Earl of Sutherland (chiefs)
Sutherland of Duffus (senior cadets)
Sutherland of Killipheder (Agnatic seniority)
Sutherland of Forse
Sutherland of Dunbeath
Sutherland of Langwell
Sutherland of Achastle
Sutherland of Langwell (second line)
Sutherland of Kinsteary
Sutherland of Skibo Castle
Sutherland of Clyne
Sutherland of Uppat
Sutherland of St. Vincent
Sutherland of Dirlot
Sutherland of Skelbo
Sutherland of Sciberscross
Sutherland of Achastle
Sutherland of Ackergill
Sutherland of Thurston
Sutherland of Achleepster
Sutherland of Blarich
Sutherland of Berriedale
Sutherland of Grove Villa
Sutherland of Brabster
Sutherland of Barrogill
Sutherland of Braegrudie
Sutherland of Cambusavie
Sutherland of Golsary
Sutherland of Pronsie
Sutherland of Culmaillie
Sutherland of Evelix
Sutherland of Geise
Sutherland of Greenhall
Sutherland of Inchfuir
Sutherland of Inverchassley
Sutherland of Kame
Sutherland of Kinminitie
Sutherland of Kinnauld
Sutherland of Meikleferry
Sutherland of Midgarty
Sutherland of Morvich
Sutherland of Mosstowie
Sutherland of Pitfuir
Sutherland of Pulrossie
Sutherland of Rearquhar
Sutherland of Reisgill
Sutherland of Roscommon
Sutherland of Rosehaugh
Sutherland of Strabrock
Sutherland of Swinzie
Sutherland of Torboll
Sutherland of Udale
Sutherland-Walker
Sutherland of Wester
Sutherland of Thornton
Sutherland-Graeme
Sutherland of Windbrech
There were also numerous landed branches of the Gordon family in Sutherland after they succeeded as the Earls of Sutherland in the early 16th century.

Allied clans
Clan Murray (13th to 16th centuries) Clan Oliphant (16th century) Clan Gordon (16th century) Clan Mackay (18th century) Clan Gunn (18th century) Clan Sinclair (18th century) Clan Munro Clan Matheson Clan MacNeacail

Rival clans
Clan Murray (18th century) Clan Gordon (18th century) Clan Mackay (14th, 15th & 16th centuries) Clan Gunn (16th century) Clan Sinclair (16th century)

Clan Sutherland, also called the House of Sutherland, is a Scottish clan. Their home is in Sutherland, a region in northern Scotland. The clan's leader was known as the Earl of Sutherland. In the 1500s, this title went to a younger son of Clan Gordon's chief. This happened through marriage. Today, Alistair Sutherland is the chief. He holds the title Earl of Sutherland.

Clan Leaders: The Earls of Sutherland
Clan Sutherland's History
Who Leads the Clan Now?
Clan Castles
Clan Sutherland Profile
Clan Tartans

Clan Leaders: The Earls of Sutherland

The current leader of Clan Sutherland is Alistair Charles St Clair Sutherland. He is the 25th Earl of Sutherland. His mother was Elizabeth Millicent Sutherland, the 24th Countess of Sutherland.

Since 2022, his elder daughter, Lady Rachel Elizabeth Sutherland, is next in line. She is known as the Mistress of Sutherland. This happened after the early death of her brother, Alexander Charles Robert Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver.

Clan Sutherland's History

How Clan Sutherland Began

The first leader of Clan Sutherland was a nobleman named Freskin. He was from Flanders, a region in modern-day Belgium. Freskin was also the ancestor of Clan Murray. Some say Freskin was Pictish, but he was likely a Flemish knight. These knights helped Norman kings control their new lands after the Norman conquest of England.

David I of Scotland grew up in the English court. He used knights like Freskin to manage the wilder parts of his kingdom. Freskin received lands in West Lothian. He also gained control of the old Pictish kingdom of Moray. This ended the power of Moray's old royal family. Freskin and his sons married into the old Moray family. This helped them become even more powerful.

Freskin's descendants used the name de Moravia. This means "of Moray" in the Norman language. Freskin's grandson was Hugh de Moravia. He received lands in Sutherland. He was known as Lord de Sudrland. Hugh's younger brother, William de Moravia of Petty, started the Clan Murray. Hugh's oldest son, also named William, became the 1st Earl of Sutherland.

The name "Sutherland" comes from it being the 'land to the south'. It was south of the Norse Earldom of Orkney and Caithness. The main line of chiefs, the Earls of Sutherland, used the name 'de Moravia'. But they often used the name 'Sutherland' too. From Robert, the 6th Earl (died 1444) onwards, they officially used the surname Sutherland. Younger sons of the family also took the name 'Sutherland'. This created the different branches of Clan Sutherland.

