History of the Grants.
( 81)At this distance of time, it is impossible to ascertain with precision many things; and, therefore vain to pretend to account for several tales, which have been collected at different periods and deposited, as authentic, in several libraries. The ravaging hands of the Edwards of England, who either destroyed or carried away, all the registers preserved in the public archives of the country; and the ruinous intestine discords that often prevailed, must inevitably check every enquirer (83) to the genealogy and history of private families, as well as antiquity in general, in their career.
From the public records it is alone that we can expect to meet with certainty: Yet, excluding these, we must not explode, as erroneous or altogether spurious, the records and manuscripts, written and reserved by particular clans and families. For, we have no reason to think that their judgements were so bad, or their understandings so dark, as that they would have imagined they could impose upon even themselves, and much less on mankind, with mere phantoms, the product of distempered brains. But, it must be acknowledged, at the same time, that the accounts thus kept of particular men and particular actions, are much exaggerated beyond what we find in historians, who have related the same at full length. So long, however, as we have probability on our side, we are not to reject such stories.
(85) The carrying up the Grants to Wodine the heathen, is, it must be acknowledged, a task altogether impracticable; and, therefore, without avering as facts several of the things to be met with in what follows, I am to give them as they are related in different manuscripts. As we proceed, we shall intersperse various anecdotes, not to be met with in any MS I have seen, which I have collected at different times for my own amusement.
Chapter I: Of Wodine
There was, say historians, a certain Prince originally of Asia, called Wodine. This name, in the language of Norway, signifies Prince or Great; a man for heathenish piety and bodily strength very renowned. His piety (87) occasioned his being worshipped under the name of Mercurius: And, because the Romans called the fourth day of the week from their God Mercury, ''Dies Mercurii'', therefore was this called in the language of Norway, ''Oudensdugh'', in our language ''Wednesday''. His bodily strength occasioned his being called a giant, or strong man; and there was a tradition current, that there were three such, at least men who had that epithet affixed to them; from one of whom, by name ''Call or Fin o'evil'' are the McDonalds in Scotland descended; from another called, ''Formid o'duine'', is, the name of Campbel of Glenchuire derived; and from the third, by name ''Wodine'', are the Grants sprung, who, to this day are called ''Slichk o'duine, that is offspring of Wodine, hence Shiol o’duine, ffine o’enil agus fformid o' duine.
Wodine, on coming to Norway, was held in great esteem. He built a city in the province of Fulinen, or Funen perhaps, which, from his own name, imitation of the Trojan Æneas, who called Lavinium after his wife's, he called Oudensay, which it retains to this day.
(89) Nor was he less regarded by the Saxons, who did not only boast of him as their progenitor, but also venerated him as a God, to whom they offered in sacrifice their prisoners of war. Before engaging in any battle, it is said to have been their constant practice to address Wodine by prayers for success and favour, so superstitious were they. The Danish records testify that Harald, the first King of Norway, sacrificed to him two of his sons, in hopes of obtaining victory over Harald King of Denmark.
But, whether of Asiatic origin or not, the Wodine alluded to is no doubt, the great grandfather of Hengist, the first who came to England with the Saxons, reigned over them in Kent, and died, An. 487. Bede. At the time when the Saxons were dispersing, it is probable, a collateral branch of this family settled in Norway; and that from it the Grants deduce their genealogy, tho' it is impossible to lead the thread unbroken thro' so long a labyrinth as the middle ages.
(91) Wodine was married to Freia, who for her husband's sake, was worshipped under the name of Venus. And, among the Danes, Scots and English, the sixth day of the week, which the Romans called, ''Dies Venesis'', goes by the name of Friday. By his wife Wodine begat seven sons, of whose posterity several reigned in England during the Saxon heptarchy, and ruled these principalities till about the year 800 after Christ. And history informs us that the Saxons acknowledged Wodine for their progenitor, as was anticipated. His issue was known to the world, by mark of a cornered crown, worn thus by each of them. The eldest son had one in his coat armorial; the second, two; the third, three; and so on.
Chapter II: Of Cagles 2.
(93) Wodine was succeeded by Cagles, his sixth son, who, for distinction's sake, had six crowns in his coat of arms, which his posterity wore also to point out their birth. The MS. says he died in 650. It should be rather 560.
Chapter III: Of Toffa 3
Toffa, acknowledged to be lineally descended from Cagles (for it is maintained that, with too great justice I fear, that, between Cagles and Toffa, lived several other) behaved so nobly that he was created king of East Angles An. 577. The MS differs as to the chronology, making it, 675.Accordingly we find Toffa or Offa, son of Esca, king of Kent, mentioned by English historians, as king (95) of East Angles about this time. Bede
Chapter IV: Of Haquin 1
Haquin, a descendant, said in a manuscript I have before me to have been a son, of Toffa King of East Angles, married Suansilla, daughter of Suenarnian, alias Hamar, son of Esmen King of Norway.
