SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan Menzies:

Origins of the Clan:

It is believed that the Menzies were granted lands in Lothian in the 12th Century, almost certainly in exchange for military service. The first Chief of Menzies was Sir Robert de Meyneris who became Chamberlain to King Alexander II in 1249.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence Clan Menzies supported Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Civil War:

During the English/Scottish Civil War the main part of the Menzies from Weems joined forces with Clan Campbell in support of the Scottish Argyll government. However the Pitfoddels branch of Menzies supported the Royalist Marquis of Montrose. Major Duncan Menzies of Fornock led the charge which broke the line of the government troops at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 (though there were also many Menzies on the opposing side).

Jacobite Uprisings:

During the Jacobite rebellions the main part of Clan Menzies remained neutral. However branches of the clan such as Menzies of Shian and Menzies of Pitfodel fought in battles on the side of the Jacobites.

Clan Moffat:

Origins of the Clan:

The progenitor of the Clan Moffat was a Norseman called William de Mont Alto who came to Scotland in the 10th century. By the 12th century the clan had become powerful enough to be known as "de Moffat" proving that their standing was high within their district. In the 13th century Nicholas de Moffat was the Bishop of Glasgow.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan Moffat were supporters of King Robert the Bruce. As a result they recieved a charter from him for four charters of land in the barony of Westerkirk in the year 1300. The Clan were led by Adam Moffat of Knock at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

16th Century:

The Clan Moffat had a long feud with the Clan Johnstone who were another Scottish border clan who were raiders and reivers, and conducted long-running feuds with their neighbours. The feud accumilated in 1557 with murder of the Clan Moffat chief, Robert Moffat. The Clan Johnstone then went on to burn the building with the most important members of the Moffat family inside and slaughterd anyone who tried to escape. In one blow the powerful Clan Moffat was almost wiped out. Seventy years later all of the Moffat's lands were passed to the Johnstones due to the Moffats having massive debts.

Clan Moncreiffe:

Origins of the Clan:

The Moncrieffes are of great antiquity, and possibly descend through a female stem of the Celtic Royal Dynasty. The name Moncreiffe is derived from the Barony of Moncreiffe in Perthshire. Their lands take their name from the Gaelic name Monadh Croibhe meaning hill of the sacred bough. This is represented on the clan crest which features the sacred tree. According to some accounts the progenitor of the Clan Moncreiffe was of Anglo-Norman lineage and that a man called Mortimer assumed the name of Moncreiffe after obtaining the lands of that name in the parish of Dunbarney, Perthshire. However this is disputed. Another theory by other historians are that the origins of the clan are linked to the ancient Royal House of Ireland of the great King Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Clan Moncreiffe crest shows a red lion on a silver shield and the colours of Maldred who was the brother of King Duncan I.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

In the 16th century the Laird of Moncreiffe was Chamberlain to young King James III of Scotland. He led the Clan Moncreiffe against the English when they fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. In 1547 one branch of the Clan Moncreiffe took part in the attempt to restore the deposed King of Sweden. Three noble Moncreiffe families were also founded in France. One of these families made up part of the Scots Guard of Archers for the King of France. In 1586 William Moncreiffe the 11th chief of Clan Moncreiffe enterd into a treaty with the powerful Clan Murray for mutual defense. This bond was established further by frequent intermarrying between the two clans. Five Lairds, chiefs of Clan Moncreiffe were made officers in the Atholl Highlanders which was the Duke of Atholl's (chief of Clan Murray) private army.

17th Century & Civil War:

Sir John Moncreiffe the 12th chief of Clan Moncreiffe was promoted from a Baron to a Baronet of Nova Scotia in April 1626. However John was unable to support the King and signed the National Covenant in 1638. His son also called John personally raised a company of the King's Scots Guards by warrent of King Charles II in 1674. This John was heavily in debt and in 1667 a charter was secured for a family agreement where by the Barony of Moncreiffe was sold to Thomas Moncreiffe who was a direct descendant of the eight Laird of Moncrieffe. Thomas also became chief of the Clan Moncreiffe. He was the 14th chief and was made a Baronett by King James VII.

Clan Septs:

Septs and spelling variations of the Clan Moncreiffe include: Moncreiffe, Moncreiff, Moncrief, Moncreiff, Montcrieff, Muncrief, and Scott-Moncriefs.

