Clan Cunningham Society's Programs and Projects Last Earl of Glencairn Memorial Fund When it was discovered that John Cunningham, 15th Earl of Glencairn's original tombstone was inexplicably missing from the wall behind his grave, CCSA designed, commissioned and had the Memorial erected, creating a focal point from which Clan Cunningham can look to on its journey to rise and reclaim its rightful place among the contemporary clans of Scotland. For more information about the Ceremony, please click here.   We still need your support. There is more Clan Cunningham work to be done in addition to this project. If you would like more information or wish to contribute to our noble cause please contact query@clancunningham.us .     St Cuthbert Church, Edinburgh. John Cunningham, 15th Earl of Glencairn's unmarked grave. Memorial Tombstone Design. Sculptor Roger C. Seal carving the memorial.   Memorial Tombstone carving in progress.   Contributions   If you would like to contribute to this memorial using your credit card, press the button below to make a secure donation using Paypal.     Available for a $500.00 donation are limited numbered prints of the full color reproduction of the certified Lord Lyon King of Arms rendering of the Glencairn Arms. Also available now are the certified Cunningham strap-and-buckle crest badge renderings etched on clear coffee cups for $37.00. [Currently Out-of-Stock.] Glencairn Arms, rendered and certified by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Strap-and-Buckle Crest Badge, rendered and certified by the Lord Lyon King of Arms The etched badge is the same as the one which appears on the granite Clansmen Acknowledgement Plaque done by Adrian Dudley of Hillrose Colorado, which is mounted on the wall below John Cunningham's memorial at St Cuthburt's churchyard to recognize the generous contributions from CCSA members and the American Scottish Foundation which have helped make the memorial possible. The acknowledgement plaque is pictured below. Both images were commissioned specifically to be carved in granite on the 15th Earl's monument and Clansmen Acknowledgement Plaque and available only through CCSA. All proceeds from this merchandise will help defray project costs of the CCSA 15th Earl of Glencairn Monument Project. A Photo of the acknowledgement plaque is pictured below.   Earldom of Glencairn Upon the death of John Cunningham, the last Earl of Glencairn, without issue in 1796, the Earldom and this noble line became dormant. One of our goals and that of our membership, is to uphold the esteemed legacy left by these noble Earls of Glencairn, and their distinguished ancestors. There have been several unsuccessful claims to the Earldom since John Cunningham's death, none of which have been able to prove their claim to the Lord Lyon Court's satisfaction. The best claim was denied because the claimant "did not establish himself to the dignity of the title." The present 8th Marquess Conyngham, Lord Henry of Slane Castle, Ireland is descended from the 4th Earl of Glencairn. His Glencairn family line has established themselves to the dignity of the title by their own right. Our society has every reason to view The Marquess Conyngham as the rightful heir to the Earldom of Glencairn and Chief of Clan Cunningham. Should Lord Henry make a claim to either or both titles with the Court of the Lord Lyon, our society has every reason to believe that such claim would be successful, and our society has every reason to give our full support to such a claim, and, in the meantime, to recognize the Marquess as our Chieftain if Lord Henry should ever desire such a role, pending ratification, of course, of an official resolution by our Board of Directors to such effect. On November 25, 2003, the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Robin Blair, delivered the following words in a speech as our honoured guest at our 15th Earl's Memorial Dedication Ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland to our Clan Cunningham Society: "The clan has been without a leader since the death of the Fourteenth Earl of Glencairn in 1796. The clan of course is led by its present High Commissioner. Of course there are a large number of other clans who do not have a chief at present. The Cunninghams are better placed than many in having a clan society that is active and serves to maintain the clan's history, memories, and fellowship." For more of the Lord Lyon's speech, click here. The Clan Cunningham Society, as advised by the office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland in a letter from 1984 regarding the formation of a legitimate Clan Cunningham Society, conducts its affairs in a manner in which we believe the Earls of Glencairn - successful Chiefs of Clan Cunningham for over 300 years - would approve. Any officer, past or present, who fails in their responsibility as stewards of the Glencairn legacy of Clan Cunningham will be subject to the bylaws of our society as ratified by our Board of Directors and implemented by our duly elected High Comissioner. Our Clan Cunningham Society duly formed upon the advance advice of the office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland does not recognize any Cunningham splinter groups who failed to uphold the Glencairn legacy. Nor does The Clan Cunningham Society support any candidate for Chief, or Head of the Cunningham Family, or Cunningham Name who supports, or is affiliated with such a splinter group, or any other entity which by its very existence, effectively serves as a divisive factor in the unity of the Glencairn legacy of the Cunningham Clan.  * Note: Many historians, genealogists and institutions refer to John as the 15th Earl. For an explaination of this discrepancy, click here.http://www.geocities.com/clancunninghamusa/