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{{Short description|Highland Scottish clan}}{{EngvarB|date=May 2019}}
'''Clan Grant''' is a [[Scottish clan]] that was once one of the most powerful in [[Scotland]].
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox clan
| image badge = Clan member crest badge - Clan Grant.svg
| clan name = Clan Grant
| chiefs crest = An image of a burning hill.
| chiefs motto = Stand Fast<ref name="ScotClans">[http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clan-grant/ Clan Grant Profile] scotclans.com. Retrieved 2 May 2014.</ref>
| chiefs slogan = "[[Craigellachie National Nature Reserve|Craig Elachie]]!"
| district = [[Strathspey, Scotland|Strathspey]],<ref name="ScotClans"/> [[Glen Urquhart]],<ref name="ScotClans"/> [[Glenmoriston]]<ref name="ScotClans"/> and [[Loch Ness]].<ref name="ScotClans"/>
| gaelic names = Clann Grannd<ref name="m1">{{cite web |author=Mac an Tàilleir, Iain |title=Ainmean Pearsanta|url=http://www2.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/faclair/cuspair/Ainmean_pearsanta.docx |work=[[Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]] |access-date=15 October 2009 |format=[[docx]]}}</ref>
| image arms = Coat of arms of lord strathspey.svg
| plant badge = Pine<ref name="ScotClans"/>
| pipe music = Stand fast Craigellachie<ref name="ScotClans"/>
| chiefs name = The Rt. Hon. Michael Grant of Grant
| chiefs title = The 7th [[Baron Strathspey|Lord Strathspey]]
| chiefs gaelic title =
| seat =
| historic seat = [[Castle Grant]]<ref name="Coventry"/>
| branches = [[Baron Strathspey|Grant of Grant]] (chiefs)<ref name="GLENMORISTON">[http://www.fionamsinclair.co.uk/genealogy/HighlandClans/GrantG.htm CLAN GRANT OF GLENMORISTON] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912011923/http://www.fionamsinclair.co.uk/genealogy/highlandclans/GrantG.htm |date=12 September 2015 }} fionamsinclair.co.uk. Retrieved 2 May 2015.</ref><br>[[Grant of Glenmoriston]] (senior cadets)<ref name="GLENMORISTON"/><br>Grant of Ballindalloch<ref name="GLENMORISTON"/><br>Grant of Rothiemurchus<ref name="GLENMORISTON"/><br>Grant of Carron<ref name="GLENMORISTON"/><br>Grant of Culcabuck<ref name="GLENMORISTON"/><br>See also:<br>[[Grant baronets]]
| Allied clans = [[Clan Gordon]]<br>[[Clan MacGregor]]<br>[[Clan Fraser of Lovat]]<br>[[Clan Campbell]]
| Rival clans = [[Clan Cameron]]<br>[[Clan Chisholm]]<br>[[Clan Comyn]]
}}


'''Clan Grant''' is a [[Scottish Highlands|Highland]] [[Scottish clan]], with one main branch, Grant of Grant, and several cadet branches, such as [[Grant of Glenmoriston]].
==History==


==History==
[[File:GrantPiper.JPG|thumb|Clan Grant piper, 1714]][[File:Archibald Grant of Monymusk, Royal Company of Archers, 1715 by Waitt.jpg|thumb|A Grant officer of the [[Royal Company of Archers]], 1715]]
===Origins===
===Origins===


The Chiefs of Clan Grant descended from [[Normans]] who arrived in Scotland during the medieval period, bearing the French name ''le Grand'' ('the tall', 'large').<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lord Cassilis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fxAaAAAAIAAJ&q=the+rulers+of+strathspey+book |title=The Rulers of Strathspey: A History of the Lairds of Grant and Earls of Seafield |date=1911 |publisher=Northern counties newspaper and printing and publishing Company, limited |location=Inverness |pages=1–2 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Lord Strathspey |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=psYZAAAAYAAJ |title=A History of Clan Grant |date=1983 |publisher=Phillimore |isbn=978-0-85033-442-5 |pages=8 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Grant">{{cite book |last1=Way |first1=George of Plean |title=Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia |last2=Squire |first2=Romilly of Rubislaw |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] (for the [[Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs]]) |year=1994 |isbn=0-00-470547-5 |location=[[Glasgow]] |pages=150–151 |author-link1=George Way of Plean |author-link2=Romilly Squire of Rubislaw}}</ref> The first Grants to appear in Scotland are recorded in the 13th century when they acquired the lands of [[Stratherrick]]. Sir Laurence le Grant, son of Gregory le Grant, was Sheriff of [[Inverness]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Grant" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Eyre-Todd |first=George |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iWkZAAAAIAAJ |title=The Highland Clans of Scotland: Their History and Traditions |date=1923 |publisher=Heath, Cranton Limited |pages=161 |language=en}}</ref>
Little is known about the clan from before the 13th century. The earliest known members may include:


