View source for Clan Robertson

{{Expert needed| Clans of Scotland|talk=|reason=There's some dispute over the "historical seat" of this clan. [Antrim, Scotia] A user insists that the cited information in this article isn't correct...{{pb}}{{nobold|[good enough], but isn't able to provide a verifiable reference for their alternative claim.{{pb}}[Whatever that may be: In a nutshell, Saint Columba offended and was contrite. His priest told him to go to the heathen lands of Alba to win over to Christ that number of souls who had perished due to his hubris. He did indeed go, first establishing Iona, in the lands off Dal Ridia which belonged to his family.  Columba lived a hard life by choice, and never married. His relative did!  That would be Aidan who married one of the daughters of some Earl of Atholl (more than one). Her name was Beothoc and by this marriage Aidan became King of Alba.  Columba officiated and his presence sealed the deal, The Robertsons are the senior hereditary branch of the Kindred of St. Columba. All descend from Aidan]{{pb}}...What references are available, and has the existing reference been impunged? Either way, the article must be properly (and correctly) referenced.{{pb}}}} |date=January 2024}}
{{Short description|Scottish clan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox clan
| image badge = Clan member crest badge - Clan Robertson.svg
| clan name = Clan&nbsp;Donnachaidh
| chiefs crest = Dexter hand holding up an imperial crown Proper
| chiefs motto = Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour)<ref name="ScotClans">[http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clan-robertson/ Clan Robertson Profile] scotclans.com. Retrieved 4 April 2014.</ref>
| chiefs slogan = 
| war cry = Garg 'nuair dhùisgear (Fierce when roused)
| region = [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]]
| district = [[Struan, Perthshire]]<ref name="ScotClans" />
| origins = 
| gaelic names = {{lang|gd|Clann Donnchaidh}}<ref name="m1">{{cite web |author=Mac an Tàilleir, Iain |title=Ainmean Pearsanta|url=http://www2.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/faclair/cuspair/Ainmean_pearsanta.docx |work=[[Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]] |access-date=15 October 2009 |format=[[docx]]}}</ref>
| image arms = Robertson of Struan Arms.svg
| plant badge = [[bracken]]<ref name="ScotClans" />
| animal = 
| pipe music = {{lang|gd|Teachd Chlann Dhonnchaidh}} {{small|(Coming of the Duncans)}}<ref name="Adam, Innes" /> or {{lang|gd|Teachd Chlann Donnachaidh}} {{small|(The Clan Donnachie has arrived)}}.<ref name="ScotClans" />
| chiefs name = Gilbert Robertson of Struan<ref name="ScotClans" />
| chiefs title = The 23rd Chief of Clan Donnachaidh
| chiefs gaelic title = Mac Dhonnchaidh<ref name="m1" />
| historic seat = Dunalastair Castle<ref name="Coventry">Coventry, Martin. (2008). ''Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans''. pp. 497–498. {{ISBN|978-1-899874-36-1}}.</ref>
| septs = Collier,<ref name="donnachaidh">{{cite web | url=http://www.donnachaidh.com/ | title=The Official Clan Donnachaidh Web Site | access-date =20 September 2007}}</ref> Colyear,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Conlow<br />Connachie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Dobbie<br />Dobieson,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Dobie <ref name="donnachaidh" /> Dobinson,<ref name="donnachaidh" />Dobson<br />Donachie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Donica, Donnachie,<ref name="donnachaidh" />Duncan,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Duncanson,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Dunkeson,<ref name="duncanson">{{cite web | url=http://www.duncanson.org/info/name.htm | title=The Origin of The Duncanson Name | access-date=29 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119153849/http://www.duncanson.org/info/name.htm | archive-date=19 November 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Dunnachie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Inches,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacConachie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacConlogue, MacConnichie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacDonachie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacInroy,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacIver,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacIvor,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacLagan,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacLaggan,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacRob,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacRobb,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacRobbie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacRobert,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacRobie,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> MacWilliam, McConnachie, [McRobie,<ref [[McRobie]], McRob, Reid, Reed,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Robb,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Robbie, Roberts, Roberson,<ref
name="donnachaidh" /> Robison, Robinson,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Robson,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Roy,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Stark,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Tannoch (Tanner, Tonner),<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Tannochy,<ref name="donnachaidh" /> Hart,<br />Note that several of the above are merely anglicised variants of the Scottish Gaelic ''MacDhonnchaidh'' or literal translations into English of the same (Duncan, Duncanson, etc).
| branches = Robertson of Struan (chiefs)<ref name="Robertson" /><br />Robertson of Lude (principal cadets).<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /><br />Robertson of Auchleeks.<ref name="Robertson" /><br />Robertson of Faskally.<ref name="Robertson" /><br />Robertson of Inches.<ref name="Robertson" /><br />Robertson of Kindeace.<ref name="Robertson" /><br />Robertson of Kinlochmouidart.<ref name="Robertson" />
| Allied clans = [[Clan Gregor|Clan MacGregor]]
| Rival clans = [[Clan Ogilvy]]<br />[[Clan MacDougall]]
}}