The confusions then predominating in England, and the close alliance formed between him and Esmen, occasioned the former's leaving England and settling in Norway, where, because he had frequently signalized himself, and was reputed a good champion, he was created Lord of Ury. (97) Here he had by his lady, Suansilla, a son, whom he named Grotgart.
Chapter V: Of Grotgart
Grotgart, heir and successor of Haquin Lord of Ury in Norway, lived in great grandeur and pomp, till about the year 820, at which time he had a son whom he called Haquin after the patronimical manner.
About this time, there arose violent tumults and commotions, which ended in a civil war, owing, as authors say, to the setting up a new king. Tame, as the people then were, they proved unwilling to subjugate themselves any longer to the tyranny (99) exercised over them by former princes. In these broils Grotgart had his share: hence his days were shortened by an untimely end; the succession of his son accelerated.
Chapter VI: Of Haquin 2
This Haquin, second of that name, Lord of Ury, a man wise and valiant, and in great favour with Harald King of Norway, was married to Alfreda, Earl of Hardeck's daughter. She had several children to him, of whom the Chief and Representative was Sigort, who, for his personal accomplishments, and different acts of heroism, was deservedly (101) much esteemed by Harold, who created him Earl of Trondelagan in Norway. He died about 890; and was succeeded by his son Sigort.
Chapter VII: Of Sigort
Sigort, Earl of Trondelagan, and Lord of Ury in Norway was intermarried with an honourable family, now unknown. By his wife, he had only one son, to whom he gave the name of Haquin. The esteem and greatness, Sigort had and was held in, subjected him to the envy of others who, by basely bringing over (103) his bastard brother, instigated that monster to perpetrate the horrid crime of fratricide. So that, during the silence of night Sigort, with his whole family except his son Haquin, who found means to escape were burnt to death in their own house.
Chapter VIII: Of Haquin 3.
Haquin, third Earl of Trondelagan, and Lord of Ury, was born about the beginning of the ninth century. This is he from whom the Grants derive the coat armorial still used by them. The manner he obtained this was, as follows: Happening once to meet with some of his villiest enemies, irritated at the remembrance of his father’s tragical death, and actuated also by revenge, a (105) passion in those days as meritious as justifiable, he pluckt up a small tree by the root, the most obvious weapon that presented itself. This he lifted on his shoulders; and pursuing his foes, he overtook and beat them in pieces. Admitting, then, that the tree he pluckt up was but small, not wonder his strength was rumored abroad, and universally admired.
Accordingly, on account of this heroic action, he got the name of Grant. In the imperfect tracts still preserved, the appellation or epithet given besides his name “grandis” is: Haquin erat grandis. Hence in English Grand; and by changing the middle d into the slender t, the name Grant was formed. His successors had, in their crown armorial, “two strong men with trees for supporters, and the motto “Stand fast””, importing his fidelity, steadiness, or fast standing in the great trust committed to him, as we shall soon hear.
(107) By the way it is to be remarked that this was the occasion given the Grants of using that motto, which is commonly engraved on their letter seals; tho’ sometimes, they omit that, and use the words “Craig-Ellachie’’, to signify that those resident between the two Craig Ellachies are to stand fast in defence of the Clan.
Haquin bore, in his coat armorial, an ax with its edge directed to the face of a lion rampant, as an emblem of his strong power against his greatest foes. His strength and boldness were great; his courage and conduct no less singular. In consequence of which, he was promoted to the office of Lord Protector of the kingdom of Norway, during the King’s minority; in that department he acted the faithful Regent till the King arrived at maturity, and became capable of holding the reins of government himself. And so good was the part he acted, that the king and people (109) were satisfied with him, a fate which it has been the misfortune of most Viceroys not to attain. His posterity, that lived there, had still the cognomentum of Grant, a name, in Latin grandis; in English grand; and in the Earse or Irish, a dialect of the old Celtic Moar. Hence the conjecture that those of the name of Moir are Grants. And, one tribe of them have still that appellation; to wit, the Grants of Glenmoriston.
Nor did Haquin prove himself a stronger advocate for religion and more violent zealot of its doctrines; than, by his courage and conduct, a signalized heroe. He worshipped the image of his fore-father Wodine, to whom he built a temple. But his zeal bordered on enthusiasm; for, so infatuated was he, that he offered in sacrifice his eldest son, Erling, a promising young lad of twelve years of age. The second son he banished for disavowing his principles.