Fighting for Scottish Independence

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the chief William de Moravia, 3rd Earl of Sutherland fought. He was at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The Scottish army won this battle against the English. Later, Kenneth de Moravia, 4th Earl of Sutherland was killed. This happened at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.

William de Moravia, 5th Earl of Sutherland was married to Margaret. She was the daughter of Robert the Bruce. William led his clan at Kilblene. He also helped in the siege of Cupar Castle Fife. William, Earl of Sutherland, went with King David II of Scotland into England. Both were captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. They stayed in prison for over ten years.

John of Sutherland, the Earl's son, was named heir to the throne. This was before Robert Stewart became King in 1371.

Clan Conflicts in the 1300s

The Clan Sutherland often fought with their neighbors. Their enemies included Clan Sinclair from Caithness and Clan Mackay and Clan McLeod from the west. A big fight with the Mackays happened when Nicholas Sutherland, 1st of Duffus murdered the chief of Clan Mackay and his heir. This happened at Dingwall Castle. They had met there to try and make peace.

The Mackays attacked Dornoch in revenge. They set the cathedral on fire. Many Sutherland men were hanged in the town square. William, the 5th Earl of Sutherland, was killed by the Mackays in 1370. This feud lasted for four centuries. In 1388, the Earl of Sutherland led Scots into western England. He married Margaret Stewart, a daughter of King Robert II of Scotland.

Clan Conflicts in the 1400s

The first clear record of Dunrobin Castle is from 1401. This was during the time of Robert Sutherland, 6th Earl of Sutherland. In 1431, the Battle of Drumnacoub took place. Angus Du Mackay, chief of Clan Mackay, defeated Angus Murray and the Sutherlanders. This battle happened near Tongue. Historians like Sir Robert Gordon and George Buchanan mention this fight.

Henry Sutherland of Torboll received lands from Robert Sutherland, 6th Earl. Henry's father, Nicholas Sutherland, 1st of Duffus, had given these lands to the Earl. Henry Sutherland's son was Alexander Sutherland, 3rd of Duffus. He visited his chief, John Sutherland, 7th Earl of Sutherland. The Earl was held hostage at Pontefract Castle in England. This was for the ransom of James I of Scotland.

According to Gordon, the Battle of Skibo and Strathfleet happened during John Sutherland, 7th Earl's time. John MacDonald of Islay, Earl of Ross invaded Sutherland. He was defeated by Clan Sutherland. The Earl's brother, Robert Sutherland, and the Murrays of Aberscross led the clan.

Historian Gordon also says that Clan Sutherland joined Clan Mackay. They won against Clan Ross at the Battle of Aldy Charrish in 1487. However, other historians like Angus Mackay disagree. They say it's unlikely the Earl of Sutherland would have helped against the Rosses. The Earl was married to a daughter of the Ross chief.

Clan Conflicts in the 1500s

William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus died fighting the English. This was at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

In 1517, Elizabeth Sutherland, 10th Countess of Sutherland married Adam Gordon. He was a younger son of Gordon of Huntly. Their son, Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland, became the heir. He would lead the Clan Sutherland. According to Sir Robert Gordon, the Mackays fought against the Gordons that same year. This led to the Battle of Torran Dubh. The Mackays were defeated. Sir Robert Gordon says Alexander Sutherland led the Sutherland force. He was Elizabeth's brother.

However, historians Angus Mackay and Sir William Fraser disagree. They say Alexander Sutherland was in prison in 1517. The next year, Alexander Sutherland claimed the Earldom for himself. He fought against his sister Elizabeth and her husband Adam Gordon. But he was defeated and killed at the Battle of Alltachuilain.

In 1525, Elizabeth Sutherland and Adam Gordon gave lands to William Sutherland, 5th of Duffus. These lands had belonged to Hugh Sutherland of Pronsy. William Sutherland, 6th of Duffus became the new Laird of Skelbo. He made an agreement with Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland, in 1529. This agreement recognized the Master of Sutherland as his landlord.

The book Conflicts of the Clans says the Battle of Alltan-Beath happened in 1542. Clan Mackay was defeated by Clan Sutherland. Sir Robert Gordon says Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, was captured in 1542. The Gordon Earls of Sutherland and Huntly imprisoned him. But historian Angus Mackay disputes this.

In 1545, the Earl of Sutherland made an agreement with John Mackenzie of Kintail. They promised to defend each other against enemies. They only reserved their loyalty to Mary, Queen of Scots.

In 1547, John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland led the clan. They fought against the English army at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh.

In 1555, the Battle of Garbharry was fought. This was the last battle between Clan Mackay and Clan Sutherland. In 1586, the Battle of Leckmelm took place. The Sutherlands, Mackays, and MacLeods defeated Clan Gunn.

Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus supported George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. This was at the Battle of Torran-Roy in 1570. They fought against the Murrays of Aberscross. The Murrays were important supporters of Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland. William Sutherland, 9th of Duffus confirmed an old agreement. This agreement was about the lands of Skelbo.

In 1588, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe was attacked by the Earl of Sutherland. It held strong. In 1590, George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, invaded Sutherland. This led to the Battle of Clynetradwell.

The 1600s and Civil War

In the 1600s, Clan Sutherland became known for being strong Protestants. This likely made the Gordon Earls of Sutherland distance themselves. Their Gordon cousins, the Earls of Huntly, were Catholics and later supported the Jacobites.

In 1645, John Gordon, 14th Earl of Sutherland led the clan. They fought against the Royalists at the Battle of Auldearn. But they were defeated. Alexander Sutherland, 1st Lord Duffus supported the National Covenant. As a result, his lands were attacked by the Royalists. He was sent to Perth to defend it from Oliver Cromwell. But he had to surrender the town.

In 1650, Clan Sutherland joined forces with Clan Munro and Clan Ross. They fought against James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose and his Royalist army. They defeated them at the Battle of Carbisdale.

In 1685, John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland, gathered men from Clan Sutherland. They opposed Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll's expedition. This was known as Argyll's Rising. The Earl of Sutherland also raised two regiments from the clan. This happened after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He commanded one of these regiments in Flanders in 1694.

The 1700s and Jacobite Risings

The 1715 Jacobite Rising

During the Jacobite rising of 1715, John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland, supported George I of Great Britain. He called his men to fight. Clan Sutherland guarded Inverness Castle against the Jacobites. Kenneth Sutherland, 3rd Lord Duffus supported the Jacobites. As a result, he lost his lands.

The 1719 Jacobite Rising

In 1719, some men from Clan Sutherland fought for the British Government. They were at the Battle of Glenshiel. They helped defeat the Jacobites. The Earl and chief of Clan Sutherland had been named Gordon since the 1500s. However, John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland, changed his name back to Sutherland. He was officially recognized as chief of Clan Sutherland in 1719. In 1724, General Wade estimated the clan had 1,000 fighting men.

The 1745 Jacobite Rising

Clan Sutherland also supported the British Government during the Jacobite rising of 1745. At the start of the rising, William Sutherland, 17th Earl of Sutherland made peace with the Mackays. This settled their old feud. In 1745, Clan Sutherland had about 2,000 fighting men.

During the rising, Jacobites under George Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Cromartie took over Dunrobin Castle. The Earl of Sutherland barely escaped through a back door. He then sailed to Aberdeen. There he joined the Duke of Cumberland's army.

However, this same Jacobite force was defeated by the Clan Sutherland militia. This happened at the Battle of Littleferry. Three companies of Sutherland local militia fought in the battle. Despite these efforts, the Earl of Sutherland struggled to prove his loyalty to London. Eric Sutherland, 4th Lord Duffus stayed loyal to the Crown. He gave information about the rebels to the Earl of Sutherland.

Who Leads the Clan Now?

The chief of Clan Sutherland was the Earl of Sutherland. When William Sutherland, 18th Earl of Sutherland, died in 1766, he had only one daughter, Elizabeth. This led to a legal fight over who would get the title.

Elizabeth's right to be chief as a woman was challenged. First, George Sutherland of Forse challenged her. He was a direct male descendant of the first Earls of Sutherland. Then, Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstoun challenged her. He was a direct male descendant of the later Gordon Earls of Sutherland.

The case went to the House of Lords in 1771. They decided that Elizabeth had the right to the title. She married George Leveson-Gower, 1st Duke of Sutherland. He later became the first Duke of Sutherland in 1833. The Duke started businesses on the coast. He also removed many tenants from their land. This was part of the Highland Clearances. He did not follow the usual duties of a Scottish clan chief.

However, two clan members, Alexander and John Sutherland of Sciberscross, opposed these clearances. Alexander Sutherland, an army officer, strongly spoke out against them. He gave information to the London newspapers. His brother, John Sutherland, secretly helped the Kildonan rebels in 1813. These rebels were fighting against the clearances.

When the fifth Duke of Sutherland died, the leadership of the clan went to his niece. She was Elizabeth Sutherland, 24th Countess of Sutherland.

