Ross M. McEwen

Ross M. McEwen was born and raised in the Scottish Highland Capital of Inverness and brought up to possess and cherish what has become a lifelong passion for the Scottish Clan system, its presence around the world and its relation to Scots Heraldry.

 

By profession a subject specialist in Freedom of Information law and a former University Lecturer, Ross’s burgeoning second career in the Scottish Clan space advocates for the health and prosperity of Clan culture in Scotland and overseas, providing heraldic advice and support to Clan Chiefs, Societies and the public on matters pertaining to engagement, succession, governance, ceremonial, heraldry and as the role and functions of the Court of the Lord Lyon.

 

Ross’s busy speaking schedule at Clan Gatherings, Highland Games, academic conferences around the world and online as well as writing about the vibrant world of Scots Heraldry and Clan culture around the globe, aims to increase awareness and participation in the exciting area of Scottish Clans, and Scottish culture. Ross played a central and leading role in the organisational efforts, research and legal submissions which re-established of the Chiefship of Clan MacEwen in 2025 following 575 years of abeyance, as well as co-designing what has become the new legally granted Chiefly Coat of Arms for Clan MacEwen. He now serves as one of the senior members of the global Clan MacEwen leadership, holding the positions of Seanchaidh to the Chief of MacEwen, and as Ceann-Taighe within Clan MacEwen, representing the Chief in his absence, including standing in during ceremonial occasions and events.

 

Ross’s volunteer roles have included being a Member of Council of The Royal Stuart Society, a Trustee of The Heraldry Society of Scotland and the organiser of the Clans Tent at the Inverness Highland Games, the largest annual inter-clan gathering in Scotland. Ross sits on the Fife Committee of St John Scotland, is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London in 2024. In 2021 he was granted a Coat of Arms by the Lord Lyon, the first Scottish born member of Clan MacEwen to be granted a new Coat of Arms for over a century. In 2025 was admitted into the Duff Highlanders, the Scottish ceremonial guard at The Braemar Gathering and serving as the retinue for the Duke of Fife.

 

Ross holds dual British and German citizenship, represents the British-German Association in Scotland, is a member of the Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on Germany, and is an Associate Member of the Consular Corps of Scotland.