Clan Rose

Clan Rose is a highland Scottish Clan originating in the Inverness-shire area of Scotland.  The Roses can trace their heritage back to a Norman Knight, named deRos, who emigrated to Scotland in the 13th century along with other families who came over after the Norman conquest.  The progenitor of the clan is considered to be Hugh of Kilravock who established his home at Kilravock in 1280 after marrying Mari de Bosco and uniting these two families.

The motto of the clan is Constant and True and the clan’s crest features A harp upon a chapeau.

The historic seat of the clan is Kilravock Castle located near the village of Croy, between Inverness and Nairn.  The castle dates back to the mid 15th century when John, lord of the Isles granted the Rose family a license to build the castle.  The mission house was added in 1553 and a main staircase, corridors and the West Wing were added in the 18th century.   The Rose Clan gave up the rights to the castle in 1984 when it passed onto a charitable religious organization created by Miss Elizabeth Rose.  The organization operated it as a bed a breakfast for several years before the castle was eventually closed to the public.

The Clan Rose society of America informally organized in 1969 at the Grandfather Mountain Highland games.  In 1970 an official meeting took place and a formal organization was formed.  The society has several objectives including promoting social, cultural and educational activities related to Scottish traditions, promoting the clan at highland games and events and most important, keeping in contact with the Chief of Clan Rose.