Clan History Archive

CLAN BARCLAY*

Roger de Berchelai came to England with William the Conqueror and was granted Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. This early form of the name was believed to be the Anglo-Saxon version of 'beau' meaning beautiful, and 'lee', a meadow or field. Roger was mentioned in the Domesday Book as well as his son, John. In 1069 John de Berchelai accompanied Margaret (later St. Margaret) to Scotland. In gratitude for his service, King Malcolm (Canmore) granted him the lands of Towie, near Turriff, in Aberdeenshire, as well as the title, Barclay of that Ilk. 900 years of Barclay history in Scotland descend from John's three sons, Walter, Alexander, and Richard.

The Barclays formed important alliances and held land throughout the north-east of Scotland, principally Towie, Mathers, Gartley and Pierston in Aberdeenshire. They also settled in Banff, Collairnie in Fife, Brechin in Forfarshire and Stonehaven in Kincardineshire. One family line settled on the west coast in the Ardrossan and Kilbirnie areas in Ayrshire.

Sir David Barclay was one of Robert the Bruce's chief associates and was present at many of his battles. Sir Walter de Berkeley, Gartley III, Lord Redcastle and Inverkeillor, was Great Chamberlain of Scotland 1165-1189. Alexander de Berkeley, Gartley IX, became Mathers I in 1351 when he married Katherine Keith, sister of the Earl Marischal. Their son Alexander was the first to adopt the Barclay form of the surname. Sir George Barclay, Gartley XIX, was Steward of the household of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a later Sir George was second in command of James IV forces in the Highlands in the 1689.

One of the major Barclay families was established at Urie near Stonehaven in Kincardineshire. The first Laird, Colonel David Barclay, was a professional soldier serving with such armies as that of Gustavus Adolphus. He returned home when civil war broke out and serviced as a colonel of a regiment of horse fighting for the king. Following his retirement and the conclusion of the war, he was confined in Edinburgh Castle where he was converted to the Society of Friends (Quakers). His son Robert, Urie II, was widely known for his Apologia, described on the title page as being an Explanation and Vindication of the Principles and Doctrines of the People called Quakers.

The last Laird of Urie, Captain Robert Barclay-Allardyce (Allardyce added when he married an heiress of that name whose lands were added to those of Urie), was known as the Great Pedestrian. Many tales exists of his walks over the Scottish hills, such as his walk from Urie to Crathynaird (28 miles), staying less than an hour and then walking home again the same day. His most famous record, however, was that of walking 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours. This feat was accomplished in 1809 and five days later, he embarked with his regiment for the Walcheren Expedition in the Napoleonic Wars.

Names Associated with Clan Barkley: Ardrossan Barklaw Berclie Barckley Barklay Berekele Barckly Barkley Berkeley Barclaye Barkly Tollie Barclet Barraclough Tolley Barclye Berckley Towie Barcula Berclay Towy Barkla Bercley Tullie

*excerpted from Clan Barclay web site

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CLAN BUCHANAN

Buth Chanain is Gaelic for “Canon’s House,” and the lands which received this designation border Loch Lomond. The Earl of Lennox, to whom the first MacMhuirich bard to come to Scotland addressed a poem early in the 13th century, referred to Sir Absalon of Buchanan as “Clericus Meus.” The Buchanans thus appear equally early in the ranks of the Scottish intelligentsia.

Among the Buchanan Clan, two men are outstanding. George Buchanan (1506-1582) was born at Killearn in Stirlingshir. George was sent to study in Paris during the intellectual ferment of the Reformation. He became an outstanding scholar, wrote plays and poetry in Latin, and returned to Scotland a convert to Calvinism - just as Mary, Queen of Scots, returned from France and began to reign in Scotland. She became his patron despite the fact that he did not share her Catholic beliefs. When Mary was deposed, he sided with her enemies - as did many others. He was appointed tutor to her son and it was felt by Mary that he poisoned the child’s mind against his mother. However he was a brilliant man and it may well have been due to his influence that the child who later became King of both England and Scotland is known for his own intelligence and pursuit of knowledge.

James Buchanan (1791-1796) 15th President of the United States, was born near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a Scottish Calvinist who emigrated to the States with his family in 1783. It was Buchanan’s misfortune to preside over the outbreak of the American Civil War. Though the clan no longer holds land around the area of Loch Lomond, Buchanan County in Missouri commemorates their name and their president.

Septs: Colman, Cormack, Cousland, Dewar, Dove, Dow, Gibb, Gibbon, Gibson, Gilbert, Gilbertson, Harper, Harperson, Leavy, Lennie, Lenny, MacAldonich, MacAlman, MacAslan, MacAslin, MacAuselan, MacAuslan, MacAusland, MacAuslane, MacCalman, MacCalmon, MacCammond, MacCasland, MacChrutter, MacColman, MacCormack, MacCubbin, MacCubing, MacCubin, MacGeorge, MacGibbon, MacGreusich, MacGubbin, MacInally, MacIndeor, MacIndoe, MacKinlay, MacKinley, MacMaster, MacMaurice, MacMurchie, MacMurchy, MacNeur, MacNuir, MacNuyer, MacQuattie, MacWattie, MacWhirter, Masters, Masterson, Morrice, Morris, Morrison, Murchie, Murchison, Richardson, Risk, Rusk, Ruskin, Spittal, Spittel, Walter, Walters, Wason, Waters, Watson,Watt, Watters, Weir, Yuill, Yool, Yule, Zuill

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CLAN BOYD

The Gaelic for Bute, the island next in size to Arran in the Firth of Clyde, is Bod and its genitive case is Boid. The first in Scottish records to take their name from the island were vassals of the de Morevilles, and may have accompanied them from England.

In the 15th century Malcolm de Bute became chaplain to King Robert III and Thomas Boyd was selected as one of the hostages for the King of Scots in 1425. About 1466, Robert, eldest son of Sir Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock, carried out a daring coup d’etat. He had been created Lord Boyd in 1454 by James II. James was subsequently blown up by a cannon, and Lord Boyd became Regent for young James III in 1460. He then kidnapped his charge and obtained an Act of Parliament appointing him sole governor of the realm. His rule was competent and his role was cemented when he was appointed Great Chamberlain for life. His son married the King’s sister Mary and was created Earl of Arran and Lord Kilmarnock. In 1468 Boyd negotiated the royal marriage with Norway which brought the Orkney islands to the Scottish Crown.

Despite many reverses due to evil plots furthered by enemies of Clan Boyd, the clan persisted. The 10th Lord Boyd was created Earl of Kilmarnock in 1661 for his family’s services to Charles II. The 3rd Earl supported the Union with England in 1707, but the 4th commanded the cavalry of Prince Charles at Culloden and was beheaded on Tower Hill. His earldom was forfeited but his second son became the 15th Earl of Erroll by inheritance from his great-aunt and adopted the surname of Hay. To this title the barony of Kilmarnock was added in 1831. So when the 22nd Earl of Erroll died in 1941, leaving a daughter as Chief of Clan Hay and Countess of Erroll, his brother resumed the name of Boyd and became the 6th Lord Kilmarnock as Chief of Clan Boyd. He was succeeded in 1975 by the 7th Lord Kilmarnock.

For further information on Clan Boyd contact: Donald Boyd Mellen, 4820 Carlton, NW, Canton, Ohio 44709. Tel.: 330-497-8110

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CLAN CAMPBELL

Like most Europeans, the Scots are a blend of races: Neolithic survivors mixed with Celtic "Pict", Britonic Celt incomers, Celtic "Scots" invaders from Ireland, Viking and Norse raiders and settlers, Norman and Flemish knights and even some few Angles in the south. All these joined to add their genes to this sturdy race of people. Like most Scots, all Campbells are a blend of races through maternal ancestry, although there were times from the 16th through the 18th centuries when, among some leading families in Argyll and Perthshire, they had grown so numerous as frequently to intermarry, intensifying their characteristics as a kin. Many also share the Scots Gaelic blood of the Dalriadic O'Duibne people whose heiress their ancestor married on Lochawe in the 13th century.

Their paternal ancestry is apparently from the Britonic Celts of Strathclyde, sometimes called the "Romano British" from the northwestern part of the early "Kingdom of Strathclyde".

The capital of Strathclyde was Al Cluit or DunBriton (now Dumbarton Rock) in the area known as the Lennox. According to legend, here in An Talla Dearg, the Red Hall of Dun Briton, was born the first ancestor of the Campbells who appears in all three of the early Gaelic genealogies; Smervie or Mervyn, son of an Arthur, who became known as "the Wildman of the Woods", perhaps being a notable hunter. If the legend is based upon a real character, he likely lived in the eleventh or twelfth century. However those names at that period can have absolutely no actual connection with the legendary Arthur, whose possible existence is said to have been many centuries earlier.

The name Campbell did not come into use until several generations later.

It was Sir Cailein Mor Campbell's grandfather Dugald on Lochawe who is said to have been the first given the nickname "Cam Beul" since he apparently had the engaging trait of talking out of one side of his mouth. Cam beul means curved mouth in the Gaelic. This Duncan was so much loved by his family that they took his nickname as their family name and held to it even beyond Argyll.

The spelling of the surname (family name) was originally Cambel. Then when Robert the Bruce's son King David came to the throne as King of Scots he brought with him a number of Norman knights to whom he gave lands in an attempt to introduce Norman efficiency in administration. David had been at the English court and admired the Norman system of feudalism. The use of the spelling "Campbell" may perhaps have been as a result of Norman rather than Gaelic scribes attempting to write the Gaelic name.

The name Cambel was first used by the family in the 13th century. The first chief of the clan to appear on record as "Campbell" may well have been Sir Duncan of Lochawe when he was created Lord Campbell in 1445

Clan means family group in the Gaelic. There came to be roughly three uses of the word clan: for the large clans like Clan Campbell, Clan Donald and Clan Gordon; for the smaller clans like Clan Callum or Clan Lachlan; for the sub-clans or name groups within the larger clans like Clan Tavish or Clan Arthur (the McTavishes of Dunardry and McArthurs of Tirevadich).

The idea of all members of a clan being of one name is a Victorian misconception. Clans begin to emerge as recognizable units in the 12th and 13th century. Initially the Chief and the Chief's close kin were the leaders of the clan while their followers were the local people who were their tenants or who looked to them for leadership in defense. So while the Clan Campbell were led by Campbells, until about the 18th century, many of their followers, and sometimes even they themselves often used patronymics or father's names.

