In November 2026, members of the worldwide Currie/Curry/Currey family (anciently MacMhuirich, “MacVurich”) will meet to select a chief for the first time in their history. Once influential poets and historians to the MacDonald Lord of the Isles and other prominent families and clans, the Learned Kindred of Currie will gather in Scotland for only their second clan convention in modern times. Held under the authority of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, family conventions provide an opportunity for members of an armigerous clan or name to affirm leadership, strengthen kinship ties, and celebrate shared heritage.
Earlier this year, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh assigned a Supervising Officer for the Second Family Convention of the Learned Kindred of Currie: The Hon. Roderick Macpherson, Unicorn Pursuivant. The appointment of a Supervising Officer marks an important step in the preparation for the convention, ensuring that proceedings are conducted in accordance with Scotland’s heraldic law and ancient custom. The presence of a Supervising Officer reflects both the historic standing of the Currie name and the seriousness with which the Kindred approaches this gathering of the family worldwide.
The Rev. Dr. David Currie will oversee the convention on behalf of the Kindred. “In 2017, the Curries held their first recorded family convention to elect a Commander, affirming our identity as a learned kindred, distinct from any other clan or name,” said Currie. “Our upcoming family convention in November to elect a chief of the name and arms of Currie provides a unique opportunity for Curries around the world to united in making this status permanent.”
The first Currie Family Convention resulted in the appointment of Robert Currie as Commander. In 2019, he was also elected to membership in the prestigious Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.
Currie history
In 1959, William McMurdo Currie established the first Currie family society in Glasgow. The society thrived and drew both members and awareness for the family. At the same time, Professor Derek Thompson from the University of Glasgow’s Department of Celtic began writing a series of research papers for the Gaelic Society of Inverness which launched a contemporary appreciation for these Gaelic bards and their significance in Highland history.
Prior to his death, William Currie charged Robert Currie, an American family historian with breathing new life into this story. In 1992, the Clan Currie Society was incorporated in the United States as a family name society. This is still the official organisation leading the global family of the Learned Kindred of Currie.
In 2017, as the learned kindred was conducting its first convention, Professor Hugh Cheape from the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture said, “This kindred [Currie] as ‘bardic dynasty’ with such a remarkable history ought now to be recognised on the wider stage of Scottish culture as a family with an independent role at the centre of a widely connected and well-ordered culture…”
Will this family, descended from the 13th century Irish bard, Muireadhach Ó Dálaigh (O’Daly) ever be considered a Clan? Well-known genealogist, heraldist and historian Dr. Bruce Durie said, “Historically there never was a Clan Currie or Clan MacMhuirich, with territories and a quasi-military structure. The term ‘family’ is probably inappropriate for Currie, as it indicates the Lowlands. The MacMhuirichs, however, were proud Highlanders, and hereditary bards to a number of clans. They were truly a ‘learned kindred’, which may be the best designation for Currie.”
What is the significance of the Curries selecting a chief for the first time? “Selecting a chief allows the Curries to have a leader to take our rightful place alongside the clans and families that looked to us as bards for leadership,” said Rev. David Currie.
For more information, contact Rev. Dr. David Currie at: [email protected]. The Learned Kindred of Currie website: www.learnedkindredofcurrie.com.
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