CLAN GRANT
Clan Grant Encounter Tour
Stories of Clan Grant
The late Sir James Grant of Grant chatting with the museum manger, Dan Cottam
The Clan Chief is The Rt. Hon Sir Michael Grant of Grant, The 7th Lord Strathspey, Baronet of Nova Scotia, 34rd Chief of Clan Grant.
"Stand Fast Craig Elachie" is the slogan of the clan.
Discover more on the ‘Clan Grant Visitors’ website, created especially for visitors to Strathspey looking for places of interest with a connection to Clan Grant: www.clangrantvisitors.org
We do have several Clan Grant items for sale in our on line shop
"Stand Fast Craig Elachie" is the slogan of the clan.
Discover more on the ‘Clan Grant Visitors’ website, created especially for visitors to Strathspey looking for places of interest with a connection to Clan Grant: www.clangrantvisitors.org
We do have several Clan Grant items for sale in our on line shop
There are Clan Grant Societies in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia - links to their websites are below
Some historical figures of the Grant family
Francis William Ogilvy-Grant
6th Earl of Seafield. Fourth son of Sir James Grant, 8th Baronet, and Jane Duff. He achieved the rank of Colonel in the army. In 1802 he was elected to the House of Commons for Elgin Burghs, a seat he held until 1806, and then represented Inverness Burghs from 1806 to 1807, Elginshire from 1807 to 1832 and Elginshire and Nairnshire from 1832 to 1840. In 1840 he succeeded his elder brother as sixth Earl of Seafield, and sat in the House of Lords as a Scottish Representative Peer from 1841 until his death in 1853. Apart from his political career he also served as Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire from 1809 to 1853.
Lord Seafield was married twice. He married firstly Mary Anne Dunn, daughter of John Dunn, in 1811. They had five children. After his first wife's death in 1840 he married secondly Louisa Emma, daughter of Robert George Maunsell, in 1843. He died in July 1853, aged 75, and was buried at the mausoleum at Duthil Old Parish Church and Burial Ground, just outside the village of Duthil, Inverness-shire. He was succeeded in his titles by his son from his first marriage, John Charles Ogilvy-Grant.
He was educated in our local grammar school and was almost as highly regarded as his father, ‘ The Good Sir James’ - founder of the Town.
6th Earl of Seafield. Fourth son of Sir James Grant, 8th Baronet, and Jane Duff. He achieved the rank of Colonel in the army. In 1802 he was elected to the House of Commons for Elgin Burghs, a seat he held until 1806, and then represented Inverness Burghs from 1806 to 1807, Elginshire from 1807 to 1832 and Elginshire and Nairnshire from 1832 to 1840. In 1840 he succeeded his elder brother as sixth Earl of Seafield, and sat in the House of Lords as a Scottish Representative Peer from 1841 until his death in 1853. Apart from his political career he also served as Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire from 1809 to 1853.
Lord Seafield was married twice. He married firstly Mary Anne Dunn, daughter of John Dunn, in 1811. They had five children. After his first wife's death in 1840 he married secondly Louisa Emma, daughter of Robert George Maunsell, in 1843. He died in July 1853, aged 75, and was buried at the mausoleum at Duthil Old Parish Church and Burial Ground, just outside the village of Duthil, Inverness-shire. He was succeeded in his titles by his son from his first marriage, John Charles Ogilvy-Grant.
He was educated in our local grammar school and was almost as highly regarded as his father, ‘ The Good Sir James’ - founder of the Town.
Ian Charles Ogilvy-Grant. 8th Earl of Seafield
He was only Earl for three years from his father’s death in 1881 until his own in 1884.
As well as continuing his Father’s tree planting Ian Charles was involved in the erection of Inverallan Church in Grantown-on-Spey which is now dedicated to them both.
The small hospital and health centre in town also bears his name as the Ian Charles Hospital, his mother named it after him as he was instrumental in its building.
He resided at Cullen House in Cullen but also owned several houses throughout the valley, including Inverallan House near Grantown-on-Spey, a small fishing lodge. In past times it was used as a home for the family of the Factor to the estate up until very recently. Kinveachy Lodge near Carrbridge has also been a house belonging to the Ogilvy-Grants, where up until this day many of the Ogilvy-Grants visit on holidays.