'''Clan Robertson''', correctly known as '''Clan Donnachaidh''' ('''Duncan''') ({{langx|gd|Clann Dhònnchaidh}})<ref name="m1" /> ({{IPA|gd|ˈkʰl̪ˠãũn̪ˠ ˈt̪ɔn̪ˠɔxɪ||}}) is a [[Scottish clan]]. The principal surnames of the clan are Robertson, Reid and Duncan but there are also many other septs.

==History==
===Origins===
There are two main theories as to the origins of the Clan:

#That the founder of the clan, Donn(a)chadh (Duncan) was the second son of [[Aonghas Mór|Angus MacDonald]], [[Lord of the Isles]].<ref>Robertson, James. (1929). ''Chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh, 1275 – 1749 and Highlanders at Bannockburn''. Quoting: Simbert, pp. 77. Printed by Wood and Son, Mill Street, Perth.</ref>
#That the Robertsons are lineal descendants of the Celtic [[Earl_of_Atholl|Earls of Atholl]], whose progenitor was King [[Duncan I of Scotland|Duncan I]] (''Donnchadh'' in Scottish Gaelic).<ref>Robertson, James. (1929). ''Chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh, 1275 – 1749 and Highlanders at Bannockburn''. Quoting: [[William Forbes Skene]], vol. 11. pp. 140. Printed by Wood and Son, Mill Street, Perth.</ref> The Collins ''Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia'' supports this theory.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson">Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). ''Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia''. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The [[Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs]]). pp. 302–303.</ref>

===Wars of Scottish Independence===

The clan's first recognised chief, Donnchadh ''Reamhar'', "Stout Duncan", son of Andrew de Atholia ([[Latin]] "Andrew of [[Atholl]]"), was a minor land-owner and leader of a kin-group around [[Dunkeld]],<ref>Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain.  ''The Robertsons (Clan Donnachaidh of Atholl)''. Pub: W. & A. K. Johnston & G. W. Bacon Ltd., Edinburgh. 1962 (reprint of 1954), p. 6.</ref> Highland [[Perthshire]], and as legend has it, an enthusiastic and faithful supporter of [[Robert the Bruce|Robert I]] (king 1306–29 aka Robert the Bruce) during the [[Wars of Scottish Independence]]; he is believed to have looked after King Robert after the [[Battle of Methven]] in 1306.{{citation needed|date=October 2009}} The clan asserts that Stout Duncan's relatives and followers (not yet known as Robertsons) supported Robert the Bruce at the [[Battle of Bannockburn]] in 1314.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /><ref>Ronald McNair Scott: ''Robert the Bruce, King of Scots'', Hutchinson & Co 1982. p 243</ref> His descendants became known (in English or [[Scots language|Scots]]) as the Duncansons, or [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]] ''Clann Dhònnchaidh'', "Children of Duncan".<ref name="Robertson">Robertson, James. (1929). ''Chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh, 1275 – 1749 and the Highlanders at Bannockburn''. Printed by Wood and Son, Mill Street, Perth.</ref> Duncan is believed to have been killed at the [[Battle of Neville's Cross]] and was succeeded by Robert, from whom the Clan Robertson takes its name.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> Robert's brother, Patrick, was the ancestor of the Robertsons of Lude who were the principal cadet branch.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" />

[[File:Robertson (R. R. McIan).jpg|thumb|upright|left|"Robertson". Romanticised [[Victorian era|Victorian]] depiction of a member of the clan in a late 17th-century dress by [[R. R. McIan]], from ''The Clans of the Scottish Highlands'', published in 1845.]]