=== Wars of Scottish Independence ===
* Sir Laurence le Grant, Sheriff of Inverness, who "rendered accounts to the Scottish Exchequer in 1263 and 1266".
During the [[Wars of Scottish Independence]], Clan Grant were supporters of [[William Wallace]], and John and Randolph Grant were captured at the [[Battle of Dunbar (1296)]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Grant"/> The Clan Grant later supported [[Robert the Bruce]] in competition for the Scottish Crown.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Grant"/> The victory of Robert the Bruce confirmed the Grants in their lands of Strathspey, where they became established Highland chiefs.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Grant"/>
* Richard le Grant, Chancellor of the diocese of Lincoln, who was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury in 1229.
* William le Graunt, said by [[King Henry III]] to have travelled to Scotland with [[Alexander III]], the Scottish King.


The acquisition of [[Castle Grant]] occurred during the 14th century. Originally a [[Clan Cumming|Clan Comyn]] stronghold, tradition holds that the castle was taken from the Comyns by a combined force of Grants and MacGregors.<ref name="Coventry"/>
Members of Clan Grant have owned land in [[Strathspey]] at least since 1316, most likely in [[Stratherrick]], to the east of [[Loch Ness]]. In 1316, John Grant of Inverallan sold his land to John le Grant, who was father of Patrick le Grant, Lord of Stratherrick. The clan's lands in Strathspey would later become controlled by [[Clan Fraser]].
===15th and 16th centuries===


The next available reference is of Duncan le Grant in 1434, and later, Sir Duncan Grant of Freuchie (Castle Grant), who inherited land in [[River Dulnain|Dulnain]] valley in upper Speyside from his mother, Matilda of Glencarnie. Her family had partially owned it since 1180, when the Crown gave Kinveachy (approximately ten miles southwest of Castle Grant) to [[Gille Brigte, Earl of Strathearn]].
===15th, 16th and 17th century===


By the 16th century the clan and its chief had become powerful enough to play a part in national politics.<ref name="Grant3"/> Their main allies being the [[Clan Gordon]], whose chief was the powerful [[Earl of Huntly]].<ref name="Grant3">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Calum |year=1997 |title=The Grants |publisher=Lang Syne Publishers Ltd |page=15 |isbn=1-85217-048-4}}</ref>
The next available reference is of Duncan le Grant in 1434, and later, Sir Duncan Grant of Freuchie ([[Castle Grant]]), who inherited land in [[Dulnain valley]] in upper [[Spey]] from his mother, Matilda of Glencarnie. Her family had partially owned it since 1180, when [[King William the Lion]] gave [[Kinveachy]] (approximately ten miles southwest of Castle Grant) to Gilbert, 3rd Earl of Strathern.


In 1535 James Grant, 3rd Laird of Freuchie was made responsible for the policing of [[Strathspey, Scotland|Strathspey]].<ref name="Grant2">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Calum |year=1997 |title=The Grants |publisher=Lang Syne Publishers Ltd |page=13 |isbn=1-85217-048-4}}</ref>
By the late 15th century, Clan Grant became an important clan in the [[Highlands]]. During this period, the clan's actions resulted in the murder of the [[Earl of Moray]] and the defeat of the [[Earl of Argyll]] at [[Glenlivet]].


In 1580 Robert Grant, champion of the Grants, defeated an English champion at a [[jousting]] tournament while on an embassy in England.<ref name="Grant2"/> Towards the end of the 16th century the Grants began to quarrel with their old allies the Gordons, over religion.<ref name="Grant4"/> The Grants being Protestant and the Gordons being Catholic.<ref name="Grant4">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Calum |year=1997 |title=The Grants |publisher=Lang Syne Publishers Ltd |pages=15–17 |isbn=1-85217-048-4}}</ref>
In the 16th century, Sir James Grant of Grant, 16th Chief, led the clan to fight for [[King Charles I]] and the [[Royalists]]. Also, an alliance betwen Sir James and the [[Earl of Huntly]] led to the annihilation of the [[Farquharson Clan]].


