SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan Ramsay:

History:

A ram in the sea is said to have been an emblem on the seal of Ramsay Abbey in Huntingdon in the 11th century. When David, Earl of Huntingdon, travelled north to claim his kingdom of Scotland in 1124, he was accompanied by many young Norman noblemen keen to share in their overlord’s heritage. These may have included Sir Symon de Ramesie who received a grant of land in Midlothian from David and who witnessed several important charters, including one to the monks of Holyrood in 1140. The de Ramesie family prospered, and by the 13th century there were five, or even six, major branches: Dalhousie (Midlothian), Auchterhouse (Angus, aka Forfarshire), Bamff (Perthshire), Forthar (Fife), Clatto (Fife) and, probably, Colluthie (Fife). William de Ramsay of Dalhousie was a member of the king’s council in 1255 during the minority of Alexander III of Scotland. His son, or perhaps his grandson, also called William, appears on the Ragman Roll, swearing fealty to Edward I of England in 1296 as Ramsay de Dalwolsy, along with ten other Ramsay lairds from Angus, Fife, Midlothian and the borders. Dalhousie later declared for Robert the Bruce, becoming one of the signatories to the open letter to the pope, now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, which declared Scotland’s independence in 1320. He had at least two sons, William and Alexander. Alexander was a renowned knight, and for his many services he was made Sheriff of Teviotdale in 1342. This aroused the jealousy of the Douglases, who claimed the office as their own. Sir William Douglas of Liddesdale fell upon Alexander with a strong force of men and imprisoned him in Hermitage Castle, where he starved to death. Alexander’s brother, William, also endured captivity when he was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. The English were apparently kinder jailers than the Douglases, as William lived to tell the tale. Sir John Ramsay of Auchterhouse fought in William Wallace's campaign (1297-1303) and with Edward Bruce during the Scottish conquest of Ireland (1317). Sir William Ramsay of Colluthie, who was captured by the English both at Neville's Cross (1346) and when he fought for the French at Poitiers (1356), was created Earl of Fife in 1358 by King David II. In 1400, Sir Alexander Ramsay held Dalhousie Castle in Midlothian against a siege by Henry IV of England, and resisted so resolutely that the English were forced to withdraw. His descendant and namesake, Alexander Ramsay, was killed at Flodden in 1513, when Dalhousie passed to his son, Nicolas, who was to be a staunch supporter of Mary Queen of Scots. After Mary’s final defeat the Ramsays acknowledged her son as James VI. They were later to be handsomely rewarded for saving that monarch’s life. In 1600, John Ramsay, one of Nicolas’s great-grandsons, killed the Earl of Gowrie and his brother, Alexander Ruthven, who were apparently attempting to kidnap the king in what became known as the Gowrie Conspiracy. John was created Earl of Holderness and Viscount Haddington by a grateful king. George Ramsay, the new earl’s eldest brother, also attained high rank when he was created Lord Ramsay in 1618. Ramsay’s eldest son, William, opposed the religious policies of Charles I of England and raised a cavalry regiment for Parliament. He fought at Marston Moor, and was part of General Lesley's force which surprised Montrose at Philiphaugh in 1645. He had been created Earl of Dalhousie in 1633. The Ramsays were thereafter to continue in military and public service down to the present day. They served in all the great campaigns of the 18th and 19th centuries on the continent, in Canada, and in India. The 9th Earl of Dalhousie was Governor General of British North America from 1819 to 1828, and commander-in-chief of India from 1829 to 1832. His son, James Broun-Ramsay also served as Governor General of India from 1847 to 1856, during a period of great expansion of British interest on the sub-continent. He was created Marquess of Dalhousie in 1849, but this title died with him in 1860, although the older earldom passed to a cousin from whom the present Earl descends. Many other branches of the family have also produced persons of distinction and rank. Admiral the Honourable Sir Alexander Ramsay, the younger son of the 14th Earl of Dalhousie, married Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria of Connaught, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Their son, the late Captain Alexander Ramsay of Mar (Aberdeenshire), and his wife, the Lady Saltoun, chief of the Frasers, are, by the Queen’s personal wish, members of the royal family. Sir Gilbert Ramsay of Bamff, descended from Neis de Ramsay, physician to Alexander II of Scotland around 1232, was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1666. Sir John Ramsay of Balmain (Kincardineshire), who was created Lord Bothwell in 1485, forfeited that title for treason in 1488 and it was later granted to the Hepburns; the Balmain Ramsays restored their fortunes by being created baronets, first in 1625 and again in 1806. Fighting was not the only talent of this family. Andrew Ramsay, better known as the Chevalier de Ramsay, left Scotland for France in 1708. His academic excellence was soon recognized, and he became mentor to the Prince de Turenne. The King of France appointed him a Knight of the Order of Saint Lazarus, and for a time he was tutor to both the Jacobite princes, Charles Edward Stuart and Henry Benedict Stuart. Allan Ramsay, the great 18th century poet, and his son, the distinguished portrait painter, were descended from the Lairds of Cockpen, cadets of the chiefly house. In 1972, Dalhousie Castle was converted to a hotel, and the clan seat became Brechin Castle in Angus.

