Chieftain of the Day

The Rt Hon Lord Strathspey, Sir Michael Grant of Grant Bt., 34th Chief of Clan Grant is our Chieftain of the Day for the 2026 Melbourne Highland Games & Celtic Festival

My late father, Sir Patrick Grant of Grant, Lord Strathspey was the 32^nd Chief of Grant. He set up International Clan Grant Societies in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand the 1970/80s and visited Sydney in 1983, as Guest of Honour, which he tremendously enjoyed.  

He wrote a History of Clan Grant, published in 1983, of particular interest being his record of the New Zealand period 1870-1913, having been born there in 1912, but leaving aged one! He was succeeded by his eldest son, my half-brother James in 1992, 33^rd Chief of Grant, then in turn by myself, on his passing away in May 2023.  

I was born in 1953 and brought up in Edinburgh, enjoying summer holidays in West Wittering, Sussex. Schools – The Edinburgh Academy, Old Quarries Prep School in Gloucestershire and Harrow School, London (1964-70). University – Oriel College, Oxford (1971-4), Modern History (MA). 

My love of buildings and architecture led me to become a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) and Project Management became my forte. This involved development appraisals, design briefs for Architects, the final design, finishes, contracts, programme, construction, cost control and leasing or sales on completion.   

I worked in London from 1974 for the earlier part of my career, which also included frequent business trips to the USA in the 80s, when I was able to help with the Clan Society and get to know those involved. Major projects took me to Dubai, where I lived from 1992 onwards, working for local and international companies, which proved to be stimulating, productive and enjoyable.  

Whilst in Dubai I spent time in Thailand, where I also undertook my own development project in Koh Samui. I now spend much of the winter there, continuing to support local agricultural, sports and charitable events.  

I retired in 2013, to look after my mother Olive in West Wittering, who passed away in 2019 aged 105. I spend the summers there, my principal hobbies being sailing, kayaking and walking.  

Having enjoyed part of my life in Scotland, I have now been able to express my love of the Highlands, it’s history and traditions, by launching a new historic tartan, the Grant 1714, possibly a first for any Clan. I am working on a single malt Scotch whisky to follow.

Since becoming Chief, I have continued to be actively involved in the running of our UK Society and our annual Clan Gatherings in Grantown on Spey. I also attended the Stone Mountain Games in Atlanta, as Guest of Honour in 2024 and likewise at Bundanoon, NSW as Games Chieftain in April 2025. Our Clan Chairman in Australia, the Hon Troy Grant then took me on a splendid tour, with Merv Grant, our longstanding member, through the mountains to Brisbane. What a wonderful trip.   

My Mission as Chief is to support my fellow Grants, help make the Clan Grant Societies worldwide work as one, become more relevant and enjoyable, attract a wider membership by embracing social media and local community events, enjoying kinship, mutual understanding and sustainability.

I am very much looking forward to the Melbourne Highland Games – what a privilege and pleasure.

Lord Strathspey

Standfast Craigellachie!