Clan Murray, one of the most powerful and honored Clans in the
history of Scotland, are descended from Freskin, described as a 12th Century
Pictish-Scottish lord from the ancient race of Moray. This noble blood has
flowed through the veins of the Murrays down through the centuries, and the
great Clan Murray name shines brightly in the volumes of Scotland's history.
The Clan's original lands in West Lothian and Moray were greatly added to by the
successes of the Murrays over the years, and grew to include Lanark,
Tullibardine and Atholl. Clan Murray even achieved the sole sovereignty of the
Isle of Man in 1736, issuing their own coinage and holding their own Parliament
as the supreme Lords of Man.
The strength and prosperity of Clan Murray is evidenced by the numerous honors
bestowed upon them by the Crown of Scotland. Among other titles, the Chiefs of
the Clan have achieved the distinction of becoming the Dukes of Atholl,
Marquesses of Tullibardine, and at earlier times, Lords of Bothwell and Lords of
Man. However, this venerable tradition is not limited to the Chiefs of Clan
Murray. Other members of the Clan have established their own dynasties for the
honor of the Murrays, acquiring the Earldom of Dunmore, the Earldom of Dysart,
the Earldom of Mansfield, the Earldom of Annandale, and the Baronetcy of
Ochtertyre.
The proud heritage of the Clan Murray have led them to be steadfast champions of
the Crown of Scotland, and Murrays have fought valiantly in many of Scotland's
battles. Sir Andrew Murray commanded the Scottish forces in the Wars of
Independence, until he laid down his life to achieve the 1297 victory of
Stirling Bridge. This loyal tradition continued with the Murrays' support of the
Stuart monarchs in the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745, with Sir George Murray
being renowned as among the greatest generals of Bonnie Prince Charlie's army.
In the history of the Jacobite campaign, it is Sir George who was chosen to
unfurl the Prince's Royal Standard at Glenfinnan in August, 1745. The 10th Duke
of Atholl resides at the ancient Clan seat of Blair Castle in Pitlochry.
The Duke is celebrated for being the only British subject who has the right to
maintain a private army, the Atholl Highlanders, harking back to the Murrays'
days of military prominence. The Clan crest is a mermaid holding a mirror in one
hand and a comb in the other, with the motto "Tout pret" meaning "Quite ready".