Clan Irvine

Clan Motto

Sub sole sub umbra virens
Flourishing both in sunshine and shade

Chief

DAVID IRVINE OF DRUM
Holly Leaf Cottage
INCHMARLO
BANCHORY
AB31 4BR
Associated Names

The History of the clan

Early in the 12th century, at some point between 1124 and 1165, Gilchrist, son of Erwini, witnessed a charter of the Earl of Galloway and this stands as one of the earliest records for an ancestor of the Irvines. The name 'Erewine' or 'Erwinne' are personal English names which travelled north.

Irvine itself, like many Scottish surnames, is territorial and refers to the Irvine lands to be found in Dumfriesshire. Although there are no records describing the origin of the family, family tradition entwines the Irvines with the Celtic monarchs of Scotland. William de Irvine was fortunate in having the Bruces as his neighbors and the Irvines supported this powerful family as armour bearers as well as providing a secretary for King Robert himself.

After William provided the Bruces with twenty loyal years of his life, the king awarded him the royal forest of Drum in Aberdeenshire; this became the seat of the family. They built on this tower and expanded it into Drum Castle, a property that was given to the National Trust for Scotland. The Earl of Mar enlisted the 3rd Laird of Drum during the French Wars; he also fought at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. The 10th Laird was awarded with the earldom of Aberdeen by Charles I, however, he was executed before the Laird’s title could be confirmed.

Lady Irvine was left in control of Castle Drum while the Laird was. The 14th Laird came out for the Jacobites and was present at the Battle of Sheriffmuir; he died of the injuries inflicted during the battle. The estates eventually passed to John Irvine of Crimond. The Irvines, through various successions, continued their loyalty to the Jacobite cause and fought at the ill fated Battle of Culloden.

The next influential battle attended by the Irvines was during WWI when the 22nd Laird fought for the Grenadier Guards. The clan is still represented through a chief who is present on the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.