Macpherson

Macpherson

Clan Macpherson of Cluny, Scotland. From the Gaelic ‘Macaphersein’, meaning ‘son of the parson’, and traditionally descended from Muireach (or Murdo) Cattenach, a priest of Kingussie in Badenoch. By the 9th century, they were part of Clan Chattan under Gillie Chattan Mor. Robert the Bruce granted in 1309, Badenoch to Ewan Ban MacMhuirich, chief of the clan for defeating Bruce’s enemies, the Comyns. Ewan Ban had three sons; Kenneth of Clunie, Iain of Pitmain and Gillies of Invereshie. During the 14th century, Clan Chattan constantly feuded with the Camerons. Euan Macpherson, the 9th chief fought for the king during the Civil War. The 10th chief, Duncan Macpherson of Cluny, lost his claim to lead Clan Chattan to Mackintosh in 1672. Duncan had no sons and was succeeded by Lachlan Macpherson, fourth Laird of Nuid, in 1722. His son, Euan of Cluny supported the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, and was forced to flee to France in 1755 after spending nine years as an outlaw. William Macpherson the Purser, was killed at Falkirk in 1746. His nephew was the poet and scholar, James Macpherson who composed the Works of Ossain in 1761, claiming it to be a translation of the 3rd century poet. Duncan Macpherson of Cluny, son of the outlaw, Euan, fought for the crown during the American War of Independence, and had his father’s estates returned to him in 1784.

Arms: Parted per fesse or and azure, a lymphad of the first, sails furled, oars in action and tackling all proper, flag and penon flying gules, in dexter canton a dexter hand fessways couped holding a dagger erect, in sinister canton a cross crosslet fitchee of the third.

Crest: A cat sejant proper.

Motto: Touch not the cat but a glove.

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