He was only Earl for three years from his father’s death in 1881 until his own in 1884.
As well as continuing his Father’s tree planting Ian Charles was involved in the erection of Inverallan Church in Grantown-on-Spey which is now dedicated to them both.
The small hospital and health centre in town also bears his name as the Ian Charles Hospital, his mother named it after him as he was instrumental in its building.
He resided at Cullen House in Cullen but also owned several houses throughout the valley, including Inverallan House near Grantown-on-Spey, a small fishing lodge. In past times it was used as a home for the family of the Factor to the estate up until very recently. Kinveachy Lodge near Carrbridge has also been a house belonging to the Ogilvy-Grants, where up until this day many of the Ogilvy-Grants visit on holidays.
James Ogilvy, Lord Findlater 1st Earl of Seafield
The son of James Ogilvy, 3rd Earl of Findlater, and Lady Anne Montgomerie. He was elected to the Faculty of Advocates in 1685, and was a Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland for Banffshire from 1681 to 1682 and from 1689 to 1695. Findlater was Solicitor General for Scotland from 1693, Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1702 to 1704 and from 1705 to 1708, Secretary of State from 1696 to 1702 and joint secretary from 1704 to 1705.
James was created Viscount Seafield in 1698 and Earl of Seafield in 1701. He was a Commissioner for the Union from 1702 and an active promoter of the Union from 1706. He served as first Lord Chief Baron of the Scottish Court of Exchequer, established by the Act of Union. By 1713 his views on Union had changed and he moved for its repeal.
He served as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland from 1713 to 1714 and sat in the British House of Lords as a Scottish Representative Peer
He was admitted to the Privy Council of Great Britain and was appointed Lord Chief Baron in the Court of Exchequer in 1707. In 1711 he succeeded his father as fourth Earl of Findlater.
Lord Findlater married Anne Dunbar, daughter of Sir William Dunbar, 1st Baronet, in 1687. He died in August 1730, aged 66, and was succeeded by his son James Ogilvy.
The son of James Ogilvy, 3rd Earl of Findlater, and Lady Anne Montgomerie. He was elected to the Faculty of Advocates in 1685, and was a Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland for Banffshire from 1681 to 1682 and from 1689 to 1695. Findlater was Solicitor General for Scotland from 1693, Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1702 to 1704 and from 1705 to 1708, Secretary of State from 1696 to 1702 and joint secretary from 1704 to 1705.
James was created Viscount Seafield in 1698 and Earl of Seafield in 1701. He was a Commissioner for the Union from 1702 and an active promoter of the Union from 1706. He served as first Lord Chief Baron of the Scottish Court of Exchequer, established by the Act of Union. By 1713 his views on Union had changed and he moved for its repeal.
He served as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland from 1713 to 1714 and sat in the British House of Lords as a Scottish Representative Peer
He was admitted to the Privy Council of Great Britain and was appointed Lord Chief Baron in the Court of Exchequer in 1707. In 1711 he succeeded his father as fourth Earl of Findlater.
Lord Findlater married Anne Dunbar, daughter of Sir William Dunbar, 1st Baronet, in 1687. He died in August 1730, aged 66, and was succeeded by his son James Ogilvy.
Captain Sir James Ogilvy-Grant, Baronet 11th Earl of Seafield, 3rd Lord Strathspey, Chief of the Glan Grant, DL (1876 - 1915)
The eldest son of the 10th Earl of Seafield. He succeeded his father in 1888 and married Mary Elizabeth Nina, daughter of Joseph Henry Townsend of Christchurch, New Zealand. After immigrating from New Zealand to England, he and his family eventually went to Scotland, where he was well received by the members of the Clan Grant. With the outbreak of World War I, he was commissioned Captain in the 3rd Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Lord Seafield was mortally wounded in Flanders in 1915 and his young daughter, Nina Caroline, became Countess of Seafield. The vast Grant and Seafield estates were held in trust by a group of solicitors in Edinburgh for the young countess until she reached the age of majority in 1946.
