Clan Fraser History

The Clan Fraser are said to descend from the French lords of Frezeliere, a great noble family invited to Scotland by William the Lion in 1165. The Frasers were granted land in East Lothian, and their gallant deeds soon made them a highland Clan of some repute. Such was the success of Clan Fraser that they accumulated more land, controlling areas in Stirling, and erecting Oliver Castle in Peebles.

Clan Fraser played a major role during the 14th Century wars of independence, among the most critical periods of Scotland's history. One of the most heroic Frasers was Simon Fraser, a steadfast companion of the great William Wallace. Simon was captured in the fight for Scotland, and was sent to London where he suffered the same fate as the patriot Wallace. The infamous Edward I sentenced him to the most hideous punishment he could fathom, and Fraser was hung, drawn and quartered for daring to rebel against English tyranny. After the Scots were victorious in their struggle, Alexander Fraser married Robert the Bruce's sister and became Chamberlain of Scotland in 1319.

Clan Fraser continued to play a pivotal role in Scottish history down through the centuries. The Frasers supported Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, but the Clan paid a hefty price following the rebels' defeat at the Battle of Culloden. The chief, Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, was tried for treason and beheaded in London, though he was over 80 years of age. His son was pardoned because of his extreme youth at the time of his involvement in the ill fated patriotic venture. In 1757, he raised over 1800 men for the Fraser Highlanders and, as General Simon Fraser, fought alongside his Clansfolk in the Americas. The Frasers also played a great role in the advancement of Scottish culture. Sir Alexander Fraser, 8th Earl of Philorth, established the town of Fraserburgh in the 16th Century, and aimed to create a new university there. However, this was stymied by the neighbouring town of Aberdeen, who were unwilling to allow such a close academic rival.

The 17th Lord Lovat was the famous WWII commando Simon Fraser, DSO, MC, TD, Legion d'honneur (France), Croix de Guerre (France), and Order of Suverov (Soviet Union). Upon his death his grandson, Simon Fraser became the next Lord Lovat at the age of 18 years.

The Fraser of Lovat Clan crest is a buck's head and the proud Fraser clan motto is "Je suis prest" meaning in French "I am ready".

See our Clan Fraser collection here