Clan Robertson:

Origins of the Name:

The Gaelic Clann Dhònnchaidh claims descent from Duncan I (1034–1040), King of Scots. He ruled Scotland from 1034, having succeeded his maternal grandfather, Máel Coluim II (1005-43), until killed by Macbeth, Mórmáer of Moray (ruled 1040-57). Duncan may have married Sybil, a daughter (or sister) of Siward, Earl of Northumbria (d. 1055). His consort is also recorded as Suthen, a Gaelic name. Whatever her origins, she had three known children by Duncan. These three sons were Máel Coluim (later Máel Coluim III Ceann Mór, 'Great Chief'; usually anglicised Malcolm Canmore), Domnall Bán ('Fair-Haired'), later Domnall III), and perhaps Máel Muire of Atholl. Clan Robertson is descended from this Máel Muire* through the Mórmáers of Atholl. Mórmáer, 'great steward', was the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of English 'earl'.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

The clan's first recognized chief Dònnchadh Reamhar, "Stout* Duncan", son of Andrew de Atholia, Latin 'of Atholl', was a minor land-owner and leader of a kin-group in Highland Perthshire, and (it is said) an enthusiastic and faithful supporter of Robert I de Brus (1306-29) during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Stout Duncan's relatives and followers (not yet known as Robertsons) are said to have supported Robert Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 (though it should be noted that this patriotic story is not supported by contemporary documentation). His descendants became known (in English or Scots) as Duncanson, or Gaelic Clann Dhònnchaidh, 'Children of Duncan'.

14th and 15th Century:

In 1394 a clan battle took place between Clann Dhònnchaidh and the Ogilvies, during a cattle raid on Angus. Sir Walter Ogilvy was slain at this battle, though his son became the Earl of Mar who commanded the Duke of Albany's forces at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. Clandonoquhy (Old Scots form of the Gaelic name) had rather a reputation as raiders and feuders in late medieval Scotland, though the chiefs seem always to have been loyal to the Bruce and Stewart royal dynasties. Robert Riabhach ("Grizzled") Duncanson, Fourth Chief of Clann Dhònnchaidh, was a strong supporter of King James I (1406–1437) and was incensed by his murder at Perth. He tracked down and captured two of the regicides, Sir Robert Graham and the King's uncle Walter Stewart, the Earl of Atholl, as they hid above Invervack in Atholl, and turned them over to the Crown. They were tortured to death in Edinburgh on the orders of the Regent, James I's widow, Joan Beaufort (d. 1445). The Robertson crest badge of a right hand upholding an imperial crown was awarded by James II (1437-60) to the Fourth Chief, on 15 August 1451 as a reward for capturing his father's assassins. The highly unusual third supporter (below the shield) on the Robertson coat of arms, of a 'savage man in chains' is in reference to the capture of Graham. It is in honor of Robert Riabhach that his descendants and many of his clanfolk took the name Robertson. James II also erected the clan lands into the Barony of Struan, which formerly took in extensive lands in Highland Perthshire, notably in Glen Errochty, the north and south banks of Loch Tay and the area surrounding Loch Rannoch. None of these lands are any longer in the possession of the clan. Struan (Gaelic Struthan, 'place of steams') is a parish church, of early Christian origin and dedicated to St. Fillan, at the confluence of the Errochty Water and Garry rivers. Many of the medieval chiefs were buried in this church. The present building was built in the early 19th century, but the foundations of its predecessor can be traced in the churchyard. Dònnchadh Reamhar is, however, said to have been buried in the parish church of Dull*, near Aberfeldy. Recent generations of chiefs have been buried in a family vault in the grounds of the estate of Dunalastair, near Kinloch Rannoch.

