Robertson

Robertson

Clan Robertson of Strowan (Struan) in Perthshire, Scotland, Chief of the Clan Robertson or more properly Clan Donnochie or Donnachaidh; descended from Crinan, Lord of Atholl and hereditary lay Abbot of Dunkeld who by Bethoc, heiress of Scone, was father of Duncan I, King of Scots, whose third son, Melmare, was ancestor of the Earls of Atholl. The first chief of the clan was Duncan after whom Clan Donnachaidh is named, was fifth in descent from Conan of Glenerochie, a younger son of Henry, Earl of Atholl, and who supported Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. He later was taken prisoner at the Battle of Neville’s Cross and died in 1355. His son Robert succeeded him, and the clan were generally called Clan Robertson thereafter. William, the 6th chief was killed in the feud and the 8th chief was murdered and was succeeded by his brother who sold much of the estate because of debt. In 1606, John Robertson, a prosperous Edinburgh merchant obtained a charter for the lands under the great seal and then reconveyed the lands to Robertson of Struan. When Alexander succeed as chief in 1636 as an infant, his uncle, Donald Donald, the Tutor of Struan took charge and was a colonel in the royalist forces during the Civil War. Alexander died in 1688 as did his eldist son, and was succeeded by his second son, 18 year old Alexander. He followed King James in exile in France after Struan was forfeited in 1690. He was allowed to return to Scotland under a general amnesty granted by Queen Anne. He fought in the Jacobite Rising of 1715, was captured twice and then went into exile in France again. He returned on the general amnesty of 1725. He delivered his clan to the Rising of 1745 and died in 1749 without issue. He was succeeded by Duncan Robertson of Drumachuine and he by his son Alexander who had the barony of Struan restored to him by the Crown in 1784. He died without issue and was succeeded by a cousin who had the barony of Struan confirmed to him, 23rd June 1824. George, 18th chief,sold Struan in 1854 with the proviso that he and his heirs would buried on the estate. The chiefs then lived in Jamaica and now live in Kent, England.

Arms: Gules, three wolves’ heads erased argent.

Crest: A dexter hand erect, holding an imperial crown all proper. Duncan, son of Robert, Chief of the Clan having with great courage and intrepidity apprehended the murderers of James I. of Scotland, James II. granted to his family for crest, the hand supporting the regal crown, and for motto, “Virtutis gloria merces.” The man in chains, lying under the escutcheon of the arms, was also adoped in commemoration of this event.

Motto: Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour); and on the compartment under the arms, a wild man chained proper with the motto: Garg 'n uair dhuisgear (Fierce when roused).

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