===14th- and 15th-century clan conflicts===

In 1394 a clan battle took place between Clann Dhònnchaidh, Clan Lindsay and involving [[Clan Ogilvy]], who were the hereditary sheriffs of Angus, during a cattle raid on [[Angus, Scotland|Angus]]. Sir Walter Ogilvy was slain at this battle. ''Clandonoquhy'' had rather a reputation as raiders and feuders in late medieval Scotland, though the chiefs seem always to have been loyal to the Bruce and Stewart royal dynasties.<ref name="Robertson" />

Robert ''Riabhach'' ("Grizzled") Duncanson, 4th Chief of Clann Dhònnchaidh, was a strong supporter of King [[James I of Scotland|James I]] (1406–1437) and was incensed by his murder at the [[Blackfriars, Perth|Blackfriars]] Dominican Friary in [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]]. He tracked down and captured two of the regicides, [[Sir Robert Graham]] and the King's uncle [[Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl]], as they hid above Invervack in Atholl, and turned them over to the Crown. They were tortured to death in the [[Grassmarket]] in Edinburgh on the orders of the Regent, James I's widow, [[Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scotland|Joan Beaufort]] (d. 1445). The Collins ''Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia'' states that they were put to death with considerable savagery.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> The Robertson crest badge of a right hand upholding an imperial crown was awarded by [[James II of Scotland|James II]] (1437–60) to the 4th chief on 15 August 1451 as a reward for capturing his father's assassins. The highly unusual third supporter (below the shield) on the Robertson coat of arms, of a "savage man in chains" is in reference to the capture of Graham. It is in honour of Robert ''Riabhach'' that his descendants took the name Robertson. James II also erected the clan lands into the Barony of [[Struan, Perthshire|Struan]], which formerly took in extensive lands in Highland [[Perthshire]], notably in [[Glen Errochty]], the north and south banks of [[Loch Tay]] and the area surrounding [[Loch Rannoch]]. None of these lands are any longer in the possession of the clan.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /><ref name="Robertson" />

Robert ''Riabhach'' or ''Riach'' died in 1460 from wounds received in battle.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> The chiefship then passed to his eldest son, Alexander.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> The Clan Robertson then feuded with the [[Clan Stewart]] of Atholl.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> William Robertson, the sixth chief was killed trying to recover lands that had been seized by the Stewarts of Atholl.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> The eighth chief of Clan Robertson was murdered and his brother inherited the estate.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" />

Struan (Gaelic ''Sruthan'', "streams"), is a parish church, of [[Celtic Christianity|early Christian]] origin and dedicated to [[St. Fillan]], at the confluence of the Errochty Water and [[River Garry, Perthshire|Garry]] rivers. Many of the medieval chiefs were buried in this church (although individual monuments have unfortunately not survived). The present building was built in the early 19th century, but the foundations of its predecessor can be traced in the churchyard. Donnchadh ''Reamhar'' is, however, said to have been buried in the parish church of [[Dull, Perth and Kinross|Dull]], near [[Aberfeldy, Scotland|Aberfeldy]]. Recent excavations by members of the Clan Donnachaidh Society within the now redundant church of Dull (Gaelic ''Dul'', "meadow", "haugh") failed to find evidence of this specific burial, although others were uncovered, along with early medieval carved stones. Recent generations of chiefs have been buried in a family vault in the grounds of the estate of [[Dunalastair]], near [[Kinloch Rannoch]].<ref name="Robertson" />

===17th century and Civil War===
[[File:Jacobite broadside - Alexander ROBERTSON of Struan (1670- 1749) Jacobite, poet, clain chieftain.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Alexander Robertson, 13th chief of Clan Robertson who supported the Jacobite risings of 1689 and 1715]]
Under Alexander Robertson, 12th chief, the clan is said to have supported [[James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose|Montrose]] in all of his battles during the [[Scotland in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms|Scottish Civil War]].<ref name="Robertson" /> During this time, the main Robertson castle at Invervack, near the present Clan museum, was burned by [[Oliver Cromwell|Cromwell]]'s forces, and many family records were lost. The Clan Robertson played a major part in the fighting at the [[Battle of Inverlochy (1645)]] in support of the royalist, [[James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose]], where they put the king's enemies to flight.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" /> Alexander Robertson of Lude fought for [[Charles I of England|Charles I of Scotland]] at the [[Battle of Tippermuir]] and as a result Lude was burned by Cromwell's forces in retaliation.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Robertson" />