Besides these two, he had other three sons: Swenda, the third, married to Ingary, daughter of Claus (111) king of Sweden, of whom came the two great families of Briede in Holstein, and Camberne in Germany; In the MSS the print was so worn out that it was not easy to determine the name. Whether these two families of Holstein and Cambray are Grants, is not in my power to know. Nor do I know to what family Ville de Grande, that made his appearance in 1692, about the battle of La Hague belong; who, when he heard the rejoicings of K William's army in the Low Countries, said, ”He believed that the K of England had expended more rejoicing for the victory , than the King of France had lost."
I am as much in the dark too, with respect to the Edward Le Grande, late Treasurer to the Duke of Cumberland & Yourk. Haquin, married to a daughter of the Earl of Darby or Derbey which I know not so much is the MS worn. in England; and Peter, the fifth, begotten in fornication, was Steward to the king of Denmark.
Fleming was the name of the 2nd son, said above to have been banished. On the death of his brother, he naturally became heir; and it is from him the Scotch Grants are sprung.
At this time there are arose violent commotions in Denmark and Norway, occasioned by Charles of France. These, however, by the mediation and management of Haquin were soon terminated. Grandt, the Protector, was in great favour with all three kings, who, instead of the 6 crowns worn in his coat armorial, evidencing his descent from Cagles the 6th son of Wodine, had confered on him by each of them, a crown, in testimony, among other marks, of their (113) approbation of his conduct, and the regard they had for him, to be inserted in his armorial bearing. So the Protector, and all his descendants after him have to this day, “Three cornered’’, or as the heralds say, “Antique crowns with two men and supporters, trees; motto stand fast’’. This armorial was a test of their friendship, as well as a striking proof of his own fidelity in executing that office committed to his trust, to which, notwithstanding the opposition he had to encounter, he stood fast: Hence the royal motto.
But, as is the fatal contingent of every great man, he wanted not some to envy, as well as some to admire him. And the consequence was, that, when amusing himself after business, he was murdered by his own servant Formid Carcart, who had been instigated to that horrid crime by some foul abetter of the wicked purpose, in the year 980. Thus lived Haquin, the object of admiration and esteem; and died, the melancholy monument of (115) envy. His tragical death and untimely end command the sympathy of all who are tinctured with humanity, or susceptible of the impressions made in the heart of the fellow-feeling by the sense of distress. Norwegian Chronologers insist particularly on the death of this man, of whom they record this distich, written in the Latin tongue, pointing to the origin of the name of Grant;
Haquin erat grandis: Dani fuit ille Protector.
Hinc Grantes, Fingon, Rowen, Gregorious, orti
Imitated thus.
Haquin the Great, Protector of the Danes,
Begat Grant, Kinnon, Rowin, Gregory, Thanes.
Chapter IX: Of Fleming
(117)That son of Haquin’s, said in the last chapter to be banished for having abjured the principles of the father, was named Fleming, from Fleming 54th king of Denmark. He was a man equally great and pious. He married Tora, a natural daughter of Haquin Addelstine, the first Christian king of the Danes who prevailing upon him by conjugal love, made him embrace Christianity. His wife had been initiated in that religion by her father. Christianity was not fully established in Denmark till about the middle of the twelfth century, when Pope Adrian IV an English man, who, before his assumption, was called Nicolas Breakspear, effected it.
But this acquiescence in Christianity, occasioned in part by his fondness for Tora, notwithstanding the satisfaction it afforded them as its votaries, proved, nevertheless, the cause of rendering them obnoxious to Haquin his father. Whereupon Haquin profered him these two alternatives; either to renounce Christianity, or be disowned for a son; for, so prepossessed was (119) he in favour of heathenism, that he deemed it an unpardonable sin in any of his posterity to disclaim his opinions. And the idolatrous worship and esteem of Wodine enhanced his zeal. The alternative thus proposed, and the necessity of choosing one of the two, Fleming, after considering the matter seriously, rather than deny the sole object of love and veneration, chose to be disinherited as a son: A declaration, which tho’ the result of choice, was, nevertheless, attended with dismal consequences.
Great in power, and zealous of religion, the implacable father had the inclination and wanted not the power, to get his son banished. So Fleming and Tora are driven to exile. But, amid the hardships ever consequent on that state of life, the ill treatment they meet with, and the calamities they underwent, Tora died, leaving behind her four sons and two daughters.
Section I: Of the Daughters
(121) The names of the two daughters were Alfrede, the elder; and Gurie, the younger. Thro’ the instrumentality of these two, early initiated in the Christian religion, the progress of Christianity was much hastened. And there are two Churches, or places of worship, at no great distance from one another in the province of Christiane, bearing the name of Grant. The people who frequented these were called Grantsagn, that is, Grants Parishioners. For so it is said in a certain manuscript that came into my hands some time ago. But Sir Archibald Grant, very judiciously supposes that these churches were not built by the ancestors of the Grants at present in Scotland, but by some collateral branch of the family, that remained in Norway after they had emigrated thence, in the beginning of the 5th century. Moreover his account of the matter is, as to the name, that they were called Grant-soyen that is Grants-parishes. (123) And this will lead us to another mark by and bye.