Patronymics lie behind many modern Scottish family names, particularly those now beginning with the `Mac' or `Mc' prefix, meaning `son of'. Further, in early records these sometimes appear with `Vic', meaning `grandson of'. For example Archibald MacDougall V'Gillespic (Gaelic for Archibald) was Archibald son of Dougall son of Archibald. Sometimes, such as in the 16th century, such names might even appear followed by `alias Campbell'. In modern times families who were not of Campbell origin yet who had long given their allegiance to the Chief of the clan have come to be called "septs". Names associated with Clan Campbell may be found on their web site.

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CLAN CHATTAN

This long-powerful group of clans comprised two main divisions, respectively under Macintosh and MacPherson leadership, with some subsidiary septs and family groups joining for protection. Dissension arose among the sections from various causes, not least from their encroaching neighbours, the Gordons, enticing them into opposing camps.

Accounts of the Clan Chattan’s origin vary. The Macintoshes, holding to their own Maduff origin, regard it as a confederacy, with the MacPhersons just a branch from Macintosh stock. MacPhersons, putting reliance on a written genealogy of 1450, favour the Chattan sections as having branched from an ancestor, Gillechattan Mor, a Moray chief of the early 11th century, his elder son Nechtan founding the MacPhersons and the younger, Neil, the Macintoshes, which surname only appears two centuries later. Either way of it, the Clunie MacPhersons retained the old Chattan chiefship, although in 1291 the Macintoshes, through marriage of their chief Angus to Eva, the MacPherson heiress, achieved the greater share of land and followers and also their chief’s right to be styled “Captain of the Clan Chattan” leaving their claim to full chiefship a good-going dispute scarcely yet settled.

MacPherson Group/ Macintosh Group:MacPherson,Macintosh, Machardie,Davidson, Farquharson, Macqueen,Gillespie, Macbean, Noble,Keith, Macgillivray, Mactavish,Smith, Macglashan, Shaw. Also: Cameron, Cattanach, Clark, Macphail.

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CLAN CUMMING

The name Cumming (or Comyn) is of Norman origin, derived from Comines near Lisle on the French/Belgian border. Robert de Comyn came to England with William the Conquerer in 1066 and was given lands in Northumberland. His grandson was later given land in Roxburghshire by King David I. His nephew, Richard de Comyn, married a grandaughter of Kind Duncan I. Through careful alliances and beneficial marriages, the Comyn held three earldoms by the 13th century: Monteith, Mentieth, and Atholl and Buchan.

The Cummings (as the name came to be spelled) of Altyre were eventually recognized as the chiefly line. Alexander of Altyre was created a baronet in 1802. Until recently the chief was Sir William Gordon Cumming. He lived at Blairs House, Altyre, Forres in Morayshire. His son, Alastair succeeded him in the baronetcy.

Branches: Cumming of Altyre, Cumming of Inverallochy.

Septs: Buchan, Cheyne, Chiene, Common, Commons, Cummin, Cummings, Cumyn, Farquharson, MacNiven, Niven, Russell, Skinner, Tindell, Tyndale.

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CLAN DONALD

Clan Donald, greatest and largest of the Highland Clans, begins it's recorded history with Somerled, a descendant of Conn of the Hundred Battles and Clan Colla. Somerled's defeat of the Norse King of Man in 1156 gained independence for southwestern Scotland that survived for over four centuries.

The clan takes it's name from Donald, the 3rd Lord of the Isles and grandson of Somerled who lived until 1269. Donald's son was the original "Mac" (meaning "son of"). It was Donald's great-grandson, Angus Og, the 6th Lord of the Isles who sheltered Robert the Bruce at the lowest ebb of his career. Later, leading a small band of Islemen, Angus Og was instrumental in Bruce's defeat of the English at Bannockburn. This battle won independence for Scotland. In recognition of Clan Donald's part in the victory Robert the Bruce proclaimed that Clan Donald would forever occupy the honored position on the right wing of the Scottish Army.

Angus Og's grandson, Donald, the 8th Lord of the Isles, married the heiress of the Earldom of Ross and in 1411 fought the Battle of Harlaw to keep his wife's inheritance from being usurped by the Regent Duke of Albany. His army of 10,000 men included the forces of almost every clan of the Highlands and Isles. All these clans were willing vassals of the Lord of the Isles. They regarded the MacDonald Chiefs as the heads of the ancient "Race of Conn," and lineal heirs of the ancient Kings of the Dalriadic Scots, going back to the 6th century and beyond.

Donald of Harlaw's son and grandson were both Earls of Ross and Lords of the Isles, controlling not only the Hebrides from Islay and Kintyre to the Butt of Lewis, but most of Argyll and the modern County of Inverness, along with the County of Antrim in northern Ireland. The Earldom was lost in 1471, but the Lordship of the Isles was not absorbed by Scotland until the middle of the 16th century. A MacDonnell (a variation of the surname MacDonald) is still Earl of Antrim.

The power of the clan survived and formed the backbone of the army of the Marquis of Montrose, fighting for the survival of the Stewarts in the 17th century, and, though divided, it was an important factor in the Jacobite Rebellions of the 1700's.

Names & Families of Clan Donald

Some people and clan associations speak of a "sept list" to indicate the various names associated with their clan. It is the official position of the Clan Donald-USA Genealogy Committee that this an improper use of the term, at least when speaking of Clan Donald, and probably when speaking of any Highland clan. Our preferred terminology is "Families of Clan Donald."

Most of the family names connected to Clan Donald have territorial limitations. (This is true with names connected with almost all clans, although many do not recognize or impose those restrictions, leading to unseemly confrontations about, for example, "my Clark" no "MY Clark!" -- when almost every clan probably had families named Clark attached to them -- from the clerks or clerics who did most of the accounting and book work. The same can be said of Gowans, Smiths, Taylors and a number of others.)
Clan Donald feels that these territorial limitations are important. Therefore, where those limitations are listed, a prospective member must indicate that his or her family of the correct name did come from the indicated area before they may be accepted for membership. In over 35 years of using this list we have found that a strong family tradition of being of Clan Donald has proven correct in 99.99% of all cases.

If you feel you might have Clan Donald heritage, it is strongly suggested you check the Clan Donald web site for more information: http://www.clan-donald-usa.org/

[above material extrapolated from Clan Donald web site]

For more information on Clan Donald in Ohio:

Deputy Regional Commissioner

Donne E. Shepperly, 4373 Westchester Ct.,Hudson, OH 44236-4177,(h) 330-463-5559,(c) 216-650-1311 - cragnadun@aol.com clandonaldohio@aol.com

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CLAN DOUGLAS

An adequate history of the Douglases would be largely one of Scotland itself, where they long rivaled the royal power and eleven times married into it. It would be far too lengthy to do justice here. But an attempt to somewhat sum up their history follows.

Perhaps originally kinsmen of Freskin, the founder or Clan Murray, it is in the South the Douglas Family is first noted. In the 12th century we find the Black Douglases of Douglasdale, Dumfriesshire, and Galloway. The next century saw the establishment of the Red Douglases at Dalkeith, and then in Angus. The first use of the term “Black Douglas” was applied by the English in referring to Sir James Douglas, lieutenant to Robert the Bruce. The term, of course, was redundant.

The name “Douglas” derives from the Gaelic “dubh” meaning black and “glas” meaning grey. The origins are unknown, despite a multitude of legends. The first known to carry the name is William of Douglas. He witnessed several charters between 1175 and 1199, and again in about 1200 and 1211. Between 1198 and 1239 came Archibald Douglas, progenitor of those great families that were to play a resounding part in Scottish history. He was succeeded by William, who became the founder of the senior line of the Black Douglases. He was the father of Sir William the Hardy, the companion of William Wallace of “Braveheart” fame.

The son of Sir William was named James. As Good Sir James Douglas, the first Earl of Douglas, he is often given a place equal to that of King Robert himself. He attended Bruce at his death in 1328 and promised to take his heart to the Holy Land. But he was unable to do this as he fell in battle in Spain, and his son fell fighting against the English at Halidon Hill in 1333. He did, however, leave a bastard son named Archibald the Grim, who inherited his father’s estate as the 3^rd Earl of Douglas. He is known to have ruled with strength and justice. The ruins of his castle at Threave still stand as a memorial to the Black Douglas Lords of Galloway.

Through a long and complicated disagreement with King James II of Scotland, the Douglas family lost its estates and the earldom was extinguished. But this was not the end of them. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Douglas family was to rise to power again, this time as the Red Douglases. A bastard son of the first Earl, named George, married a daughter of King Robert III and was then raised to the earldom of Angus, as befitted the husband of a princess. By the time the Black Douglases had forfeited their lands and title, he was well established and had an heir, Archibald. The Red Douglases, therefore, began to occupy the centre of the stage of Scottish history almost as soon as the Black Douglases had departed from it.

Septs: Cavers, Douglass, Drysdale, Forest, Forrest, Glendinning, Inglis, Kirkpatrick, Lockerby, Macguffie, Macguffok, Morton, Sandilands

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CLAN DRUMMOND

The name is from the clan’s earliest land at Drymen, near Loch Lomond. Tradition says it was conferred upon their ancestor, Maurice, who married Queen Margaret’s maid-of-honour. Either he or his father was the Hungarian prince who piloted the refugee vessel of 1066 that brought Malcolm Canmore’s bride-to-be to Scotland. The earliest chief now documented was Malcolm Beg (the “little”) a 13th century steward to the Earl of Lennox.

The Drummond arms display a motto, “Gang Warily,” and the caltrops. These are the four-spiked cavalry spikes that a later Sir Malcolm contributed to the victory at Bannockburn. For his services, Bruce awarded the lands in Perthshire where the clan was to flourish. Annabella Drummond became Queen to Robert II, the first Stewart king; and from then on to the last Stewart, no clan remained more faithful to the Stewarts than the Drummonds.

Septs of Clan Drummond include: Begg, Brewer, Cargill, Dock, Doig, Grewar, Gruar, Gruer, Maccrouther, Macgrewar, Macgrouther, Macgruder, Macgruer, Macgruther, Macrobbie, Macrobie, Mushet, Robbie.

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CLAN ELLIOT

The Elliots were an important family in the south of Scotland. The Chief of the clan was of Redheuch, and some other branches of the family were designed as of Larriston, Braidlie, Horsliehill, Arkleton, and Stobs.

