Matheson

Matheson

Clan Matheson of Bennetsfield in the Black Isle, Scotland, originally either from the Gaelic Mac Mhathghamhuin, meaning son of the bear or simply the son of Matthew. Granted lands initially at Lochalsh, Lochcarron and Kintail by the Earl of Ross, the clan were closely associated with the Macdonalds and fought beside them in many conflicts, including the Battle of Harlaw in 1411, where Alasdair, the Matheson chief was captured. Dougal MacRuadhri Matheson was Prior of Beauly, 1498-1514. After the chief, Iain Dubh married the widow of Sir Dugald Mackenzie, he was killed defending Eilean Donan Castle where he was constable; his son Murdoch Buidhe succeeded him and died in 1602. He was followed by his son Roderick whose great grandson acquired Bennetsfield in 1688.

Arms: Gyronny of eight sable and gules, a lion rampant or, armed and langued azure.

Crest: Issuant from an antique crown or, a hand brandishing a scimitar fessways all proper.

Motto: Fac et spera (do and hope)

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