Rattray

Clan Crest: Issuant from a crest coronet Or, a star Or and thereon a flaming heart, Proper

Clan Motto: Super sidera votum (My wishes are above the stars)

Origin of Name: Place name, Perthshire

Clan Chief: Lachlan Rattray of Rattray

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Rattray Clan History

Rattray is derived from the Perthshire barony of Rattray. According to legend, the land was purchased from Malcolm Canmore in the 11th century. A ruined Pictish fort on a serpent-shaped feature is part of the estate, which may explain why two serpents support the coat of arms.

The first laird, Alan, is mentioned in the earliest records as a witness on charters of Alexander II. Eustace, Alan's grandson, fought in the Battle of Dunbar in 1296 and was captured. In the same year, his son Adam swore an oath to Edward I.

Sir Silvester Rattray of Rattray served as ambassador to England in 1463, and was succeeded by his son, Sir John, after his death. Sir John was knighted by James IV in 1488 but was assassinated in 1513 at Flodden. His eldest son had died, leaving two daughters, so the estate was passed to his second son Patrick.

John Stewart, Earl of Atholl, intimidated Patrick into relinquishing the Barony. The Earl gained control of the Barony and her sister through the marriage of Patrick's niece into the family. As a result, Patrick was evicted from his estate in 1516. He began work on Craighall, a grand structure perched 200 feet above the Ericht River. However, Craighall's stronghold could not protect him from Atholl, and he was murdered in 1533.

Sir John's third son, Silvester, succeeded his murdered brother; however, Atholl continued to harass the family, and Silvester petitioned the king for legal recognition as heir. His son, David Rattray of Craighall, succeeded him. George the laird's eldest son was also murdered in 1592, and his son succeeded him.

Silvester passed away in 1612, leaving behind three sons. The eldest, David, fought for Charles I. After the defeat of Charles II in 1651, the youngest, John, was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Patrick Rattray was successful in uniting the barony of Kinballoch with Rattray and their other associated parishes into one free barony of Craighall-Rattray. This charter also sought the return of Rattray land taken by the Earls of Atholl.

Bonnie Prince Charlie's physician was Patrick's son, John. He was with him throughout the Forty-five, and he was captured after the Battle of Culloden, but he was later released. The estates of the twenty-second and twenty-third Lairds passed to a cousin, James Clerk Rattray, sheriff depute of Edinburgh. He was a good friend of Sir Walter Scott who modelled “Tully-Veolan” the Baron of Bradwardine’s castle in “Waverley” on Craighall.

Craighall-Rattray is still the family seat.

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Rattray Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Rattray Crest:

Issuant from a crest coronet Or, a star Or, and thereon a flaming heart, Proper

Coats of Arms of Rattray:

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.