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"Remember the people from whence you came"

The Ferguson Clan Crest consists of a bee on a thistle encircled by a strap and buckle bearing the proud Ferguson clan motto "Dulcius ex Asperis" which means (Sweeter after difficulties).

The Gaelic, 'MacFhaerghuis' is often translated as 'son of the angry', the angry being Fergus who is thought to have lived in the north of Scotland early in Scottish history. Fergusson is a name that has been found in different districts of Scotland almost as long as the name has been alive although the origin of the clan is generally considered to be in Ross-shire.

The various Fergussons have found their fortunes in different forms although they often have very different progenitors depending upon their region of origin. The Fergussons of Argyllshire and Ayrshire, for example, claim descent from two different royal families. The Argyllshire Fergussons trace their origins to Fergus Mor mac Erc, a king of the Scots of Dalriada, their connection has been immortalised on their family shield in the form of a boar's head.

The Ayrshire Fergussons trace their line back to Fergus, Prince of Galloway who lived during the reign of David I. The famous Fergusson Earls of Carrick are descended from this line. There are numerous notable Fergussons from various branches of the family. Another Fergusson general was Sir Ronald Fergusson of Raith who won the praise of the Duke of Wellington for his performance during the Peninsular Wars. A portrait was commissioned depicting himself and his brother who served in the Royal Company of Archers, the traditional bodyguards of Scottish monarchs. Ronald's descendants included the Viscount of Novar who represented Leith in Parliament from 1886 to 1914, and also went on to became Governor General of Australia. Of the Fergussons of Pitfour, one became Lord Pitfour as well as becoming a High Court judge in 1765. His son Patrick, a Lieutenant Colonel in the army, was responsible for the breach loading rifle which was patented in 1776.

Robert 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.The head of the Ferguson clan is the Chief of Kilkerran. And has been recognised by the Lord Lyon of Scotland since the early 18^th century as the Chief of all Fergus(s)ons.

The current Chief is Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran, 9^th Baronet, who resides in the ancestral home near Maybole Ayrshire.