In 1586 the Earl of Huntly allied with the Clan MacDonald and [[Clan Cameron]] who both had a history of raiding the Grant's lands.<ref name="Grant4"/> The Grants responded by bringing in the [[Clan Gregor]] but they came off worse in a clash at Ballindalloch.<ref name="Grant4"/> By the late 16th century, Clan Grant had become an important clan in the [[Scottish Highlands]]. During this period, the clan's actions resulted in the murder of the [[James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray|Earl of Moray]] and the defeat of the [[Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll|Earl of Argyll]] at the [[Battle of Glenlivet]] in 1594. The Chief of Clan Grant ordered his men to retreat as soon as the action began. This treacherous move led to the defeat of [[Clan Campbell]] of Argyll.<ref>{{cite book |last=Browne |first=James |author-link=James Browne (writer) |year=1840 |title=A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PJQUAAAAQAAJ&q=Glenlivet |volume=1 |location=[[Glasgow]] |publisher=[[Archibald Fullarton|A. Fullarton & Co]] |pages=223–225 |access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref>
===[[Jacobite rebellion]]===


===17th century and Civil War===
In 1705, [[England]] and Scotland were united to form the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain]] and there were two uprisings against this in [[1715]] and [[1745]]. These divided clans and families between supporting the [[Hanover|Hanovers]] and the [[Jacobite|Jacobites]]. The Hanoverian Grants of Freuchie fought with [[Colonel Livingstone]] against the Jacobites at the [[Haughs of Cromdale]], and against the Jacobite Grants of Glenmoriston. However, in 1745, over 800 Hanoverian Grants of Freuchie refrained or refused to fight against [[Bonnie Prince Charlie]]. But, the Jacobite Grants of Glenmoriston decided to fight at the [[Battle of Prestonpans]] and by reinforcing Prince Charle's army, are responsible for the Jacobite victory.
In 1613 King [[James VI of Scotland]] wrote to [[John Grant of Freuchie (d. 1622)|John Grant of Freuchie]] chief of Clan Grant complaining that he was sheltering outlaws from the Clan MacGregor.<ref name="Grant5"/> The chief responded by sending the notorious Alistair MacAllister MacGregor to [[Edinburgh]].<ref name="Grant5"/> However, the King was not satisfied and in 1615 fined Grant 16,000 merks for protecting the MacGregors.<ref name="Grant5">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Calum |year=1997 |title=The Grants |publisher=Lang Syne Publishers Ltd |pages=18–19 |isbn=1-85217-048-4}}</ref>


During the 1639–1651 [[Wars of the Three Kingdoms]], Captain David Grant led his forces in support of the Covenanter forces against the Royalist forces at the [[Battle of Tippermuir]] in 1644. In October 1645, [[Clan Cameron]] raided the lands of the Clan Grant.<ref name="Braes">[http://www.clan-cameron.org/battles/1645_b.html Battle of the Braes of Strathdearn] clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 17, March 2013.</ref> The Grants gave chase catching the Camerons in the [[Battle of the Braes of Strathdearn]], where the Cameron men were defeated and many clansmen were slain.<ref name="Braes"/>
The Jacobite defeat at the [[Battle of Culloden]] was due to poor and inefficient strategy. The Jacobite Grants of Glenmoriston suffered heavy losses and were pursued. The Hanoverian Grants of Freuchie persuaded 70 Jacobite Grants of Glenmoriston to return to Inverness and surrender in return from freedom. They were captured and sent to the British colonies in slavery. The [[Duke of Cumberland]] burned Grant of Glenmoriston’s house and destroyed his lands. Glenmoriston had been included on the [[1st Bill of Punishment]], but his name was later removed and his estate was returned to him. After being defeated, Prince Charles fled and was given shelter by the 'Seven Men of Glenmoriston', one of whom was 'Black' Peter Grant. Peter Grant remained loyal to the Prince even while everything he owned was destroyed.


In 1651 [[James Grant of Freuchie|James Grant, 7th of Freuchie]], 18th Chief, led the clan as a [[Covenanters|Covenanter]] and suffered much as a result. He later supported the [[James Graham, Marquis of Montrose|Marquis of Montrose]]. Also, an alliance between Grant and the [[Marquess of Huntly|Earl of Huntly]] led to the annihilation of the [[Clan Farquharson]].
===18th and 19th century===


===Modern history===
==== 1689 rising ====
In 1689 [[Ludovick Grant of Grant|Ludovic Grant, 8th of Freuchie]], 19th Chief, referred to as the "Highland King", was a supporter of [[William III of England|William of Orange]] and later also supported the [[House of Hanover|Hanoverian]] succession.<ref name="GrantTartan" /> Led by their Chief, the majority of the Clan were steadfast [[Loyalism|Loyalists]]. The [[Grant of Glenmoriston|Grants of Glenmoriston]] however were committed Jacobites throughout the period, notably fighting at the [[Battle of Killiecrankie]] in July 1689.<ref name="Grant6">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Calum |year=1997 |title=The Grants |publisher=Lang Syne Publishers Ltd |page=24 |isbn=1-85217-048-4}}</ref> Clan Grant provided the bulk of the Williamite force under [[Thomas Livingstone, 1st Viscount Teviot|Sir Thomas Livingstone]], that defeated the Jacobites at the [[Battle of Cromdale]] in May 1690.<ref name="Grant6" />