Clan Montgomery :

Origins of the Clan:

The name Montgomery derives from an ancient Norman family who held the Castle St. Foy de Montgomery near Lisieux in France. Clan tradition asserts that the name can be traced back even further to a Roman commander called Gormericus. A later ancestor was Roger de Mundegumbrie who was related to William the Conqueror and was granted lands in England in the 11th century. He later invaded Wales and in time gave his name to a town and an entire county. The name Montgomery is first recorded in Scotland in the 12th century when in 1165 Robert Montgomery obtained the lands of Eaglesham in Renfrewshire.

14th Century & Anglo-Scottish border conflicts:

A descendant of Robert was Sir John Montgomery who led the Clan Montgomery at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388 where the English were defeated. He was one of the heros of the day as he distinguished himself by capturing Sir Henry Percy who was known as "the Hotspur". The Percy family paid a great ransom for the relase of Henry "Hotspur" Percy and this money enabled the Clan Montgomery to build the Polnoon Castle.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

In 1488 the Clan Montgomery burned down the Clan Cunningham's Kerelaw Castle. Also in 1488 the Clan Montgomery led by chief the 3rd Lord Montgomery fought at the Battle of Sauchieburn against King James III of Scotland. In 1507 the 3rd Lord was made the 1st Earl of Eglington.

16th Century & Clan Conflicts:

During the 16th century the long running feud continued between the Clan Montgomery and the Clan Cunningham. Eglington House was burned down and the Montomery chief, 4th Earl of Eglington was killed by the Cunninghams. The government of King James VI of Scotland eventually managed to get the rival chiefs to shake hands. The 2nd Earl of Eglinton led the Clan Montgomery in support of Mary Queen of Scots at the Battle of Langside in 1568, where the Queen was defeated. The Earl was decalred guilty of treason and imprisoned in Doune Castle. When the Earl, chief of Clan Montgomery was released he tried to secure the safety and toleration of Catholics in the wake of the Reformation. In 1600 the Clan MacAlister attacked the Clan Montgomery. They siezed everything belonging to the Chief John Montgomery of Skelmorlie including £12,000 worth of possessons. Two years after chief Archibald MacAlister along with Angus Og MacDonald carried out a similar attack on the inhabitants of the Isle of Bute against the Clan Stuart. A year later and Archibald MacAlister and Angus Og MacDonald were accused of being rebels, charged with treason and hanged in Edinburgh Tollbooth.

17th Century & Civil War:

When the second Earl of Eglin, chief of Clan Montgomery was released after the battle of Langside he had tried to secure the safety and toleration of Catholics in the wake of the Reformation. Ironically his daughter Lady Margaret married Robert Seton of the Clan Seton, the 1st Earl of Winton who was a loyal Covenantor during the Civil War. Their son, Alexander Seton took his mother's maiden name of Montgomery and became the 6th Earl of Eglinton. He was a Protastant supporter of the Catholic King Charles II. He was imprisoned by General Monck for his Royalist sympathies in 1659. Another branch of the Scottish Montgomeries settled in Donegal in Ireland in 1628 and Viscount Montgomery of Alamein came from this line.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

During the Jacobite Uprisings the Clan Montgomery supported the British government. The clan chief and 9th Earl of Eglington was on the Pivy Council of King William and Queen Anne of the United Kingdom. In 1715 during the first rebellion the chief of Clan Montgomery, 9th Earl was invloved in training soldiers for the government.

Colonial Wars:

The 11th Earl and chief of Clan Montgomery raised the British 77th Foot Highlanders Regiment from members of the clan. Their exploits in the campaign against the French are legend, and it was this regiment, under General Forbes, which renamed modern Pittsburgh. General Richard Montgomery was killed in the storming of Quebec on December 31, 1775. He was the first American general to die in the Revolution. He became a symbol of all that was finest in the leaders of the American Revolution. Many of the "Montgomery" place names which dot the nation honor his memory.

World War 2:

Perhaps the most famous of all Montgomerys was Field Marshal, Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. He came from the direct line of Scottish Montgomerys who settled in Ireland in 1628. Amongst his houners are: an Order of the Garter, an Order of the Bath, a Distinguished Service Order, and the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. He was a British Army officer, often referred to as "Monty". He successfully commanded Allied forces at the Battle of El Alamein, a major turning point in World War II, and troops under his command were largely responsible for the expulsion of Axis forces from North Africa. He was later a prominent commander in Italy and North-West Europe, where he was in command of all Allied ground forces during Operation Overlord and then until after the Battle of Normandy

Clan Morrison :

Origins:

The two branches in the Hebrides, Morrison of Lewis and Morrison of Harris, trace their lineage to Norsemen Olaf the Black who married a Kintyre noblewoman named Lauon in 1214. Shortly after the birth of their first son, GilleMhuire (Gaelic for "the servant of Mary"), Olaf's ship, carrying his wife and crew, was shipwrecked in stormy seas off the northern point of Lewis. Clinging to a piece of driftwood, they floated to shore and established a settlement among the inhabitants there. When the church discovered that Lauon was a first cousin of Olaf's first wife, Bishop Reginald of the Islands declared their marriage incestuous which rendered GilleMhuire illegitimate. However, upon reaching adulthood, he married the last heiress of Clan Gow (Clann Igaa), thereby becoming the owner of her lands, including Pabbay Castle near Harris, and leader of her people which were incorporated into his family as the Clan MacGhilleMhuire, later anglicized to "Morrison". Olaf the Black became King of Man and the Isles in 1226 and the Morrisons built a fortress called Dùn Èistean on the northern point of Lewis. The chiefs of this branch held the Celtic office of Brieve (judge) on the islands for generations until 1616 when this branch is lost to history. Olaf later married again, this time to a daughter of Farquhar, Earl of Ross named Christiana. Their son, Leod, was the progenitor of the much larger and more powerful Clan MacLeod. Recognizing the kinship between their clans, the Morrisons of Harris became the hereditary armourors for the MacLeods who, in return, provided protection to the smaller group. In the 16th century, Hutcheon Morrison confessed on his deathbed to being the biological father of Torquil MacLeod who had been assumed to be the son of the MacLeod chief. As a result, Torquil was disinherited and the office of chief of the MacLeods passed to another. Torquil, having been raised a MacLeod his whole life, viewed himself as the legitimate chief and made an alliance with the previously peaceful Morrisons and the more aggressive MacKenzies. However, after defeating the MacLeods, Torquil declared himself a MacLeod and turned on the Morrisons and MacKenzies, forcing them from their lands and possessions. The Morrisons later returned to settle in Ness but, remaining enemies of the MacLeods, never achieved any status or power. In the 17th century, Ay Mac Hormaid of Clan Morrison married the daughter of the Bishop of Caithness, a powerful Clan MacKay family, her dowry being the whole of Durness across the sea on the northwestern mainland. About 60 Morrison families followed them in relocating there. Although this remote area is still known today as MacKay country, there are a relatively equal number of Morrison families still residing in Durness. The Morrisons of Aberdeenshire derive their name from the "Son of Maurice", believed to be a Norman lord given title to lands there by the Norman rulers of England to help control the border country and thus are not a highland clan but rather a lowland family.

Variations and Septs:

Owing to the long history, the inconsistancy in anglicizing Gaelic names, and the changes in the English language over the centuries, many surnames of today can trace their ancestry back to the Morrisons. These are known as "septs" of the clan. Not all families with these "sept" names are necessarily Morrisons, however, as many chose (or were given) names that sounded like pre-existing English names. The primary septs most often recognized as being Morrisons are Gilmore, Brieve and MacBrieve. Other families that could be Morrisons include Breive, Gillamor, Gillemoire, Gillemor, Gillemore, Gillemur, Gillemure, Gilmer, Gilmoir, Gilmor, Gilmour, Gilmoure, Gilmur, Gilmure, Gylmor, MacBreive, MacGilmor, MacIllimhier, Morison, Morrieson, Morrison, Murieson, Murison and Murrison.

Clan Munro:

Origins of the Clan:

Other people believe that the Munro's came from Ireland and settled in Scotland in the 11th Century. Another theory is that they were originally from Scotland and moved to Ireland to escape Roman rule and then returned to Scotland 300 years later to expel Viking invaders. Non of these theories can be fully substantiated. Hugh Munro was the first Munro recorded to be authentically designated of Foulis, he died in 1126. He is believed to have been the son of Donald Munro who in turn was the son of O'Ceann. By tradition it is believed that during the 11th Century the Munro's fought as mercenary soldiers under the Earl of Ross. It was during this time the Munros defeated and expelled Viking invaders who had invaded Rosshire. As a reward the clan under Chief Donald Munro were granted lands in Foulis, Rosshire and a seat at the Castle of Foulis by a grateful King. The clan soon spread into Sutherlandshire and were also given a charter for lands in Strathspey in 1309. However there is not much evidence of this until 1336 when we do find the Munros being granted lands by the Earls of Ross. Within the Munro's lands is the mountain Ben Wyvis.

