Clan Ogilvy/Clan Ogilvie

Ogilvy is a highland clan, originating, in Angus county, Scotland.  It is believed that Gilbert, a descendant of the Earls of Angus, was the first chief of the clan.  He received a Barony from King William in 1163.  The name, itself, is derived from the old British word ocel-fa meaning high plain.

The motto of clan Ogilvy is A Fin, meaning, to the end, and, the crest features a lady, from the waist upwards, holding a portcullis Gules.

The historic seat of the clan is Airlie Castle, located in the parish of Airlie Angus.  The land was granted to Walter Ogilvy of Lintrathen in 1432 and a castle was built on the River Isla.  In 1640 parliamentarian troops under the command of Archibald Campbell destroyed the castle.  The castle was rebuilt in 1778 by David Ogilvy.  The Ogilvy family still owns the castle.

The Ogilvies lost their titles in the 18th century when David Ogilvy supported the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.  It wasn’t until 1896 that the clan’s title and lands were restored by an Act of Parliament.

The current chiefs of Clan Ogilvy live with there family at Cortachy Castle in Cortachy, Angus.  This castle was acquired by the Ogilvies in 1473 and has been the family home for over 500 years.  The castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of a drummer who can be heard when the chief of the clan passes away.