Section 2: Of the Sons
The four sons, however, were, even after the death of their fond mother, obliged to remain in exile with the father. Their names were Andlaw, Avolace, or Allan Grant, of whom are the Grants lineally descended; Gregory, progenitor of the McGrigors of Glenstrae in Scotland. The McGregors were deprived of their name for murdering a great number of school boys, who had run to see them and the Colquhouns fighting in Dumbarton; and, on seeing the Colquhouns worsted, had fled into a barn, the place where the tragedy was acted. (The Greigs are a tribe of these). Accordingly several of the McGrigors during the time of their being under the necessity of not using that, took the name of Grant. The rest of the McGrigors are sprung from Gregorius Magnus king of Scots.
Rowin, the third son, so called from his red hair, is ancestor of the gentlemen of the name of Rowin or Ruthven: He was Earl of Gowry’s predecessor. Fingone, the fourth son, became the predecessor to the McFingons (125) or McKinnons in this country. These last, of whom there are several respectable families in the highlands, and isles of Scotland, all boast themselves to be of Norwegian extract, and sprung from a collateral line of the Grants. The principal of them is, McKinnon laird of Strath in the isle of Sky, possessed, it is said, of an estate worth, according to old computation, twelve thousand marks The gentleman, to whom I am indebted for some of these hints, asserts, very curiously, “That between these four races of Grants, there is a warmness of heart entertained to this day.’’
Section 3: The history of Fleming continued
Harassed by enemies, worn out with fatigue, and deeply affected for the death of his lady, rather than renounce his principles, Fleming resolves to hazard his all. So setting sail with his sons, arrived, after a variety of adventures, in Ireland, where he was kindly entertained by the prince of Dublin, who gave him his daughter in marriage. By he had several children. (127)And, after the father’s death, they left Ireland, (whether this is probable they had come last from the western islands then subject to the kingdom of their nativity) about the middle of the tenth century, and came into Scotland, where their descendants live to this day, and shine conspicuously in every line, civil, military, and religious. They settled at first in Stratherrick, a province in the West of Scotland, and adjacent to Ireland, whence the passage thither was short.
Chapter X: Of Andlaw, Avolass or Allan Grant
He was successor and representative of (129) Fleming; a young man of fine accomplishments and an aspiring spirit. Whence he gained general approbation. He married Mora, daughter of Neil McGrigor, lineally sprung from Gregorius Magnus king of Scotland. This Avolass was no less conspicuous for military talents than personal abilities.
My author says that, in his day, Wales a principality of the Danes, threw off the English yoke, and called him, as being descended of the blood royal of Denmark, to be their king, even altho’ in exile. Instead, however, of agreeing with the author of my MS I should rather be inclined to think he has mistaken Wales for Cumberland and Westmoreland, which, according to English historians, threw off the yoke, after the death of Athelstan, and in the reign of Edmund (131) but were quelled by the interposition of Malcolm king of Scotland. This is confirmed by an author of our own country who says: “The Danes who had remained in Northumberland, sent for Avolass, a man of the blood royal of their own nation, then in banishment, to take upon him the government. "Et Dani, qui in Northumbria remanserant, Avolassum Danum hominem Regii generis, tum in Hibernia exulantem, ad regnum, accipiendum, vocant", An. 943 or 950. Buch lib 6 .cap 18, And in these districts of England we find the Grants appeared on the public theatre. So we may be satisfied that the English Grants are not the predecessors of the Scotch. The most probable solution of the matter seems to be that either the Grants settled at the same time in England and Scotland; or that the latter came hither long before the former, answerable to Sir Arch. Grant’s notion of the thing, which indeed does admit of higher degrees of certainty.
(133) In so much, that the chronological accounts in the MS and Buchanan tally pretty exactly with each other; those who choose might trace the ancestor of the Grants along with the Danes, after they were overthrown in England, round the Buchaness to the Boyne, where they landed at Cullen & thence up the Moray Firth to the country about Inverness.
This Avolass is said to have got Ballachastle and Freuchy in Strathspey with his wife. By her he had several children, of whom the representative was Patrick Grant of Freuchy, born about the year 1020. So that it is probable, that, previous to this æra, there were no Grants in England: and moreover, it is very natural to suppose that those Grants, formerly in banishment and now foiled in their attempts against Edmund, would chuse rather to live among their conquerors, as peaceable subjects, than throw themselves on the waters, and trust to the brittle bark of chance, during raging storms of adverse fortune.
