About Our Scottish History
Literally Ferguson means 'The Sons of Fergus'. Our original Gallic name is MacFhearghuis. This gradually changed to Fergus(s)on.
Our Scottish Clan's earliest residence is Atholl, in central Scotland. And since we Fergusons like to have a good time, Atholl is of course on the whiskey trail!
After Scotland united with England, 5 families chose their Chief. So there are now 5 Ferguson Clans in Scotland. Our clan is based in Kilkerran. Since the 14th century 'our' Fergusons have controlled this area. Previously there was a city castle. Work on the current Kilkerran House was started in the 18th century. It has taken years of work and over time, a billiard room and stables have been added.
Our current Chief is Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran, 9th Baronet and he currently lives with his family in the castle in Kilkerran.
Robert I, popularly known as Robert the Bruce, was King of Scotland from 1306 until his death in 1329. Robert was one of the most famous warriors of his generation, and eventually led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England.
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Robert the Bruce granted certain lands in Ayrshire to Fergus MacFergus, and in 1466 John Fergusson resigned a portion of his estate to Fergus Fergusson (of Kilkerran), his son, and Janet Kennedy, his wife. From this line stems Sir Charles Fergusson, 9th Baronet, and Baron of Kilkerran who holds the undifferenced arms as Chief of the Name.*
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7th century & Civil War:
The dispersed Clan Fergusson has not blazed the battlefield with glories won by the sword. However, “Sons of Fergus” fought with Clan Bruce in the Scottish Civil War and the English Civil War. Some Perthshire Fergusons fought alongside James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose in 1644.
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18th century & Jacobite Uprisings:
The oldest soldier in Prince Charles Edward’s Army at the Battle of Prestonpans in the ‘45 was an 80-year-old Ferguson.
In the 18th century the head of the Kilkerran family came gradually to be regarded as the chief of all the Fergus(s)ons. This family has produced notable statesmen, military leaders, lawyers, writers and agricultural improvers. The present Chief is Sir Charles Ferguson of Kilkerran, 9th Baronet, who lives in the ancestral home near Maybole, Ayrshire.
World Wars:
In modern times and during World Wars I and II many Fergus(s)ons from Scotland and abroad were distinguished military leaders. Clan Ferguson has been termed a “gentle force” that gained respected prominence from live and let live. Recently, however, a clansman, after looking at McIan’s depiction of “The Ferguson” as a barefooted, Claymore-wielding, helmeted warrior wearing the ancient Lein-croich, or saffron colored shirt of the Celts, remarked that “if Clan Ferguson is a “gentle force” he was glad the warrior was one of us and not a foeman!”
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Source: ScotWeb
The history of Scotland is a complex one with many Protestant - Catholic wars. The last battle was at Culloden (April 16, 1746) where the Scots were completely devastated.
The English government decided to take measures to prevent such an uprising in the future. Since the majority of Catholics were Scottish, Scotland suffered. All weapons were banned in Scotland. The bagpipes were also declared a weapon and were therefore prohibited as well as Scottish clothing, including the kilt and tartans. Wearing Scottish clothing led to prison terms ranging from 6 months to 7 years.
This was the case until 1848 when Queen Victoria bought Balmoral Castle and designed her own tartan. Since then, everything was allowed again, and the Territorial Families became Clans again.
Ferguson Information