Of the last-named branch came Gilbert Eliot of Stobs, celebrated in Border history as “Gibbie wi’ the gowden garters,” who died leaving several sons. William, the eldest, was ancestor of the Baronets of Stobs, now regarded as the principal line of Eliots extant; also of John Eliot, M.D., Physician to the Prince of Wales, who was created a Baronet, 1778, but died unmarried in 1786; and also of the celebrated General George Augustus Eliot, who successfully defended Gibraltar for three years (1779-83) against the whole power of France and Spain. General Eliot was created Lord Heathfield Baron Gibraltar, 1787, but the title became extinct on the death of his son, Francis, 2nd Baron, 1813.

Gavin Eliot of Midlem Mill, 4th son of the above-named Gilbert Eliot of Stobs, was father of Gilbert Eliot, Lord Justice Clerk, created a Baronet in 1700. His great-grandson, Gilbert, after having been Governor-General of India, was created Earl of Minto in 1813.

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CLAN FORBES - Motto: Grace Me Guide

Names associated with Clan Forbes: Bannerman, Berrie, Berry, Boyce, Boyes, Faubus, Fobes, Fordice, Fordyce, Forbess, Forbis, Forbus, Forbush, Furbush, Lumsden, Macouat, Macowatt, MacQuattie, MacWatt, Mechie, Meldrum, Michie, Middleton, Walter, Walters, Watson, Watt,Watters, Wattie,Watts

Forbes is a parish in the Aberdeenshire area. A reliable tradition tells that the 'Braes o’ Forbes' were once uninhabitable because of bears living in the area. Oconachar, founder of the clan, killed the bears and claimed the land as ‘first occupier’. The present chief still holds part of the Lordship of these Forbes lands.

In 1271, the chief of the time, Duncan de Forbes, obtained a charter from Alexander III for the land, confirming his claim. In the fourteenth century John de Forbes of the Black Lip had four sons with whom the family expanded widely and prosperously. William began the Pitsligo line, John was progenitor of the branch of Polquhoun and Alistair of Brux was ancestor of extensions in Skellater and Inverernan.

Alexander, the eldest of the brothers, fought in the 1411 Battle of Harlaw against the invaders from the Isles, led by Donald. He was created Lord Forbes by James I around 1444. To this day the Lordship is regarded as Scotland’s premier. His own three sons would extend the family with the branches of Corsindae and Monymusk, Corse, and later the Baronets of Craigievar.

There was a point where, from the coasts of Banff and Buchan, to the mountains of Aberdeenshire, there were one hundred and fifty Forbes houses and estates. Clan Forbes was, through the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, constantly at odds with their powerful, predatory neighbours the Gordons, Earls of Huntly. The consistent murders by both sides escalated, fuelled with the excuses of religious self-importance, into two battles at Craibstone and Tillieangus during 1571.

These were followed by the plunder of Lord Forbes' seat itself, and then the murder of twenty-seven Forbes' of Towie at Corgarff. It eventually took two Acts of Parliament to force them to lay down their arms against each other.

During the 1715 rebellion, Duncan Forbes of Culloden, President of the Court of Session, was in opposition to the Jacobite cause. He is remembered however, for his efforts to win the rebels better treatment from their captors. Speaking out for the people after Culloden, Butcher Cumberland responded with the sneer, 'that old woman talked to me about humanity.' A memorial to Duncan Forbes stands in the Parliament Hall at Edinburgh.

Built in 1815, Castle Forbes stands on the land claimed by Oconachar, overlooking the Don. Information obtained at: www.scotclans.com

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Clan Fraser

(Scottish Gaelic: Clann Frisealach, French: Clan Frasier) is a Scottish clan of French origin. The Clan has been strongly associated with Inverness and the surrounding area since the Clan's founder gained lands there in the 13th century. Since its founding, the Clan has dominated local politics and been active in every major military conflict involving Scotland. It has also played a considerable role in most major political turmoils.The Clan's current chief is Simon Fraser, the 16th Lord Lovat, and 25th Chief of the Clan. The arms of Clan Fraser are Quarterly: 1st and 4th Azure, three fraises Argent, 2nd and 3rd Gules, three antique crowns Or, or in layman's terms, the traditional three cinquefoils, or fraises (strawberry flowers), as they have come to be known, in the first and fourth positions and three crowns in the second and third positions. Only the Lord Lovat is allowed use of these arms plain and undifferenced

Origins of the surname

The surname 'Fraser' is of an uncertain origin.The first record of the name occurs in the mid-twelfth century as "de Fresel", "de Friselle", and "de Freseliere", and appears to be a Norman name, though there is no known placename in France that corresponds with it. Also, it has been thought possible that a medieval scribe could have corrupted a Gaelic name beyond recognition.

A tradition, favoured by the leading family of Fraser, derived the clan's descent from a Frenchman, Pierre Fraser, Seigneur de Troile, who came to Scotland in the reign of Charlemagne to form an alliance with the mythical King Achaius. Pierre's son was then to have become thane of the Isle of Man in 814.

Another explanation for the surname is that it is derived from the French words fraise, meaning strawberry (the fruit), and fraisiers, strawberry plants. There is a fabled account of the Fraser coat of arms which asserts during the reign of Charles the Simple of France, a nobleman from Bourbon named Julius de Berry entertained the King with a dish of fine strawberries. De Berry was then later knighted, with the knight taking strawberry flowers as his Arms and changing his name from 'de Berry' to 'Fraiseux' or 'Frezeliere'. His direct descendants were to become the lords of Neidpath Castle, then known as Oliver.This origin has been disputed, and seen as a classic example of canting heraldry, where heraldic symbols are derived from a pun on similar sounding surname: (strawberry flowers - fraises).

Early Frasers

Around the reign of William the Lion (r.1165-1214), there was a mass of Norman immigration into Scotland. Thomas Grey, a fourteenth century English Knight, listed several Norman families which took up land during William's reign. Among those listed were the Frasers. The earliest written record of Frasers in Scotland is in 1160, when a Simon Fraser held lands in East Lothian at Keith. The Frasers moved into Tweeddale in the twelfth and 13th centuries and from there into the counties of Stirling, Angus, Inverness and Aberdeen.

During the Scottish Wars of Independence, Sir Simon Fraser, known as "the Patriot", fought first with the Red Comyn, and later with Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Sir Simon is celebrated for having defeated the English in three separate engagements at the Battle of Roslin in 1303, with just 8,000 men under his command. Along with the Clan Fraser, the Red Comyn's Clan Comyn, and the Clan Sinclair are known to have fought at the battle, which took place on 24 February 1303.At the Battle of Methven in 1306, Sir Simon led troops along with Bruce, and saved the King's life in three separate instances. Simon was allegedly awarded the 3 Crowns which now appear in the Lovat Arms for these three acts of bravery. At the end of the day, he was captured by the English and executed with great cruelty by King Edward in 1306, in the same barbaric fashion as Wallace. At the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Sir Simon's cousin, Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie, was much more fortunate. He fought at Bannockburn, married Bruce's sister, and became Chamberlain of Scotland. The Frasers of Philorth trace their lineage from Alexander. At the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, Alexander Fraser's three younger brothers, Simon Fraser of Lovat, Andrew, and James, were killed while fighting the English.

As most all Highlanders, the Frasers have been involved in countless instances of Clan warfare, particularly against the Macdonalds. Two Gaelic war cries of the Frasers have been generally recognized. The first, "Caisteal Dhuni" (Castle Dounie/Downie) refers to the ancestral Castle and Clan seat, which once existed near the present Beaufort Castle. The second is "A Mhòr-fhaiche" (The Great Field).

In 1544, the Frasers fought a great clan battle, the Battle of the Shirts (Blar-ne-Léine in Gaelic) against the Clan MacDonald of Clan Ranald, over the disputed chiefship of Clan Ranald. The Frasers, as part of a large coalition, backed a son of the 5th Chief, Ranald Gallda (the Stranger), which the MacDonalds found unacceptable. The Earl of Argyll intervened, refusing to let the two forces engage. But on their march home, the 300 Frasers were ambushed by 500 MacDonalds. Only five Frasers and eight MacDonalds are said to have survived the battle. Both the Lovat Chief, Hugh Fraser, and his son were amongst the dead and were buried at Beauly Priory.

Robert Mor Munro, 15th chief of Clan Munro, was a staunch supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, and he consequently was treated favourably by her son, James VI. Robert was also a faithful friend of Mary. Scottish historian George Buchanan, a contemporary, wrote that when the unfortunate princess went to Inverness in 1562: "as soon as they heard of their sovereign's danger, a great number of the most eminent Scots poured in around her, especially the Frasers and Munros, who were esteemed the most 'valiant of the clans inhabiting those countries in the north.' " These two clans took Inverness Castle for the Queen. The Queen later hanged the governor, a Gordon who had refused her admission.

In 1571 the Clan Fraser joined forces with the Clan Forbes in their centuries-long feud against the Clan Gordon. The Frasers and Forbes were joined by Clan Keith and Clan Crichton. The Gordons were joined by Clan Leslie, Clan Irvine and Clan Seton. The feud culminated in two full scale battles: the Battle of Tillieangus and the Battle of Craibstone. At the first, the 6th Lord Forbes's youngest son, known as Black Aurther Forbes, was killed.

During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms of 1644–1650, the Clan was as active as ever, supporting the cause of the Covenanters.

In 1645, at the Battle of Auldearn, in Nairnshire, the Clan opposed the Royalist leader James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, and fought under a Fraser of Struy (from a small village at the mouth of Glen Strathfarrar). The battle left eighty-seven Fraser widows

In 1689, the Glorious Revolution deposed the Roman Catholic King James VII as monarch of England, replacing the King with his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband and cousin William of Orange. Swiftly following in March, a Convention of the Estates was convened in Edinburgh, which supported William & Mary as joint monarchs of Scotland. However, to much of Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, James was still considered the rightful, legitimate King.

Bonnie Dundee

On 16 April 1689 John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, raised the royal standard of the recently deposed King James VII on the hilltop of Dundee Law. Many of the Highland clans rallied swiftly to his side. The chief of the Clan Fraser, Thomas Fraser, tried to keep the members of his clan from joining the uprising, to no avail: The Clan marched without him, and fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie. In 1690, Thomas gave in and joined them.

The Fifteen

The Clan Fraser was split during the first Jacobite rising in 1715. While some supported the Jacobite cause, Simon "the Fox" Fraser, Chief at the time, supported the British Government. In 1715, a force led by Simon, who had been outlawed by the Stewarts and was in exile, surrounded the Jacobite garrison in Inverness. The Clan MacDonald of Keppoch attempted to relieve the garrison, but when their path was blocked by the Frasers, Keppoch retreated.The Inverness garrison surrendered to Fraser on the same day that the Battle of Sheriffmuir was fought.