Inde genus durum sumus, et documenta damies
Sua sumus origine natil.
Ovid
Genus alto a sanguine, regum.
Virg
Chapter XI: Of Patrick.
(135) It is uncertain to whom Patrick was married; but we are sure, he had a son Andraw or Avolass his successor, with four daughters. Wishilla, In Carron’s MS it is Ursula the eldest daughter, was married to Duncan, the 88th king of Scotland, in the year 1095. Which affiance strengthened the good understanding that had prevailed for sometime between the kings of Norway and Scotland. Duncan, however, was murdered four years after his accession by McPend Thane of Fife Earl of Mearns
Fergusia, the second daughter, was married to Haquin Vth Prince of Norway; Mora the third, to Dunbar predecessor of the Earl of March; and Colobella, the fourth, to the representative of the Moffats in Scotland.
Chapter XII: Of Allan or Andlaw.
(137) Allan, only son of Patrick of Freuchy, succeeded his father in his estate: a man of a boundless ambition; and well qualified for active life; but very revengeful, which was not only thought lawful them, but also meritorious, so long as the sword continued to be the ultimate umpire of internal differences. Qualified thus, he set about being avenged of McPend for murdering his brother-in-law king Duncan.
To sooth his wrath, however, McPend fell upon the proper plan. He or some of his friends in his name, proposed a match between Allan and his daughter Dorvegilla. Which scheme had the devised effect: for, in a short time, the nuptials were solemnized. And of them were born one daughter, married to Bancho Stuart of Lochaber; and five sons. The daughter’s name was (139) Isabella and she was married in 1165 MS penes Carron
Section 1
The sons were Gregrory, the eldest; Patrick, the second, married to Agnes daughter of Ingram, whose sister was affianced to Alexander king of Scots, and mother of Alexander III 95th kind of Scotland, An. 1239; Lawrence, the third, Bishop of Moray ’Tis probable that he held some other office in the church; and not that of Bishop, or the author of my MS must have been mistaken with respect to his name,Robert, the fourth, married to Anna Forbes, daughter of Pitsligo; Malcolm or Mitchel, the fifth, progenitor of the name of Mitchel, Lieutenant of North Scotland.
Chapter XIII: Of Gregory
(141) Qui rebus juridicies præfectus ort ,nun cupatur, Vicecomes. But the MS differs from Shaw as to the name, he making it Robert; and he, I suppose had his account from the Chart. Morav.
Gregory, who is said to have been born about the year 1200, succeeded his father about 1230, a man of an aspiring genius. He was much in favour with Alexander the third, who created him Sherriff Principal of Inverness. Accordingly, An. 1258, in argument between the Bishop of Moray (probably Archibald dean of Moray) and Bisset of Lovat, Robertus de Grant, Vicecomes de Inverness, is witness. Robert seems rather to have been the eldest son. He married Mary, daughter of Lovat, with whom he got Stratherrick for tocher, By her he had three sons; Patrick, the eldest; Andlaw or Allan, the second, progenitor and representative of the family of Acharnick, (143)whose posterity are to this day called, Clan Allan; Lucas, the third son, commonly called Keran, Kier, of Chiaran, because of his grim countenance, gray colour or hue, whose offspring got the appellation of Cland Keran.
Section 1:
From the Clan Allan are descended the families of Delnaboe in Strathdown; Lettoch and Gartenmore in Abernethie; of Coingus; of Auchterblair in Duthel, of whom is the present family of Carron; of Mulachard; of Blairfindy in Glenlivet, and Nevie there; of Grant Slick Ian duay. And, besides there are several other that belong to this clan, such as the family of Burnside, of which are Colquhoun Grant Esqr Writer (145) to the Signet, and Dr Gregory of the Royal College of Physicians Edinr; of Bednidon etc etc Galvey, who died in 1780; Lynmore in Mortlick.
Section 2:
To the Clan Keran belong, Grant of Glen beg; Grand Slick Ian Ickouin in merktown of Inverallan; Grant of Branchee in Dollas; Grant of Whiteraw; Easter Lethendy; and the late Wester Lenthendy.
Chapter XIV: Of Patrick.
Patrick of Freuchy and Stratherrick succeeded (147) his father as Vicecomes of Inverness, My author makes his succession to be in the beginning or a little after 1200, too late rather 1300. As is certain, because he was married in 1335. a man every way as well accomplished as his predecessors, and possessed of a far better fortune which he increased still more by marrying Bigla Cuming.
