Clan Robertson

Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour)

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."

History

Origins of the Name

Origins of the Clan

The Gaelic clan Donnchaidh is descended from the Irish Uí Néill Cenél 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, Morair (or Earl) of Moray, in 1040.

Duncan married Sybil, daughter of Siward Digers, Earl of Northumberland. She was born in 1018, had three children of Duncan's, and died in 1038 (aged 20). Duncan's three sons were Malcolm III, Donald Bán, and Melmare. Both Malcolm III and Donal Bane were later Kings of Scotland. Clan Robertson is descended from Malcolm III.

Wars of Scottish Independence

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. the clan Robertson are known to have supported Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

From expanding to the east and west Clan Robertson grew.Takeing on new clans under their banner, including those from the Isle of Skye, such as the MacKinnon (MacMorren) clan.

14th to 15th Century

("Son of Robert," Robert Ruadh Duncanson, The fourth Chief of Clan Donnachaidh, was a strong supporter of King James I of Scotland 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 Stirling 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.)

Civil War

Clan Robertson fought alonside James Graham the 1st 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 (1645) where the Clan Campbell of Argyll was defeated.

Other battles in support of Montrose included: the Battle of Tippermuir on 1st September 1644, the Battle of Aberdeen on 13th September 1644, the Battle of Auldearn on 9th May 1645, the Battle of Alford on 2nd July 1645, the Battle of Kilsyth on 15th August 1645, and the Battle of Philiphaugh on September 13th 1645.

After the Civil War was over the Clan Robertson also fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

Jacobite Uprisings

Chief Alexander Robertson led 500 men of the Clan Robertson in support of the Earl of Mar at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715 where he was captured but later rescued.

Gaelic Names

Clan Profile

Tartans


Clan Robertson - Hunting Tartan

Branches

Septs of Clan Robertson

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