Branches of Clan Robertson (Clan Donnachaidh)
Robertsons of Struan (Chiefs)
The Robertsons of Struan are the chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh, descending from Donnchadh Reamhar (“Stout Duncan”), a 14th-century leader and supposed descendant of the Celtic Earls of Atholl. His son Robert “Riabhach” captured two of the assassins of King James I in 1437 and was rewarded with a crest and barony by James II. Their seat was at Dunalastair near Loch Rannoch, and the chiefs led the clan through feuds, royal service, and all three Jacobite risings. The lands were forfeited in 1746 but later restored. Though the estate was eventually sold in the 19th century, the chiefly line continues to the present.
Robertsons of Lude
Founded in the 14th century by a younger brother of the Struan chief, the Lude family held lands near Blair Atholl and were considered the senior cadet line. They raised troops in multiple conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars. The barony of Lude was lost to creditors in 1821 and sold to James McInroy. Despite the sale, the Lude family is remembered for its loyalty and service to the clan.
Robertsons of Auchleeks
This branch began in the 16th century when a grandson of the Struan chief was granted lands near Kinloch Rannoch. The family produced commissioners and landowners who supported the Jacobite cause. Their estate was sold in the early 1800s, and the line later merged into related branches, but they are remembered as a key clan cadet in Atholl.
Robertsons of Faskally
Established near Pitlochry, the Faskally line provided leadership and military service throughout the clan’s history. George Robertson of Faskally famously escaped British troops by hiding inside an oak tree after Culloden. The estate was sold in the 19th century, but Faskally’s role in clan and Jacobite affairs is well documented.
Robertsons of Inches (Inshes)
Moving from Atholl to Inverness in the early 15th century, this line extended the clan’s reach into northern Scotland. The Robertsons of Inshes were involved in civic life in Inverness and were the progenitors of several other branches in Ross-shire. The line faded in the 18th century but left a lasting mark on regional development.
Robertsons of Kindeace
A cadet of Inshes, this family settled in Easter Ross around 1540. They became prominent landowners and civic figures. William Robertson of Kindeace was involved in the controversial Glencalvie Clearances of 1845, which ended the family’s reputation. The branch became inactive after the 19th century.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Robertsons of Dunalastair (Drumachine line)
This branch descended from a Jacobite colonel and cousin of the chief. After the failure of the 1745 Rising, Duncan Robertson of Drumachine was eventually allowed to repurchase part of the Struan lands. His son restored the family presence at Dunalastair. The estate was again sold in 1853, and while the family retained the chiefship, the estate was lost for good.
Robertsons of Straloch (Strathloch)
A cadet of the Lude line, the Straloch family was known for producing General John Reid, who endowed the Chair of Music at Edinburgh University. The line adopted the surname “Reid” and became extinct upon the general’s death in 1806.
Robertsons of Tenandry
This branch held small estates near Blair Atholl from the 17th century. Loyal to the clan chief and involved in Jacobite activity, the Tenandry line disappeared by the early 19th century.
Robertsons of Killiehangie (Killiechangie)
An early cadet from the Calvine branch, this family held lands near the River Tummel. Their estate was sold in the late 17th century, and the family is last recorded during the Jacobite period.
Robertsons of Blairfettie
A cadet of Calvine and close to the chiefly line, Blairfettie supported the 1715 and 1745 Risings. The line ended tragically after the last laird died in an accidental shooting. Their lands passed to the Auchleeks family.
Robertsons of Kindrochit
A minor cadet in Atholl, Kindrochit’s lands were near the Struan seat. The family line ended in the 18th century and was absorbed into other branches.
Robertsons of Glencalvie
Connected to Kindeace, this branch became infamous for the Glencalvie Clearances in 1845. The estate was sold later in the century, and the family became inactive.
Robertsons of Shipland
A burghal cadet of Inshes based in Inverness, they served as merchants and magistrates. The name disappeared by the 19th century, absorbed into other civic families.
References (APA Format)
Clan Donnachaidh Society. (n.d.). Clan Robertson – Clan Donnachaidh History. Retrieved from https://www.robertson.org
Dunalastair Estate. (n.d.). History of Dunalastair Estate. Retrieved from https://www.dunalastair.com
Fiona Sinclair. (n.d.). Clan Donnachaidh Genealogies. Retrieved from http://www.fionamsinclair.co.uk/genealogy/highlandclans/Duncan.htm
Mackintosh-Shaw, A. (1880). Historical Memoirs of the House and Clan of Mackintosh and of the Clan Chattan. Edinburgh: R. Clay, Sons, and Taylor.
Reid, J. R. (1933). A Short History of the Clan Robertson (Clan Donnachaidh). Edinburgh: William Brown.
Wikipedia. (2024). Clan Robertson (Clan Donnachaidh). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Robertson