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Clan Munro (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Munro

Gaelic Name: Mac an Rothaich

Clan Crest: An eagle perching, Proper

Clan Motto: Dread God

Origin of Name: Gaelic, Mac an Rothaich (Man from Ro)

Clan Badge: Common club moss

Lands: Easter Ross

Clan Chief: Hector Munro of Foulis

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Munro Clan History

The Munro lands are located on the north side of the Cromarty Firth. Ferindonald is derived from the gaelic 'Fearainn Domhnuill' or Donald's Land, and is most likely a reference to the clan's traditional founder.

The Munros were never known as a particularly combative family, preferring to make their mark in other areas. In the fifteenth century, they made a significant early contribution to Scottish traditional arts by writing what is likely the earliest piece of pipe music written for the Pibroch. This composition, titled 'Blar bealach nam brog,' has been attributed to an early Munro family member.

Unlike the MacCrimmons and MacKays, however, the family made little impact in the arts and instead became known for their prominence in the Scottish clergy. The Rev. Alexander Munro, whose parish was at Cape Wrath on Scotland's far northwestern tip, was the most notable Munro clergyman. He was not alone in his choice of profession in the Munros family, as there were two other ministers enrolled as Justices of the Peace in Sutherland and two in Caithness at the time.

Although the Munros were generally a peaceful clan, they did actively participate in continental warfare in the seventeenth century. The clan's eighteenth chief raised a force of 700 clansmen to join Gustavus Adolphus' army in Sweden, where the clansmen became known as "the Invincibles." <br<>

Another notable member of the family was Robert Munro, who wrote a memoir of his experiences with the MacKay regiment during the Thirty Years War. However, the most prestigious position in foreign affairs was held by a Munro family son when he was elected President of the United States of America in the nineteenth century.

Munro Places & People

Clan Munro People

Munro, Alexander (1605–1653)

As a minister in Durness, he translated the bible stories into Gaelic so that his parishioners could read them.

Ebeneezer Munro (1752-1825)

It is claimed that he fired the first shot in the American Revolutionary War.

James Munro (circa 19th Century)

Between 1817 and 1825, he served as President of the United States.

Donnie Munro

Donnie Munro

Runrig is the lead singer and guitarist for the Gaelic folk-rock band Runrig. He recently announced his intention to leave the group to pursue a political career. He ran unsuccessfully for Labour in the Skye constituency in 1997.

Munro Tartans

Munro Historic

Munro Contemporary

Munro Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Munro Crest

Crest Description: A perched eagle, Proper

Coats of Arms of Munro:

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.