The Forty-Five

On 2 August 1745, a frigate successfully landed Bonnie Prince Charlie, grandson of James VII with his seven men of Moidart on the island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides. He would go on to raise the royal standard at Glenfinnan, and led the second Jacobite rising in Scotland. The by-now-infamous Simon "the Fox" Fraser supported the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie during The '45. One very strong reason was that Simon had been created Duke of Fraser, Marquess of Beaufort, Earl of Stratherrick and Abertarf, Viscount of the Aird and Strathglass and Lord Lovat and Beauly in the Jacobite Peerage of Scotland by James Francis Edward Stuart in 1740. Frasers were on the front lines of the Jacobite army at the Battle of Falkirk, and the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Culloden

The Battle of Culloden in 1746 was a decisive defeat for the Jacobites and the House of Stuart. At the battle, Frasers made up the largest Centre Regiment of the Front line, with 400 men under Charles Fraser of Inverallochy, and Simon Fraser, Master of Lovat. The Fox was not present at the battle, reportedly trying to gather dispersed Clansmen to fight.

Being on the front line, the Frasers were one of the few units to actually close with Government forces, breaking through Barrell's regiment with 800-900 other Highlanders. The Frasers were massacred by the Government second line. Hundreds may lie buried in a mass grave underneath the Fraser gravestone at Culloden. Each clan had its own grave.

Today the Clan Fraser is composed of many thousands all over the world. Large Fraser populations exist in the United States and Canada, and smaller populations are in Australia, New Zealand (both of which have had Fraser Prime ministers), and South Africa, not to mention those who never left Scotland. In 1951, the Lord Lovat Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser was able to muster some 7,000 Frasers to the family seat at Beaufort Castle, and in 1997, some 30-40,000 Frasers from 21 different countries came to Castle Fraser over a period of four days for a world-wide Clan gathering

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CLAN GORDON

The Gordons had their Scottish origin in the Berwickshire lands of Gordon. As a Norman family they became settled there under David I and retained estates for three centuries. Sir Adam de Gordon was one of the ambassadors who conveyed to the Pope the 1320 Declaration of National Independence, the first of its kind. For this and other services, Robert the Bruce granted him land forfeited by the Cummings at Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire. From that centre the Gordons came to exert great power (their chief was often called “The Cock of the North”) and often feuded with neighboring clans. In 1777 and 1794 they founded the regiments that became the Gordon Highlanders.

Septs for Clan Gordon include the following names: Adam, Adams, Adamson, Addie, Addison, Adie, Aitchison, Aiken, Aitken, Atkin, Atkins, Atkinson, Barrie, Connon, Craig, Cromb, Crombie, Cullen, Darg, Darge, Dorward, Duff, Durward, Eadie, Eddie, Edie, Edison, Esslemont, Gardiner, Gardner, Garioch, Garrick, Garriock, Geddes, Gerrie, Huntly, Jessiman, Jopp, Jupp, Laing, Lang, Laurie, Lawrie, Leng, Marr, Maver, Mavor, Meldrum, Mill, Mills, Miln, Milne, Milnes, Moir, More, Morrice, Morris, Muir, Mylne, Tod, Todd, Troup

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CLAN GRANT

A correction to our prior information was sent to us by Clan Grant. They would prefer that any members interested in their history check their web site at: http://www.clangrant.org.uk/

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CLAN GUNN

Clan Gunn claims descent from the Norse Jarls or Earls of Orkney and from the ancient Celtic Mormaers of Caithness through Ragnhild, daughter of Moddan in Dale, son of Moddan, Mormaer (High Steward) of Caithness, who was killed in 1040, and granddaughter of Saint Rognvald, Jarl of Orkney, who married Gunni, the reputed name-father of the Clan. Gunni was himself a grandson of Sweyn Asleif's-son, the 'Ultimate Viking' and hero of the Orkneyinga Saga.

Sweyn Asleif's-son had his long hall on the island of Gairsay, off the east coast of the Mainland of Orkney and lands in Caithness at Freswick, a few miles south of Duncansbay. The principal Gunn lands were, however, acquired through Ragnhild, who inherited great estates in Caithness and Sutherland on the death of her brother, Harold Ungi, Jarl in Orkney and Earl of Caithness in 1198.

These were inherited by Snaekoll (White head) Gunni's-son the second chief of the Clan. His rights to the Norse Earldom were, however, forfeited as he had murdered John, the then Jarl in Orkney, over a land claim dispute arising from their mutual descent from the ancient Jarls of Orkney. Thus from the middle of the 13th century the Gunns were essentially a Caithness family.

At this time Clan Gunn were at the height of their power. They appeared to possess virtually the whole of Caithness, which was then passing from the influence of the Norse Earldom to that of the King of Scots. Snaekoll Gunni's-son is reputed to have built Castle Gunn at Bruan, on the east coast of Caithness south of Wick. There is a tradition that Castle Gunn was destroyed by the King of Norway, whose daughter one of the Gunn chiefs had married, though he already had a wife at Castle Gunn. When the second wife sailed to Caithness to join her husband, the Gunn clan arranged for the beacon to be placed on a dangerous rock at Ulbster and so wrecked the ship and all aboard were drowned. The castle was destroyed in revenge and the Gunn chief and his retainers were slain.

Little is known of the history of the Clan during the 13th and 14th century and it is not until the 15th century that history records the exploits of the Clan and its chiefs. Nonetheless, it is clear that during the 14th and 15th centuries the Gunns were gradually dispossessed of their lands in the fertile parts of Caithness by the Sinclairs, Keiths and others, who obtained grants of land from the Scottish kings, anxious to increase their influence over the fringes of their kingdom. Consequently by the mid 15th century George Gunn of Ulbster, Chief of Clan Gunn and Crowner of Caithness, held his main lands at Ulbster and Clyth on the rocky coast of Caithness, and the majority of the Clan by then occupied the highland regions of Caithness in what are now the Parishes of Latheron, Halkirk and Reay.

It was George Gunn, the Crowner, also known as "Am Braisdeach Mor", or "Big Broochy" from the insignia worn by the Gunn Chiefs, as Crowners of Caithness, who after many skirmishes with Clan Keith over rival land claims sought to reach a conciliation with the Keiths at St. Tayre's Chapel, near Ackergill Tower, the seat of Keith of Ackergill in 1478 (other say 1464) and was killed in the unequal battle at the chapel where the Keiths arrived for the twelve-aside parlay with two men to each horse. In 1978 the Earl of Kintore, Chief of Clan Keith and Iain Gunn of Banniskirk, the Commander of Clan Gunn, signed a Treaty of Friendship between the two clans at the site of the chapel, bringing to end the 500 year old feud.

After the death of George, the Crowner, and his sons at Ackergill, the Clan split into three distinct families -- James or Seumas, the Crowner's eldest son who survived the battle, moved with his family to Kildonan in Sutherland, subsequently known as Gleann na Guineach or Gunn's Glen, where he obtained lands from the Earls of Sutherland; Robert, the second surviving son established his line in Braemore, in the southern heights of Caithness as the Robson Gunns, and John, the third surviving son settled in Cattaig or Bregual in Strathmore, in the higher reaches of the River Thurso above Westerdale.

The Hendersons and Williamsons and Wilsons of Caithness are said to be descended from Henry and William, two of the Crowners' younger sons. Other Gunn families established themselves at Crosskirk, near Forss, on the North coast of Caithness and in Reay, Strathy and Strath Halladale in the MacKay country. The various chieftains leased their lands from the Chiefs of Clan Sutherland and Clan MacKay and in turn sublet these to their immediate families who subdivided them among their families. There was, however, a surprising amount of movement from one part of the country to another and so it cannot be assumed that all Gunns in one area were necessarily all of the same branch of the family.

Indeed many clansmen do not bear the surname of Gunn. Surnames were not commonly used until comparatively recent times. They would have been of little use where everybody was of the same clan. A man or a woman was therefore known as John or Jean mac Sheumais or mac Dhaidh, son or daughter of James or David, of Clan Gunn, and when a surname came to be used many adopted their father's name and hence John or Jean Robson, Georgeson, Williamson etc.

The Mac Sheumais (or McHamish) Gunns continued to live in Strath Kildonan, first at Killearman and later at Badenloch at the top of the Strath, until the old line died out in 1782.

The chiefship of the Clan has been dormant since the death of the son of George Gunn of Rhives in 1874. The head of the Clan, in the absence of a recognized chief is Iain Gunn of Banniskirk, who has been appointed Commander of the Clan by the Lord Lyon King of Arms at the request of the landed and armigerous members of the Clan.

The Clan Gunn Society which was formed in 1960 to promote a spirit of kinship among members of the clan throughout the world acquired the Old Parish Church at Latheron as a Clan Heritage Center. The Clan gathers in Caithness every three years.

Material from The Clan Gunn and Its Country, published by the Clan Gunn Heritage Center, Latheron, Caithness.

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CLAN HOME

“Home” pronounced “Hume” and frequently spelled in this manner, comes from the lands in Berwickshire acquired in marriage by a 13th Century descendent of the Northumbrian Earl Gospatrick, ancestor also of the Dunbars. By further marriages the Homes extended widely over the east Borderland and participated fully in its wars and forays. David Hume (1711-76), philosopher-historian and indirect inspirer of many efforts to bring logic into practical history, also John Home, minister unfrocked for producing his poetic drama Douglas in 1756, might both claim family predeccors. Lord Kames, the lawyer-philosopher, and Lady Grizel Baillie, the balladist were also from the clan. Members were sometimes described as the “Haughty Homes” because of all their lofty achievements.

Septs: Ayton, Buncle, Bunkle, Dunbar, Eaton, Greenlaw, Haliburton, Holm, Landale, Landels, Mack, McHolm, Nesbitt, Nisbet, Wedderburn

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CLAN HUNTER

The first Hunters arrived in Ayrshire in the opening years of the 12th century. Experts in hunting and fieldcraft with generations of experience in the forests of their land of origin, these Norman lords were invited to Scotland by Scottish King David I who was himself brought up in the Norman court. In papers relating to the King’s Inquisition in 1116, we find mention of WILLIELMO VENATOR (William the Hunter - 1st Laird) who was appointed as Royal Huntsman while his wife had the honour of serving Queen Matilda as a lady-in-waiting. William put his expertise to good use in the wile forests and fens, then rich with wildlife, which surrounded the site of the timber fortress which was to become Hunter’s Toun. As recognition of his family’s skills, the title of Royal Huntsman became a hereditary appointment.

