Clan Kerr

Clan Kerr or Clan Carr is a scottish clan originating in the Scottish border district of Cunninghame.  The surname Kerr is said to been derived from the old Norse name Kjrr which translates into men from the marshes.  The Kerr’s arrived in Scotland from Normandy sometime after the Norman conquest in 1066.  It is believed that the progenitors of the clan were two brothers name Ralph and John who settled in Jedburgh, Scotland during the early 14th century, there is some controversy about which one was the senior and therefore the first chief of the clan.

The clan motto is Sero sed serio, which translates into late but in earnest. The clan crest features the Sun in its spledour.

The historic seat of Clan Kerr is Ferniehirst Castle located just south of Jedburgh Scotland.  The castle was built by the Kerr family in the late 15th century.  The castle was briefly lost to the English in 1547 during the Rough Wooing but the Kerr Clan under the leadership of Sir John Ker were able to take back the castle in 1549.  The castle underwent significant restoration in the 19th century and was used as a youth hostel for much of the 20th century.  In 1988 the castle was again restored and converted into a private home by clan chief, Peter Kerr, the castle is open to the public during July.

The Clan Kerr Society of North America was established in the 1990s with the goal to encourage kinship among members of the Kerr Clan.  The society has claimed to have participated in over 50 highland games and Celtic festivals since that time.  In 2013 the society change its name to Clan Kerr/Carr of the United States and North America and was incorporated in March 2014.