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Clan Farquharson

Clan FarquharsonClan Motto

Deus juvat
God assists

Chief

CAPT. ALWYNE FARQUHARSON OF INVERCAULD
The Valley Farm
Brancaster Staithe
King Lynn NORFOLK
PE31 8DB

Associated Names

Barrie, Bowman, Christie, Christison, Christy, Coates, Coats, Coutts. Cromar, Farquhar, Ferries, Findlay, Findlayson, Finlaison, Finlay, Finlayson, Gracie, Grassick, Greusach, Hardie, Hardy, Kellas, Kerracher, Lyon, Macartney, MacCaig, MacCardney, MacCartney, MacCuaig, MacEaracher, MacErchar, MacErracher, MacFarquhar, MacHardie, MacHardy, Mackerchar, MacKerracher, MacKindlay, MacKinlay, MacKinley, Paterson, Reiach, Reoch, Riach

Clan FarquharsonThe History of the clan

Clan Farquharson usually traces back its origins to one ‘Farquhar’ or Ferchard’ who was thought to be the fourth son of Alexander Cier (Shaw) of Rothiemercus, who settled near the source of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. His son, Donald, helped to establish the fortunes of his family when he married Isobel Stewart, the heiress to the lands of Invercauld.

Marriages such as this were essential for the growth of the clans and the lands of Invercauld still remain within the family. Donald and Isobel had a son, Finla Mor, who is more generally referred to as the progenitor of the clan; his most famous deed was his presence at the Battle of Pinkie where he died in 1547. Clan FarquharsonHis nine sons created many new branches of the clan which have developed their own particular histories. As the Farquharsons felt under threat from their neighbors they sought and found an alliance with the great Clan Chattan, a confederation of clans, in 1595.

The clan soon won the reputation as the ‘fighting Farquharsons’ and were involved in many conflicts. They fought for the Stuart cause and came out for the Jacobite Rebellion in 1644 when they fought with the Earl of Montrose. The clan was amongst those who lost many of their numbers at the Battle of Clan FarquharsonCulloden fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Anne of Invercauld, who married the chief of the Mackintoshes, called the clan out to battle in the absence of her husband, an achievement unusual for a woman; she was briefly arrested and held after Culloden. After many successions the modern chiefship was passed to Captain Alwyn Crompton Farquharson of Invercauld. Braemar Castle was opened to the public and many of the estates are still held by the family; the famous Highland Gathering still occurs which is attended by the Royal Family.