In the mid-thirteenth century King Alexander III of Scotland urged his liegemen to build in stone against possible incursion by Norsemen. It was probably about this time that the pele-tower of Hunterston Castle was constructed.

From this stronghold the family, allied with other powerful neighbours, faced down the aggression of King Hakon of Norway and drove him to defeat at the Battle of Largs in 1263. It sheltered them throughout the turbulent Wars of Independence from which they emerged with their lands intact, having probably supported William Wallace and certainly Robert the Bruce. In 1374 the great king’s grandson Robert II granted William Hunter (10th Laird) a charter of lands “for faithful services rendered.” The family still possess this ancient document. For many years the Hunters continued to serve the Scottish Crown as Royal Huntsmen and as soldiers, sometimes at great cost. John Huntar (14th Laird) died with King James IV at Flodden in 1513, and Mungo Huntar (16th Laird) died for Mary at Pinkie in 1547.

Clan Gatherings are held every five years at Hunterston Castle, Hunterston, in order to strengthen the traditions of the clan and foster a sense of togetherness.

(Information about Clan Hunter obtained from the Hunter Clan Association brochure.)

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CLAN KENNEDY

It has been suggested by genealogical sources that the name “Kennedy” meant “a kinsman.” Henry Cinnidh or Kennedy being a younger brother of William the Lion and founder of this great Carrick clan. From supporting Bruce against the Comyns and James II against the Black Douglases, the Kennedies acquired great power and wealth. Branches spread into Lennox in the 13th century and Aberdeenshire in the 14th. The grandson of Sir John Kennedy of Dunure married a daughter of King Robert III. His son, Gilbert, was created Lord Kennedy about 1452. The 3rd Lord was created Earl of Cassillis about 1509, but was killed with most of the Scottish nobility at Flodden in 1513. The 3rd Earl died in 1558, probably having been poisoned. For centuries there was a feud for seniority between the Bargany and Cassillis branches of the clan. One chief, the Earl of Cassillis in Mary’s reign (and fighter in her cause), even ventured on the unofficial title “King of Carrick.” The learned Bishop James Kennedy and his daughter, Kate, are still celebrated annually by the students of St. Andrews University where he founded a college in 1455.

For more information on Clan Kennedy, please contact local Chieftain, William Kennedy, Jr., 241 Everhard Rd., North Canton, Ohio 44709. Tel.: 330-433-9323

Septs of Clan Kennedy include: Carrick, Cassels, Cassillis, and Macwalrick.

For more information, check the Clan Kennedy Society web site: http://www.kennedysociety.org/

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CLAN LAMONT

Around 500 AD, a migration to southwest Scotland from the Irish kingdom of Dal Riata in northern Ireland took place. Our oral traditions and written history state that this invasion was led by the three sons of Erc, the King of the Irish Dal Riata. This action was the start of the Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. During this time it is said that the Stone of Destiny was taken to Scotland by the Gaels that migrated to Argyll, and it became the Coronation Stone of the early Dalriadan kings at Dunstaffnage. Then, in the ninth century, the stone is believed to have been transported to Scone, the capital of the Southern Picts. It is here that the Picts and the Scots became unified in 844 under the direction of Kenneth MacAlpine.

Among the clans that dwelled within this Dalriadan kingdom (including the Outer and Inner Hebrides, and the region of Argyll) were : The Lamonts, The MacNeils, The MacEwens, The Gilchrists and MacLachlans.

According to Skene in the Table of the Descent of the Highland Clans, he separates what is known as the Gallgael to give five major clans, from which nine smaller clans are said to have sprung forth. One of these, the Siol Alpin, for instance, is considered the Royal line from which Kenneth MacAlpine came from. Considered the second of these great clans is the Siol Gillevray and within the sphere of influence of this group is clan MacNeil, MacLachlan (including Clan Gilchrist), MacEwen, and Lamont.

The Lamonts, like the MacNeils, MacEwens, MacSweens, and the Gilchrists, are said to descend from the royal line of the O'Neill High Kings of Ireland (who mainly resided in great numbers in Tir Eoghain [Tyrone], northern Ireland). The Lamonts are believed to descend directly from Anrothan O'Neill, who gave up his rulership in Ireland and moved to Argyll. From Anrothan's line came a man named Aodha Alainn O'Neil who had three sons: Gillachrist, Neill, and Dunslebhe. Gillachrist had a son, Lachlan, who is the ancestors of the MacLachlans; Neill, who is the ancestor of the MacNeills; Dunslebhe had two sons, Fearchar, who is the progenitor of the Lamonts, and Ewen, the ancestor of the MacEwens.

From Fearchar came a son named Laumon and it is from him that the Clan Lamont received it's name. Some sources say that these same Lamonts were known at one time as MacErchar from Fearchar (as in the original Dal Riata MacErc). It is clear that this clan has very old roots in the Kingdom of Dalriada, evidenced not only by the previous name MacErchar and the tie with the original kingdoms of northern Ireland, but also from centuries old conflicts with the Clan Diarmaid, or Campbell

In 1235,Sir Laumon, signed a charter granting lands to the Paisley Abbyll This charter isstill in existence. Few clans can document their existence at such an early date. Sir Walter Scott refers to Sir Laumon in Antiquary as "Lamon mor ", or the Great Lamont in English. Sir Laumon's mother is believed to have been a daughter of the great Somerled, ancestor of the MacDonalds. Tradition, supported by a genealogical work of 1682 found in Inveraray Castle, maintains that a son of Sir Laumaon, had to flee Cowal as a result of a murder; and founded the Lyons of Glamis. He took the name of Lyon from the Lamont arms, and chose as his arms, the reverse of the Lamonts, a blue lion on a silver field.

As the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, is a Lyon of Glamis, if this tradition is correct, the Queen Elizabeth II is a Lamont on her mothers side !

James Patton

Clan Lamont Society North America

Bellville, Ohio

A longer history is on the official society website http://ogdenj.com/clsna/lamont.htm

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CLAN LINDSAY

The widespread Lindsays may have originated in Normandy, the name from an “Isle of lime-trees” near Rouen. Though they most likely did come from Normandy, there are those who disagree with this assumption. The name is said to have had many different spellings, possibly as many as 200 plus. The family was located both in England and in Scotland.

The Lindsays were not among those who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066. When Henry I of England reconquered Normandy in 1106 from his older brother, Robert, much of his support came from Western Normandy. There was thus a second wave of Norman migration to England and it is thought most likely that the Lindsay ancestor, following the Earl of Chester, brought the family name across the channel at that time.

Lindsay is a noble name and has proved to be quite illustrious, when only the facts are given that are backed up by Charter evidence. This evidence starts with Walter de Lindeseia, who sat as a member of Prince David's council in the Scottish borders (Cumbria) along with other Norman Knights in the early part of the 12th century. When this Prince became King of Scotland, he placed these Knights as Great Barons in the power structure. Walter was followed by two Williams in the ordinary line of succession.

In the reign of William the Lion, 1165-1214, the greater part of the parish of Crawford was held by William de Lindsay in lordship of Swan, the son of Thor. William undertook for himself and his heirs to render the services required from these lands to the overlord and to the King. This is the first Lindsay found associated with the territory of Crawford.

David Lindsay of Glenesk was, by solemn belting and investiture, created Earl of Crawford by his brother-in-law, Robert, III, on the 21st of April, 1398 in the Parliament held at Perth. This creation was accompanied by a regrant of the principal fief of Crawford "with a regality" and a herald called Lindsay was then created. Though the Lindsays were now situated in Glenesk, Crawford was their principal fief and remained so until the 5th Earl resigned the superiority of the various lands in the barony of Crawford.

Earl David, being trained in Angus, permanently fixed there the main dwelling place of his family, at the castle of Finhaven. The urban dwelling of the Crawford house was in Dundee. At this time the Lindsays possessed more than twenty great baronies and lordships, besides other lands of minor importance.

Through the centuries, the Lindsays have been eminent in many fields of endeavor. David Lyndsay, Lord Lyon, King at Arms, was also a playwright and poet of the Reformation. His fame is rivaled by that of Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie, whose History of Scotland is one of the most valuable national documents. Lady Anne Lindsay, daughter of the 5th Earl of Balcarres, wrote "Auld Robin Gray", one of the finest and most favorite of Scottish ballads.

Rev. David Lindsay, minister of Leith, became Bishop of Ross in 1600. Patrick Lyndsay was Archbishop of Glascow. David Lindsay, Bishop of Edinburgh, crowned Charles I at Holyrood in 1633. James Bowman Lindsay, the Forfarshire weaver, electrician and philologist, patented a wireless system of telegraphy in 1854. Marconi credits him as being his true predecessor.

A Lindsay was one of ten people who signed the declaration of independence of Scotland, declaring themselves totally independent of England. They were allies of Robert the Bruce and fought in Bannockburn. They intermarried with the family of William Wallace and handed over some of their castles to help him in his great battle for independence.

The 20th Earl of Crawford raised the Black Watch regiment in 1739, which was originally called the Lindsay-Crawford Regiment. Today, they still stand guard over Edinburgh Castle. Later, this Earl commanded the Scot Grays. Robert Lindsay, cousin to the 26th Earl, was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Lord Crawford, current chief of the family, is the 29th holder of the title and 40th feudal lord of Crawford. He is the premier Earl of Scotland. If precedence were determined by length of service in Parliament, he would also be the premier peer of the Empire, for his predecessors and he have sat in every Parliament, either Scottish or British, since 1147.

Septs: Affleck, Buyers, Byers, Cobb, Crawford, Deuchar, Deuchars, Downie, Fotheringham, Rhind, Rhynd, Summers, Sumner

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CLAN MAC CALLUM

Clan Mottos: "In ardua tendit" which means "He has attempted difficult things". Or "Deus refugium nostrum" (Latin : God is our refuge.)

The surnames Malcolm and MacCallum are both derived from the Gaelic word "calaman" which means a dove; this came to symbolise the Holy Spirit and the Latin equivalent was "columba" - the name of the Irish Saint Columba who established the monastery on Iona. Followers of Columba were "maol Chaluim" which gradually became the name Malcolm. While the two names may be from the same roots, there was no genealogical relationship between the two (although an early MacCallum chief did change his name to Malcolm, confusing the situation).

From the 10th century onwards, there were four kings named Malcolm and there were three landowners named "Maucolum" ( from Berwick, Perth and Montrose) who were signatories to the Ragman Roll in 1296.

