Portrait of Col. William McMurdo Currie

Colonel William McMurdo Currie [1916-1992] of Glasgow, Scotland was last of the Balilone and Garrachoran line of Currie’s, which had its origins with the arrival of the bard Muiredach O’Daly in Scotland in 1213 AD. He was last in a line of warrior poets, a hereditary race of bards that preserved the early history of Scotland through their praise poetry, laments, and battle incitements. This valiant family participated in virtually every major battle in Scotland’s history, from Harlaw to Dunyveg, Montrose and Inverlochy, Killiecrankie and Culloden, through the two World Wars.

Col. Currie was raised in Glasgow and attended the Royal College of Science and Technology, as well as the Glasgow Art School. In 1939 he joined the British Special Services. During World War II, Col. Currie was cited for numerous acts of bravery. He was recipient of a host of military honors including among others the Tunisian Order of Glory [1943], the Polish Virtuti Militari [1944] and the Croix de Guerre de Allies [1945].

In 1959, a Bond of Manrent (Bond of Allegiance), signed by over 400 West Highland members of Clan Currie, was presented to Col. Currie as their acknowledged Chief. This action combined with Col. Currie’s formation of the first Clan Currie Society in Glasgow also in 1959, were the first steps towards igniting an interest in pursuing clan recognition in Edinburgh, a process that continues to this day.

Bond of Manrent By the Curries of Clan Murrich 1959 The Clan Currie Bond of Manrent from 1959. Over 400 West Highland members of Clan Currie signed their names pledging their loyalty to Col. Currie as Chief of Clan Currie. Be it known that all those that append their name to the following Bond and Roll do so as material evidence of their desire to lay claim to the privilege of membership to Clan Murrich under their acknowledged Chief, William McMurdo Currie of Balilone – "MacMhuirich Mor". Further, it is to keep alive for posterity the Spirit of Clanship and ancient family tradition which is the heritage of all those of the name of Currie whose ancient gaelic patronymical surname was MacMurrich and whose ancestors were of Clan Murrich in the Western Isles. That being so, they attest their allegiance to William McMurdo Currie of Balilone, 30th of Clan Murrich, Head of Clan and Family. The aforesaid William of Balilone, on his part, acknowledges their claim to be of his kin and blood, Clan and Family – Clan Murrich. (signed) William of Balilone "MacMurrich Mor"

An avid historian, author, and genealogist, Col. Currie was a Fellow of the Royal Celtic Society and the Society of Antiquitaries of Scotland. His publications included A History of the Curries of Cowal [1973], With Sword and Harp - The History of the Clan Currie [1977], and An Historical Description of Loch Lomond and District [1979].

	Chieftain of the Day: Robert Currie presents a trophy for excellence in highland athletics at the 1995 Brodick Highland Games on the Isle of Arran. Photo by Charles Currie.

In 1978, Col. Currie was made an Honorary Ambassador to the United States Navy Submarine Squadron Number 14, stationed at Holy Loch, Scotland. In recognition of his service he was made an Honorary Submariner of the U.S. Navy with the right to wear the Gold Dolphin Insignia. In 1982 he was also made an Honorary Ambassador for the Polish Government in Exile. In 1990, along with President Lech Walessa, he was made a Knight of the White Eagle, Poland's highest State order.

Before his death in 1992, Col. Currie named Robert Currie of the United States as his successor and bestowed upon him the title of Clan Commander. Currie was chosen in recognition of his efforts in re-establishing The Clan Currie Society - a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational and cultural organization.

Today, the Clan Currie Society plays an active role in preserving and promoting their highland heritage at Scottish Games, ethnic festivals, as well as community groups and classrooms. The Society has also sponsored a number of highly successful concerts featuring Scottish music and Gaelic poetry and has been a leading sponsor and coordinator of National Tartan Day events in the United States.

The 1972 International Gathering of the Clans: Col. William McMurdo Currie, 30th Chief of Clan Currie, (fourth from left) joins with members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs for a group photo at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Scotland. The gathering was coordinated by Col. Donald Cameron of Locheil, President of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

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