The Scottish-Norwegian War:

During the Scottish-Norwegian War the Clan Munro fought in support of King Alexander III of Scotland against the the Norwegian forces of King Haakon IV of Norway at the Battle of Largs, 2nd of October 1263 which was the most important military engagement of the Scottish-Norwegian War when the Norwrgians were defeated and driven out of Scotland. It was at this time that the clan under Chief George Munro had all their lands in Ross-shire confirmed to them by King Allexander III.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the 14th century the Clan Munro played an important part during the Wars of Scottish Independence firstly alongside William Wallace in battles such as the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297), Battle of Falkirk (1298) and later alongside King Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314) and the Battle of Halidon Hill (1333). Clan Chief Robert Munro and his son George Munro held command under Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn 1314. Earldom of Ross 1369, An obscure skirmish took place where the Clan Munro were fighting in defense of the Earl of Ross, Hugh Ross. The Munro chief 'Robert de Munro' who was married to the daughter of the Earl of Ross and who previously had charters confirmed to him by King David II of Scotland for Easter Foulis and Strathskiach in 1364 was killed at this battle.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

The Clan Munro led by Chief Hugh Munro fought as Highlanders along with many other Highland clans at the Battle of Harlaw near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire on 24 July 1411 against an Army of Scottish Lowlanders. The Munros took the side of Macdonald, Lord of the Isles who was the current Earl of Ross through marriage. Their enemy was the Duke of Albany who was prevented from gaining power in Ross-shire.

Bealach nam Broig 1452: A force of Munros and Dingwalls met north-west of BenWyvis. Their enemy was a force of MacKenzies who had with them an important Ross hostage, who was in fact the Earl of Ross's son. The Munros and their allies rescued the Ross hostage and almost completely exterminated their ememies. However the Munros victory came at a loss as around 140 Dingwalls and their leader William of Dingwall were killed. Also 11 Munros from the house of Foulis were killed including their Chief thus the Chieftenship was left to a baby still lying in his cradle.

Clachnaharry 1454: John Munro tutor of Foulis, took the clan on a private raid into Perthshire, MacKenzie country. On their way home with their captured cattle the Munros had to pass through MacKintosh country and an amount of 'road collop' or passage money was demanded as was the custom. There was a dispute over the amount and the Munros refused to pay anything. The Munros sent their spoils on ahead hotly pursued by the Mackintoshes who overtook them at Clachnaharry. Some accounts say John Munro ordered the spoils on ahead with 50 men while the remaining 300 Munros stayed behind to fight. In the ensuing fight the Chief of Clan MacKintosh was killed along with most of his company. Also John Munro was left for dead on the battlefield. He is said to have been found by an old woman after the battle and nursed back to health before being handed over to the Frasers of Lovat who returned him to his own people. The Clachnaharry Monument built in 1820 was 50ft tall but was destroyed in a lightning storm in 1951, there are plans to rebuild it.

Drumchatt 1497: In 1495 King James assembled an army at Glasgow. Then on May 18th many of the Highland Chiefs made their submissions to him, including the MacKenzie and Munro Chiefs. Soon after this Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh and his clan rebelled against the King. He invaded the fertile lands of Ross-shire where he was defeated in battle by the Munros and MacKenzies at a place called Drumchatt where he was driven out of Ross-shire. He escaped southward amongst the Isles but was caught on the island of Oransay, by MacIian of Ardnamurchan, and put to death.

16th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Drumchatt 1501: There is no Munro account or any historical record of this second battle at Drumchatt apart from that of what the MacKenzies claim hundreds of years later. In Alexander MacKenzie's book 'The History of the MacKenzies', first published in 1890, he claims that in 1501 a large group of Munros, Dingwells & MacCullochs attacked the MacKenzies, laying waste to their lands and taking much spoil. However on their return they were attacked by the MacKenzies at a place called Drumchatt where many were killed. However there is no evidence for this and his books are unsourced and his account is believed likely to be fiction. Munro sources record a series of smaller skirmishes and feuds between the two clans at this time, rather than an actual battle. There is a very lengthy document now in the Scottish Records Office detailing all of the offences claimed by both sides in the troubles between them at this time when there was damage to property and the murder of individuals. In the next generation Chief Hector Munro of Foulis married a daughter of the Chief Mackenzie of Kintail bringing peace between the two clans.

Achnashellach 1505: Little is known of this battle which is often described as an obscure skirmish between the Clan Cameron and Clan MacKay, where the Munro Chief who was on the side of the MacKays was killed. The Clan Munro themselves were thought not to be involved but historical research has found that their Chief was acting on the King's orders: "Sir William Munro of Foulis was sent to Lochaber on the King's business and was killed in an engagement between the Camerons and MacKays at a place called Achnashellach in 1505". The outcome of the battle is also disputed as both sides claimed victory. It is Cameron tradition to say they defeated a joint force of MacKays and Munros, however this is thought unlikely as the Camerons would have been massively outnumberd by the MacKays and Munros. William Munro left two sons Hector and William. The eldest, Hector Munro took over as Chief of the clan and had extensive lands confirmed to him by King James V at Stirling and was made the Royal Lieutenant of Western Ross-shire as his father was before him.