The clan MacCallum became established in northern Argyll and in 1414 Sir Duncan Campbell granted lands to them at Craignish peninsula, not far from Kilmartin where family legend says one of the early branches of the name became established. The Campbells also made Ranald MacCallum hereditary keeper of Craignish castle. The Campbells also granted land to Donald, son of Gillespie MacCallum, another branch of the clan in Duntrune, adding to property already owned at Poltalloch in Argyll. The Poltalloch MacCallums have held the chieftainship of the clan from that time but later adopted the name Malcolm. The 15th Laird of Poltalloch was raised to the peerage as Lord Malcolm of Poltalloch late in the 19th century. However, the home of the present clan chief is now Duntrune Castle.

In the middle of the 17th century, Zachary MacCallum met a party of MacDonalds (enemies of the Campbells) and killed seven of them before being scythed down. Neil MacCallum, a nephew of Zachary, served in the French navy and is reputed to have been the father of the Marquis de Montcalm, who defended Quebec against the Highlanders who scaled the Heights of Abraham there, bringing to an end French rule in Canada.

The surname Malcolm is associated initially with Dunbartonshire and Stirling in the 14th century and later in Dumfriesshire. In the 18th century, George Malcolm of that county had three sons, all of whom became Knights of the Order of the Bath, two as generals and one as an admiral. General Sir John Malcolm was the British representative in the court of the Shah of Persia and published a history of that country in 1815 which is still highly regarded. His brother, Admiral Sir Pultney Malcolm commanded St Helena during Napoleon's exile there after the Battle of Waterloo.

Branches: MacCallum of Colgin, MacCallum of Glen Etive, MacCallum of Kilmartin, Malcolm of Poltalloch

Names associated with the clan: MACCALLOME MACCALUME MACALLUM MACCALUIM MACCALME MACCALIM MACCALLUM MACCOLLOM MACCOLLUM MACCOLEM MACCOLUM MACCULLUM MACCULLOM MAKALLUM MOLCALLUM CALLUM CHALLUM ALLUM CALLAM

Malcolmson is regarded as a sept (sub-branch) of the Malcolm/MacCallum clan

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CLAN MACKENZIE

Probably one of the old transplanted tribes from Moray, though firmly rooted in Ross-shire ever since, this clan took their name, MacKenny or MacKenzie after a 13th century chief Kenneth, descended from Colin of the Aird who was ancestor also to the Celtic Earls of Ross. When that earldom fell by marriage to the Lord of the Isles, the clan followed the MacDonald lead until these lords were suppressed. Independence attained, the MacKenzies became by the 17th century the most powerful clan of the West after the Campbells, and their chief, MacKenzie of Kintail, was raised to Lord Seaforth by James VI. This earldom was forfeited through the clans sharing the Jacobite ventures but restored in 1778 when the Seaforth Highlanders regiment was founded.

Septs: Charles, Charleson, Cluness, Clunies, Cromarty, Iverach, Iverson, Ivory, Kenneth, Kennethson, Kynoch, MacAweeney, MacBeolain, MacConnach, MacElhiney, MacIlhiney, MacIver, MacIvor, MacKenna, MacKenney, MacKerlich, MacKinney, MacMurchie, MacMurchy, MacQueenie, MacVanish, MacVinish, MacVinnie, MacWeeny, MacWhinnie, Murchie, Murchison, Smart

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CLAN MACLAREN

The older form MacLaurin is nearer to the Gaelic pronunciation. Whether originally called after the martyred St. Lawrence, or from Loarn, son of the Erc who founded Scottish Daliada about 503, and namer of the district of Lorne, the clan does claim descent from three brothers from the area which is now Argyll. They served with Kenneth MacAlpin in his successfull campaign of 843-50 to unite the Northern Picts into Scotland. A branch remained in their first home-country and was for long in possession of Tiree, but those three brothers’ awards in Balquhidder and Strathearn becams the clan’s main territory. Here they enter records surviviving from the 13th century. Although it is claimed that Rob Roy MacGregor is buried in MacLaurin burial ground, this is a false statement. There is a grave there, only recently marked as Rob Roy’s by one rather dubious member of Clan Gregor, but the grave is highly unlikely to have been his. He lived at the end of Balquhidder Glen, far closer to his family just over the mountain from his home, than to the church which he never attended. He would have been buried in the family plot there. Unfortunately that is now under the waters of Loch Katrine and access to the area is in private hands. The Clan Gregor members couldn’t show off by marching there so they chose another location. Sadly. This ground belongs to the MacLaren Clan.

Septs of Clan MacLaren: Faed, Larnach, Laurence, Laurenson, Law, Lawrence, Lawson, Low, Lowe, Lowson, MadFade, MacClarence, MacCrorie, MacFait, Mac Fater, MacFead, MacFeat, MacGrory, MacLsurin, MacPatrick, MacPetrie, MacPhait, MacPhater, Macrorie, Macrory, Paterson, Patrick, Patterson, Peterkin, Peters, Peterson, Rorie, Rorison

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CLAN MACLEAN

Though the name means “Son of a devotee of St. John”, MacLeans claim as legendary ancestor a 5th century Gillean-na Tuaidhe, i.e., Gillean of the Battle Axe. They may have been transplanted by Malcolm IV from Glen Urquhart, as one of the Celtic tribes then rebelling against centralized feudalism. A century later, the 13th, we find them in Mull, strongly established as vassals of Clan Donald, and soon one of the most powerful clans behind the Lords of the Isles. Duart Castle, facing Lismore, is their family stronghold. They ceased to be vassels of the Lords of the Isles in 1476, upon the Clan Donald forfeiture of that title. There was an ensuing feud with the MacDonalds that lasted until 1498. Their territory ranged from Coll and Tiree to Ardgour on the mainland, though the main families remained MacLeans of Duart (Chief) and Maclaines of Lochbuie, both in Mull.

Lachlan Maclean of Duart, finding his wife to be unsatisfactory, left her at sea on a low rock, hoping that the returning tide would drown her. Unfortunately for him, she was rescued. Her brother, Sir John Campbell, vowed revenge for this act, and saw to it that Lachlan MacLean was assissinated in Edinburgh.

The Chief of Clan MacLean fell protecting James IV at Flodden. The clan was prominent in all Stewart causes. Their maxim was: “The MacLeans Must Never Turn Their Backs to a Foe.” Their motto: “Virtue and Honor are Mine ”

Septs include: Beath, Beaton, Bey, Black, Gillan, Billand, Gillian, Billon, Gilzean, Huie, Lean, MacBay, MacBeath, MacBeth, MacBey, MacBheath, MacClane, MacClean, MacCormick, MacFadden, MacFadyen, MacFadzean, MacFayden, MacFetridge, MacGillivray, MacGilvra, MacIldowie, MacIlduff, MacIlduy, MacIlvora, MacLaine, MacLergan, MacPhadden, MacRankin, MacVay, MacVeagh, MacVey, Padon, Paton, Patten, Patton, Peden, Ranken, Rankine.

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CLAN MACLEOD

of Harris

The MacLeod Chiefs claim descent from Leod, nephew of Magnus, the last of the Norse Kings (13th century) of the Isle of Man. From Tormod and Torquil, Leod’s two sons, come the Harris and Lewis branches. The bulk of the clan, however, remains of native Celtic stock. Tormod’s grandson, Malcolm, was awarded a charter of Glenelg territory by David II and by marriage acquired the clan’s large foothold in Skye, with its famed fortress of Dunvegan as the Chief’s seat. Harris was held by MacLeods as vassals to Clan Donald until the Lords of the Isles forfeited their land and title. Clear of the entanglement, they aided the MacLeans against the MacDonalds. At Worcester in 1651 the clan lost so many men for Charles II that the other clans agreed to exonerate them from further conflicts. The MacCrimmons, named among the septs, were famous for their piping skills.

Septs include: Beaton, Bethune, Beton, Grimmond, Harold, Harrold, Macandie, MacCaig, Maclure, MacCrimmon, MacCuig, MacHarold, Maclure, Macraild, MacWilliam, Norman, Normand, Williamson

of Lewis

The clan of Torquil (see above) early became so powerful as to dispute the superiority of the Harris branch chiefship, attaining at least an independent status. Important branches were the MacGillechallum or MacLeods of Raasay, and those of Assynt. The MacNichols (Nicholson, etc.) were originally an independent clan of the Assynt district. They moved to the Portree corner of Skye after a 14th Century Lewis MacLeod had married their Chief’s heiress.

Septs include: Askey, Aulay, Callam, Callum, Caskey, Caskie, Lewis, Macallum, Macaskie, Macaskill, MacCabe, Macaulay, MacCallum, MacCaskie, MacCaskill, MacCorkill, MacCorkindale, MacCorkle, Maccorquodale, MacGillechallum, MacKaskill, MacLewis, MacNichol, MacNicol, MacNicoll, Malcolmson, Nicholl, Nicholson, Nicol, Nicoll, Nicolson, Norie, Norrie, Tolmie.

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CLAN MACNAB

The Macnabs are of ancient origin in Breadalbane and claim to be descended of Clan Alpin, also from a family of hereditary abbots of St. Fillan’s monastery once in Glendochart, hence the Mac an Aba, “Son of the abbot”. The old Celtic church did not stipulate celibacy. The Dewar sept long held custody of the beautiful Celtic “Crozier of St. Fillan” now in the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

From their once extensive clan lands there remains only the MacNab burial island at Killin. The reduction arose through supporting MacDougalls against the unforgiving Robert the Bruce, and again for following Montrose. Their royalist Chief was taken prisoner and escaped only to fall at Worcester in 1651 with many other Highlanders.

Septs include: Abbot, Abbotson, Abbott, Cleland, Clelland, Dewar, Gilfillan, Gillan, Gilland, Gilliland, MacClelland, MacLellan, MacClelland, MacNabb, MacNair.