Civil War:

Clan Robertson fought alongside the Marquess of Montrose in all of his battles during the Civil War. The Robertsons are said to have fought with distinguished bravery at the Battle of Inverlochy where the Clan Campbell of Argyll was defeated. Other battles in support of Montrose included: the Battle of Tippermuir, the Battle of Aberdeen, the Battle of Auldearn, the Battle of Alford, the Battle of Kilsyth, and the Battle of Philiphaugh. The main Robertson castle at Invervack, near the present Clan museum, was burned by Cromwell's forces during the Civil War, and many family records lost. Robertsons may also have fought in the first Jacobite Rebellion at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 (they certainly did in subsequent risings), though the then Chief Alexander Robertson of Struan (c1668-1749) arrived too late to take part in the battle.

Jacobite Uprising :

Alexander Robertson led 500 men of Clan Robertson in support of the Earl of Mar at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715 where he was captured but later rescued. The eccentric "Poet Chief", 13th in the direct line, was also "out" in 1745 in the last rising, but his advanced age prevented him taking part in the fighting, and he was sent home to Atholl by Prince Charles Edward Stewart in Sir John Cope's carriage, captured by the rebels after the Battle of Prestonpans. Many Robertsons fought in the Jacobite army as part of the Atholl Brigade. After the defeat of the Rebellion in 1746 the Robertson lands became part of the Forfeited Estates, though most were returned to the then Chief, another Alexander Robertson, in 1784 after it became clear that the Central Highlands were wholly pacified. Unlike many other Highland noblemen, the Robertson Chiefs refused to countenance 'clearing' their clansmen in favour of the more profitable sheep during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This honourable, humane, but financially disadvantageous policy led to the eventual alienation of the entire clan lands by the early 20th century. Only the family vault at Dunalastair is still in the possession of the family of Struan.

Septs:

Collier Colyear Dobie, Dobbie Duncan Duncanson, Dunke(n)son Inches (Mac)Conachie (Mac)Donachie (Mac)Ivor MacInroy MacLag(g)an (Mac)Morren (Mac)Robb (Mac)Robert(s) (Mac)Robie Reed Reid Roy Stark Tonnach(y)

Clan Rose:

Origins of the Name:

The clan Rose was formed in the early 13th century in Nairn, in Kilravock County, Scotland. The name Rose originates from the Norman family 'de Ros' who settled in Scotland in the middle of the 13th century.

14th Century:

In 1390 the Rose family records and charters were destroyed when Elgin Cathederal, where they were kept was burned down by the notorious Wolf of Badenoch. All records relating to the family were lost. however from this point onwards records of Clan Rose are complete. The Clan Rose had an alliance with the Clan Chisholm.

17th Century & Civil War:

The Clan Rose supported the Covenanters during the Civil War. They fought against James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose at the Battle of Auldearn in 1645.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

During the Jacobite Uprisings the Clan Rose supported the British government. At the outbreak of the 1715 Jacobite Uprising Aurther Rose was killed leading a detachment of the clan to seize Inverness. During the 1745 to 1746 Jacobite Uprising the commander of British government forces, the Duke of Cumberland stayed at the Roses town house in Nairn, however that same night the Jacobite leader Charles Edward Stuart was entertained by the people of Kilravock, the Roses lands.

