Branches of Clan Fraser
Fraser of Lovat
This is the Highland branch of Clan Fraser and the current chiefly line. The Frasers of Lovat descend from Simon Fraser (d. 1333), whose descendants acquired lands around Beauly in Inverness-shire. Hugh Fraser was created 1st Lord Lovat around 1464, solidifying their noble status. The family seat at Dounie Castle was destroyed during the Jacobite risings, but the Frasers rebuilt and later moved to Beaufort Castle. The most famous chief, Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat—nicknamed “The Fox”—was executed in 1747 for his part in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. His descendant, Simon Fraser of Lovat, was restored to the title in the 19th century. Today, the Lovat Frasers remain one of the most prominent Highland clans.
Fraser of Philorth (Lords Saltoun)
The Lowland branch of the clan, the Frasers of Philorth trace their line to Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie and Durris, chamberlain to King Robert the Bruce and brother-in-law through marriage to Bruce’s sister. Around 1375, the family acquired Philorth in Aberdeenshire, and in 1592, Sir Alexander Fraser founded the town of Fraserburgh. The title Lord Saltoun was established in 1445, and it remains in the Fraser family today. The current Lord Saltoun is the head of the Fraser clan in Lowland tradition, and the Philorth line is associated with Fraserburgh and Cairnbulg Castle.
Fraser of Muchalls
A cadet of the Philorth branch, the Frasers of Muchalls held the Castle of Muchalls in Kincardineshire. This line gained prominence in the 17th century with Sir Alexander Fraser, physician to King Charles II. The family supported the Royalist cause during the Civil Wars. Though the Muchalls estate was later sold, the branch left a lasting architectural and political legacy in northeast Scotland.
Fraser of Strichen
A notable cadet of the Lovat line, the Frasers of Strichen held lands in Aberdeenshire. This branch played a pivotal role in restoring the Lovat titles in the 19th century. Simon Fraser, 14th Lord Lovat, descended from the Strichen line, was recognized as chief in 1854 after the reversal of the 1747 attainder. The Strichen line thus re-established the Highland Fraser chiefship and continues through the Lovat Lords today.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Fraser of Fruid
A cadet of the Lovat Frasers, this branch held land near Fruid in Peeblesshire. It remained minor and less politically active. Over time, the Fruid line faded from prominence and is now considered a nonactive branch, though it occasionally appears in genealogical records of the clan.
Fraser of Kinmundy
The Kinmundy Frasers were a cadet of the Philorth line who held lands in Aberdeenshire. They were active during the 17th century and known for their legal and civic involvement. Like many minor landed families, the Kinmundy line dwindled in influence by the 18th century and eventually disappeared as a distinct branch.
Fraser of Durris
A Lowland cadet of the early Fraser line, the Frasers of Durris were among the original holdings of Sir Alexander Fraser, brother-in-law to Robert the Bruce. Though historically important during the Wars of Independence, the Durris line did not endure as a distinct landed family into the modern period and is now remembered as a historically significant but nonactive branch.
References (APA Format)
Fraser, A. M. (1952). The Frasers of Philorth: A History of the Family. Edinburgh: William Brown.
Fraser, W. (1876). The Chiefs of the Frasers: Their History and Genealogy. Edinburgh: Privately printed.
MacLean, D. (1999). Clan Fraser. Edinburgh: Johnston & Bacon.
ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Fraser History. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com
Electric Scotland. (n.d.). Fraser Clan Profile. Retrieved from https://electricscotland.com/webclans/stoz/fraser2.html
Wikipedia. (2024). Clan Fraser. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Fraser