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CLAN MAC NAUGHTON

The name MacNaughton comes from the Pictish Nechton meaning "the pure one". Clan Nechtan were established in Strathtay in the 12th century, probably transferred there from Moray by Malcolm IV, but their possessions extended over the upper part of Loch Awe, Glenarn, Glenshira and Loch Fyne. Gilchrist MacNaughton was granted the castle and island of Fraoch Eilean in Loch Awe by Alexander III in 1267. In addition, Gilchrist also held Dunderave on Loch Fyne and the castle of Dubh Loch in Glenshira. As the MacNaughtons were allied to the MacDougalls of Lorne, their chief Donald MacNaughton opposed Robert the Bruce (as did the Comyns in the north). On Robert becoming King, the MacNaughtons lost many of their lands in Argyll to the Campbells. However Donald's son, Duncan, loyally supported King David II, who rewarded his son Alexander with lands in the Isle of Lewis. Sir Alexander, chief of the clan during the reign of James IV fell with his King at Flodden in 1513. The MacNaughtons continued to be loyal to the Stewarts both during the wars of Charles I and at the revolution of 1688 that overthrew James VII, for which they lost their estates in 1691. The 17th and last chief of the MacNaughtons was John of Dundarave who fell out with Campbell of Ardkinglas whose daughter he was to marry. MacNaughton thought he was to marry the younger daughter with whom he was in love, however after taking too much refreshment prior to the ceremony he discovered he'd been wed to the eldest daughter. On realising his predicament he promtly deserted his wife and eloped to Ireland with his love, the second daughter. Ardkinglas gained possession of the MacNaughton estates on the grounds of incest and the chiefship became vacant. In 1818, the Lord Lyon King of Arms accepted Edmund A MacNaghton of Bushmills Co. Antrim as chief of the clan and its his descendant Sir Patrick Macnaghton of that Ilk and Dundarave Co. Antrim who is the present-day chief.

Septs of Clan MacNaughton: Kendrick, Hendry, Maceol, MacBrayne, MacHendry, MacKendrick, MacKenrick, Macknight, MacNair, MacNayer, MacNiven, MacNuir, MacNuyer, MacVicar, Niven, Weir.

Reference: ElectricScotland.com

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CLAN MORRISON

The Morrisons shared Lewis in the Hebrides with their earliest neighbors the MacLeods and the MacAulays. They took their name from a chief Maurice, after being earlier known as MacGilmore* from some "son of a devotee of St. Mary," but the change occurred before the Reformation. For a period ending with the MacKenzies taking charge of Lewis in 1613, Morrisons held the strenuous post of hereditary "Brieve" (arbitrating judge) in the "Long Isle," though in face of the powerful MacLeods this was a source rather of feud than of justice. Courts were usually held on the side of a hill where they were seated on green banks of earth.

Branches of the clan became settled in Harris, Skye, the Northwest mainland, and Aberdeenshire. A Perthshire group claim as its ancestor the Buchanan Clan's Maurice.

In the present century, the Morrisons have come into their own again. Two Hebridean Morrisons have been made Peers of the Realm. William Morrison, 1st Viscount Dunrossil, of a branch of the Morrison clan settled in North Uist, was Speaker of the House of Commons and then died in 1961 as Governor-General of Australia. John Morrison, 1st Lord Margadale, was Chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Conservative back-benchers. He owns the island of Islay which was once the home of the Norse sea-kings and also of the Clan Donald Chiefs, from a combination of both of which families the Morrison chiefs claim descent.

Septs of Clan Morrison include: Brieve, Gilmore, Gilmour, Judge, MacBrieve, Morison.

[Tracing Scottish names requires some detective work. "Gilmore" for example, might not easily be recognized as a "devotee of St. Mary" unless you know that a "Gillie" (or ghillie) is a servant and "More" (or Mhuire) can refer to St. Mary.

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CLAN MOREHEAD

Clan Muirhead, thought by many historians to be one of Scotland's oldest names, can trace its roots to the late 14th century. The first recorded holder of the name is William Muirhead of Lauchope.

William Muirhead of Lauchope, born ca. 1380 - died ? William was born in the Village of Lanark, which, a century before, had spawned the great William Wallace (hero of the movie "Braveheart.") The pedigree puts his birth around 1380, but, considering what followed a mere 13 years later, I would put his birth somewhat sooner.

Around the 1390s, a giant (as in "Andre the ..." not "fe-fi-fo-fum.") named Bartram was terrorizing the area around Kirk O'Shotts in Lanarkshire. He was a notorious robber and and murderer. King Robert III, weary of constant complaints from the area (Robert was not Scotland's greatest king) offered a reward for anyone who could rid the area of Bartram deShotts. William Muirhead took him up on it.

William studied the habits of the giant for a long time, discerning that Bartram always stopped to drink at one spot at a stream near Kirk O'Shotts. William began piling heather at the area, a bit at a time, until the pile was very large. Bartram was suspicious of the pile at first, but gradually began to ignore it until he paid it no mind at all. Then, one day in 1393, William took his claymore and hid in the heather pile until Bartram came. When Bartram knelt to drink, William leaped out and slashed Bartram's hamstrings, crippling the giant. The suprised giant laughed, angering William who said, "Will ye lauch up?" and cut off his head.

William carried the head to the king, who knighted Willam, granted him lands, a crest and coat of arms. The Muirhead lands came to be called "Lauchope." The family prospered for some time after William, becoming one of the great houses of the lowlands. William's brother, Andrew, became Bishop of Glasgow and was one of the regents for the minor King James I. Eight years later, he arranged James' marriage to Princess Margaret, the Fair Maid of Denmark. William's great-grandson carried the name and the sword William used on the giant to the saddest day in Scottish history.

John Muirhead of Lauchope and Bullis, born 1443 - died 1513 John was a "tacksman" and a favorite of King James IV. He was so favored, the king made him captain of his personal guard when the Scots marched to Flodden in 1513. John took 200 loyal Muirhead clansmen with him and all fell. And so the fortunes of this bold family grew, but the prestige and power did not come without a price, which came due with Willam's descendent, James Muirhead of Lauchope. Poor James is an example of everything that can go wrong going wrong. At first glance, one would expect James to have married very well. His wife was Janet Hamilton, reat-granddaughter of King James II and a child of one of the most powerful families in all the lowlands. This was actually the problem.

The struggles of Mary, Queen of Scots, are legend. After her dramatic escape from imprisonment in Lochleven in 1568, partisans rallied to her defense and an attempt to retore her to the throne. They gathered at Langside, not far from where William Muirhead had killed Bartram deShotts. Among Mary's partisans were the Hamiltons and their kin, including James Muirhead.

The battle, short and relatively bloodless, did not go well for Mary's partisans. Mary fled to her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England, and the rest is history. James was "forfeited by Parliamentary attainer until 1573," according to historian Alexander Nisbit.

A year later, in 1569 in the town of Linlithgor, James' brother-in-law, James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, assasinated James, Earl Murray, the regent for the infant King James VI. Hamilton fled to James Muirhead's home of Lauchope House and, because of their kinship, gave him refuge. Friends of the regent descended on Lauchope House and put it to the torch. James Muirhead was unharmed, but many important papers, including the family's charters of nobility, were lost. Bowed but not broken, the family continued in prestige and power, however, and James' descendent, John Muirhead, became Provost of Glasgow.

John Muirhead of Glasgow, 1660-1725

John was a member of the Solemn League and Covenant, however, and fought against Charles II, eventually losing at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679. John, his brother, James, and others of the band were arrested and imprisoned in Dunnotar Castle. When the Muirheads and others refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the Catholic James VII and II, they were transported to the tollbooth at Leith and, in 1685, were exiled aboard the Henry and Francis to New Jersey, enduring an inhuman voyage. John did well in the New World, though, becoming High Sheriff of Pennington.

The fortunes of the family diminished. The last "chief of the name," the Rev. Dr. James Muirhead of Logan, became a butt of Robert Burns' jokes, albeit good-natured. Minister of Urr, Muirhead was a landed proprietor, and claimed to be chief of Clan Muirhead. According to Young, he was a man of considerable humour', but also of the irritable genus, and nowise disposed to submit to the abuse and sarcastic ballads of Burns, whom he purposed to hunt out of society as a public nuisance.' Burns described him as being 'as guid as he's true' in the Second Heron Election Ballad. There is an even more pointed reference in the third election ballad: "And by our banners march'd Muirhead, And Buittle was na slack, Whase haly priesthood nane could stain, For wha could dye the black?"

And so the "Clan" fell, forgotten as an organized family, until 2000 when Raymond L. Morehead of Bonney Lake Washington formed the Muirhead Clan Society to reorganize. A case to reestablish the name with a chief is pending before Lord Lyon and the clan's tartan has been rediscovered in a 150-plus-year-old kilt and registered. More can be learned at www.clanmuirhead.com.

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CLAN ROSS

Motto: Spem successus alit - "Success nourishes hope".
Badge: A hand holding a laurel wreath.

The clan Ross derives its name from the old Celtic earldom of Ross and they are believed to be descended from Gilleon na h-airde, ancestor of Anrias, whose descendant Fearcher Mac-an-t-Sagairt, "Son of the Priest" helped crush a rebellion for the crown in 1215. For his services he was knighted and recognized as the Earl of Ross in 1234. This title in turn gave its possessors great authority and power in the North of Scotland. His grandson William fought at the Battle of Bannockburn and Hugh, the 5th Earl was killed at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333. Hugh's successor, William died without male issue and succession passed through the female line which later led to a struggle for the Earldom between the Lords of the Isles and the Regent Albany. The chiefship devolved upon William Ross, 2nd of Balnagowan and for over three centuries this line remained the principal family of the clan. From the 15th to the 16th century, the Rosses were preoccupied with a feud against the Mackays of Strathnaver culminating in the Battle of Blar Ault an Charish on the River Carran in July 1486, when Alexander 6th of Balnagowan and 17 of his clan were killed. David Ross, 12th of Balnagowan fought for Charles I at Worcester and died a prisoner in London in 1653. His son David supported William and Mary and was the last of the direct line. On his death in 1711, the estate was settled on the Renfrewshire family of Ross of Hawkhead, who were of no blood relation. The Munro Rosses of Pitcalnie became the senior representatives of the old line. During the Jacobite rebellions the Rosses supported the government, but later, during the 19th century the Rosses suffered heavily through the clearances particularly in Strathcarran in 1854. The Rosses are distinguished by having possibly the most important American connections of any Scots clan and took prominent roles in key episodes of American history. Many other Rosses have also achieved distinction in Canada and in Prussia, where the Counts von Ross were famous soldiers.

Septs of Clan Ross: Anderson, Andrew, Dingwall, Gillanders, MacAndrew, MacCulloch, MacLulich, MacTaggart, MacTear, MacTier, MacTire, Taggart, Vass, Wass.

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CLAN SOMERVILLE

Motto: Fear God in Life

This name is derived from Somerville , a town near Caen in Normandy. Sir Gaulter de Somerville accompanied the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, to England in 1066. One of his descendants Philip of Whichnow , in Staffordshire, instituted the gift of a side of bacon called the Dunmow Flitch which is still given today to husbands and wives who have lived together a year and a day without strife or disagreement.

