Clan Ross

Clan Ross is a highland Scottish clan that originated in the north-east of Scotland.  The name Ross was derived from the gaelic place name “ros” meaning headland.

In 1214 the Clan Ross chief (“Fearcher Mac an t-Sagirt” ), meaning “son of the priest”, received the title of Earl of Ross by king Alexander the second, after they helped repress a rebellion by Donald Bane who was trying to claim the throne of Scotland.

The motto of Clan Ross is Spem Successus Alit, meaning, success nourishes hope, and the clan crest is represented by a dexter hand holding a garland of laurel.

In 1250 the Earl of Rosses’ son William was abducted in a revolt against the Earl.  The Earl’s son was rescued with help of the Munro Clan, cementing a close relationship between the two clans.

The historic seat of Clan Ross is Balnagown Castle, located in Kildary, Easter Ross, Scotland.  The castle was built in the 14th century by Hugh, Mormaer of Ross.

In the 15th century Uilleam the third, the earl of Ross, died without leaving a male heir to the Earldom.  This resulted in two rival claimants and led to the Battle of Harlaw, this fight between branches of the clan ended with no clear winner.  The battle was so fierce that it was nicknamed “Red Harlaw” and is commemorated by a memorial on the battlefield near the town of Inverurie.

The Tain and District Museum located in Tain, Northern Scotland is home to the Clan Ross Centre.  The centre acts as the gathering point for Clan Ross Gatherings and welcomes clan members from all over the world.  The first Clan Ross gathering was in 2009 at the centre.