The Cumings at that time, or sometime before that, were the most powerful and numerous clan in the kingdom. Bigla’s father had, previous to his death, nominated tutors to inspect the education of his daughter, in order that she might be trained up in a manner becoming her rank and fortune. They did their duty with admirable care and diligence, They were so punctual in executing the father’s orders, that they allotted a very private apartment for her and her Governess, lest any one should be captivated by her beauty, the charms, the deportment, the graceful mien of the lady. And the reason of their being so scrupulous with regard to the inspection (149) of her conduct, was because the father had, previous to his death, given peremptory to his orders, not to allow his daughter to marry any one but he who had the name of Cuming.
Patrick, who possessed, in an eminent degree, all those charms that naturally present themselves to be first sought after by the fair sex in general but in particular by a creature not far advanced in years – flexible and young, was advised by his friends to pay his court to the lady, Bigla. The fortune was, no doubt, alluring; but the charms of the woman would have superseded all meaner motives. The one was tempting object which, when allouned, is naturally followed by the other. But he, without any secondary views, notwithstanding the possessions of the young woman, if we consider how contiguous their situation is to Freuchy should have proved a valuable acquisition, complied with his friends advice. And young and blooming, by his easy address, engaging conversation, and agreeable manner, (150B)the heroe soon conquered the fair one, every way as well accomplished as himself. The difficult part of the siege, however, was, how he should get the consent of the tutors: but Nature always suggests proper means. Without going through the usual formalities, they were married; and the young laird of Grant, after the nuptial rites (such as they were) were performed, entered into the possession of Glenchernich, with the bitter enmity of the Cumings. The enjoyment of the one, however, at the same time that it was the occasion of, was also the means whereby to defend himself from, the other. He lived very comfortably with his little lady (for she was of low stature) and begat one daughter whom he named Majory or Matilda; so called from some of the princesses royal, of whom several had that name. His marriage fell in with the year 1335. See Sir Arch. Grant’s account of it.
On the West bank of the Spey, where the ferry-boat of Gartenmore now lands, stood the ancient Manor (151) of Cuming of Glenchernick. It still retains the name of Bigla’s House, the last of forteen noble families of that name, who flourished in Scotland. It stood on a green moate, surrounded by a dry ditch, the vestiges of which are not yet effaced. And a current tradition beareth, that there was a pool at the foot of the wall, in which they set a net at night, with a rope extending to some proper place within the house, affixed to it, with a bell at the other end, which rung immediately when a fish came into the toils and shook the net.
Chapter XV: Of Matilda.
Matilda or Marjory Grant was left by her (153) father, in possession of Freuchy, Stratherrick, and Glenchernick, and committed to the tuition of the nearest a kin who had this mandate left them, “To take care, that to whomsoever she should be married, if not a Grant, he should be obliged to take the name of Grant”.
About this time Andrew Stuart, Earl of Bute, son of Sir John Stuart Sheriff of Bute, who was a son of King Robert second He came to the throne in 1371. But probably his grandson was born before that time.a young man of an excellent character, came to Ballachchastle to visit the Lady. The jealousy of the Grants, on seeing such a suitor appear, was justly excited. Nor were their expectations disappointed, as far as they related to the intrigues carried on between the two; for what they dreaded, came soon to pass. Their affections were mutually set on each other; and the marriage soon followed: so that the fears of rivals, before only imaginary, became then real. This event happened about 1360 or 70. Therefore the Grants must have come to Strathspey before 1400, according to (155) Mr Shaw’s supposition.
Andrew, notwithstanding he had incurred the displeasure of many, if not all the Grants, maintained a good understanding with the Baron of Downan, a place not far (little more than half a mile) distant from Freuchy. The Grants, exasperated at the loss of so desirable an object, and full of those sentiments ever consequent on disappointed ambition, as far it relates to amorous intrigues and the success of rivals, were determined that they should be revenged of Stuart. He, of course, was obliged to seek shelter in a subterraneous cavern, called Clash-Dunan, which remains to this day, in order to preserve his own life, and till such time as their rancour should be abated, and their minds reconciled to the match. So strong was the love of the lady to her husband, that, notwithstanding the uncouthness of the humble cottage, and the inclemency of weather, she accompanied him to his secret apartment, and resided there, till the friends (157) were prevailed with to acquiesce in her choice: But before they did so, she was long gone in pregnancy.
After the first interview with the friends, she retired again to the cave of Clash-Dunan. Then matters were soon brought to this pass. “That Andrew Stuart should call himself Grant; and that then the friends would accede to the match, and confirm the lady’s choice. Matters thus adjusted, they led a happy and comfortable life in the marriage state for many years. But, still the hatred of the Cumings for the marriage of Bigla, Matilda’s mother, was as inveterate as that of the Grants for Maud’s match.
Andrew Grant had by his wife only two children, a son and a daughter; the former his successor; the latter, named Mary, married to Lovat, her own couzin german. This marriage strengthened the formerly contracted friendship between the two families of Grant and Lovat. And with her Stratherrick (159) was restored to its first owner. Andrew dying was succeeded by his son Patrick.