Clan Ross:

Origins of the Name:

Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan first named as such by King Malcolm IV in 1160. The first of the current line of chiefs was Fearchar, Earl of Ross also known as 'Fearchar Mac-an-t-sagairt' (meaning "son of the priest") of Applecross, who was created Earl of Ross in about 1234 by King Alexander II of Scotland as a reward for putting down rebellion in the north of Scotland. Tradition has it that around this time the Earl of Ross granted lands in Foulis to the Clan Munro for defeating Vikings who had invaded East Ross-shire. Ferquhard Ross helped King Alexander II of Scotland (1214 - 1249) crush a rebellion in Moray and Ross-shire. He brought the King the heads of the rebel leaders and was knighted on 15th June 1215.

Scottish-Norwegian War:

Clan Ross fought at the Battle of Largs in 1263 in support of Alexander III of Scotland against King Haakon IV of Norway. The Norwegian forces were defeated by the victorious Scotts.

14th Century & Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan Ross fought alongside King Robert the Bruce. Earl Fearchar's grandson William led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Aodh, the 5th earl, was killed at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, and his successor William died without male issue. The earldom of Ross and the chiefship of Clan Ross were then separated.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

The chiefship of the Clan Ross passed to Earl William's brother Hugh Ross of Rariches, who was granted a charter, in 1374, for the lands of Balnagowan. The Rosses of Balnagowan held the chiefship for 300+ years. David, the last of that direct line, passed the chiefship to Hon. Charles Ross, son of Lord Ross of Hawkhead, Renfrewshire, although they were not connected by blood. The earldom of Ross passed through a female line, and that later led to dispute between two rival claimants -- the Lord of the Isles and the Duke of Albany. This resulted in the Battle of Harlaw 1411, where the Clan Ross fought as as Highlanders in support of the Lord of the Isles against an army of Scottish Lowlanders who supported the Duke of Albany. The title reverted to the crown in 1424. King James I of Scotland restored the title to Margaret, whose son was Alexander, 3rd Lord of the Isles. The earldom of Ross remained with the Lord of the Isles until that lordship was forfeited to the crown in 1476. The Battle of Verneuil 1424, The Rosses were involved in this battle against the French in France. On the death of the Earl of Buchan and Ross, at the Battle of Verneuil in France in 1424, the Earldom of Ross reverted to the crown. James I on his return from his long captivity in England, restored it to the heiress of line, the mother of Alexander, Lord of the Isles. 1486 - Angus Roy Mackay overthrown and slain at Tarbet Church by the Clan Ross: The MacKays and Rosses had long been at feud, again and again the Rosses had suffered molestation of their lands from their enemies the Clan MacKay and when at last, driven to desperation and thoroughly infuriated, they gathered their forces and marched against the Mackay Chief, they were in the mood to teach the MacKays a severe lesson. The Mackays, with Angus of Strathnaver at their head, finding themselves fiercely attacked and being defeated by the Rosses, sought shelter in the church of Tarbat. There many were slain, and the church being set on fire, Angus Mackay and many of his clansmen were burnt to ashes. Battle of Strathcarron/Blair alt na charis 1486, To take revenge to this cruel act carried out by the Clan Ross at Tarbet Church, MacKay Chief Ian MacKay helped by a force from Clan Sutherland marched south invading the territory of Clan Ross and began laying waste to it. Chief Alexander Ross gathered his forces of 2000 men and engaged in a long and desperate battle with the invading forces. In the end the battle went against the Rosses with MacKay and Sutherland gaining the upper hand. The Ross Chief was killed along with many of his clan. After this the Ross Clan took many years to recovor their once large numbers of fighting men.

