Clan Arbuthnott in 1779. The previous clan chief was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (1945) and was appointed Knight of the Thistle and Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In Scotland he headed the Venerable Order of Saint John. The present Viscount of Arbuthnott and chief of Clan Arbuthnott succeeded to the position on his father's death in 2012. The current chief of Clan Arbuthnott is Keith Arbuthnott, 17th Viscount of Arbuthnott, Lord Inverbervie and Chief of the Name and Arms of Arbuthnott. Members of Clan Arbuthnott can show their allegiance to the clan by wearing a crest badge which
John Arbuthnott, 8th Viscount of Arbuthnott John Arbuthnott, 8th Viscount of Arbuthnott John Arbuthnott, 8th Viscount of Arbuthnott DL FRSE (16 January 1778 – 10 January 1860) was a Scottish peer and soldier. Known as "the rich Lord" he built the bridge in front of Arbuthnott House. He was the first member of the family who consistently spelled his name "Arbuthnott" rather than "Arbuthnot". He was the son of the 7th Viscount Arbuthnott and Isabella Graham. He served in the 7th Dragoon Guards (Princess Royal's) and the 52nd Regiment of Foot, reaching the rank of Captain. On 27 February 1800, he succeeded to his father's titles.