Clan Fraser

March 16, 2011

CLAN FRASER : SCOTTISH CLANS

Gaelic Name: Friseal
Motto: All my hope is in God
Badge: Yew
Lands: East Lothian, Aberdeenshire
Origin of Name: French fraisse (Strawberry)

Clan Fraser is a Scottish clan of French origin. Clan Fraser has its origins in Norman France settled in Tweedale.

…..The Clan has been strongly associated with Inverness and the surrounding area since the Clan’s founder gained lands there in the 13th century. Since its founding, the Clan has dominated local politics and been active in every major military conflict involving Scotland. It has also played a considerable role in most major political turmoils.

…..The origin of the name Fraser is believed to lie with a knight called Frezel from the lordship of La Frezeliere in Anjou, who came to Scotland in the 11th century.

…..The Clan’s current chief is Simon Fraser, the 16th Lord Lovat, and 25th Chief of the Clan. The arms of Clan Fraser are Quarterly: 1st and 4th Azure, three fraises Argent, 2nd and 3rd Gules, three antique crowns Or, or in layman’s terms, the traditional three cinquefoils, or fraises (strawberry flowers), as they have come to be known, in the first and fourth positions and three crowns in the second and third positions. Only the Lord Lovat is allowed use of these arms plain and undifferenced.

…..Frasers have always been known for their fighting spirit and their skill in the art of war. Frasers have fought in many wars, from defending Scottish lands against invading Danes and Norse, to the Scottish Wars of Independence, to the Jacobite risings, both World Wars, and they continue to serve today.

…..Today the Clan Fraser is composed of many thousands all over the world. Large Fraser populations exist in the United States and Canada, and smaller populations are in Australia, New Zealand (both of which have had Fraser prime ministers), and South Africa, not to mention those who never left Scotland. In 1951, the Lord Lovat Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser was able to muster some 7,000 Frasers to the family seat at Beaufort Castle, and in 1997, some 30-40,000 Frasers from 21 different countries came to Castle Fraser over a period of four days for a worldwide Clan gathering.

…..Septs of the Frasers include: Abernethy, Bissett, Mackim, Simon, Brewster, Mackimmie, Simpson, Cowie, Macsimon, Sims, Frew, Mactavish, Syme, Frizell, Oliver, Twaddle, Macgruer, Sim, Tweedie, Frazer, MacIllrick.

Categories: Clans