1547: During the Anglo-Scottish Wars Chief Robert Munro died fighting when he led the clan against the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. this was the last major battle between the Royal Scottish and Royal English armies. Clan chiefs from Clan Hunter, Clan Colquhoun, Clan MacFarlane and Clan Farquharson also died at this battle. A good clan chief was expected to lead by example, this meant being first into battle at the head of the clan. Because of the awful number of Scottish lives lost at the Battle of Pinkie the 10th of September is known in Scotland as Black Saturday. Inverness 1562, Robert Mor Munro 15th chief of the clan was a staunch supporter of Mary Queen of Scots and he consequently was treated favourably by her son James VI. Robert Mor Munro was also a faithful friend of Mary Queen of Scots. Buchanan states, 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, which had refused her admission. The Queen later hanged the governor, a Gordon who had refused her admission.

Delvines, Nairn 1562: Clan Gunn Chief, Alistair Gunn had become a man of much note and power in the North. Not just as Chief of Clan Gunn but he had also married the daughter of John Gordon the Earl of Sutherland and because of this he himself felt entitled to hold his head high amongst the best in Scotland. However this led to his undoing when in 1562, in Inverness he bumped into Mary Queen of Scott's brother who was the Earl of Moray. Alistair Gunn believing he was of superior rank and authority behaved with some disrespect and insult to the Earl in public. The Earl soon afterwards sent the Clan Munro to capture Alistair Gunn. The Munros led by one Andrew Munro entrapped the Gunns at a place called Delvines near Nairn. The Gunn Chief was captured and taken to Inverness where the Earl of Moray had him executed "under pretence of justice".

Fortrose 1569: With the MacKenzies the Munros were often at feud, and Andrew Munro of Milntown defended and held, for three years, the Castle Chanonry of Ross, which he had received from the Regent Moray who died in 1569, against the Clan MacKenzie, at the expense of many lives on both sides. Mackenzie failed to take the castle by force. It was, however, afterwards delivered up to the Mackenzies peacefully under the act of pacification (a treaty of peace to cease hostilities), because the MacKenzies had more legal right to own the castle. Again in Alexander MacKenzie's book 'The History of the MacKenzies' published in 1890 he claims that an attempted sortie by the Munros for fish at a nearby loch was foiled and as a result the MacKenzies took control of the castle. Again however there is no evidence for this, his books are unsourced and it is believed likely to be fiction.

During the Civil War in 1646 The Marquess of Montrose laid siege to the castle which he took from the MacKenzies after a siege of four days.

Logiebride 1597: At a time of peace between the Clan MacKenzie and Clan Munro a fight broke out at a fair in logiebride which almost put the whole of Ross-shire into combustion. The fight began between John Macgillichallum (brother to the Laird of Raasay) and Alexander Bane (brother to Duncan Bane of Tulloch). The Munros took the side of Alexander Bane and the MacKenzies took the side of John Macgillichallum. John Macgllicham was killed along with John Mac-Murdo Mac-William and three others from the Clan MacKenzie. Alexander Bane escaped but three on his side were also killed; John Munro of Culcraggie, his brother Hutcheon Munro and John Munro Robertson. The Clans MacKenzie and Munro then began assisting each side in preparing to invade each other. However nothing ever came of it and peace was resumed. Again in Alexander MacKenzie's book 'The History of the MacKenzies' published in 1890 he claims that 50 Munros were killed when this took place but there is no evidence for this and his account is believed to be fiction.

17th Century & Continental Thirty Years' War:

During the early 17th Century the Munros continued their strong military traditions, fighting in the continental Thirty Years' War. Most notably the 18th chief Robert Munro also known as the Black Baron and 700 members of Clan Munro joined the army of Gustavs Adolphus, in defence of protestantism in Scandinavia. Many men from Clan MacKay were also placed under Robert Munro's command. In his own words: "When cannons are roaring, and bullets are flying, If one would have honour, he must not fear dying". Robert and his men served with distinction and received the name of the "Invincibles" in recognition of their prowess. While fighting in Germany one Scott is actually stated to have slain eighteen men in succession, with his own hand, during an attack on Frankfort-on-the-Oder.