Chapter XVI: Of Patrick 3
Patrick, commonly called, on account of his being of small size, and the son of Matilda, Patrick Beg McMaud, was much more harassed by enemies, and oppressed by difficulties, than any of his predecessors, owing to causes already explained. Yet he stood the shock wonderfully well.
He entered the office of his father, as Sheriff Principal of Inverness; and his fortune, as proprietor of Ballachastle Stratherrick and Glenchernick. He married Bathia McDonald, daughter of the Earl of Ross, with whom he had (161) only one son, by name, John. It is still to be thought that the radical part of the Grants had come to Strathspey, previous to this æra. Moreover, Shaw would have this Patrick to be a son of Maud’s, and married to Wiseman of Mulben’s daughter and heiress. The truth seems to be, that he was twice married, and that, by one of his wives he had no children. So, by allowing the order of succession, the John immediately following is perhaps that Sir John mentioned in the debates after the death of Alexander III.
But, unfortunately, he was still hated by the inveterate enemies of his clan: and not only so; but he was also envied on account of the rising grandeur of his family. In short, his treatment from the Cumings, who, in these latter days, exhibit but a mean appearance, compared with what they did some centuries ago, was such, that he deemed it necessary and expedient to go and call his friends together, and address them thus. “Hampered in territories, hemmed in every where by a number of petty barons about Ballachastle; and hated by the Cumings, I am under the disagreeable necessity of dispensing with the lands of Stratherrick to satisfy Lovat, my brother-in-law, in his tocher. For remedying that evil, you must befriend me in this respect: Sell your possessions in Stratherrick and unanimously agree to go to Strathspey, and purchase others there, which will soon disengage us out of (163) all our straits, and make us formidable to, and an overmatch for the Cumings” The proposal thus made, had the wished for impression on the minds of his adherents: For, no sooner did he declare his design, than they acceded to the resolution. They immediately disposed of their paternal estates, and (auspicia phylarchi sequentes) followed the laird of Grant to Ballachastle and Strathspey. Here they called the names of their seats, where they settled, after the names of their former possessions, Gorton, Achin-narrow, Dellachapple etc. Vide part 1, Ch 4 These names which they borrowed continue to this day in Strathspey. The Chieftain, with his followers, in number, it is said, sixteen, came hither in 1250.
That they came to Strathspey about this time is confirmed by the account given of Robert Grant’s being Vicecomes de Inverness in 1258, because it is not very likely that he should have been in Stratherrick, a district of Ross-shire, and been also Sheriff of Inverness. (165) But then Shaw’s account must be followed; and if so, his successor John, called in the registers of those days still preserved, Sir John Grant, must be he that is mentioned in the debates that ensued after the death of Alexander III Part 1 Ch 2on the competition of the Baliols and Bruces. And this is moreover confirmed by a fact well known, that John Cuming, Lord of Cumbernald & Badenoch’s taking with the King of England, also the Baliols, proved the cause of the extirpation of the whole race of Cumings, the last of whom Bigla, heiress of Glenchernick was married in 1333 to Patrick Grant of Freuchie. To return however,
Being established himself, and surrounded by his devotees in Strathspey, Patrick was in a capacity of acting either on the offensive or defensive. Tho’ situated and circumstantiated so, the rancour of the Cumings in the collateral line, was nevertheless, in no degree abated; but as violent as ever. (167) For as the laird was visiting the Baron of Kincairn, he was intercepted in his return home, and murdered in cold blood by a crew of barbarous raggamuffians, consisting mostly of Cumings. The tragical news soon spreading thro’ the country, the Grants rose in a body to revenge the death of their Chieftain. The Cumings, on the other hand, finding themselves hard pressed upon by the vindictive Grants, fled in disorder and precipitation to the Kirk of Kincairdine, as to an impregnable fortress; knowing every church or place of worship, was reputed, in those days, a sanctuary and asylum. Disappointed in their hostile views, baulked in the gratification of their revengeful passions, and inspired with new ardour, the Grants, ever ingenious, nay actuated, in some degree, by nobler motives than revenge, namely the punishment of the atrocious crime of murder, had recourse to a strategem, as (169) criminal as if they had used direct means. They were, religiously, non-plussed how to act, in order to get at the Cumings thus protected: they were prohibited, on one hand, from shedding of blood within a sanctuary; they were ashamed, on the other, to let murder pass unpunished; and that more especially, because it was the murder of their Chieftain. At last one of the leaders of the Grants, conscious that no place ought to be held as a sanctuary to murderers, and that blood for blood, according to the law, is required, obliged nevertheless to obey the laws of the church, effectuated the affair by the following strategem.
