Clan Carruthers

Clan Carruthers is a Lowland Scottish clan originating in the County of Dumfries, Scotland.  The surname Carruthers was derived from the name of an ancient British fort named Caer Rydderch.  The Carruthers family acquired their lands in the 12th century.  The first person with the surname Carruthers on record was William of Carruthers who in the early 11th century was listed as making a donation to Newbattle Abbey.

The motto of the clan is Promtus et Fidelis which translates into “Ready and faithful”, and the clans crest features a cherubs head between three pairs of wings.

The historic seat of the clan is Mouswald Tower located 6 miles south-east of Dumfries.  The tower was built in the 15th century.  In 1548 the chief of Clan Carruthers, Simon Carruthers was killed during a border raid led by Lord Herries.  Simon died without a male heir and his daughter married into the Douglas family, allowing the Douglases to take ownership of the tower.  Only the eastern half of the tower presently survives.

The Clan Carruthers Society International was formed in 2007 with the goal to represent the clan internationally and to support the confirmation of a clan chief.  After 12 years of research the society decided to legally petition the Lord Lyon King of Arms to have a chief confirmed.  On August 19, 2019, Dr. Simon Peter Carruthers was declared chief of the Clan.  The Clan now enjoys official recognition as a ‘Noble Incorporation’ under Scottish Law.