===18th century and Jacobite uprisings===
==Related articles==


====1715 rising====
* [[Grant family]], [[William Grant]]
During the [[Jacobite rising of 1715]] the main part of the Clan Grant supported the British Government.<ref name="Grant6" /> In 1715 the Laird of Grant withdrew his forces which led to the defeat of government forces at the [[Skirmish of Alness]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Mackenzie |first=Alan |year=2006 |url=http://www.electricscotland.com/mackenzie/images/CHAPT.10.pdf| title=History of the Mackenzies |chapter=10 |page=125 |publisher=electricscotland.com| access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref> However, soon after the Clan Grant helped retake Inverness from the Jacobites during [[Siege of Inverness (1715)]].<ref name="Grant7">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Calum |year=1997 |title=The Grants |publisher=Lang Syne Publishers Ltd |pages=28–30 |isbn=1-85217-048-4}}</ref> In 1715 the fighting force of the Clan Grant was given as 850 men by General [[George Wade]].<ref name="GrantTartan"/> At the [[Battle of Sheriffmuir]] in 1715, Grants fought on both sides. The British government forces won the battle with many of the Jacobites surrendering to General [[Alexander Grant (Scottish politician)|Alexander Grant, 2nd of Grant]], 20th Chief.


==External links==
====Black Watch====


[[General Wade]]'s report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Johnston |first1=Thomas Brumby |author-link1=Thomas Brumby Johnston |last2=Robertson |first2=James Alexander |last3=Dickson |first3=William Kirk |author-link3=William Kirk Dickson |year=1899 |chapter=General Wade's Report |title=Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/historicalgeogra00john/page/26/mode/2up |location=[[Edinburgh]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[W. & A.K. Johnston]] |page=26 |access-date=February 16, 2020}}</ref> In 1725, six [[Independent Highland Companies]] (Black Watch) were formed to support the Government. One from Clan Grant, one from [[Clan Fraser of Lovat]], one from [[Clan Munro]] and three from [[Clan Campbell]]. In 1739, ten Independent Highland Companies were formed into the [[42nd Regiment of Foot|43rd Highlanders]] (Black Watch) regiment.<ref>{{cite book |last=Simpson |first=Peter |year=1996 |title=The Independent Highland Companies, 1603 – 1760 |publisher=[[John Donald Publishers]] |page=117 |isbn=0-85976-432-X}}</ref>
* [http://www.clangrant.org/ Clan Grant Society]


====1745 rising====
During the Jacobite rising of 1745 the Chief of Clan Grant again supported the British Government, as did most of the Clan.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pine |first=Leslie Gilbert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ARsJAQAAIAAJ |title=The Highland Clans |date=1972 |publisher=David and Charles |isbn=978-0-7153-5532-9 |pages=64 |language=en}}</ref> However once again he withdrew his troops which again led to the defeat of government forces, this time at the [[Battle of Inverurie (1745)]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Leslie |first=Charles Joseph |year=1869 |title=Historical records of the family of Leslie from 1067 to 1868–9, collected from public records and authentic private sources |url=https://archive.org/details/historicalrecord03lesluoft |volume=III |pages=[https://archive.org/details/historicalrecord03lesluoft/page/178 178]-181 |location=Edinburgh |publisher=Edmonston and Douglas |access-date=December 31, 2023}}</ref>

One branch of the Clan Grant, the [[Grant of Glenmoriston|Grants of Glenmoriston]], sided with the Jacobites during the '45. They fought at the [[Battle of Prestonpans]] in 1745 and are credited with winning the day due to their timely reinforcement. The Grant of Glenmoriston branch also fought as Jacobites at the [[Battle of Culloden]] in 1746 under the command of the [[James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth|Duke of Perth]]. Eighty-four Grants of Glenmoriston were captured at Culloden and were transported to [[Barbados]], in violation of their terms of surrender, where they were sold as indentured servants.<ref name="GrantTartan">{{cite book |chapter=The Clan of Grant |title=The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans |url=https://archive.org/details/scottishclansand00edin |year=1886 |edition=Library |location=Edinburgh and London |publisher=[[W. & A.K. Johnston & G.W. Bacon Ltd.]] |page=[https://archive.org/details/scottishclansand00edin/page/64/mode/2up 27] |access-date=February 10, 2021}}</ref>

At the [[Siege of Inverness (1746)]] the commander of the British-Hanoverian Government forces was Major George Grant, whilst amongst the Jacobite commanders was Colonel James Grant.<ref name="Duffy">{{cite book |last=Duffy |first=Christopher |author-link=Christopher Duffy |year=2007 |title=The '45, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Untold Story of the Jacobite Rising |location=[[St Martin's Lane|Upper St Martin's Lane]] |publisher=[[Phoenix Books]] |page=447 |isbn=978-0-7538-2262-3}}</ref>

===Highland clearances===

Clan Grant was one of the few clans not to be affected by the [[Highland Clearances]]. The [[Sir James Grant, 8th Baronet|"Good Sir James" Grant]] (Clan Chief from 1773 to 1811) built the town of [[Grantown-on-Spey]] for the express purpose of providing for his clansmen to keep them from having to emigrate. While other Highlanders were emigrating in the face of the changes that were sweeping away the old Highland way of life, Sir James Grant was busy building an entire town, building schools, mills, factories, a hospital, an orphanage, etc. to provide for his Clan. Grantown-on-Spey is a monument to Sir James's loyalty to his clansmen.

