CLAN CHIEF
PHILIP FARQUHARSON, 17th OF INVERCAULD
Following the passing of our late Clan Chief, Alwyne, Philip Farquharson, 17th of Invercauld, was appointed as the new Chief. Philip has demonstrated great dedication to the Clan in recent years by regularly attending events and providing valuable support as Acting Secretary and Archivist of Clan Farquharson UK.
Philip was born and educated in London as the eldest son of James Compton and Rebecca Wigan, with five younger siblings and half-siblings. At the age of 12, in his final year before secondary school at St Philip’s School, he became head boy, showcasing his early leadership skills and sense of responsibility. After attending red-brick universities, where he earned an undergraduate degree and two Master’s degrees, he worked as a private client archivist and researcher, resulting in several academic publications, initially under the name Compton and later as Philip Farquharson.
In 2007, he married Lilibeth, his Venezuelan wife, and they have two daughters, Heather and Iona. During his university years, Philip traveled extensively and lived and worked in both Yemen and Venezuela, where he learned the local languages and pursued his hobby of amateur ornithology. In his free time, he enjoys painting, particularly Scottish landscapes, as well as scenes from the countries he has visited.
For the past six years, Philip has transitioned from his career as an archivist to local governance, where he serves as Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for a council in Milton Keynes, a new town in southern England. He takes pleasure in enforcing local governance rules and regulations while working for the benefit of his community. For many years, he had the privilege of shadowing his great uncle, Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld, who sadly passed away on October 6, 2021, at the age of 102. Philip values his roles as Chieftain of the Ballater Highland Games, Vice Patron of the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering, Laird and Trustee of Invercauld, and Chief of Clan Farquharson.