17th Century & Civil War:

Spynie Palace 1640: During the Bishops' Wars General George Munro laid siege to the fortified Spynie Palace forcing Bishop Guthrie of Clan Guthrie to surrender to Munro's forces. This marked the end of Spynie Palace as a seat of power, which had been home to the Bishops of Moray for over 500 years. During the Civil War at the Battle of Stirling (1648) Sir George Munro showed great initiative when he successfully commanded a force in support of the Earl of Lanerick who had been left to defend Scotland by the Scottish parliament, who now found themselves against Campbell the Marquess of Argyll who was in open rebellion against parliament. Sir George Munro had heard that one of Argyll's commanders, a MacKenzie was in Stirling and made a move towards the town in a bid to capture his hated enemy but actually succeeded in entering the town before any of Argyll's commanders were aware of his presence. Argyll's supprised forces broke after some initial resistance, losing about 200 dead and 400 captured. Among the dead of Argyll's men was William Campbell of Glenfalloch and Sir Colin Campbell of Ardkinglas. If it was not for Munro's initiative quite a different battle may have been fought the following day.

Inverness 1649: During the Civil War the Clan Munro and Clan Fraser again took Inverness Castle. This time they were also joined by Clan Urquhart and Clan MacKenzie who they had recently made peace with. They were all opposed to the authority of the current parliament. They assaulted the town and took the castle. They then expelled the garrison and raised the fortifications. However on the approach of the parlimentry forces led by General Leslie all of the clans retreated back into Ross-shire. During that year several skirmishes took place between these parties. During the Civil War at the Battle of Carbisdale (1650) the Clan Munro and Clan Ross fought on the side of the Scottish Government, then led by the Duke of Argyll. In 1650 the Marquis of Montrose, a Royalist and his invading army of foreigners, mainly Germans and Danes landed in Ross-shire. The Munros & Rosses had initially indicated that they would join him and arranged to meet him at a specified location, he waited two days for them but the Munros & Rosses did not turn up as they had actually taken the side of the Scottish Government, along with Clan Sutherland. A day later the battle took place in Scroggie Wood. The Germans and Danes fought gallantly deeper and deeper into the wood but they were losing the battle and in the end the need for self-preservation took over and those that were left attempted to flee. Montrose's force of cavalry also fought bravely but were soon overwhelmed. History records that the bloodshed in the wood continued for over two hours and even after the battle ended, the slaughter did not cease, for the clansmen of Ross-shire continued the killing of the escaped from the battle for many days thereafter. Shortly after Montroses death the Scottish Argyll Government switched sides and became Royalists too.

United Kingdom and British Highland Regiments:

After Queen Elizabeth I of England died without a heir, King James VI of Scotland also became King of England in the Union of the Crowns in 1603. A century later in 1707 England and Scotland were officially united to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In 1725 six Independent Black Watch companies were formed. By 1740 it had become the 43d Highland regiment and then the 42d Royal Highlanders. Sir Robert Munro was appointed lieutenant-colonel. Among the captains were his next brother, George Munro of Culcairn, and John Munro, promoted to be lieutenant-colonel in 1745. The surgeon of the regiment was his younger brother, Dr James Munro.

The first Jacobite Uprising of 1715 to 1719:

Inverness 1715: During the early attempted Jacobite Uprising Simon Fraser of Lovat (who had been outlawed and in exile), put pressure on the Jacobite garrison in Inverness, which was delivered upon the very day when the Battle of Sheriffmuir was fought and another Jacobite force was defeated at the Battle of Preston. Soon after this 31 year old Chief Colonel Robert Munro of Foulis marched into the town of Inverness with 400 Munros and took over control as governor from Fraser. Government troops arrived in Inverness towards the end of February, and for some months the process of disarming the rebels went on, helped by a Munro detachment under Culcairn. With the rising suppressed, and the Hanoverian succession firmly established, Colonel Robert's interest with the Government and his own compassionate nature prompted him to mediate on behalf of some of the defeated leaders (including Alexander Macdonell of Glengarry) and their wives and children. The clan rivalries which had erupted in rebellion were finding an outlet in local politics. The MacKenzie's Earl of Seaforth came to an end in 1716, and it seems to have been arranged that while the Rosses held the county seat the Munros would represent the Tain Burghs. To secure the burghs, control of three out of the five was necessary, and the manoeuvrings by which the councils were persuaded to send the "right" delegate to vote in parliamentary elections were often exciting, and even a show of force was likely. Ross ascendancy was secure in Tain, and from 1716 to 1745 the Munros controlled Dingwall, with one of Robert Munro's brothers as provost --but not without something like two armed Munro "invasions" of the county town in 1721 and 1740, when opposing councillors were abducted to secure a favourable result (for the first incident Colonel Robert and his brother were fined £200 each, and after the second his parliamentary career came to an abrupt end with defeat at the 1741 election). In 1719 chief Robert Munro's son, George Munro of Culcairn raised a detachment from his father's clan to fight at the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719 where they defeated the Jacobites and George Munro was wounded.

