and ancestral lands, recording Macpherson history across generations
The Green Banner
🟢 Available
The Green Banner marked the Clan in battle, where legend says they were always victorious beneath it. It still leads the March at the Gathering
Sir Tommy’s Medals
🟢 Available
These medals belonged to Sir Tommy Macpherson, believed during his lifetime to be the most decorated surviving veteran of WWII
FAQ
What is Adopt An Artefact?
Adopt An Artefact is a symbolic sponsorship programme supporting the ongoing work of the Clan Macpherson Museum.
Your donation helps us care for the collection, enhance exhibitions, and cover essential running costs — from conservation and lighting to staffing and access. While each object has its own historic meaning, your support contributes to the wider preservation of Clan heritage.
Will I own the artefact?
No — adoption is symbolic. The artefact remains part of the Museum’s permanent collection. Your donation supports the care of the collection as a whole, building upkeep, and other running costs.
How long does the adoption last?
Each adoption lasts for five years. After that time, the artefact may become available again for re-adoption.
Can I adopt in honour or memory of someone?
Yes — simply let us know on the form. It’s a meaningful way to mark a birthday, anniversary, or the memory of a loved one.
Can an artefact be jointly adopted by a couple, family, or organisation?
Yes — while each artefact can only have one sponsor at a time, that sponsor can be an individual, couple, family, business or organisation. Just let us know how you’d like the name to appear when completing the form.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes — you can choose whether or not your name is displayed in-gallery or online when you complete the form.
What if my chosen artefact has already been adopted?
Each artefact can only be adopted by one sponsor at a time. In the event that two sponsors select the same artefact, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose another.
Can I adopt more than one artefact?
Yes — please complete a separate form for each adoption.
Can I see my adopted artefact in person?
Yes — all artefacts available for adoption are on display in the Museum (unless temporarily removed for conservation). We’d love for you to visit and see it in person!
Complete Your Adoption
If you’d like to sponsor an artefact, simply select your chosen item and complete its short form.
Once your form and payment have been received, the Museum team will confirm your adoption and outline the next steps. After everything is processed, you’ll receive your full benefits package.
Ready to Adopt?
Browse the artefacts above and choose the one that resonates with you. Your support directly helps us care for the collection and keep the Museum thriving — thank you.
Questions? Contact Us — we’re happy to help!