William de Somerville , Gualters second son, came to Scotland with David I and Received lands near Carnwath in Clydesdale. William died around 1142 and was buried at Melrose Abbey. William de Somerville, who, according to tradition, killed the last serpent in Scotland, obtained the lands of Linton around 1174 from Malcolm IV. He later became chief falconer to the king and sheriff of Rovburgh. Sir William de Somerville , fifth of that name, fought for Alexander II, driving back the Norse invasion at Largs in 1263.

His son, Sir Thomas appears on the Ragman Roll of Nobles forced to swear fealty to Edward I of England in 1296, but the following year he joined Sir William Wallace in the fight for Scottish Freedom. Sir Walter Somerville commanded a brigade of cavalry under Wallace at the Battle of Biggar, and was later a steady supporter of Robert the Bruce. His great-grandson, Sir Thomas, was created Lord Somerville around 1430. He was Justicar of Scotland south of the forth.

John, the third Lord, was wounded fighting against the English at the Battle of Sark in 1448 and was present at the siege of Roxburgh in 1460, when James II was killed by an exploding canon. John, Fourth Lord Somerville, died without issue and was succeeded by his brother, Hugh, who was taken prisoner after the rout at Solway Moss in 1542. He was ransomed for 1,000 merks and the promise of his support for the proposed marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots to Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Henry VIII of England. He was later arrested for treason but was pardoned . He supported Mary of Guise, the Queen Mother, as Regent of Scotland. Like many nobles who had been secretly intriguing with England, he was an early adherent to the reformed doctrines. However his son-later the sixth Lord Somerville- opposed the Reformation and voted against the Confession of Faith proposed in the Parliament of 1560. He supported also Mary, Queen of Scots, and fought at the Battle of Langside where he was severely wounded.

Hugh Somerville, the seventh Lord, was also a supporter of the queen, but in the shifting politics of the time he later supported her son, James VI, becoming a Privy Councilor. James was entertained by the Somervilles in such splendor that they burdened themselves with debt and had to sell their estates at Carnwath, When the Scots nobility was ranked in 1606 after the union of the crowns, the name Somerville did not appear. James Somerville, titular tenth Lord Somerville, served on the continent, where he gained considerable reputation as a soldier commanding his own regiment. His grandson, James Somerville of Drum, died from wounds received during a duel with Thomas Learmounth in 1682.

In 1723 the Somerville peerage was acknowledged by the House of Lords and John, now thirteenth Lord Somerville, stood for election as a representative peer of Scotland. He built the elegant House of Drum which still stands on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Mary Somerville who died in 1872 was a noted mathematician and scientific writer as well as a great pioneer of women's education, and Somerville College in Oxford, founded in 1879, is named after her.

[From Clan Somerville web site.]

CLAN SINCLAIR

The surname Sinclair or St. Clair, is derived from Saint-Clair-sur-Elle, which is near St. Lo in the Conentin peninsula of Normandy in France. The St. Clairs first arrived in England with William the conqueror. In 1162 Henry de St. Clair received a charter of the lands of Herdmanston in Haddingtonshire from the Constable of Scotland, whose Sheriff he was.

The principal line of the Sinclairs was founded in the Scotland of David I. Their chief, Sir William Sinclair, Sheriff of Edinburgh, Haddington, Linlithgow and Dumfries, was also Justiciar of Galloway. He was guardian of the heir to the throne and was granted the Barony of Rosslyn in 1280. His son, Sir Henry Sinclair of Rosslyn, Pantler of Scotland, fought for the Bruce at Bannockburn. Sir William Sinclair of Rosslyn was slain with the Douglas, carrying Robert Bruce’s heart on Crusade against the Saracens in Andalusia.

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The next baron of Rosslyn married Lady Isabel, co-heiress of Orkney and Caithness. Their son, Henry Sinclair, was recognized as Jarl [Earl] of Orkney in 1379 by the King of Norway. As Jarl of Orkney, Henry “the Holy” Sinclair was the premier noble of Norway. Through Lady Isabel, the later Sinclair chiefs descend from the pagan Norse and ancient Pictish dynasts who were already ruling in Orkney and Caithness at the time of the earliest surviving records, a thousand years ago. Many Sinclairs believe green is unlucky for them since so many of them wearing it fell with their Chief at Flodden in 1513.

Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster, 1st Baronet, P.C., M.P., was the first President of the Board of Agriculture, which he persuaded Pitt to found in 1793. He was painted by Raeburn as Commander of the Fencible Regiment he raised in 1794. He was a most practical idealist. He produced the forerunner of social surveys and planned agriculture. He was the first to use the term “statistics”. Descended from the 4th Earl of Caithness, he was the ancestor of the present Viscount Thurso.

Septs include the folowing names: Budge, Clyne, Groat, Lyall, Wares.

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CLAN STEWART (OR STUART)

The surname Stewart (or Stuart) is derived from Steward, indicating an official in charge of a household and/or treasury- often of a king, but also of a notable earl, or bishop. It was from Walter fitz-Allen that the line of Stewart (or Stuart) kings descended. He was a Norman noble appointed to the post of hereditary High Steward of Scotland by King David I. Walter's influential family and descendents established various separate branches of Stewarts before their main line became a royal one. This transpired through Walter, the sixth High Steward, ho fought at Bannockburn and married King Robert Bruce's daughter, Marjory. Their son became Robert II, the first Stewart king.

Previous to 1371, Walter's uncel, Sir John Stewart of Bonkill who fel at Falkird in 1298) left seven sons. The first three founded respectively the Stewart earldoms of Angus, Lennox, and Galloway.

Septs: Bod, Carmichael, Dennison, Denniston, France, Francis, Lennox, Lisle, Lombard, Lumbard, Lyle, MacMichael, Menteith, Monteath, Monteith, Moodie, Moody, Steuart, Steuart, Stuart.

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CLAN STEWART (STUART OF BUTE

The beautiful Isle of Bute formed part of the domain of Walter, the first High Steward, and remained a Stewart possession except for a brief Norse occupation. But only after 1385 did a family branch become established there, when Sir John Stewart, a son of King Robert II, was appointed hereditary Sheriff of Bute and Arran. His descendants still hold the marquisate of Bute.

The spelling ‘Stuart’ originated with some Stewarts living in France where the alphabet has no ‘w’. Adopted there also by Mary Queen of Scots, it became fashionable when she continued using it on her return. Steuart was a compromise between the two forms.

Septs of Clan Stuart include: Ballantyne, Bannatyne, Caw, Fullarton, Fullerton, Glass, Hunter, Jameson, Jamieson, Lewis, Loy, MacCaa, MacCammie, MacCloy, MacCurdy, MacElheran, MacKerron, MacKirdy, MacLewis, MacLouis, Macloy, MacMune, MacMurtrie, Malloy, Milloy, Munn, Neilson, Sharp, Sharpe

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CLAN SUTHERLAND

The founder of the line of Sutherland was Hugh, son or grandson of Freskin de Moravia who, probably by marriage, obtained the clan territory about the time of William the Lion. Hugh’s son, William, was created Earl of Sutherland about 1237, and died 1248. William, 2nd Earl, had a feud with the Mackays, which was carried on by his son, Robert. John, 12th Earl, fought at Corrichie in 1562. William, 16th Earl, Chief of the clan in 1745, supported George II. His son, William, 17th Earl, left a daughter Elizabeth (his only child), whose right to the earldom was established in 1771. She married George Granville, Marquis of Stafford and was ancestress of the Dukes of (now again Earls of) Sutherland. Dunrobin Castle is the seat of the Moirair Chat, Chief of the clan.

For further information Clan Sutherland contact: Lloyd Leadbetter, 2645 Gladiola St. NE, Canton, Ohio 44705

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CLAN URQUHART

The name Urquhart is considered to be of Gaelic origin and various translations have been offered. Some Gaelic scholars say it means “on a rapid torrent” and others “upon a rowan wood.” Perhaps the most sensible is “the fort on the knoll” which is exactly what Castle Urquhart is. Castle Urquhart, of course, is the imposing structure often seen in conjunction with photos of Loch Ness and the eternal search for the Loch Ness Monster known as “Nessie.”

The locality called Urquhart lies on the north side of the Great Glen, where woods descend steeply to a promontory that dominates the eastern end of Loch Ness. It was the obvious place to build a fortress guarding old Pictland from the Gaelic west. Once it stood within the vast sphere of influence of the Comyn family, but when Robert the Bruce won the crown, he destroyed the Comyn power in the north.

William of Urquhart became the Sheriff of Cromarty, the fertile peninsula beyond Inverness called the Black Isle. In 1357, David II granted the heriditary sheriffdom of Cromarty to Adam of Urquhart, William’s son, thus establishing the dynasty. In 1470 William Urquhart of Cromarty built there a castle of the characteristically Scottish tower form.

His successor, Sir Thomas Urquhart (1582-1642) became something of a favorite of James VI, sharing with him a love of learned pursuits. His son inherited both his name and his penchant for learning. Sir Thomas Urquhart (1611-1660) attended Aberdeen University during its golden age and fell under the spell of his great uncle John Urquhart of whom he wrote: “He was over all Britain reknowned for his deep reach of natural wit and great dexterity in acquiring of many lands and great possessions, with all men’s applause.”

Thomas went on a grand tour of Europe after leaving university. He collected a vast library of books for his ancestral tower while traveling. He supported Charles I in the Civil War, and fought for Charles II when he was routed by Oliver Cromwell at Worcester in 1651. A learned scholar, Thomas had written four trunks full of manuscripts on developing a universal language and on the genealogy of the Urquharts which he unfortunately brought with him. He was taken prisoner and English soldiers ransacked his lodgings and destroyed his writings.

He was brought to the Tower of London where, in 1653, he published the first book of Rabelais, one of the world’s supreme masterpieces of translation. In 1660 he died, not yet fifty years old. It was said that what killed him was a fit of Rabelaisian laughter when he was informed of the Restoration of the King. His last draft of Rabelais was published after his death.

His line was extinguished, the Cromarty property sold, the ancestral tower demolished. But the chiefship of Urquhart was kept alive by the descendents of Sir Thomas’s ingenious great uncle, John. In 1766 George Urquhart (c.1733-1799) went to Florida and his son, David, settled in New Orleans, Louisiana. His descendent, Kenneth Urquhart of Urquhart, a historian, still lives there and is the current chief. His daughter, Christy Urquhart Walsh, lives in Akron, Ohio, and teaches Highland Dancing. For more information on this clan, you may contact her at: 345 S. Rose Blvd. Akron, Ohio 44313 or by telephone, 330.867.1030.