{{cn span |text=In 1653 the [[Earl of Glencairn]] was in Rannoch looking for support for [[Charles II of England|Charles II]]. He raised the [[Clan Gregor|Clan MacGregor]] from the Isle of Rannoch and Alexander Robertson led his men from Fea Corrie. Both forces met above Annat and marched up the old path to [[Loch Garry]]. However, the leaders reportedly quarrelled so much among themselves that Cromwell's General, [[George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle|George Monk]] had little difficulty in winning the ensuing [[Battle of Dalnaspidal]]. |date=January 2024}}

[[Alexander Robertson of Struan|Alexander Robertson]], 13th chief (b. 1668) joined the [[Jacobite rising of 1689]] and was taken prisoner a few weeks after the Jacobite defeat at the [[Battle of Dunkeld]]. After being released he went to live in France for thirteen years where he served for some time in the French army. He returned to Scotland in 1703.<ref name="Robertson" />

===18th century and Jacobite uprisings===

Alexander Robertson, 13th chief, led 500 men of Clan Robertson in support of [[John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1675–1732)|the Earl of Mar]] at the [[Battle of Sheriffmuir]] in 1715. He was captured, but later rescued and he took refuge in France.<ref name="Robertson" /> [[General Wade]]'s report on the Highlands in 1724, estimated the clan strength at 800 men.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Johnston |first1=Thomas Brumby |author-link1=Thomas Brumby Johnston |last2=Robertson |first2=James Alexander |last3=Dickson |first3=William Kirk |author-link3=William Kirk Dickson |date=1899 |chapter=General Wade's Report |title=Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/historicalgeogra00john/page/26/mode/2up |location=[[Edinburgh]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[W. & A.K. Johnston]] |page=26 |access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> The fighting force of Clan Donnachaidh was estimated at 700 men in 1745.<ref name="Reid">"A Short History of the Clan Robertson". By Maj. J Robertson Reid. Printed at the Observer Press, Stirling, Scotland. 1933.</ref>

After the defeat of the [[Jacobite rising of 1745]] the Robertson lands became part of the Forfeited Estates, although most were returned to the then chief, another Alexander Robertson, in 1784, after it became clear that the Central Highlands were wholly pacified.<ref name="Robertson" />

Two of the most notorious and well documented [[Highland Clearances]] occurred on the Robertson clan land of [[River Carron, Sutherland|Strathcarron]]:<ref>
Prebble, John. ''The Highland Clearances'', Secker & Warburg, 1963. Chapter 5 
</ref>
# In 1845, the Glencalvie or [http://www.croickchurch.com/clearances.htm Croick] clearance, executed by the factor James Gillander on behalf of William Robertson, sixth laird of Kindeace.
# In 1854, the Greenyards clearance, sometimes known as the Massacre of the Rosses. This was also carried out by James Gillander on behalf of Major Charles Robertson—son of William.

The Clearances upon the Clan Robertson lands are also important to the history of [[Scottish Gaelic literature]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

In Sutherland, [[Eòghainn MacDhonnchaidh]] ([[Ewan Robertson]], (1842–1895) of [[Tongue, Highland|Tongue]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Sgrìobhaichean, Eòghainn MacDhonnchaidh|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/alba/oran/people/eoghainn_macdhonnnchaidh/|publisher=BBC|access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref> was called "the Bard of the Clearances";<ref name="ScranEwen"/> is most famous for his song ''Mo mhallachd aig na caoraich mhòr'' ("My curses upon the big [Blackface and/or Cheviot, introduced from England]<ref name="Weinczok">{{cite web|last1=Weinczok|first1=David C|title=The history of sheep speaks to a changing Scotland|url=https://www.thenational.scot/culture/23826309.history-sheep-speaks-changing-scotland/|publisher=The National (Scotland)|access-date=31 May 2024}}</ref> sheep") mocking, among others, the [[Elizabeth Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland|Duchess of Sutherland]] and [[Patrick Sellar]].<ref name="MacDonnchaidh2017">{{cite web|last1=MacDonnchaidh|first1=Eòghann|title=Mo Mhallachd aig na Caoraich Mhòr|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/alba/oran/orain/mo_mhallachd_aig_na_caoraich_mhor/|publisher=BBC|access-date=14 May 2017}}</ref> The song has been recorded by notable singers [[Julie Fowlis]] and [[Kathleen MacInnes]]. There is a monument to Robertson in Tongue.<ref name="ScranEwen">{{cite web|url=http://www.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-198-170-C|title=Scran ::: Ewen Robertson Memorial, Sutherland|website=Scran}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.celticlyricscorner.net/macinneskathleen/duthaich.htm|title=Kathleen MacInnes – Duthaich MhicAoidh – MacKay Country (Sutherland)|website=www.celticlyricscorner.net}}</ref><ref name="MacDonnchaidh2017"/>

