Clan Fraser Facts for Kids

Clan Fraser is a Scottish family group from the Lowlands of Scotland. It's important not to confuse them with Clan Fraser of Lovat, who are a different group from the Scottish Highlands. Even though they share a common ancestor, each clan has its own leader. These leaders are officially recognized by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

What is the History of Clan Fraser?
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What is the History of Clan Fraser?

Where Did the Fraser Name Come From?

No one is completely sure where the name "Fraser" first came from. People think the Frasers might have come from a place called Anjou in France, a long time ago. The name Fraser might have come from the French word Fresel. This word meant "ribbon" or "braid" in Old French. It was probably a nickname for merchants who sold these items.

The name Fraser also sounds like the French word fraise, which means "strawberry". This is why many Fraser family badges and coats of arms show strawberries. The first Fraser to appear in Scotland was around 1160. His name was Simon Fraser, and he owned land in East Lothian.

How Did Frasers Fight for Scotland's Freedom?

Many years after the first Simon Fraser, another Simon Fraser was a brave fighter. He was captured while fighting for Robert the Bruce, a famous Scottish king. Simon Fraser was sadly executed in 1306 by Edward I of England.

Simon's cousin was Alexander Fraser of Cowie. He was an important helper to Robert the Bruce. Alexander married Robert the Bruce's sister, Mary. Alexander Fraser's younger brother was Sir Simon Fraser. The leaders of the Clan Fraser of Lovat are descended from this Sir Simon.

One of Simon Fraser's grandsons was Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie and Durris. This Alexander Fraser gained a castle, now called Cairnbulg Castle, in 1375. He also got the lands of Philorth by marrying Joanna, a daughter of the Earl of Ross.

Who Were the Frasers of Philorth?

Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, which used to be Fraserburgh Castle.

Cairnbulg Castle, once known as Philorth Castle.

In 1592, Sir Alexander Fraser of Philorth received special papers from James VI of Scotland. These papers gave him control over the fishing village of Faithlie. This village later grew into the town of Fraserburgh. Sir Alexander Fraser was also allowed to start a university in the town. However, this plan didn't last long because of religious problems at the time.

The eighth Laird of Philorth built Fraserburgh Castle. This castle later became the Kinnaird Head lighthouse. Building it cost him so much money that he went bankrupt. Because of this, Philorth Castle was lost from the family for over 300 years. It was finally bought back by the 19th Lord Saltoun in 1934.

What About the Lords Saltoun?

The 17th and 18th Centuries

The ninth Laird of Philorth married the heiress of the Abernethy Lords Saltoun. Their son, Alexander Fraser, 11th Lord Saltoun, was badly hurt at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He survived because his servant, James Cardno, saved him from the battlefield. In 1666, the tenth Lord built Philorth House. This house was about a mile from Fraserburgh. It remained the family home until it burned down in 1915.

Sir Alexander Fraser of Durris was a personal doctor to Charles II of England. He studied in Aberdeen and traveled with the king in 1650. After the king was put back on the throne, Sir Alexander was part of the Scottish Parliament. He is even mentioned in the famous diaries of Samuel Pepys.

The Fraser family did not take part in the Jacobite risings. However, their distant relatives, the Clan Fraser of Lovat from the Highlands, did support the Jacobites.

The 19th and 20th Centuries

The sixteenth Lord Saltoun led soldiers at the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The nineteenth Lord Saltoun was a prisoner of war in Germany during World War I. Later, in 1936, he became a member of the House of Lords. He also strongly supported the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which saves lives at sea.

Clan Fraser facts for kids

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