Clan Fraser: Origins, History, and Tartan

Nestled amidst Scotland's majestic and rugged landscapes, Clan Fraser is a distinguished Scottish clan with a rich and storied history. The Fraser clan's heritage is deeply rooted in the Lowlands' rich history, showcasing a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and cultural significance. As a prominent clan in the region, Clan Fraser has contributed significantly to Scotland's historical tapestry and continues to uphold its traditions with pride and distinction.

This article delves into the fascinating journey of Fraser Clan Scotland, highlighting its significant contributions to Scottish history and its enduring legacy in modern times.

Clan Fraser, a distinguished Lowland Scottish clan, boasts a rich and storied history that sets it apart from the Clan Fraser of Lovat, a separate Scottish clan of the Scottish Highlands with a shared ancestry. Despite their common roots, these clans have distinct identities, each with its chief officially recognized by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. This unique heritage underscores the resilience, pride, and cultural significance of Clan Fraser, making it a cherished part of Scotland's vibrant clan heritage.

The precise origins of the surname "Fraser" remain uncertain, with various theories proposed over time. One belief suggests that the Frasers trace their roots to Plantagenet Anjou in France. However, the Oxford Dictionary of Family Names (2016) casts doubt on this theory, noting the absence of corresponding place names in France for the earliest spellings like "de Fresel," "de Friselle," and "de Freseliere." Instead, it proposes that the name might have undergone corruption by Anglo-French scribes from a Gaelic origin, leading to "Fraser".

Another hypothesis links the name to the French patronymic Fresel, which denoted "ribbon, braid" in Old French and likely referred to merchants in that era. While the surnames Fresel and Frezel are now associated with Normandy and Artois/French Flanders, not Anjou, due to their historical ties with the Plantagenets, some etymological speculations link "Fraser" to fraise, meaning "strawberry" in French. The first recorded appearance of a Fraser in Scotland dates back to around 1160 when Simon Fraser held land at Keith in East Lothian.

Several generations after the first Simon Fraser, another Simon Fraser was taken prisoner while fighting for Robert the Bruce and subsequently executed in 1306 by Edward I of England. Simon's relative, Alexander Fraser of Cowie, held the esteemed position of Bruce's chamberlain and married Bruce's sister, Mary.

Another notable figure in this lineage was Sir Simon Fraser, a younger brother of Alexander Fraser, from whom the chiefs of Clan Fraser of Lovat are descended. Among Sir Simon Fraser's descendants was his grandson, Sir Alexander Fraser of Cowie and Durris, who solidified his status by marrying Joanna, the younger daughter and co-heiress of the Earl of Ross, in 1375. This marriage brought him the acquisition of Cairnbulg Castle and the lands of Philorth.

In 1592, Sir Alexander Fraser of Philorth was granted charters by James VI of Scotland for the fishing village of Faithlie, which eventually developed into Fraserburgh. He was also permitted to establish a university in the town, but this plan was abandoned due to religious conflicts of the era.

The eighth Laird of Philorth constructed Fraserburgh Castle, later repurposed as the Kinnaird Head lighthouse. Unfortunately, this endeavor led to financial ruin, resulting in the loss of Philorth Castle, which had been in the family's possession for over three centuries. It was only in 1934 that the 19th Lord Saltoun reacquired the castle.

The ninth Laird of Philorth wed the heiress of the Abernethy Lords Saltoun, and their son Alexander Fraser succeeded as the 11th Lord Saltoun. Alexander was gravely injured during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 but was saved by his servant, James Cardno. In 1666, the tenth Lord erected Philorth House near Fraserburgh, which served as the family's residence until it was destroyed by fire in 1915.

Educated at Aberdeen, Sir Alexander Fraser of Durris served as the personal physician to Charles II of England. He accompanied the king during his 1650 campaign and later participated in the Scottish Parliament following the Restoration, earning mention in Samuel Pepys' diaries. While the Fraser family refrained from involvement in the Jacobite uprisings, their distant kin in the Clan Fraser of Lovat were known for their Jacobite sympathies.