16th Century & Anglo Scottish-Wars:

During the Anglo-Scottish Wars , John Ross Lord of Halkhead died when leading his forces against the English at the Battle of Flodden Field September 9th 1513.

17th Century & Civil War:

During the Civil War at the Battle of Carbisdale 1650 the Clan Ross and Clan Munro 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 Rosses & Munros 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 Munro & Ross clansmen of Ross-shire continued the killing of the escpaed from the battle for many dayes thereafter. Shortly after Montroses death the Scottish Argyll Government switched sides and became Royalists too. David Ross 12th of Balnagowan fought and led some of the clan at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 where he was captured and imprisoned at the Tower of London, said to have died there in 1653 and been buried in Westminster.

18th Century Jacobite Uprisings & War against the French:

Clan Ross supported the British Government during the Jacobite uprisings. Col. Charles, 13th lord Ross of Hawkhead and 15th of Balnagowan was Killed in 1745 leading some members of the clan at the Battle of Fontenoy fighting against the French on 30th April 1745. Balnagowan passed to George, 13th Lord Ross, in 1745. William, 14th Lord Ross, died unmarried, and Balnagowan then passed to Sir James Lockhard, 2nd Baronet of Carstairs. Sir John, the 5th baronet, assumed the name "Ross" and then, after Carstairs was sold in 1762, the designation "of Balnagowan." The chiefship of Clan Ross devolved upon Ross of Pitcalnie, heir of David who was the last of the direct line of Balnagowan.

Clan Ruthven:

Origins of the Name:

The first Ruthven a Sweedish Viking pirate called Sven settled in the St Andrews and Perth area of Scotland in the 1100's. Sven is known to have killed many of the native people at this time for trespassing on their own land. The origins of the name are unclear. One theory is that it derives from "Ros or rot-fen" meaning "red-fen" or "red swamp". Another theory is that it means Ros or rot-Sven meaning "Red Swede". It is also possable that the "red" of "Ruthven" derives, possibly, from the local, lovely red Scottish flowers, though more likely from the blood-letting over who got to live in the swamp.

Murder of David Rizzio:

Patrick Ruthven the third Lord Ruthven is celebrated as being the main perpetrator in the murder of David Rizzio who was the italian secretary of Mary Queen of Scots.

The "Ruthven Raid":

Patrick's son was created the Earl of Gowrie. He headed the conspiritors who seized King James VI of Scotland and took over the government in his name in 1582. This became known as the "Ruthven Raid". However the Ruthven responsible was himself beheaded for this action in 1584.

Clan Conflicts:

Battle with the Clan Charteris 1544, In 1544 the Ruthvens who held considerable sway over Perth from their nearby Castle Huntingtower, often disputed the authority of the Clan Charteris, which led to a bitter and bloody feud. In 1544 Patrick, Lord Ruthven, was elected Provost of Perth, but at the instigation of Cardinal Beaton, who suspected Ruthven of Protestant sympathies, he was deprived of the office, and John Charteris of Kinfauns was appointed in his stead. The city declined to acknowledge Charteris, and barred the gates against him. Charteris, along with Lord Gray and Clan Leslie, gatherd their forces and attacked the town. They were repulsed by the Clan Ruthven who were assisted by their neighbours the Clan Moncrieff, and Charteris was forced to flee. The Ruthvens remained Provosts of Perth until William Ruthven, Earl of Gowrie, was executed in 1584. In 1552 John Charteris had been killed by the earl’s heir in the High Street in Edinburgh.

The "Gowrie Conspiracy":

The reputation of the Ruthvens as assassins was strengthend when in 1600 John and Alexander Ruthven were killed in Gowrie House during an alleged attempt on King James IV. Parliament declared the Ruthven brothers to be traitors although there was no evidence of what they had planned to do. Following the Gowrie Conspiracy the Ruthven name was decreed out of existence. The family coat of arms was publicaly debased and their esates were forfeited and the title of Gowrie was outlawed.

20th Century:

In the twentieth century the family hounor was restored and the Earldom of Gowrie was reinstated.