Clan Castles

Many castles have been owned by Clan Sutherland. Here are some of them:

Dunrobin Castle, near Golspie, Sutherland. This is the historic home of the Earls of Sutherland. The current castle was built from an old stronghold. It was updated by Robert Lorimer. During World War I, it was a naval hospital. From 1963 to 1972, it was a public boys' school. People say the castle is haunted by a girl's ghost. One story says she fell trying to run away with her lover. Another says she fell after refusing an Earl. Dunrobin Castle is still owned by the Countess of Sutherland.
House of Tongue, near Tongue, Sutherland. This is now owned by the Countess of Sutherland. It used to belong to the Mackay Lords Reay. There was once a tower house of Clan Mackay here. The current house dates from 1678.
Dornoch Castle, also called Dornoch Palace. This castle was first held by the Bishops of Caithness. It passed to the Earls of Sutherland after the Protestant Reformation. In 1567, George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness, burned the town and cathedral. He also attacked the castle. This was to gain control of the young Earl of Sutherland. Dornoch Castle held out for a month. It surrendered on fair terms. But the hostages given by the defenders were later killed. The castle was then burned and left in ruins. It was restored in the 1800s as a courthouse and jail. The castle is said to be haunted. There are also stories of a tunnel linking it to the nearby cathedral. It is now a hotel.
Duffus Castle, near Elgin, Moray. This was the home of the Sutherland of Duffus branch of the clan. It was first built by Freskin, the ancestor of both the Sutherlands and Murrays. Duffus went to the Sutherlands by marriage in 1350. The Sutherlands owned the lands until 1843. In the late 1600s, the Sutherlands left the castle for Duffus House. The Sutherlands of Duffus have a burial place at St Peter's Church.
Forse Castle, near Dunbeath, Caithness. This was the home of the Sutherland of Forse branch. The castle was left empty in the 1700s. Forse House was built in 1753.
Golspie Tower, Golspie, Sutherland. This was the site of a large tower owned by the Earls of Sutherland.
Helmsdale Castle, Helmsdale, Sutherland. This was a castle owned by the Earls of Sutherland. At Helmsdale Castle, Isobel Sinclair poisoned John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland and his wife. She wanted her own son to become the Earl. This plot was apparently planned by George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness.
Langwell Castle, Latheron, Caithness. This was held by the Earls of Sutherland. It was replaced by Langwell House, a mansion, in the 1700s. The property was sold to the Sinclairs in 1788. Then it went to the Dukes of Portland, who still own it.
Skelbo Castle, near Dornoch, Sutherland. This is now a ruined castle. It was held by the Sutherlands of Skelbo. In 1308, Robert the Bruce captured the castle. The Sutherlands of Skelbo gained the Lordship of Duffus in the 1300s. This Sutherland family lost their property for supporting the Jacobite rising of 1715. The property then went to the Earls of Sutherland.
Clyne, near Brora, Sutherland. This is the site of a castle once held by the Clyne family. It passed to the Sutherlands in 1550. They still owned it in the mid-1700s.
Berriedale Castle, at Berriedale, near Dunbeath in Caithness. This was first held by the Cheynes in the 1300s. It passed to the Sutherlands by marriage. By 1526, it went to Clan Oliphant. In 1606, it went to the Sinclair Earl of Caithness.
Cnoc Chaisteal, near Dornoch, Sutherland. This is the site of a castle. It was likely built by the Sutherlands of Evelix around 1570.
Skibo Castle, near Dornoch, Sutherland. This is now a mansion on the site of a castle. The Mackays, Grays, and others have held the castle. It was updated for the Sutherlands in 1872. But Andrew Carnegie bought it in 1895. It is now a private country club.
Aberscross Castle near Dornoch, Sutherland. This was the home of the Murrays or Morrays of Aberscross. They were a branch of Clan Sutherland. They were important supporters of the Earl of Sutherland. They were in charge of defending the area. Their name often appears in fights with the Mackays and Sinclairs. Aberscross Castle became a ruin in the 1600s. The original Earls of Sutherland were called "de Moravia," meaning "of Moray" or "of Murray." Aberscross Castle was held by the de Moravia (Murray) family since the late 1100s.

Clan Sutherland Profile

Gaelic Names: Suithearlarach (one person) & Na Suithearlaraichean (the group)
Motto: "Sans Peur" (This is French for "Without Fear")
Slogan: "Ceann na Drochaide Bige!" (This is Gaelic for "The Head of the Little Bridge!")
Pipe Music: "The Earl of Sutherland's March"
Crest: A wildcat standing up.
Supporters: Two wild men with laurel wreaths. They hold staffs.
Plant Badge: Butcher's Broom, Cotton Sedge
Animal Symbol: Cat.
Arms (Coat of Arms for the Earl of Sutherland, 1719):
- Shield: Red, with three gold stars. Around the edge is a gold border. This border has a double pattern of red flowers.

Clan Tartans

Clan Sutherland tartan.

Sutherland
Old Sutherland
Old Sutherland (Dress)

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Clan Sutherland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

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