The sixteenth Lord Saltoun led the Light Companies of the First Guards during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Subsequently, the nineteenth-century Lord Saltoun was held as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War I. In 1936, he ascended to the House of Lords and actively supported the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

📜 Please also see the history at fraserclan.net

Combining these symbols in the Fraser Family Crest not only honors the clan's historical roots but also conveys enduring values such as readiness, resilience, and a connection to the fertile landscapes of their ancestral lands. The crest is a proud emblem, representing the identity and spirit of Clan Fraser's history across generations.

Gaelic Name: Friseal

Crest: On a mount a flourish of strawberries leaved and fructed, Proper

Motto: All my hope is in God

Origin of Name: French fraisse (Strawberry)

Badge: Yew

Lands: East Lothian, Aberdeenshire

Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon. The Lady Saltoun

The Clan Fraser crest features a distinctive design, depicting a flourish of strawberries, complete with leaves and fruit, set atop a mount. The clan's crest symbolized allegiance, and clan members used it to show allegiance to their chief. In addition, this emblematic imagery symbolizes vitality and abundance, with the lush strawberries representing prosperity and growth.

The Fraser Clan motto, "All my hope is in God," reflects their faith and resilience, highlighting their enduring trust in divine guidance and strength during times of challenge and triumph. The inclusion of the mount beneath the strawberries further emphasizes the clan's connection to the Lowland Scottish.

The Clan Fraser Coat of Arms features a vivid design against an azure background. At the forefront are three fraises arranged in a distinguished manner. These elements symbolize various virtues, such as abundance, fertility, and nobility. The blue background signifies loyalty and steadfastness, traits integral to the Clan Fraser throughout history. This coat of arms encapsulates the clan's heritage, values, and resilience, serving as a proud emblem of their identity.

The Clan Fraser tartan is a traditional Scottish tartan associated with the Clan Fraser. It comes in four primary versions: the predominantly red Fraser Dress tartan, the dark hues of the Clan Fraser of Lovat tartan, the vibrant green Fraser Gathering tartan, and the Fraser tartan, as depicted in the Vestiarium Scoticum.

Among these, the most widely recognized version is the primarily red Fraser tartan, featuring bold navy and green stripes complemented by finer white stripes. This tartan is notably documented in the Vestiarium Scoticum.

Fraser ventured to India as a merchant in 1813. He located his brother William during the Nepal War and explored the lower Himalayas. James diligently sketched their journey to the origins of the Ganges and the Jumma, documenting the flora, geological formations, and local customs in his journal.

In 1820, he published his journal alongside a collection of illustrations titled "Views in the Himalayan Mountains," showcasing his artistic talent. Additionally, he captured life in Calcutta through acclaimed drawings before concluding his travels with further adventures in Persia before returning to Scotland.

Peter Fraser, originally from Fearn in Ross-shire, relocated to London where he joined the Independent Labour Party in 1908. At the age of twenty-five in 1910, he emigrated to New Zealand. During World War I, he faced imprisonment for his protests against conscription.

His political career flourished, and in 1935, he assumed the role of Minister of Education after Labour's electoral success. Following the passing of Michael Savage, Fraser ascended to the position of Prime Minister. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Nations.

Fraser, originally from Glasgow, ventured into the Middle East following the war, an experience that would inspire his most profound poetry. His renowned piece, "The Traveller Has Regrets," emerged in 1948 as his magnum opus. The theme of regret permeated his works, evident in the compilation "Collected Poems," published posthumously in 1981.

In conclusion, Clan Fraser is a testament to Scottish clans' enduring spirit and rich heritage. With a history spanning centuries, the Clan Fraser has contributed significantly to Scottish culture, politics, and society. From their origins in the Scottish Lowlands to their distinct branches, like the Clan Fraser of Lovat, the Clan Fraser has played pivotal roles in shaping Scotland's history. Today, Clan Fraser continues to uphold its traditions and values, showcasing a legacy that resonates across generations and embodies the essence of Scottish heritage.