A similar poem in [[Canadian Gaelic]] attacks James Gillanders of Highfield Cottage near [[Dingwall]], who was the [[Factor (Scotland)|Factor]] for the estate of Major Charles Robertson of [[Abernethy and Kincardine|Kincardine]]. As his employer was then serving with the [[British Army]] in [[Australia]], Gillanders was the person most responsible for the mass evictions staged at [[Glencalvie]], [[Ross-shire]] in 1845. The Gaelic-language poem denouncing Gillanders for the brutality of the evictions was later submitted anonymously to Pàdraig MacNeacail, the editor of the column in Gaelic in which the poem was published in the [[Antigonish, Nova Scotia]] newspaper ''The Casket''. The poem, which is believed to draw upon eyewitness accounts, is believed to be the only Gaelic language source relating to the evictions in [[Glencalvie]].<ref>Edited by Michael Newton (2015), ''Seanchaidh na Coille: Memory-Keeper of the Forest'', [[Cape Breton University]] Press. Pages 59–62.</ref>

Only the family vault at [[Dunalastair]] is still in the possession of the family of Struan; however, many modern properties have been added to the clan land. The title Baron of Struan is still transferred through Dunalastair.<ref name="Robertson" />

==Clan castles==
[[File:Eilean nam Faoilaig from the South shore - geograph.org.uk - 11891.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Eilean nam Faoilaig was once held by the Robertsons]]
*Mount Alexander was one of among the original seats of the chiefs of Clan Robertson.<ref name="Coventry">Coventry, Martin. (2008). ''Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans''. pp. 497–498. {{ISBN|978-1-899874-36-1}}.</ref> The castle was eventually replaced by Dall House.<ref name="Coventry" /> Despite common misconception, the present ruin of Dunalistair on the site is nothing to do with the clan, but was built in 1859<ref>{{Cite web |title=A place in the shade |date=24 January 2020 |url=https://www.larryboerder.com/posts/aplaceintheshade}}</ref>{{fv|date=January 2024|reason=No mention of the buiild date or the claim that this run is (or is not) related to Clan Robertson}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secret Scotland |url=https://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/DunalastairHouse}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=January 2024|reason=This is a self-published wiki|certain=yes}}<ref name="Robertson2005">{{Cite book |last=Robertson |first=James Irvine |title=The Robertsons: Clan Donnachaidh in Atholl |publisher=Librario Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=1904440630}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Dunalastair Estate |url=https://www.dunalastair.com/History-of-Dunalastair-Estate |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Dunalastair Estate Holiday Cottages |language=en}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=This is a self-published page at a commercial (Travel) website |date=December 2023|certain=yes}} <ref>{{Cite web |title=The Castles of Clan Donnachaidh |url=https://www.scotlandshop.com/tartanblog/castles-clan-donnachaidh#:~:text=Dunalastair%20Castle,-So%2C%20let's%20begin&text=On%20the%20southern%20side%20of,chief%20Alexander%20Robertson%20of%20Struan}}</ref>
*The original seat was at Invervack, and was lost in the Civil war<ref>{{Cite journal |title= These Are Your People: Clan Roberson |first1=D MacDonnel |last=MacDonald |journal=The Highlander |url=https://donnachaidhflorida.com/pdf/These-Are-Your-People-Clan-Donnachaidh-.pdf}}</ref><ref name="Robertson2005" />
*Lude Castle belonged to the Clan Robertson from at least the 17th century but was torched by the forces of [[Oliver Cromwell]] in 1650 after Alexander Robertson of Lude had fought on the side of [[James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose]] at the [[Battle of Tippermuir]] in 1644.<ref name="Coventry" />
*Auchleeks Castle was held by the Clan Robertson from the 1530s but was later replaced by a mansion.<ref name="Coventry" /> They sold the property in 1962 and the garden is occasionally open to the public.<ref name="Coventry" />
*Eilean nam Faoilaig, near [[Kinloch Rannoch]], Perthshire, is the site of a castle on an island that was held by the Robertsons of Struan and was used as both a refuge and a prison.<ref name="Coventry" />

