Clan Fergusson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Fergusson |
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| MacFhearghuis | |||
Crest: Upon a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, a bee on a thistle Proper
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| Motto | Dulcius ex asperis (Sweeter after difficulties) | ||
| War cry | Fhearghuis Gu Brath - Fergus forever | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Lowlands and Highlands | ||
| District | Ayrshire, Argyll, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Dumfries and Galloway | ||
| Plant badge | Little sunflower | ||
| Chief | |||
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| Sir Adam Fergusson of Kilkerran | |||
| 10th Baronet of Kilkerran | |||
| Seat | Kilkerran House, Ayrshire | ||
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Clan Fergusson is a famous Scottish clan. Its members are often called the Sons of Fergus. This clan has spread all over Scotland, from the northern areas like Ross-shire to the southern parts like Dumfriesshire.
Contents
Discovering Clan Fergusson's Past
Where Did the Clan Begin?
The name Fergusson comes from the Scottish Gaelic MacFhearghuis. This means 'son of the angry one'. Many families with the Fergusson name believe they all came from the same ancestor. However, there is no clear proof of this. The symbols used by the chief's family are quite different from other Fergusson families.
Fergussons from Argyll
Some Fergussons, especially those from Argyll, say they are related to Fergus Mór. He was a king of Dál Riata who came from Ireland. Many shields of this family show a boar's head. This symbol connects them to the early Scots of Dál Riata.
Fergussons from Ayrshire and Dumfries
Other Fergussons, from Ayrshire and Dumfries, are linked to Fergus of Galloway. He was an important leader during the time of Kings David I of Scotland and Malcolm IV of Scotland. Fergus of Galloway helped rebuild Whithorn Priory and started Dundrennan Abbey. He passed away in 1161. The Earls of Carrick are also descendants of Fergus of Galloway.
The Kilkerran Connection
The Fergussons have owned land at Kilkerran House for a very long time, possibly since the 1100s. The first clear record of a Fergusson at Kilkerran is from 1464. This was John Fergusson of Kilkerran. He might have been related to another John, son of Fergus, who was a witness to an important document in 1314. This was right after the famous Battle of Bannockburn. By 1600, many Fergussons lived in southern Carrick. They all looked to Fergusson of Kilkerran as their clan chief.
Clan Fergusson in the 1600s
During the 1600s, Clan Fergusson teamed up with the Clan Kennedy chiefs. They supported the Earls of Cassillis in their conflict against the Kennedy Lairds of Bargany. In 1601, the Fergussons joined the Earl of Cassillis's group. They were part of a fight in Maybole where the Kennedy Laird of Bargany was killed.
The Fergussons from Ayrshire became Protestants during the Protestant Reformation. Sir John Fergusson of Kilkerran fought for the King's side during the Scottish Civil War.
Clan Fergusson in the 1700s
Sir John Fergusson, born around 1653, was a well-known lawyer. In 1703, he was given the special title of Baronet of Nova Scotia. His son, James Fergusson, became a judge in 1735 and was known as Lord Kilkerran. Later, General Sir Charles Fergusson, the 7th Baronet, served in the British Army for nearly 40 years.
Who Leads Clan Fergusson?
- The current Clan Chief is Sir Adam Fergusson of Kilkerran. He is the 10th Baronet and the main leader of the Fergusson name and family.
- The Clan Chief's Arms show a silver buckle between three golden boar's heads on a blue shield.
Clan Tartans
- Tartans are special patterns that represent Scottish clans. Clan Fergusson has several:
- Fergusson (of Atholl)
- Fergusson of Balquhidder
- Ferguson Dress
See Also
- Ferguson (name) - A list of famous people named Ferguson.
- Scottish clan - Learn more about Scottish clans.
Images for kids
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Picture of Fergus in a manuscript from the Netherlands. It's based on the Roman de Fergus.
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A romanticised Victorian-era drawing of a Fergusson clansman by R. R. McIan from 1845.
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