Clan Menzies

Clan Menzies is a Highland Scottish clan originating in the Perthshire district of Scotland.  The Menzies surname originated in Mesnieres, Normandy.  The first mention of the family in Scotland was in the 11th century when Sir Robert de Myneris received a royal patronage from Alexander II.  Robert is considered to be the first clan chief.  The Menzie clan supported Robert the Bruce during the war of Independence and were granted properties and estates in Perthshire expanding their power in the area.
The motto of clan Menzies is Vil god I sal which translates to God Willing I shall, first uttered in the 1330 Battle of Teba by Lord Robert the Menzies.  The clan crest features a savage head erased proper.

The historic seat of the clan is Castle Menzies located in the village of Weem in Perthshire.  The castle was started in the 15th century and expanded greatly over the next hundred years.  In 1914 the Menzie family lost control over the castle when the estates of the clan were auctioned off by trustees.  In 1957 the Menzies Clan Society was able to purchase the ruins of the castle for less than 300 pounds.

With the death of Sir Neil Menzies in 1910 the direct line of clan Menzies died off.  Miss Egidia Menzies, the chief’s sister was elected chiefainess, however she was not recognized by the Lord Lyon court.  In 1957 descendants of the family were successful in petitioning the Lord Lyon and the chief of clan Menzies was restored.

The Clan Menzies society began in 1892 at the Weem Hotel during a celebration for then chief Sir Robert Menzies.  The society was renewed in 1957 after the clan chief was recognized by Lord Lyon and the purchase of Menzies castle.  The clansmen gather every year for a meeting in the restored ballroom at the castle.