===British Army Regiments===

During the later part of the 18th century two regiments were raised from the Clan Grant. Firstly the "[[Strathspey Fencibles]]" (otherwise known as the "Grant Fencibles") in 1793 and the "[[97th Regiment of Foot (Inverness-shire Highlanders)]]" (or "Strathspey Regiment") in 1794. The first was disbanded in 1799 and the second was used as marines on board Lord Howe's fleet and later drafted into other regiments in 1795.<ref name="GrantTartan"/>

===President Grant===

On his [[World tour of Ulysses S. Grant|world tour]] in 1877, [[Ulysses S. Grant]] came to Scotland and he was accepted as a returning member of Clan Grant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-44399859 |title=Stars and gripes: When US President Ulysses S Grant came to Scotland |first=Andrew |last=Thomson |work=BBC News |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref>

===21st century===
[[File:Clan Grant.jpg|thumb|Clan Grant tartan.]]
[[Duthil Old Parish Church and Churchyard]], which lies just outside the village of [[Duthil]], Inverness-shire, now serves as a ''Clan Grant Centre''. The site includes many memorials to clan members, such as [[Field marshal (United Kingdom)|Field Marshal]] Sir [[Patrick Grant (Indian Army officer)|Patrick Grant]], {{post-nominals|country=GBR|GCB|GCMG}} (1804–1895), as well as a mausoleum of the [[Earl of Seafield|Earls of Seafield]].

During a visit to [[Winnipeg]], Canada in July 2012, the chief of Clan Grant declared that [[Métis people (Canada)|Métis]] leader [[Cuthbert Grant]] was a member of the clan. This created a new sept of Clan Grant in Canada.<ref>[http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/scottish-clan-chiefs-visit-unites-grant-descendants-162502666.html "Scottish clan chief's visit unites Grant descendants] ''Winnipeg Free Press'', 15 July 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2012.</ref> Visitors came from as far away as Scotland as well as from the Yukon, Montana and Manitoba where Grant descendants settled to take part in events arranged for Lord Strathspey's time in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-05 |title=Canada's History – Prairie reunion |url=http://www.canadashistory.ca/GrantReunion |access-date=2023-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305064958/http://www.canadashistory.ca/GrantReunion |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref>

==Castles==
[[File:Castle Grant - geograph.org.uk - 576144.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Castle Grant]], former seat of the chief of Clan Grant]]
*[[Castle Grant]] was the seat of the Chief of Clan Grant.<ref name="Coventry">{{cite book |last=Coventry |first=Martin |year=2008 |title=Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans |location=[[Musselburgh]] |publisher=Goblinshead |pages=241–243 |isbn=978-1-899874-36-1}}</ref>
*[[Muckrach Castle]] was the seat of the Grants of [[Rothiemurchus]].<ref name="Fraprie">{{cite book |last1=Fraprie |first1=Frank Roy |title=The Castles and Keeps of Scotland |date=1907 |location=Boston |publisher=L.C. Page & company |url=https://archive.org/details/castleskeepsofsc00fraprich/page/80/mode/2up |oclc=1041579815 |page=82 |via=archive.org}}</ref>
*[[Urquhart Castle]] owned by the Clan Grant from 1509,<ref name="Coventry"/> to 1912.
*[[Ballindalloch Castle]] was owned by the Grants from 1499 onwards.<ref name="Coventry"/>
*[[Loch an Eilein]] Castle, near [[Aviemore]] came into the possession of the Grants in 1567. It was attacked by Jacobites after their defeat at the [[Battle of Cromdale]] in 1690, but was successfully defended.<ref name="Coventry"/>

==Chief==

The current Chief of Clan Grant is the [[Rt Hon]] The Lord Strathspey (Sir Michael Grant of Grant, [[Baronet|Bt]], 7th [[Baron Strathspey]], 34th hereditary [[Scottish clan chief|Clan chief]] of Clan Grant).

== Crest and arms ==
The burning hill crest represents "[[Craigellachie National Nature Reserve|Craig Elachie]]", the rallying point for the Grants. When signal fires were lit upon the summit of Craig Elachie, or "The Rock of Alarm", members of the clan would gather there in order to organise for an attack or defence.

