Clan Robertson
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Clan Robertson is a Scottish clan. William Forbes Skene, Historiographer Royal of Scotland, wrote in 1837 that
- "the Robertsons of Struan are unquestionably the oldest family in Scotland, being the sole remaining branch of that Royal House of Atholl which occupied the throne of Scotland during the 11th and 12th centuries."
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Origins of the Name
- Mac Dhonnachaidh ("Son of Duncan")
- Mac Raibeirt ("Son of Robert," Robert Ruabh Duncanson, The fourth Chief of Clan Donnachaidh, was a strong supporter of King James I and was incensed by his murder. He tracked down and captured several of the regicides, Sir Robert Graham and the Master of Atholl hiding in a small glen and turned them over to the Crown. They were drawn and quartered at Sterling Castle. The Robertson crest badge of a right hand holding an imperial crown was awarded by King James II to the fourth Chief, on August 15, 1451 as a reward for capturing the assassins of King James I in 1437. It is in honor of this Chief that his descendants and many of his clanfolk took the name "Robert's sons" or Robertson.)
Gaelic Names
- MacDhonnachaidh (Surname)
- MacRaibeirt (Surname)
- Robasdan (Surname)
- Robasdanach (Singular)
- Clann 'icDhonnnachaidh (Collective)
- Clann Donnachaidh (Collective)
- Na Robasdanaich (Collective)
Motto
- Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour)
Slogan
Pipe music
- "Teachd Chlann Donnchaidh" ("The Clan Donnachie Has Arrived")
Crest
- A dexter hand holding an imperial crown, all proper.
Tartans
Plant badge
- Fine-leaved Heath or Bracken Fern (Both common in the Clan's lands on the southern side of Loch Rannoch.)
Arms
Chief
- Alexander Gilbert Haldane Robertson of Struan
Clan Seat
Branches
- Robertson of Auchleeks
- Robertson of Inches
- Robertson of Kindeace
- Robertson of Kinlochmouidart
- Robertson of Lude
- Robertson of Struan
Septs of Clan Robertson
- Collier
- Colyear
- Duncanson
- Inches
- (Mac)Conachie
- (Mac)Donachie
- (Mac)Ivor
- MacInroy
- MacLag(g)an
- (Mac)Robb
- (Mac)Robert(s)
- (Mac)Robie
- Reed
- Reid
- Roy
- Stark
- Tonnach(y)
History
The Gaelic clan Donnchaidh is descended from the Irish Ui Niall Cenel Conaill group (O'Donnells, O'Dohertys et al) of Donegal, through Duncan I, King of the Scots. He ruled Scotland from A.D. 1034, having obtained the succession from his maternal grandfather, Malcolm II, until killed by Macbeth, Mormaer (or Earl) of Maray, in 1040. Duncan married Sybel, daughter of Siward Digers, Earl of Northumberland. She was born in 1018, had three children of Duncan's, and died in 1038. Duncan's three sons were Malcolm III, Donald Bane, and Melmare. Both Malcolm III and Donald Bane were later Kings of Scotland. Clan Robertson is descended from Malcolm III.
The clan's first recognized chief was Donnachadh Reamhar, "Stout Duncan", leader of the clan and supporter of Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
External links
- The Clan Donnachaidh Society's "Clan Donnachaidh History (http://www.robertson.org/long.html)", by James E. Fargo, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland