Branches of Clan Macpherson
Macphersons of Cluny
The Cluny Macphersons are the chiefly line of Clan Macpherson, descending from Muireach, a 12th-century parson of Kingussie. Their seat at Cluny Castle in Laggan made them one of the most powerful families in Badenoch. Ewen Macpherson of Cluny led the clan during the 1745 Rising and famously hid in “Cluny’s Cage” for nine years after Culloden. The original castle was destroyed in 1746, and the family regained the estate in 1784. Though the direct male line ended in the 20th century, the chiefship continues today through a cadet line, currently held by James Brodie Macpherson of Cluny.
Macphersons of Pitmain
This early cadet line was founded by a younger son of Ewan Ban Macpherson of Cluny and held lands near Kingussie from the 14th century. The Pitmain family helped defend Badenoch during clan feuds and produced several significant offshoots. The direct line ended in the 18th century, and the estate later passed to the family of poet James Macpherson. Pitmain remains one of the most historically influential Macpherson branches.
Macphersons of Invereshie
A senior cadet line descended from Gilleasbaig, third son of Ewan Ban of Cluny. The Invereshie family held lands in Strathspey and produced notable figures, including Sir Aeneas Macpherson, author of The Loyall Dissuasive. The estate later passed to the Macpherson-Grant family of Ballindalloch. Though the male line faded, their legacy continues in clan history and literature.
Macphersons of Nuide
Located near Kingussie, this cadet line descended from a younger son of the Cluny family. In the 18th century, William Macpherson of Nuide was heir presumptive to the chiefship. This line later produced Colonel Allan Macpherson of Blairgowrie, from whom the current chief descends. The Nuide branch served as a bridge between the historic and modern leadership of the clan.
Macphersons of Banchor
A cadet of the Nuide line, the Banchor Macphersons held land near Newtonmore. Members of this family were active in clan politics and later distinguished themselves in public life. Sir Ian Macpherson of Banchor was elevated to the peerage as Baron Strathcarron. Though the estate is no longer in clan hands, the lineage survives in the British peerage.
Macphersons of Breakachie
Founded in the 15th century, this cadet line intermarried with several other branches, including Phoness and Cluny. The Breakachie Macphersons participated in the Jacobite Risings and supported the chief militarily and politically. The estate passed out of family hands by the 19th century, but the branch remains notable for its close ties to the core of the clan.
Macphersons of Dalchully
A scholarly cadet line best known for preserving clan history. William G. D. Lachlan Macpherson of Dalchully authored The Chiefs of Clan Macpherson in 1947. While the family did not hold large estates, their contributions to clan heritage and record-keeping were substantial. This branch remains historically important though now inactive as a landholding family.
Macphersons of Glentruim
Established in the 19th century by Major Ewan Macpherson, this branch built and improved Glentruim House in upper Speyside. The family was connected to the Pitmain line and played an important role in Victorian-era clan revival. Though the estate has since been sold, Glentruim was a symbol of 19th-century clan resurgence.
Macphersons of Blairgowrie
Descended from the Nuide line, Colonel Allan Macpherson established this branch at Newton Castle in the 18th century. The Blairgowrie family inherited the chiefship in the 20th century and remains the present-day representative of the clan. Newton Castle is the current seat of the chiefs of Clan Macpherson.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Macphersons of Strathmashie
An early cadet branch from the Pitmain line, the Strathmashie family held lands in upper Badenoch. The last known laird emigrated to the West Indies in the 18th century. With his departure, the estate passed out of Macpherson hands, and the branch became extinct.
Macphersons of Brin
Located in Strathnairn, this cadet branch descended from Benjamin Macpherson, a younger son of the Cluny line. The male line ended around 1665, and the estate was entailed to the Cluny chief. Brin ceased to exist as a cadet family after that point.
Macphersons of Essich
This obscure branch appeared in the Inverness area in the 15th century. One member was noted in 1715 for his political prominence. The line disappeared by the mid-1700s and the estate later passed to the Mackintoshes. Essich is remembered only in clan genealogies today.
Macphersons of Phoness
A cadet of Pitmain, the Phoness line held lands near Kingussie. It ended with Angus Macpherson in the late 18th century. Though once regarded as a principal cadet family, the estate was absorbed into larger holdings and the branch is now extinct.
Macphersons of Killihuntly
A minor Badenoch branch linked by marriage to the Phoness family. The estate was eventually lost and the family line faded in the 19th century. Killihuntly today is remembered primarily through archival mentions.
Macphersons of Garvamore
Another minor Pitmain cadet, Garvamore was held by Angus Macpherson in the 18th century. He relocated to Berwickshire and the estate passed out of Macpherson hands. This branch is now extinct, with no remaining land or leadership role.
Macphersons of Invertromie
A 16th-century cadet branch tied to poet James Macpherson’s family. Invertromie faded as a distinct estate by the 19th century, and the branch is now considered inactive.
Macphersons of Pitchern, Clune, and Pitgowan
These micro-branches, descended from Pitmain, held small farms in Badenoch. They existed in the 17th–18th centuries but faded quickly and are preserved only in genealogical records.
References (APA Format)
Browne, J. (1850). A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans (Vol. IV). Edinburgh: A. Fullarton & Co.
Douglas, R. (1798). The Baronage of Scotland. Edinburgh: D. Douglas.
Macpherson, A. (1893). Glimpses of Church and Social Life in the Highlands. Edinburgh: D. Douglas.
Macpherson of Dalchully. (1947). The Chiefs of Clan Macpherson. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd.
Way, G., & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Clan Macpherson. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Macpherson
Clan Macpherson Association. (1981). Clan Chattan Journal, 7(5), 5–10.
Electric Scotland. (n.d.). Clan Macpherson. Retrieved from https://www.electricscotland.com
Cairngorms National Park Authority. (2017). Historic Designed Landscapes Project: Glentruim. Report No. 11.