John of Forbes, first of the name, figured in the reign of William the Lion, when the duthus of Forbes (which the race had held from the time when O'Conochar “killed the bear “which made the Braes of Forbes uninhabitable) was feudalised.
In 1303 Alexander Forbes defended Urquhart Castle against Edward I, and was slain with the garrison. Alexander Forbes of Forbes was made Lord Forbes about 1442. John, the 6th Lord, was a favourite of James V.
The 10th Lord, Alexander, was a General under Gustavus Adolphus. The family is still represented by Lord Forbes, whose seat is Castle Forbes on Donside.
The Lords Pitsligo are descendants of William, a son of Sir John Forbes of Forbes, who lived in the reign of Robert II. The 4th Lord was attainted after Culloden. The Baronets of Craigievar spring from Patrick Forbes of Corse, armour-bearer to James III.
The Lairds of Culloden are descended from the Forbeses of Tolquhoun, who date from 1420. Sir Alexander Forbes of Tolquhoun saved Charles II's life at the battle of Worcester. This family was ruined by the Darien Scheme.
Sir William Forbes, 8th Baronet of Craigievar, succeeded as Lord Sempill in 1884. Their seat is the tall, romantic castle of Craigievar now held by the National Trust for Scotland.

Chief: Lord Forbes.
Clan Seats: Castle-Forbes, and Drumminor Castle, Aberdeenshire.
Tryst: Culquhonny Castle.
Slogan: Lonach.
Plant: Broom.
Pipe Music: The Forbes' Gathering.