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Where did Robertson clan come from?
Clan History. The Robertson family is said to be one of the oldest in Scotland. Claiming descent from Crinan who was the Laird of Atholl and hereditary lay Abbott of Dunkeld who married Bethoc, the daughter of Malcolm II. Their son became Duncan I, Scottish king from 1034 to 1040.
Is there a Robertson tartan?
The Robertson tartan is predominantly red with navy blue and forest green.
Is the Robertson clan related to Robert the Bruce?
The Robertson clan is more properly called 'Clan Donnachaidh' from their ancestor Duncan, who was a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce, and who led the Clan at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Is Robertson a royal last name?
Robertson Family History The Robertsons of Struan are the oldest family in Scotland, being the sole remaining branch of the Royal House which occupied the throne of Scotland during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. From first to last the Clan is noted for its loyalty to the Stewarts.
What part of Scotland is Robertson from?
Clan Donnachaidh (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Donnchaidh [ˈkʰl̪ˠãũn̪ˠ ˈt̪ɔn̪ˠɔxɪ]), also known as Clan Robertson or Clan Duncan is a Scottish clan....Clan Donnachaidh.Clan Donnachaidh / Clan Robertson / Clan DuncanWar cryGarg 'nuair dhùisgear (Fierce when roused)ProfileRegionHighlandsDistrictStruan, Perthshire14 more rows
How old is the name Robertson?
The Robertson family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Robertson families were found in USA in 1880. In 1840 there were 229 Robertson families living in New York.
Did the Robertson clan fight at Culloden?
They were active throughout the rising and took part in all the major events of the campaign. There were also other Robertsons who served with the Macphersons, Lord Ogilvy's regiment and Kilmarnock's cavalry regiment. Some Robertsons were killed at Culloden; others were wounded or taken prisoner.
What does the last name Robertson mean?
son of RobertRobertson is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert". It originated in Scotland and northern England.
What does the Robertson Clan Crest mean?
The Motto Struan has two mottos in Latin, one in a scroll above the crest “Virtutis Gloria Merces” (Glory is the reward of valour), and the other below the compartment “Garg'n Uair Dhuisgear” (Fierce when roused).
How rare is the last name Robertson?
According to the data, Robertson is ranked #175 in terms of the most common surnames in America.
Is there a Robertson Castle in Scotland?
You'll be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into the land of Braveheart! The Estate dates back to 1347, when it was allegedly gifted to the Robertson clan by Robert the Bruce. The stunning main castle was commissioned by Clan Chief George Duncan Robertson and built by renowned architect Thomas Mackenzie in 1855.
What is the Robertson family crest?
Robertson Clan Crest: A dexter hand holding up an imperial crown. Robertson Clan Motto: Virtutis Gloria Merces (Glory is the reward of valour).
Who can wear the Black Watch tartan?
Known as an 'open tartan'‚ a Black Watch plaid kilt is perfectly acceptable for all to wear at Highland Clan gatherings‚ regardless of Clan affiliation. Worn by state leaders, military heroes, highland athletes, and people who just love the look. The Black Watch tartan is a universal symbol of bravery and tradition.
How many Macdonald tartans are there?
There are over 40 Clan Donald Tartans and many clan branches intricately connected to it. The clan's eight main branches are: Antrim, Ardnamurchan, Clanranald, Duunyveg and the Glens, Glencoe, Glengarry, Keppoch and Sleat.
Who can wear MacGregor tartan?
MacGregors who believe they come from the Glengyle branch of the clan can wear this tartan if they wish. This tartan was designed by Alasdair MacGregor of Cardney, the 22nd chief's younger brother in about 1930.
Who are the Robertsons?
That the Robertsons are lineal descendants of the Celtic Earls of Atholl, whose progenitor was King Duncan I ( Donnchadh in Scottish Gaelic). The Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia supports this theory.
Who was the 13th chief of the Robertson clan?
17th century and Civil War. Alexander Robertson, 13th chief of Clan Robertson who supported the Jacobite risings of 1689 and 1715. Under Alexander Robertson, 12th chief, the clan are said to have supported James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose in all of his battles during the Scottish Civil War.
How many men were in the Donnachaidh clan?