The arms of Baron Strathspey as matriculated by the 32nd Chief in 1950 are shown above : Gules three antique crowns Or in the dexter canton Argent a saltire Azure surmounted of an inescutcheon Or charged with a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter flory being the addition of a Nova Scotia as a baronet.

==References==
{{reflist}}
*[https://archive.org/details/rulersofstrathsp00cass The Rulers of Strathspey, a history of the lairds of Grant and the Earls of Seafield, 1911, by the Earl of Cassilis]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160305064958/http://www.canadashistory.ca/GrantReunion GrantReunion]

==External links==
*[http://clangrantaus.com/ Clan Grant, Australia]
*[http://www.clangrant.org/ Clan Grant, UK]
*[http://www.clangrant-us.org/ Clan Grant, USA]
*[http://www.heraldry-online.org.uk/grant1672.html Grant Heraldry]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130820104311/http://www.clangrantcanada.ca/ Clan Grant Canada]
*[https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/grant/about/background Grant DNA Project]
{{Scottish clans}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Grant, Clan}}
{{scotland-stub}}
[[Category:Clan Grant| ]]
[[Category:Gaelic families of Norse descent]]
[[Category:Scottish clans]]
[[Category:Scoto-Norman clans]]

Latest revision as of 11:32, 4 October 2024

Clan Grant
Clann Grannd[1]
Crest: An image of a burning hill.
MottoStand Fast[2]
Slogan"Craig Elachie!"
Profile
DistrictStrathspey,[2] Glen Urquhart,[2] Glenmoriston[2] and Loch Ness.[2]
Plant badgePine[2]
Pipe musicStand fast Craigellachie[2]
Chief
The Rt. Hon. Michael Grant of Grant
The 7th Lord Strathspey
Historic seatCastle Grant[3]
Clan branches
Grant of Grant (chiefs)[4]
Grant of Glenmoriston (senior cadets)[4]
Grant of Ballindalloch[4]
Grant of Rothiemurchus[4]
Grant of Carron[4]
Grant of Culcabuck[4]
See also:
Grant baronets
Allied clans
Rival clans

Clan Grant is a Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch, Grant of Grant, and several cadet branches, such as Grant of Glenmoriston.

History

[edit]
Clan Grant piper, 1714
A Grant officer of the Royal Company of Archers, 1715

Origins

[edit]

The Chiefs of Clan Grant descended from Normans who arrived in Scotland during the medieval period, bearing the French name le Grand ('the tall', 'large').[5][6][7] The first Grants to appear in Scotland are recorded in the 13th century when they acquired the lands of Stratherrick. Sir Laurence le Grant, son of Gregory le Grant, was Sheriff of Inverness.[7][8]

Wars of Scottish Independence

[edit]

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, Clan Grant were supporters of William Wallace, and John and Randolph Grant were captured at the Battle of Dunbar (1296).[7] The Clan Grant later supported Robert the Bruce in competition for the Scottish Crown.[7] The victory of Robert the Bruce confirmed the Grants in their lands of Strathspey, where they became established Highland chiefs.[7]

The acquisition of Castle Grant occurred during the 14th century. Originally a Clan Comyn stronghold, tradition holds that the castle was taken from the Comyns by a combined force of Grants and MacGregors.[3]

15th and 16th centuries

[edit]

The next available reference is of Duncan le Grant in 1434, and later, Sir Duncan Grant of Freuchie (Castle Grant), who inherited land in Dulnain valley in upper Speyside from his mother, Matilda of Glencarnie. Her family had partially owned it since 1180, when the Crown gave Kinveachy (approximately ten miles southwest of Castle Grant) to Gille Brigte, Earl of Strathearn.

By the 16th century the clan and its chief had become powerful enough to play a part in national politics.[9] Their main allies being the Clan Gordon, whose chief was the powerful Earl of Huntly.[9]

In 1535 James Grant, 3rd Laird of Freuchie was made responsible for the policing of Strathspey.[10]

In 1580 Robert Grant, champion of the Grants, defeated an English champion at a jousting tournament while on an embassy in England.[10] Towards the end of the 16th century the Grants began to quarrel with their old allies the Gordons, over religion.[11] The Grants being Protestant and the Gordons being Catholic.[11]

In 1586 the Earl of Huntly allied with the Clan MacDonald and Clan Cameron who both had a history of raiding the Grant's lands.[11] The Grants responded by bringing in the Clan Gregor but they came off worse in a clash at Ballindalloch.[11] By the late 16th century, Clan Grant had become an important clan in the Scottish Highlands. During this period, the clan's actions resulted in the murder of the Earl of Moray and the defeat of the Earl of Argyll at the Battle of Glenlivet in 1594. The Chief of Clan Grant ordered his men to retreat as soon as the action began. This treacherous move led to the defeat of Clan Campbell of Argyll.[12]

