Clan Matheson

Clan Matheson is a highland Scottish Clan originating in the Lochaish district of Scotland. The surname Matheson is derived from the Gaelic “Mic Mhathghamhuin”, meaning son of the bear. The Matheson family settled in Lochalsh, Wester Ross some time before the mid 13th century as they were mentioned in the Ragman Rolls as being a prominent family in this area. Legend states the the clan descended from a man named Gilleion, who was from the royal house of Lorne in Argyleshire during the 9th century.

The motto of the clan is In Fac Et Spera which stands for “Do and hope”, and the clans crest features a hand holding a sword emerging from a crown.

The historic seat of the clan is Fort Matheson at Loch Achaidh na h-Inich, a loch located near Balmacara, Scotland. The fort was located North-West of the loch and remains of the old fort are still visible. In the 15th century the MacDonald Clan, led by Alexander of Islay, took over ownership of the Matheson land holdings in Lochasih. This happened after Alexander was elevated to the Earl of Ross. The Matheson swore their loyalty to the Earl and became vassals on their own land.

In the 17th century the clan chief, John Matheson, purchased the lands around Bennetsfield on the Black Isle and moved his family. The seat of the clan moved to Bennetsfield creating a new branch of the clan. The chiefship continued with the Bennetsfield branch of the family until 1975 when Colonel Bertrum Heylin Matheson of Bennetsfield died without heir. Major Torquhil Matheson of Matheson , 6th Baronet of Lochalsh, succeeded Bertrum as clan chief restoring the chiefship to the Lochalsh branch.

The Clan Matheson Society was founded in the mid-twentieth century to make connections between fellow clan and family members. There are currently five branches of the clan located in Canada, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom and Australia.