History of Clan Grant
Written by Lord Strathspey (1983)
Clan Grant's recorded histyory dates from the mid-thirteenth century, when Sir Laurence de Grant was Sheriff of Inverness. The family, over the centuries, added to their original Speyside lands, centered on Grantown-on-Spey and Castle Grant, until the Clan territory stretched from Aberdeen in the east, Banff and Elgin in the north and over to the west short of Loch Ness, Southwards, they controlled the wild slopes of the Cairngorm massif around Aviemore, now a famous ski resort, where their summoning beacon was lighted on Craig Elachie (rock of alarm), still commemorated in their time-honoured rallying call and battle slogan . . . "Stand Fast Craigellachie!"
As a clan, the Grants contributed a major share to the development of north-east Scotland and in the shaping not only the history of Scotland but of the United Kingdom and the former colonies overseas. The Clan Grant Society, founded in 1897, has recently been revitalised in Britain, and Societies have been formed in the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. The first clan to adopt an official tartan, in 1704, they were also the last clan to send out the Firey Cross to call the men to arms, in 1820 at the 'raid on Elgin'. Among innumerable interesting characters, their history includes such diverse notables as a President of the United States, General Ulysses S. Grant, and the late Nina, Countess of Seafield, in her day said to be the richest women in Britain.
There can be few members of this large and scattered family who will not be fascinated to read of the deeds of their forebears and of the traditions and legends in this new, carefully-researched account written by their present and 32nd Clan Chief, Lord Strathspey. Grants around the world, together with those who bear one of the associated names -- Allen, Bisset, Bowie, Buie, Gilroy, MacAllan, MacGilroy, MacIlroy, MacKerron, More of Drumcork, MacKiaran, Pratt or Suttie (and their derivatives) -- all of them can take pride in the story of this great clan, of which they are a living part. Scottish and family historians in general, will also welcome this significant addition to clan history.