17th century and Civil War

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In 1613 King James VI of Scotland wrote to John Grant of Freuchie chief of Clan Grant complaining that he was sheltering outlaws from the Clan MacGregor.[13] The chief responded by sending the notorious Alistair MacAllister MacGregor to Edinburgh.[13] However, the King was not satisfied and in 1615 fined Grant 16,000 merks for protecting the MacGregors.[13]

During the 1639–1651 Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Captain David Grant led his forces in support of the Covenanter forces against the Royalist forces at the Battle of Tippermuir in 1644. In October 1645, Clan Cameron raided the lands of the Clan Grant.[14] The Grants gave chase catching the Camerons in the Battle of the Braes of Strathdearn, where the Cameron men were defeated and many clansmen were slain.[14]

In 1651 James Grant, 7th of Freuchie, 18th Chief, led the clan as a Covenanter and suffered much as a result. He later supported the Marquis of Montrose. Also, an alliance between Grant and the Earl of Huntly led to the annihilation of the Clan Farquharson.

1689 rising

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In 1689 Ludovic Grant, 8th of Freuchie, 19th Chief, referred to as the "Highland King", was a supporter of William of Orange and later also supported the Hanoverian succession.[15] Led by their Chief, the majority of the Clan were steadfast Loyalists. The Grants of Glenmoriston however were committed Jacobites throughout the period, notably fighting at the Battle of Killiecrankie in July 1689.[16] Clan Grant provided the bulk of the Williamite force under Sir Thomas Livingstone, that defeated the Jacobites at the Battle of Cromdale in May 1690.[16]

18th century and Jacobite uprisings

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1715 rising

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During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the main part of the Clan Grant supported the British Government.[16] In 1715 the Laird of Grant withdrew his forces which led to the defeat of government forces at the Skirmish of Alness.[17] However, soon after the Clan Grant helped retake Inverness from the Jacobites during Siege of Inverness (1715).[18] In 1715 the fighting force of the Clan Grant was given as 850 men by General George Wade.[15] At the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715, Grants fought on both sides. The British government forces won the battle with many of the Jacobites surrendering to General Alexander Grant, 2nd of Grant, 20th Chief.

Black Watch

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General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.[19] In 1725, six Independent Highland Companies (Black Watch) were formed to support the Government. One from Clan Grant, one from Clan Fraser of Lovat, one from Clan Munro and three from Clan Campbell. In 1739, ten Independent Highland Companies were formed into the 43rd Highlanders (Black Watch) regiment.[20]

1745 rising

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During the Jacobite rising of 1745 the Chief of Clan Grant again supported the British Government, as did most of the Clan.[21] However once again he withdrew his troops which again led to the defeat of government forces, this time at the Battle of Inverurie (1745).[22]

One branch of the Clan Grant, the Grants of Glenmoriston, sided with the Jacobites during the '45. They fought at the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745 and are credited with winning the day due to their timely reinforcement. The Grant of Glenmoriston branch also fought as Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 under the command of the Duke of Perth. Eighty-four Grants of Glenmoriston were captured at Culloden and were transported to Barbados, in violation of their terms of surrender, where they were sold as indentured servants.[15]

At the Siege of Inverness (1746) the commander of the British-Hanoverian Government forces was Major George Grant, whilst amongst the Jacobite commanders was Colonel James Grant.[23]

Highland clearances

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Clan Grant was one of the few clans not to be affected by the Highland Clearances. The "Good Sir James" Grant (Clan Chief from 1773 to 1811) built the town of Grantown-on-Spey for the express purpose of providing for his clansmen to keep them from having to emigrate. While other Highlanders were emigrating in the face of the changes that were sweeping away the old Highland way of life, Sir James Grant was busy building an entire town, building schools, mills, factories, a hospital, an orphanage, etc. to provide for his Clan. Grantown-on-Spey is a monument to Sir James's loyalty to his clansmen.

British Army Regiments

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During the later part of the 18th century two regiments were raised from the Clan Grant. Firstly the "Strathspey Fencibles" (otherwise known as the "Grant Fencibles") in 1793 and the "97th Regiment of Foot (Inverness-shire Highlanders)" (or "Strathspey Regiment") in 1794. The first was disbanded in 1799 and the second was used as marines on board Lord Howe's fleet and later drafted into other regiments in 1795.[15]

President Grant

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On his world tour in 1877, Ulysses S. Grant came to Scotland and he was accepted as a returning member of Clan Grant.[24]

21st century

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Clan Grant tartan.

Duthil Old Parish Church and Churchyard, which lies just outside the village of Duthil, Inverness-shire, now serves as a Clan Grant Centre. The site includes many memorials to clan members, such as Field Marshal Sir Patrick Grant, GCB GCMG (1804–1895), as well as a mausoleum of the Earls of Seafield.