He took a piece of spunk (a spungy and porous sort of wood, growing on the cuticula or exterior rind of the Saugh or Willowtree, which retains fire once put in it, till all reduced to ashes) which, when he had once kindled, he placed on the cuspis of an arrow, and shot at the roof of the Church, thatched with heath. The consequence was, that the flames were communicated (171) to the house, and the house burnt to the ground with all the Cumings, except one big man, commonly called on account of his bulk, Cuminach moar, who, by dint of swiftness made his escape at first. But he was pursued and overtaken by one of the family of Slick Ile Charrick; and his head severed from his body by a two handed sword, that remains as yet (according to my author) in the possession of the representative of that Clan.
Section 1: Difficulties removed
There is, at first sight, some difficulty in reconciling (173) the whole of this account with the transmigration of the clan from the one country to the other. That the Chief or radical family came to Strathspey before the families of Dellachapple, etc, is evident from the claim they made to the Chieftain ship; that he invited his Clan hither, we have sufficient documents to prove and reason to believe; but, that there should be mention made of Downan, etc before, and that it should be said to be so named on the arrival of the rest of the Grants, is a little inconsistent. The difficulty is of no great moment. The truth may be, that previous to the coming of the clan, the Chief had given it that name, and placed some of his retainers there, before that period. But I proceed.
Section 2: Of the emigrants, or followers of Grant.
(175) The most remarkable, and as yet surviving families, of the sixteen said above to have come over with Grant then, and settled in Strathspey, are Clan Allan, who purchased the Barony of Downan, which now belongs to the Laird of Grant. It was given to Grant by the proprietor, on account of its contiguity to that of Freuchy. And my information bears that he holds it of Achernick. This is certainly not true, it was always held off the crown
The next radical family was that of Clan Keran or Cherran , who purchased the lands of Achinarrow in Cromdale, which they inherited and dwelt at for many years, till the Representative removed to Dellachapple.
The third was Duncan Carrack: His sons Lucas Lia, and Amphry Buy, that is grey haired Lacky, and yellow haired Humphrey, were, with all their descendants, called, Slick Ile Charrick. The most remarkable of these are, McFinlay More in the (177) Muckerach, Abernethy, & a Donald More in Bellafort. Lettock in Abernethie was their first principal seat. And, there are not wanting, who say, that from this Duncan Carrack, sprung the Clan Cheran last mentioned, and also Slick Ile Charrick, Lachlan being progenitor of the one, and Humphrey of the other.
The next was Evan Dornoch, so called because of his strong arms and nerves. Their posterity were called Slich Evan Dornoch. Their principal progeny are those called McRoberts in Strathspey, and some of the Catanachs. Their seats were Lettoch and Culchoich-moar in the parish of Cromdale. He was called Baron Prock, & his issue Slick Barron Prock.
The fifth was John Riach, so called because of his grim marled hue or colour. His descendants in Strathspey, are, for the most part, called by (179) the name of Slich Ian Riach; tho’ some of the tribe, especially those in Strathaven maintain that they are McIntoshes. They have a desk in the church of Inverallan of an old standing.
The introducing these persons thus into Strathspey, if the claim they some time ago made to a higher antiquity than the family of Grant of Grant shows at once the futility of it.
Section 3: Of the names belonging to this Clan.
By the way we must remark, that besides the McKinnons, Ruthvens, & Gregors said above to be Grants, that are a great many more names borrowed by the son from the father’s christian name, which (181) have begun to be written and retained as distinct from that of Grant, In process of time, immemorial custom might come to be urged as an evidence of their being members of another, if not rescued from oblivion. There are not a few of the more illiterate part of the Clan Cheran, who, to my certain knowledge, use the signature of McKeran: some with the mark, alias Grant. The McKinnons do the same. Many such names as now obtain have taken their rise from certain marks, of the size, of the countenance, of the colour, and other little incidents. A certain tribe of the Thomson’s, for instance, are Grants. And the first of this tribe, were, as they are still in the country where they reside, called Thomysons; but several, from the similarity it bore Thomson, have assumed that name. Its origin was occasioned in this way. The Greigs also, a part of the McGrigors, are Grants.
A Thomas Grant, a near relation of the (183) family of Aruntully, in the collateral line, had a progeny of seven sons, who, when spoken of, were generally designed “Thomy and his sons”. Hence Thomison. This is an undeniable fact, and of a very recent date, few generations having passed since that time.
These are likeways McRoberts, McRobies, Millers, McKonochies, Banes, Begs and several more belonging to the Grants. McJamies; for the most part are Grants. In a long series of years, they have come to use their names singly; without adding in subscriptions the word alias as was said. But some of the classes just now mentioned belong to other clans; or may be said to form distinct clans by themselves.