Jacobite Uprising of 1745 to 1746 & War against the French:

The Clan Munro fought for the British Army against the French. Their first action against the French came on 11th May 1745, at the Battle of Fontenoy. Allowed "their own way of fighting" by the young Commander-in-Chief, each time they received the French fire Col. Sir Robert Munro ordered his men to "clap to the ground" (while he himself, because of his corpulence, stood alone with the colours behind him), and then springing up and closing with the enemy, they several times drove them back, and finished with a successful rear-guard action. In June 1745, a little more than a month after the battle of Fontenoy, Col. Sir Robert Munro was "rewarded" by an appointment to succeed General Ponsonby as Colonel of the British 37th Regiment of Foot. When the Jacobite Rising broke out, his friends in the Highlands hoped for his presence among them. One wrote that it would have been "the greatest service to His Majesty and the common cause", but it was not to be. The Munro clan fought on the side of the British government during the Jacobite uprisings. In 1745 the Jacobites were lead by Charles Edward Stuart who was the exiled claimant to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland, commonly known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie". Charles was the son of James Francis Edward Stuart who was in turn the son of King James II of England, Scotland and Ireland, who had been deposed in 1688. After his father's death Charles was recognised as "King Charles III" by his supporters but his opponents referred to him as "The Young Pretender". Col. Sir Robert Munro was put in command of an British regiment at the Battle of Falkirk (1746) and the Munro Clan themselves fought at the Battle of Culloden. In the northern shires the Earl of Sutherland was the King's Lieutenant, and the Sutherlanders, MacKays, Rosses, Munros, Gunns, Campbells, and Grants could be counted on to support the British Government, but the Menzies, Macdonalds, MacKenzies, MacKintoshes and Chisholms were Jacobites, and the Frasers were divided owing to a disputed chiefship but they later joined the Jacobites. Many other clans both highland and lowland joined either side of this conflict. Lowland clan Agnew held Blair Castle, seat of the Duke of Atholl, against the Jacobites who laid siege to the castle. Also lowland clan Hay supported the Jacobite uprising by assisting in financing the rebellion.

Septs:

Septs were smaller clans or families who lived within the Clan Munro's territory. Some septs may have been related to the Clan Munro but others were not. Some septs may have fought in support of the Munros but most were just normal Scottish families who worked on the land. The septs would pay taxes in order live within the ruling clans territory. Taxes would normally be paid in the form of crops or livestock rather than money.

The Septs of Clan Munro included: Dingwall Dingwell Dingvaile Foulis Fowlis Keddie Kiddie Culloch Gulloch MacAdie MacCoulaghe MacChullach MacAlach MacCullaigh MacClullich MacColly MacCully MacCulloch MacEddie MacHulagh MacHullie MacKeddie MacLullich MacLullick Makcullocht Monro Monroe Munroe Pathillock Patillo Patillok Vass Vassie Wass

Clan Murray :

Origins of the Clan:

Famed for their patriotism from earliest times they boasted a royal origin. They are descended from the Flemish nobleman Freskin de Moravia (also progenitor of Clan Sutherland). Flemish lords crossed the North Sea and established themselves in the Scottish realm. He and his son were granted extensive lands in Moray and intermarried with the old line of Celtic Mormaers from Moray. The descendants of his grandson William de Moravias' descendents became Lords of Bothwell but changed their name to Moray(from the great province of Moray, once a local kingdom) by the end of the 13th century. From him descend the principal houses of Murray; Tullibardine, Atholl, Abercairney and Polmaise.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan Murray led by Chief Sir Andrew Murray fought in the first uprising against the English conquerors in 1297. Chief Andrew Murray was mortally wounded while leading the clan at the famous victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge 1297. His son, Sir Andrew Murray, 4th Lord of Bothwell, third Regent of Scotland, married Christian Bruce, a sister of King Robert the Bruce. In March 1337 a Scots army under Sir Andrew Murray recaptured the Clan Murray's Bothwell Castle which had been taken by the English.