==Tartans==
<gallery class="center">
File:RobertsonRed.jpg|Robertson red [[tartan]]
File:kilt stitching 001.jpg|Detail of a Robertson red kilt<ref>Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain. ''The Robertsons (Clan Donnachaidh of Atholl)''. W. & A. K. Johnston & G. W. Bacon Ltd., Edinburgh. 1962. (reprint of 1954), p. 8 (fig. opposite; cutline reads "Robertson Tartan")</ref>
File:Loyal Clan Donnachie Volunteers (Robertson Hunting) tartan, centred, zoomed out.png|Robertson hunting tartan, in the "modern" colour palette; originally the military tartan of the Loyal Clan Donnachie Volunteers
File:Robertson hunting acient2.JPG|Robertson hunting in "ancient" colour palette (closeup)<ref>Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain. ''The Robertsons (Clan Donnachaidh of Atholl)''. W. & A. K. Johnston & G. W. Bacon Ltd., Edinburgh. 1962. (reprint of 1954), p. 9 (fig. opposite; cutline reads "Robertson Hunting Tartan. Probably evolved 1803 for the Loyal Clan Donachie Volunteers (White Stripe added to Atholl Tartan").</ref>
File:Robertson tartan (Vestiarium Scoticum).png|"Clandonoquhay" tartan, as published in 1842 in the ''[[Vestiarium Scoticum]]''<ref>This 1842 publication was rife with errors and outright hoaxes.</ref>
</gallery>

==Gaelic names==
* ''MacDhònnchaidh'' (surname, 'son of Duncan')
* ''MacRaibeirt'' (surname, 'son of Robert')
* ''Robasdan'' (surname – used when following a first name)
* ''An Robasdanach'' (surname, 'the Robertson' – used on its own, without a first name)
* ''Clann MhicDhònnchaidh / Clann 'IcDhònnchaidh'' (collective – 'Clan Robertson')
* ''Clann Dhònnchaidh'' (collective)
* ''Na Robasdanaich'' (collective) – the Robertsons as a whole.

Note: the common spelling often appears with an "a" after the double nn of ''Dhònnchaidh'', but this is not correct (though it does reflect the Gaelic insertion of an [[Epenthesis|epenthetic vowel]] in pronunciation). ''Cf.'' the anglicised surname MacConnochie (and variants). "MacDhònnchaidh" and derivatives are usually used on the mainland, "Robasdan" and derivatives on the islands.<ref>Iain Mac an Tàilleir: ''Ainmean pearsanta'' (available on [http://www2.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/faclair/cuspair/#A SMO website])</ref>

==Branches==
*Robertson of Auchleeks.<ref name="Robertson" />
*Robertson of Faskally.<ref name="Robertson" />
*Robertson of Inches.<ref name="Robertson" />
*Robertson of Kindeace.<ref name="Robertson" />
*Robertson of Kinlochmouidart.<ref name="Robertson" />
*Robertson of Lude.<ref name="Robertson" />
*Robertson of Struan.<ref name="Robertson" />

==Septs==
The main surname used by the Clan is Robertson, which is also used by the present chief's family, though other names are associated with the clan.<ref>[http://www.donnachaidh.com/history-clan-history.html Clan History] donnachaidh.com. Retrieved 5 March 2020; [http://www.donnachaidh.com/ Clan Donnachaidh Society] Retrieved 5 March 2020.</ref>
These may include:

{{columns-start|num=5}} 
*Barr
*[[Collier Family|Collier]]<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Colyear<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Conlow
*Connachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Dobbie
*Dobieson<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Dobinson<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Dobson
*Donachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Donnachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Donica
*Donohoe
{{column}}
*Duncan<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Duncanson<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Dunkeson<ref name="duncanson" />
*Dunnachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Dunshea<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Green
*Inches<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacConachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacConnachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacConlogue
*MacConnichie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacDonachie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
{{column}} 
*MacGlashan<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacInroy<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacIver<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacIvor<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacLagan<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacLaggan<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacRob<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacRobb<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacRobbie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacRobert<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacRobie<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*MacWilliam<ref name="donnachaidh" />
{{column}}  
*McDonnough
*McConnachie
*[[McConnico]]
*McConochie
*McConnochie
*McInroy<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*McRobie
*Reed<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Reid<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Robb<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Robbie
*Roberts<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Robison<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Robinson
*Roberson<ref name="donnachaidh" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cdsti.org/membership.php |title=Clan Donnachaidh Society of Texas, Inc |access-date=10 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821141309/http://cdsti.org/membership.php |archive-date=21 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
*Robson<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Roy<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Stark<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Tannoch<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Tannochy<ref name="donnachaidh" />
*Hart<ref name="donnachaidh" />{{columns-end}}

Note that several of the above are merely anglicised variants of the [[Scots Gaelic]] ''MacDhònnchaidh'' or literal translations into English of the same (Duncan, Duncanson, etc.).

==Clan profile==

*[[Slogan (heraldry)|Motto]]: {{lang|la|Virtutis gloria merces}} ('Glory is the reward of valour')<ref name="Burke1864">{{cite book|author=Sir Bernard Burke|title=The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a Registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WmpmAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22Virtutis+gloria+merces%22&pg=RA2-PA861|date=1864|publisher=Harrison & sons|page=861}}</ref>
*[[Slogan (heraldry)|Slogan]]: {{lang|gd|Garg 'nuair dhùisgear}} ('Fierce when Roused')<ref name="Reid" />
*[[Scottish crest badge|Crest]]: A dexter hand holding up an imperial crown, all proper<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=nsITAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22robertson+of+struan%22+%22dexter+hand%22&pg=PA241 Alexander Deuchar: ''British Crests'', p 241]</ref>
*[[Heraldic badge|Badge]]: [[Bracken]]<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=4S1tL7Iv1jMC&dq=robertson+badge+bracken&pg=PA139 Fox-Davies Charles: ''Heraldic Badges'', p 139]</ref> (the clan had lands on the southern side of Loch Rannoch – Gaelic {{lang|gd|Loch Raineach}}, 'Loch of Bracken')<ref>[http://www2.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/faclair/sbg/lorg.php?facal=Raineach&seorsa=Gaidhlig&tairg=Lorg&tus_saor=on Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]</ref>
*[[Pìobaireachd|Pipe music]]:
**Salute: {{lang|gd|Fàilte Thighearna Sruthain}} {{small|(Struan Robertson's Salute}}<ref name="Adam, Innes">[https://books.google.com/books?id=xHA6XMGp5EIC&dq=teachd+chlann+donnachaidh&pg=PA423 Frank Adam, Thomas Innes: ''The Clans, Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands 1934'', p 423]</ref> {{small|or}} {{small|Laird of Struan's Salute)}}<ref>Moncreiffe of that Ilk, Iain. ''The Robertsons (Clan Donnachaidh of Atholl)''.  W. & A. K. Johnston & G. W. Bacon Ltd., Edinburgh. 1962 (reprint of 1954), p. 27</ref> 
**Gathering: {{lang|gd|Thàinig Clann Dhònnchaidh}} {{small|(The Robertsons Are Come)}}<ref name="Adam, Innes" />
**March: {{lang|gd|Till an Crodh Dhònnchadh}} {{small|(Turn the Cattle, Dònnchadh)}}; {{lang|gd|Riobain Gorm}} {{small|(Blue Ribbon)}}; ''Teachd Chlann Dhònnchaidh'' {{small|(Coming of the Robertsons)}}<ref name="Adam, Innes" />
**Lament: {{lang|gd|Cumha Sruthain}} {{small|(Lament for Robertson of Struan)}}<ref name="Adam, Innes" />
*[[Scottish clan chief|Clan chief]]: Alexander Gilbert Haldane Robertson of Struan, 24th Chief of Clan Robertson, 28th of Struan (styled Struan Robertson)<ref>[http://www.burkespeerage.com/familyhomepage.aspx?FID=0&FN=ROBERTSONOFSTRUAN Burke's Peerage and Gentry]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.donnachaidh.com/ www.donnachaidh.com] – the Official Clan Donnachaidh Web Site
*[http://www.robertson.org/ www.robertson.org] – Clan Robertson Society
*[http://www.cdsti.org/ www.cdsti.org] – Clan Donnachaidh Society of Texas
*[http://www.rockymountainscots.com/ www.rockymountainscots.com] – Clan Donnachaidh Society of the Rocky Mountains
{{Scottish clans}}

[[Category:Scottish clans|Robertson]]