Hugh Fraser, 3rd Lord Lovat facts for kids

Hugh Fraser, 3rd Lord Lovat (born around 1494 – died July 15, 1544) was an important Scottish noble. He was the leader, or Chief, of Clan Fraser of Lovat from 1524 until his death.

About Hugh Fraser

Hugh Fraser was the oldest son of Thomas Fraser, 2nd Lord Lovat and Janet Gordon. His father passed away in 1524. Hugh worked to make his family's land holdings bigger. He bought new estates and also received land from the king. One important piece of land he gained was near Beaufort.

A Clan Dispute

Lord Lovat became involved in a big disagreement within another clan, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. This happened after their chief, Alexander Macdonald, died around 1530. Alexander's son, John Moidartach, became the new chief. He had the support of Ewen Cameron, the chief of Clan Cameron.

However, a powerful noble named George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly did not like Cameron's involvement. Huntly was a nephew of King James V.

In 1540, King James V had John Moidartach arrested and put in prison. After this, John's uncle, Ranald Gallda, claimed he should be the chief instead. Lord Lovat supported Ranald, saying John was not the rightful heir.

The Battle of Loch Lochy

When John Moidartach was released from prison, he returned home. Ranald Gallda could not stay in power and fled to Lord Lovat, who gave him a safe place to stay.

Ewen Cameron then joined the Macdonalds in attacking Lord Lovat's lands. In response, Lord Huntly came to help Lord Lovat. Together, they attacked the Macdonalds' lands.

As Lord Lovat was returning from this attack, the Macdonalds and Camerons chased him. They caught up with the Frasers at the top of Loch Lochy on July 15, 1544.

A battle began, and it was a terrible loss for Clan Fraser of Lovat. Lord Lovat himself was killed. His brother James and his oldest son Simon also died. About three hundred men from his clan were killed too. Ranald Gallda, the man Lord Lovat had supported, also died in the battle. This meant John Moidartach was now truly secure as chief.

Lord Huntly was very angry about what happened. He quickly returned to the area and arrested Ewen Cameron. Cameron was later put to death in 1547.

His Family Life

Hugh Fraser had two brothers named William and James. He also had three sisters: Margaret, Isobel, and Janet. Janet married John Crichton. Hugh also had three half-brothers: Robert, Andrew, and Thomas.

Hugh Fraser was married twice. His first wife was Anna Grant. She passed away around 1536. Their son, Hugh Fraser, Master of Lovat, was killed at Loch Lochy in 1544.

His second wife was Janet Ross. She passed away in 1565. Their children included:

• Alexander Fraser, 4th Lord Lovat
• Simon Fraser
• William Fraser of Struy
• Hugh Fraser
• Agnes Fraser, who married Walter MacLeod. Their daughter was Mary MacLeod.
• Margaret Fraser