Clan Wars:

1403/06 - The Battle of Tuiteam-Tarbhach 1406. This battle was fought as Tuiteam-tarbhach in the south west part of Sutherland where it meets Ross-shire. Angus MacKay of Strathnaver married the sister of MacLeod of Lewis by whom he had two sons; Angus Dow MacKay and Rory Gald MacKay. When angus died he left the governing of his estate to his brother Uistean Dow Mackay. MacLeod of Lewis decided to visit his sister where he found that she was not well. As he is not happy about this, on his way home he decides to spoil Strathnaver & Brae-Chat in Sutherland. Robert Earl of Sutherland sends Alexander Murray and Uistean Dow MacKay to attack the MacLeods. the fight was long and furious. In the end the booty was recovered and nearly all the MacLeod's were killed including the chief MacLeod of Lewis.

The Battle of Skibdo and Strathfleet around 1480; MacDonald of the Isles, accompanied by about five or six hundred of his clan came into Sutherland and encamped hard by the Castle of Skibo, whereupon Neil Murray (son or grandson to Angus Murray, slain at Druimnacoub) was sent by John, Earl of Sutherland, to resist them, in case they did harm the inhabitants. Neil Murray believing that the MacDonalds would go about spoiling the country attacked the MacDonalds by Skibo, and killed one of their chieftains, called Donald Dow MacDonald along with fifty others. Macdonald, with the rest of his company, escaped back into their own country. Shortly thereafter another company of Macdonald's came to Strathfleet in Sutherland, and spoiled that part of the country, in revenge for the death of their chieften. However Robert Sutherland (John, Earl of Sutherland's brother), assembled an army and attacked them upon the sands of Strathfleet. After a sharp and cruel skirmish, Macdonald's men were defeated.

Battle of Knockmary 1490; This battle was between the two long feuding clans of Murray and Clan Drummond. the Murrays were first successful, however the Drummonds were later reinforced and drove the Murrays off the battlefield. Many of the Murrays took refuge in a small church near Crief. Legend has it that at first the Drummond pursuers could not find them but an all to eager Murray clansmen, seeing his chance fired an arrow and killed a Drumond. The Drummonds then heaped combustibles around the church and burnt it to the ground with all those inside. Eight score Murrays were included in the holocaust, only one of those within the kirk escaping by the compassion of a Drummond clansman outside, who was his relation. 1542 - Clan MacKay Chief Donald Mackay of Strathnaver decided to invade and molest the lands of Clan Sutherland. He burned the village of Knockartoll and stole many goods from Strathbrora. The Clan Sutherland and Clan Murray led by Hutcheon Murray of Abirscors with Gilbert Gordon of Garty decided to attack the MacKays. They attacked the MacKays at a place called Ailtan-Beath. After the battle the MacKays fled and much of the stolen booty was recovered. Donald MacKay was captured and imprisoned in Foulis Castle, Ross-shire by commandment of the Queen Regent. The Battle of Tippermuir 1644, During the Civil War at the Battle of Tippermuir James Murray who held command in the Scottish Convanters Army was defeated by James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose.

The French War & The Jacobite Uprisings:

Clan Murray fought for the British at the Battle of Malplaquet in 1709 against the French in France. Clan Murray fought at the Battle of Glen Shiel 1719, this time against the British governemt and in support of the Scottish Jacobite rebels. The Chief William was wounded but escaped to France only to return with Prince Charles Edward Stuart for the Jacobite rebellion in 1745. During the Jacobite Uprisings of 1745 to 1746 many Murrays fought on both sides. At the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745 a Murray regiment fought for the British government. However at the same battle on the there were two Murray regiments one of which was led by the Earl of Atholl on the Jacobites side. Lord George Murray, was the Jacobite general responsible for the Jacobite's initial successes during the early part of the 1745-1746 rebellion. Chief William Murray even landed with Jacobite leader Prince Charles Edward Stuart in 1745 at Borodale 25th July. He was the main commander at the Battles of Prestonpans, Falkirk (1746) and the Battle of Culloden. After the Battle of Culloden in 1746 the Chief tried to escape however as he was suffering from bad health and fatigue he surrendered on the 27th April 1746 to Mr Buchannan of Drummakilll. He was then taken to the Tower of London where he died on July 9th 1746.

Clan Septs:

Family names associated with the Murray Clan: Balneaves, Dinsmore, Dunsmore, Fleming, Moray, Murrie, Neaves, Piper, Pyper, Smail, Smale, Small, Smeal, and Spalding (this list is shorter, but is in line with the list used by the home society in Scotland). The Clan Septs and Dependents comprise those who were descended from the Chief through the female line and consequently bore a different surname; and those who sought and obtained the protection of the Clan and became dependents.