General Wade 's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men. The fighting force of Clan Donnachaidh was estimated at 700 men in 1745.
What was the original seat of the chiefs of Clan Robertson?
Dunalastair Castle was the original seat of the chiefs of Clan Robertson. The castle was eventually replaced by Dall House.
What is the clan name of Donnachaidh?
The main surname used by Clan Donnachaidh is Robertson, which is also used by the present chief's family, though other names are associated with the clan. Other names associated with the clan may include: Barr. Collier.
Who is Stout Duncan?
The clan's first recognised chief, Donnchaidh Reamhar, "Stout Duncan", son of Andrew de Atholia ( Latin "Andrew of Atholl "), was a minor land-owner and leader of a kin-group around Dunkeld, Highland Perthshire, and as legend has it, an enthusiastic and faithful supporter of Robert I (king 1306–29 aka Robert the Bruce) during the Wars of Scottish Independence; he is believed to have looked after King Robert after the Battle of Methven in 1306. The clan asserts that Stout Duncan's relatives and followers (not yet known as Robertsons) supported Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His descendants became known (in English or Scots) as the Duncansons, or Gaelic Clann Dhònnchaidh, "Children of Duncan". Duncan is believed to have been killed at the Battle of Neville's Cross and was succeeded by Robert, from who the Clan Robertson takes its name. Robert's brother, Patrick, was the ancestor of the Robertsons of Lude who were the principal cadet branch.
What clans were involved in the Battle of Angus?
14th- and 15th-century clan conflicts. In 1394 a clan battle took place between Clann Dhònnchaidh, Clan Lindsay and involving Clan Ogilvy, who were the hereditary sheriffs of Angus, during a cattle raid on Angus. Sir Walter Ogilvy was slain at this battle.
What clan is Rankin from?
Rankin (132) Only those from Lochaber and must have originally been a MACRANKIN. Scots Rankins not of Clan Donald may be of Clan MacLean, or, from Aberdeen, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Irvine or Kilmarnoch. Rennie (1310. Only those from Lochaber, Islay or Kintyre and must have originally been a MACRENNIE.
What clan are Scots Browns from?
Scots Browns not of Clan Donald may be of Clans Lamont or MacMillan, or from Aberdeen, Lanark, Annadale, Edinburgh, Berwick or Linlithgow. Budge. Only those from Skye or Caithness. Clan Donald Budges derive from MacDonalds from Skye who fled to Caithness and changed their names.
Where are Hendersons not of Clan Donald?
Hendersons not of Clan Donald may be of Clans Henderson or Gunn or from Aberdeen, Liddesdale, Dumfries, Glasgow or Caithness. Hendry (57) Only those from Lochaber/Glencoe. Hendrys not of Clan Donald may be of Clan MacNaughton or from Ayrshire, Fife, Aberdeen, Perth, Irvine or Stirling.
Where are the Sandersons from?
Only those from West Highlands & Islands, Antrim or Glengarry. Approx. 49% of all Sandersons are of Scots ancestry. Scots Sandersons not of Clan Donald may be from Linlithgow, Dornoch or Tynninghame. Shannon (155) Only those from Islay or Kintyre and must have originally been an O’SHANNON.
Where are the Johnsons from?
Johnson (71) Only those from West Highlands & Islands, particularly Ardnamurchan or Lochaber/Glencoe. Approx. 32% of all Johnsons/Johnstons are of Scots ancestry. Scots Johnsons not of Clan Donald may be of Clans Johnston or Gunn or from Dumfries, Roxburghshire, Aberdeen or E. Lothian..
What were the early clans?
These early clans were far from racially pure, comprising surviving Norse, plus a multicultural influx of Normans, Anglo-Normans, Gaels, Flemish, and more. Clans were largely loyal to the Scottish Crown, in a feudal structure reinforced by Scots law.
Where did clans originate?
Historically clans developed as a form of territorial political organisation in the sparsely populated northern expanses of Scotland above the 'Central Belt' between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The system evolved when the Scottish Crown first pacified the northern rebellions of the 12th and 13th centuries, then won Argyll and the Outer Hebrides from the Norsemen. This gave Celtic war lords the chance to impose their dominance over local families in return for protection. These early clans were far from racially pure, comprising surviving Norse, plus a multicultural influx of Normans, Anglo-Normans, Gaels, Flemish, and more.
