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FRANK ADAM'S The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands was first published in 1908. Second and Third Editions followed in 1924 and 1934. The Fourth Edition, which appeared in 1952, was largely re-written by Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, the then Lord Lyon King of Arms. He further revised later editions, adding a Preface.

For the Eighth Edition, published in 1970, Sir Thomas's son, Malcolm Innes of Edingight, added some further information. This edition was reprinted three times, in 1975, 1977 and 1984.

In the century since it was first published, Adam's work has established itself as the standard work of reference on clan matters. With this in mind it has been decided to retain the main body of the work, as revised by Sir Thomas Innes and his son, adding a new Preface and a number of Appendices.

These have been provided by the Ross Herald of Arms, Charles Burnett, who has concentrated his attention on two main areas of interest: the chiefly line of descent and the changed nature of the Scottish regiments.

Of the latter Burnett notes the reduction from twelve to eight regiments, detailing the changes and amalgamations that have taken place.

On the former, after outlining the difficulties caused by the increasing numbers of chiefly candidates coming from furth of Scotland, Burnett explains the measures taken by successive Lords Lyon to refine the derbhfine system for convening meetings to select candidates.

The new Rules and Supplements for holding derbhfines are reproduced in an Appendix at the end of this volume, with kind permission of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Also noted, in another Appendix, are legal decisions of the Court of the Lord Lyon from 1965.

As Charles Burnett notes in his Preface: "Further changes will occur to alter perceptions, and traditions will change... But the basic spirit of the Highlands which first inspired Frank Adam will survive" - as will his invaluable work of reference, The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands