Clan Farquharson (; ) is a Highland Scottish clan based at Invercauld and Braemar, Aberdeenshire, and is a member of the Chattan Confederation.

History

Origins

thumb|A romantic depiction of a clansman illustrated by [[R. R. McIan, from James Logan's The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, 1845.]]

The chiefs of the Clan Farquharson trace their ancestry back to Farquhar, fourth son of Alexander "Ciar" of Rothiemurchus.

In 1595 the Clan Farquharson joined the Chattan Confederation and a bond of manrent acknowledged the chief of Clan Mackintosh, who was also chief of Clan Chattan as their "natyff cheiff".

In the late 17th century the Earl of Airlie came into dispute with the Clan MacThomas over the lands of Canlochcan. Airlie's legal action was successful but the chief of Clan MacThomas refused to recognize this and continued to pasture his cattle on the disputed land.

18th century and Jacobite risings

During the Jacobite rising of 1715 another John Farquharson of Invercauld was a colonel in the Chattan Confederation regiment which supported James Francis Edward Stuart.

In 1745 the strength of the Clan was estimated as 500 by Duncan Forbes, Lord Culloden. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, the cousin of John Farquharson was Lady Anne Farquharson-MacKintosh who was wife of Angus Mackintosh, chief of Clan Mackintosh.

Modern clan

Alwyne Arthur Compton Farquharson, Chief of the Name and Arms of Farquharson, 16th Baron of Invercauld and Omnalprie, MC, JP; as recognised by Lord Lyon King of Arms died on 6 October 2021. Born 1 May 1919 as Alwyne Arthur Compton, son of Major Edward Robert Francis Compton, of Newby Hall, Ripon, Yorkshire, and of Torloisk, Aros, Isle of Mull, Scotland (grandson of William Compton, 4th Marquess of Northampton) and Sylvia Farquharson of Invercauld, he was confirmed MacFionnlaidh by Lyon Court in 1949, having taken the name of Farquharson. He served with distinction as a captain in the Royal Scots Greys during World War Two. Captain Farquharson resided at Valley Farm, Norfolk with his second wife, Madame Patricia Farquharson. He is succeeded by his great-nephew Philip Farquharson of Invercauld, 17th Baron of Invercauld and Omnalprie, Chief of the Name and Arms of Farquharson.

Castles

thumb|left|[[Braemar Castle]]

thumb|Farquharson mausoleum in Braemar Kirkyard near Braemar Castle

thumb|right|300px|Carn na Cuimbne or the Cairn of Memory is among the trees on the north bank of the river. It was here that the Clan Farquharson mustered their men and prepared for whatever battle they had been summoned to fight. Each man left a stone on the cairn and removed it when he returned. The stones which remained marked the number of those who had died.

Castles held by the Farquhars and Farquharsons have included:

  • Invercauld House, two miles north-east of Braemar in Aberdeenshire is a solid castellated mansion with a massive tower, battlements and turrets. It is built with an old tower house built into its fabric. || Farquharson Dress

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Clan profile

  • Crest: On a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, a demi-lion Gules holding in his dexter paw a sword Proper.
  • Motto: Fide et Fortitudine ("Fidelity and Fortitude") and (On compartment) I force nae freen, I fear nae foe.
  • Gathering the Clan for battle: The Farquharsons would gather at the Carn na Cuimhe beside the river Dee, east of Invercauld. A fire cross is said to have been sent around the clan lands by runners to notify fighting men to gather.

There are several tartans attributed to the name Farquharson.

See also

  • Scottish clan

References

  • Farquharson Clan UK
  • Clan Farquharson Association of Canada
  • Clan Farquharson, USA