What about modern clan organisations?
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is an official structure, recognised in law by the Court of the Lord Lyon, an officer of the Crown that regulates Scottish heraldry and coats of arms. Most clans have a recognised chief; but some, known as 'armigerous' clans, have no chief nor any legal standing. Establishment figures tend to focus on this formal structure of the clans, distinguished by heraldry and recognised by the Sovereign. And many value their place in this hierarchy.
How do you belong to a clan today?
Today, anyone of the chief's surname, or variants of that name, is automatically considered to be a member of their clan. Online resources like our Clan Finder can help you identify such connections from your own surname. In practice, identifying a single clan member anywhere in your lineage is enough, and indeed changing your name to that of any generally accepted sept would make you a member by default. Indeed even that isn't necessary. The tradition is that anyone offering allegiance to the chief becomes a clan member (unless rejected or outlawed, which the chief has the traditional right to do). But the chief has little real power. So to all intents and purposes, belonging to a clan is a purely voluntary choice. Ultimately there is no real question of whether anyone has a legal 'right' or not to be a clan member. If you want to belong, you can.
Why do clans wear tartans?
This system evolved because the clans or families of each Lowland or Highland district would wear cloth patterns local weavers tended to produce. So that community soon became identified by it. It wasn't until Victorian days the system really became formally established, after author Sir Walter Scott first popularised the idea of clan tartans. Yet its traditions are real and valid. And today clan and family tartans (or indeed tartans for any kind of organisation, whether Scottish or not) are one of Scotland's great gifts to the world. Most clans (as well as many septs and families) have their own tartan patterns, usually dating to at least the 19th century and some traceable far earlier. A member can incorporate any of these plaids into kilts, accessories, or other clothing, household goods, or any other use. But there's no real rule to prevent anyone sharing a clan tartan, if only as a pattern they love. The true clan system was welcoming and inclusive, so wearing another clan's tartan should be seen as a sign of respect.
What are clans bound by?
But equally they were bound by alliances and ties of trade, marriage (with dowries) and mutual defence against invaders - mostly the English. These loosely related dependent families are known as septs.
What is a clan's sept?
These loosely related dependent families are known as septs. These are surnames, families or other clans that historically, currently or for whatever reason the chief chooses, are associated with that clan. Clans may maintain an unofficial list of septs, but there is no central register. Confusingly, some sept names are shared by more than one clan, due to migration or clan boundaries shifting over time. So determining your actual clan (or even clans) can need genealogical research.
Overview
History
There are two main theories as to the origins of the Clan Donnachaidh:
1. That the founder of the clan, Donn(a)chadh (Duncan) was the second son of Angus MacDonald, Lord of the Isles.
2. That the Robertsons are lineal descendants of the Celtic Earls of Atholl, whose progenitor was King Duncan I (Donnchadh in Scottish Gaelic). The Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encycloped…
Clan Castles
• Dunalastair Castle was the original seat of the chiefs of Clan Robertson. The castle was eventually replaced by Dall House.
• Lude Castle belonged to the Clan Robertson from at least the 17th century but was torched by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1650 after Alexander Robertson of Lude had fought on the side of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose at the Battle of Tippermuir in 1644.
Tartans
• Red Modern tartan
• Detail of a Clan Robertson kilt. Cf.
• Hunting Ancient tartan. Cf.
• "Clandonoquhay" tartan, as published in 1842 in the Vestiarium Scoticum
Gaelic names
• MacDhònnchaidh (surname, "son of Duncan")
• MacRaibeirt (surname, "son of Robert")
• Robasdan (surname – used when following a first name)
• An Robasdanach (surname, "the Robertson" – used on its own, without a first name)
Branches
• Robertson of Auchleeks.
• Robertson of Faskally.
• Robertson of Inches.
• Robertson of Kindeace.
• Robertson of Kinlochmouidart.
Septs
The main surname used by Clan Donnachaidh is Robertson, which is also used by the present chief's family, though other names are associated with the clan. Other names associated with the clan may include:
Note that several of the above are merely anglicised variants of the Scots Gaelic MacDhònnchaidh or literal translations into English of the same (Duncan, Duncanson, etc.).
See also
• Clan Duncan