Clan Grant
Clan Grant is a Scottish clan that was once one of the most powerful in Scotland.
History
Little is known about the clan from before the 13th century. The earliest known members may include:
- Sir Laurence le Grant, Sheriff of Inverness, who "rendered accounts to the Scottish Exchequer in 1263 and 1266".
- 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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. This divided clans and families between supporting the Hanovers and the Jacobites. The Grants of Freuchie were Hanoverians and fought with Colonel Livingstone against the Jacobites at the Haughs of Cromdale, and against the Jacobite Grants of Glenmoriston.
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