During a visit to Winnipeg, Canada in July 2012, the chief of Clan Grant declared that Métis leader Cuthbert Grant was a member of the clan. This created a new sept of Clan Grant in Canada.[25] Visitors came from as far away as Scotland as well as from the Yukon, Montana and Manitoba where Grant descendants settled to take part in events arranged for Lord Strathspey's time in Canada.[26]

Castles

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Castle Grant, former seat of the chief of Clan Grant

Chief

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The current Chief of Clan Grant is the Rt Hon The Lord Strathspey (Sir Michael Grant of Grant, Bt, 7th Baron Strathspey, 34th hereditary Clan chief of Clan Grant).

Crest and arms

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The burning hill crest represents "Craig Elachie", the rallying point for the Grants. When signal fires were lit upon the summit of Craig Elachie, or "The Rock of Alarm", members of the clan would gather there in order to organise for an attack or defence.

The arms of Baron Strathspey as matriculated by the 32nd Chief in 1950 are shown above : Gules three antique crowns Or in the dexter canton Argent a saltire Azure surmounted of an inescutcheon Or charged with a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter flory being the addition of a Nova Scotia as a baronet.

References

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  1. ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta" (docx). Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Clan Grant Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Coventry, Martin (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. pp. 241–243. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
  4. ^ a b c d e f CLAN GRANT OF GLENMORISTON Archived 12 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine fionamsinclair.co.uk. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  5. ^ Lord Cassilis (1911). The Rulers of Strathspey: A History of the Lairds of Grant and Earls of Seafield. Inverness: Northern counties newspaper and printing and publishing Company, limited. pp. 1–2.
  6. ^ Lord Strathspey (1983). A History of Clan Grant. Phillimore. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-85033-442-5.
  7. ^ a b c d e Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 150–151. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
  8. ^ Eyre-Todd, George (1923). The Highland Clans of Scotland: Their History and Traditions. Heath, Cranton Limited. p. 161.
  9. ^ a b Grant, Calum (1997). The Grants. Lang Syne Publishers Ltd. p. 15. ISBN 1-85217-048-4.
  10. ^ a b Grant, Calum (1997). The Grants. Lang Syne Publishers Ltd. p. 13. ISBN 1-85217-048-4.
  11. ^ a b c d Grant, Calum (1997). The Grants. Lang Syne Publishers Ltd. pp. 15–17. ISBN 1-85217-048-4.
  12. ^ Browne, James (1840). A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans. Vol. 1. Glasgow: A. Fullarton & Co. pp. 223–225. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  13. ^ a b c Grant, Calum (1997). The Grants. Lang Syne Publishers Ltd. pp. 18–19. ISBN 1-85217-048-4.
  14. ^ a b Battle of the Braes of Strathdearn clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 17, March 2013.
  15. ^ a b c d "The Clan of Grant". The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans (Library ed.). Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston & G.W. Bacon Ltd. 1886. p. 27. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  16. ^ a b c Grant, Calum (1997). The Grants. Lang Syne Publishers Ltd. p. 24. ISBN 1-85217-048-4.
  17. ^ Mackenzie, Alan (2006). "10". History of the Mackenzies (PDF). electricscotland.com. p. 125. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  18. ^ Grant, Calum (1997). The Grants. Lang Syne Publishers Ltd. pp. 28–30. ISBN 1-85217-048-4.
  19. ^ Johnston, Thomas Brumby; Robertson, James Alexander; Dickson, William Kirk (1899). "General Wade's Report". Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland. Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston. p. 26. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  20. ^ Simpson, Peter (1996). The Independent Highland Companies, 1603 – 1760. John Donald Publishers. p. 117. ISBN 0-85976-432-X.
  21. ^ Pine, Leslie Gilbert (1972). The Highland Clans. David and Charles. p. 64. ISBN 978-0-7153-5532-9.
  22. ^ Leslie, Charles Joseph (1869). Historical records of the family of Leslie from 1067 to 1868–9, collected from public records and authentic private sources. Vol. III. Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas. pp. 178-181. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  23. ^ Duffy, Christopher (2007). The '45, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Untold Story of the Jacobite Rising. Upper St Martin's Lane: Phoenix Books. p. 447. ISBN 978-0-7538-2262-3.
  24. ^ Thomson, Andrew (10 June 2018). "Stars and gripes: When US President Ulysses S Grant came to Scotland". BBC News. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  25. ^ "Scottish clan chief's visit unites Grant descendants Winnipeg Free Press, 15 July 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  26. ^ "Canada's History – Prairie reunion". 5 March 2016. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  27. ^ Fraprie, Frank Roy (1907). The Castles and Keeps of Scotland. Boston: L.C. Page & company. p. 82. OCLC 1041579815 – via archive.org.

GrantReunion

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