Clan MacPhail is one of four families who form part of the ancient blood of the Clan Chattan Federation. While the Clan Chattan may have had its origins as a single clan associated with Gillichattan Mor, “the Great servant of St. Catan” of the ancient Culdee Church, it became an exceptionally powerful Highland confederation of clans. 

By the 12th century, the descendants of the saint’s family and his followers had spread to Glenloy and Loch Arkaig in Lochaber. In 1291 its fortunes combined with that of the burgeoning Clan Mackintosh with the marriage of Eva, heiress of the 6th Chief of Clan Chattan with Angus Mac Ferquhard, the 6th Chief of Clan Mackintosh.

This pivotal union focused and grew the power of the now combined clans towards the central Highlands. Other small clans and tribes soon were linked to the confederacy by marriage or joined for mutual self-protection. The Clan Chattan eventually comprised a confederation of 16 clans, tribes and families and was the second or third largest clan entity in the Highlands. 

Originally centered in Lochaber, Angus, the 6th Chief of Clan Mackintosh, later removed to his home in eastern Inverness-shire. Many members of the old Clan Chattan moved with him, including the ancestors of Clan Phail. 

In 1609 the “16 Hail Kin of the Clan Chattan” signed a formal Bond of Union “…that perpetual friendship, amity and kindness may remain and abide betwixt them and their chief in times coming and amongst the saids hail kin of the Clan Chattan.” 

Today the Clan Chattan Association maintains the unique relationship between the member clans with a council and membership made up of clan chiefs and representatives from the current participating clans: Mackintosh, MacPherson, Shaw, MacBean, Farquharson, MacPhail, Davidson, MacGillivray, MacQueen, MacThomas, Macleans of the North and MacIntyres in Badenoch. 

The individual clans of the Chattan confederation have their own tartans, but there is a Clan Chattan tartan, formerly known as Mackintosh Chief, recognized by Lord Lyon in 1938. Clan Chattan is often known as the “clan of the cats” for its constituent clans mostly carry the Scottish wildcat in their badges and use a version of the motto: “touch not the cat.”

In August 2009, the 400th anniversary of the 1609 Bond was commemorated in Inverness. Chiefs and representatives of the “16 Hail Kin” of the Clan Chattan Association gathered to re-sign a modern version of the pact, emphasizing enduring kinship and shared heritage. Pictured: John Mackfall signing the “Bond of Union” representing the MacPhail’s under the guidance of Allan MacLean of Dochgarroch and observed by the other Clan Chiefs.