Fraser of Philorth Clan Crest
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CREST: on a mount a flourish of strawberries leaved and fructed Proper MOTTO: All my hope is in god TRANSLATION: N/A VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The Frasers of Philorth are a Scottish clan with a rich and complex history. With origins in France, the clan first appeared in Scotland in the 12th century when Simon Fraser held lands in East Lothian. However, it was not until the 14th century that the family’s fortunes began to truly flourish.
Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie and Durris, who was a cousin of the executed Sir Simon Fraser, acquired the castle of Cairnbulg and the lands of Philorth in 1375 through his marriage to Joanna, the daughter and co-heiress of the Earl of Ross. This acquisition was a significant boon for the family and marked the beginning of their rise to prominence in Scottish society. |
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| Purchase @ Redbubble | |
| Over the centuries, the Frasers of Philorth continued to build on their success. In 1592, Sir Alexander Fraser received charters from James VI which allowed him to found the fishing village of Faithlie and transform it into a thriving town. He also improved the harbor, which became a burgh of regality and a free port called Fraserburgh. Additionally, he was authorized to found a university in the town, although the scheme was ultimately unsuccessful.
The Frasers of Philorth were also involved in the construction of several notable structures. The eighth laird of Philorth, for example, built Fraserburgh Castle, which was later converted into the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse. However, his ambitious building projects eventually led to his bankruptcy, forcing him to sell the Castle of Philorth. It remained out of the family’s possession for over 300 years until the nineteenth Lord Saltoun was able to buy it back in 1934. Despite their successes, the Frasers of Philorth were not immune to tragedy. The family’s house, Philorth House, was burned down in 1915. However, the clan persevered, and today the current head of the Fraser family is also a member of the royal family, being married to Captain Alexander Ramsay of Mar, a great-grandson of Queen Victoria. The Frasers of Philorth have played a significant role in Scottish history and continue to be a prominent clan to this day. Through their marriages, construction projects, and other endeavors, they have left a lasting impact on Scotland’s cultural heritage. |
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