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Clan MacPherson (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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MacPherson

Gaelic Name: Mac a’ Phearsoin

Clan Crest: A cat sejant, Proper

Clan Motto: Touch not the cat but a glove

Origin of Name: Gaelic, Mac a’ Phearsoin (Son of the Parson)

Clan Badge: White heather

Lands: Badenoch

Clan Chief: The Hon. Sir William MacPherson

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MacPherson Clan History

This is an ecclesiastical name derived from the Gaelic Macaphersein, which means "Son of the Parson." Murdo Cattenach, a priest of Kingussie in Badenoch, is said to have founded the clan.

The MacPhersons were part of the powerful Clan Chattan and frequently clashed with the MacKintosh family for control of the federation. They eventually acknowledged MacKintosh's claim to "Captain of Clan Chattan," but showed little loyalty in the years that followed.

According to legend, Robert the Bruce promised the chief of the MacPhersons the lands of Badenoch in exchange for the destruction of the Bruce's bitter enemies, the Comyns. This heinous crime was committed by the chief, Ewan Ban MacMhuirich, and his three sons. The clan MacPherson is often referred to as "the Clan of the Three Brothers" in honor of this event.

The Cluny family emerged as the most important branch of the MacPherson family, with Euan MacPherson of Cluny becoming a famous Highland leader in the '45 rebellion. He was known as one of the most spectacular fighters in the Scottish forces, but he was forced to live in hiding for nine years after his property was burned down. Despite a £1,000,000 bounty on his head, he was supported by his loyal clansmen and eventually fled to France in 1755.

Duncan MacPherson of Cluny, Euan's son, fought for the government during the American Revolutionary War before returning to claim the forfeited MacPherson estates in 1784. Today, the clan seat is a beautiful castle in Blairgowrie.

Macpherson Places & People

People of the Clan MacPherson

MacPherson, James

James MacPherson (c. 18th century)

Published what appeared to be translations of Gaelic poetry written in the third century by Ossian, the son of Fingal. They were later revealed to be one of the most elaborate hoaxes of the time.

Sir Aenas MacPherson (1644-1705)

A notable lawyer and historian, he left many important papers concerning clan affairs. As a Jacobite agent, he led an exciting life, being imprisoned on numerous occasions.

MacPherson, John (1876-1955).

Author of "Tales of Barra Told by the Coddy," a one-of-a-kind record of a bilingual Hebridean's art.

Margaret MacPherson (b.1908)

"Battle of the Braes" and "The Boy on the Roof" are two of her children's books.

MacPherson Tartans

MacPherson the Elder

MacPherson Contemporary

Weathered by MacPherson

MacPherson's Ancient Hunt

Modern MacPherson Hunting

Ancient MacPherson Dress

Modern MacPherson Dress

MacPherson Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan MacPherson Crest

Crest Description: A sejant cat, Proper

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.

Cluny MacPHERSON

Per fesse, Or and Azure, a lymphad of the first, with her sails furled, oars in action, mast and tackiling, all Proper, flagged flying, Gules; in the dexter chief, a couped hand grasping a dagger, point upwards, Gules; in the sinister chief, a cross crosslet fitcée, of the last.

MacPherson

Roderick Gordon Murdoch Macpherson, Extraordinary Niagara Herald

Arms: Azure, a lymphad, furled sails, oars in motion Or, a saltire of the First, an ivy leaf Vert on a chief of the Second, a dexter hand couped grasping a dagger point upwards and a cross crosslet fitchee Gules, all within a bordure of the Last.

Crest: A demi cat rampant guardant Proper, holding an ivy leaf Vert in its dexter paw

NOT THIS BUT A GLOVE is the motto.

Matriculated at the Lord Lyon's Court on October 14, 1969. Volume 54, folio 21 of the Lyon Register.

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