The Clan Buchanan held territory in Stirlingshire Scotland on the East side of Loch Lomond and held considerable possessions in the Lennox, and the parishes of Killearn and Strathye.

The name Buchanan comes from the gaelic BOGHCHANAN 'low land belonging to the canon' and BOTHAHANIAN 'the canon's seat. The name obviously points to some connection in early times with the Canon of Inchcailleach.

Around 1016 the first chief of the Buchanan Clan -Anselan O'Kyan was a scion of an Irish Royal Family. The clan fought against the Vikings to reclaim much of the east of the loch. The Buchanans also fought for Robert the Bruce in the early 14th Century.

The Clan bore their full share of the military operations of their country. They supported Bruce in his struggle for Scottish Independence and the Clan was represented in the seven thousand men sent from Scotland to assist the French King after the Battle of Agincourt. It is claimed that Sir Alexander Buchanan killed the Duke of Clarence at the Battle of Bauge in 1421. The Chief of the Clan and Buchanan of Leny fell at Flodden in 1513. The Clan took an active part in the battles of Pinkie and Langside.

The Buchanan lands were sold in 1682 an the principle line became extinct in 1762. Following the death of the 22nd Chief the Chiefship past to Buchanan of Spittal.

George Buchanan, the famous latin scholar, distinguished poet and Protestant reformer was born in Killearn 1506. Educated at St. Andrews and Paris he was imprisoned at the instance of Cardinal Beaton, but escaped to France. He was tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots and was afterwards moderator of the General Assembley and Tutor to James VI. From 1570 till 1578 he was keeper of the Privy Seal. He died 1582.

James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States of America. There has not been a recognized chief since the late 17th Century.