The Heart of Logan

Welcome to the first edition of The Heart of Logan. In this free publication, we’ll share a mix of Clan Logan Society news and announcements, short features, children’s pages, and if you send ‘em — recipes. And from our Logan hearts to yours, happy Easter to all who celebrate this important Holy day commemorating the resurrection of Christ.

We begin this inaugural edition with an encouraging message from the Commander of the Family of Logan, J. Kevin Logan.

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As the Commander of the Family and Highland Clan Logan, stepping into this role during our ongoing search for a hereditary chief has been both an honor and a profound challenge. It’s like being the first mate of a ship navigating uncharted waters, where the crew is scattered on islands across the globe, each member carrying an heirloom of our shared Scottish heritage. I’ve always been passionate about our family’s history—the tartans, the battles, the unbreakable spirit of the Logans—but little could have prepared me for the weight of leading the family without that definitive anchor of a chief. Every decision feels amplified, knowing that I’m bridging the gap until we find the rightful heir who can unite us under a single banner.

The search is a journey filled with traditions and legends. Modern detective work – honoring our heritage while chasing down every lead, watching closely for clues others missed, even checking DNA – is bringing to life many details. For well over two decades now, we’ve pored over genealogical records, consulted historians, and reached out to descendants from branches long disconnected. It’s exhilarating to uncover stories of Logans who emigrated to distant lands centuries ago, their bloodlines weaving the Logan fabric through the Americas, through Australia, through India and other parts of the world. Yet, there’s an undercurrent of uncertainty always nagging at the edges of my mind. What if the search takes many, many more years? How do we maintain momentum? As Commander, I find myself constantly balancing optimism with realism, encouraging our members to stay engaged through virtual gatherings, Highland festivals, and regular newsletters. It always comes back to that key thought though, that families are more than lineage. Families are living connections. The Logan Family Story is an integral part of the “Living Scotland,” as the Lord Lyon is known to call the diaspora.

Representing a unique, talented global family is the most rewarding aspect of this role. Our clan spans continents—teachers in Montreal, pilots in Texas, singers and poets in the Scottish Highlands, small business owners in New Zealand — all bound by a common thread. I’ve had the privilege of hearing their stories: a young Logan in Portugal rediscovering her roots through our social media, an elder in the UK sharing tales of family heirlooms with his gathered clan. This broad mixture of people and cultures enriches us, and it also demands attention to a sense of belonging. I strive to ensure that every voice is heard, that I pay attention to everyone’s personal story. It’s a big responsibility, yes, but it fuels my sense of purpose, turning what could be an endless struggle into a vibrant tapestry of love, spirit, and family.

Keeping everyone united during this transitional period requires deliberate effort. Without a hereditary chief, there’s a risk of fragmentation—different factions pulling in various directions, those seeking their own personal fulfillment driving dissension. I’ve focused on fostering unity through shared activities, like our participation in Highland Games or collaborative research projects on clan history. These initiatives should remind us that we’re not just waiting. We are actively building. Personal anecdotes help too — sharing my own journey from a searching young man to Commander of the family humanizes the process for many. It comes down to creating a sense of belonging, where every Logan feels valued, regardless of their location or background.

On a personal level, embracing this role has been a blend of excitement and introspection. I remember the day I was appointed. I felt like I was inheriting a legacy overnight. There’s pride in upholding traditions that date back to the 13th century, but it can also bring self-doubts. Am I doing enough? Am I honoring our ancestors? These questions keep me up at night, and they also drive me forward. I’ve grown immensely, learning to lead with empathy, flexibility and no small amount of resilience.

One unexpected joy has been the deepened relationships within the clan. As Commander, I’ve connected with members I’d never have met otherwise—exchanging emails with a Logan in Scotland about our shared love of heraldry or meeting with a group of global members via Zoom to plan future gatherings. These interactions highlight the clan’s resilience. We are thriving and that’s evidence of the enduring power of family ties that transcend borders and generations. This role has shown me that unity isn’t imposed—it’s cultivated through trust and shared vision.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the outcome of the search. We’ve made significant progress, narrowing down leads and verifying claims with expert help. The investigative team of Sean, Caleb, and now Marlee shoulders a great burden for us all. Our success will likely spring from all of our combined efforts, as a united family. Until then, my focus remains on strengthening our foundation. Being Commander is not just a title. Being the Commander of Logan, I believe I have a calling to preserve what makes the Family and Highland Clan Logan special. To any fellow clansman or clanswoman reading this, please know that your participation matters. Together, while we are searching for a chief, we’re rediscovering ourselves.

In the end, this experience has reshaped my view of heritage. It is not static in any sense. Our heritage is alive, evolving with each of us. Embracing this role has been transformative, blending responsibility with profound gratitude. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, as it reminds me daily of the strength in our global family. Here’s to all of you, my family — and to this journey that unites us all.

Hoc Majorum Virtus!

Next, April 6 is Tartan Day. Kids, there’s a coloring page at the end of this newsletter for you to design your own kilt. What IS Tartan Day? It’s the celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. April 6 was chosen because that’s when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. This letter was written by the barons and whole community of the kingdom of Scotland to the pope requesting recognition of Scotland's independence and acknowledgement of Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king. Happy Tartan Day!

Click here for a Tartan Day message from the St Andrews Society of Detroit.

It is common to find online ancestry trees that show a connection to the Logans of Restalrig. 🏰 But are they accurate?

To date, we have yet to find a tree that is well sourced demonstrating this direct connection. That does not mean they do not exist, but if they do exist, work needs to be done to prove this connection.

Consider:

- Scotland’s People records show that during the time of the last Baron of Restalrig, many Logan family lines in Scotland were not related to the Restalrig Logans. It is therefore much more likely that many Logans descend from one of those other lines.

- Most Logans descend from those who were in different parts of Scotland, Ireland, or the world at that time

- The Restalrig Logans were not the Chiefs of Name and Arms

With that in mind, if you think you may descend from the Restalrig Logans, then we encourage you to research it. To help you begin, here are a few facts about the Restalrig Logans:

- The seventh and last laird, Robert Logan of Restalrig, had at least four children: Robert Jr., Alexander, Jonet, and Anna.

- It is believed that Robert Jr. was alive for the 1609 trial. The summons was brought against him and his guardians, but they did not appear. But, he probably died by the 1616 (legal) restoration of his siblings, Alexander, Jonet, and Anna.

- There may have been two other sons, but further research is required: John Logan, portioner of Restalrig, born around 1575, and Archibald Logan.

- It is reported but not yet proven that the Logans of Burncastle descended from the Restalrig line.

Good hunting!

Clan Logan Heritage Officer and Genealogists

Logan kids, you’re invited to submit any of the following for future publications of The Heart of Logan:

• A drawing or painting related to family, history, or Clan Logan

• A story about your family, a grandparent, where your family lives now (these are just ideas)

• A photo of a family heirloom or a family gathering (with help and permission)

Have a question about genealogy? Submit your question(s) and watch for the answers in the feature section, Ask a Clan Genealogist. This will be a special part of The Heart of Logan where kids can get answers to questions about family history and Clan Logan.

Curious about your Logan family history? Submit a question with help from your parent or guardian. A Clan Logan genealogist will answer it in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• “How do you know who your ancestors were?”

• “Why do families have the same last name?”

• “How old is Clan Logan?”

• “What is a clan, really?”

Submit your art, story, photo, or question along with your first name only (or initials), and if you want, you can include your age and location. For example: “John, Age 9, USA” or “Kristie, Age 11, Scotland.”

We encourage you to be curious about and interested in your Logan heritage!