The eldest son of the 10th Earl of Seafield. He succeeded his father in 1888 and married Mary Elizabeth Nina, daughter of Joseph Henry Townsend of Christchurch, New Zealand. After immigrating from New Zealand to England, he and his family eventually went to Scotland, where he was well received by the members of the Clan Grant. With the outbreak of World War I, he was commissioned Captain in the 3rd Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Lord Seafield was mortally wounded in Flanders in 1915 and his young daughter, Nina Caroline, became Countess of Seafield. The vast Grant and Seafield estates were held in trust by a group of solicitors in Edinburgh for the young countess until she reached the age of majority in 1946.
John Charles Ogilvy-Grant. 7th Earl of Seafield
The eldest son of Francis William Ogilvy-Grant, 6th Earl of Seafield, and Mary Ann Dunn. He succeeded his father as Earl of Seafield in 1853. From 1853 until 1858 he sat in the House of Lords as a Scottish Representative Peer. The latter year he was created Baron Strathspey, of Strathspey in the Counties of Inverness and Moray, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
In 1850, he married the Hon. Caroline Stuart, youngest daughter of Robert Walter, 11th Lord Blantyre. In 1858, he was created Baron Strathspey of Strathspey in the peerage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Lord Seafield was dedicated to the improvement of his estates and building roads. He was an avid breeder of highland cattle, and like his father, an enthusiastic planter of trees. Lord Seafield was a staunch Conservative and took his seat in the House of Lords. He was also an active office holder in the Church of Scotland. Lord Seafield died at Cullen House in 1881 and was entombed in the Seafield mausoleum at Duthil.
He was succeeded by his son, Ian Charles.Ogilvy-Grant . Ian died three years later, leaving the baronetcy to his Uncle James. James died aged 70, four years later in 1888.
The next Earl, James’ son Francis William (named after his grandfather) lived in New Zealand after his naval career leaving the estates in Strathspey under the superb stewardship of his aunt, the now Dowager Duchess Caroline (John Charles’ Widow).
The eldest son of Francis William Ogilvy-Grant, 6th Earl of Seafield, and Mary Ann Dunn. He succeeded his father as Earl of Seafield in 1853. From 1853 until 1858 he sat in the House of Lords as a Scottish Representative Peer. The latter year he was created Baron Strathspey, of Strathspey in the Counties of Inverness and Moray, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
In 1850, he married the Hon. Caroline Stuart, youngest daughter of Robert Walter, 11th Lord Blantyre. In 1858, he was created Baron Strathspey of Strathspey in the peerage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Lord Seafield was dedicated to the improvement of his estates and building roads. He was an avid breeder of highland cattle, and like his father, an enthusiastic planter of trees. Lord Seafield was a staunch Conservative and took his seat in the House of Lords. He was also an active office holder in the Church of Scotland. Lord Seafield died at Cullen House in 1881 and was entombed in the Seafield mausoleum at Duthil.
He was succeeded by his son, Ian Charles.Ogilvy-Grant . Ian died three years later, leaving the baronetcy to his Uncle James. James died aged 70, four years later in 1888.
The next Earl, James’ son Francis William (named after his grandfather) lived in New Zealand after his naval career leaving the estates in Strathspey under the superb stewardship of his aunt, the now Dowager Duchess Caroline (John Charles’ Widow).
Lady Caroline Henrietta Ogilvy-Grant (nee: Stuart) Dowager Countess of Seafield
After the death of her son, Ian Charles, Caroline was left as heiress to the estates (whereas the titles went to her brother-in-law in New Zealand).
She took on the role with vigour despite her bereavement and became much loved amongst her tenants and towns people as a generous and unfailing benefactor.
Only fifteen months after his death, she opened the hospital which had been planned by Ian Charles ‘for the treatment and care of the sick, which has been of untold benefit to the Speyside district’ and which still stands today.
On May 1st 1886 she laid the memorial stone on the Seafield Memorial Church that she had designed by her private architect, Mr Alex Smith.
She continued her predecessor's good work with diligence, considering the circumstances and wants of all her tenants individually and on more than one occasion reducing their rents to enable them to make ends meet.
After the death of her son, Ian Charles, Caroline was left as heiress to the estates (whereas the titles went to her brother-in-law in New Zealand).
She took on the role with vigour despite her bereavement and became much loved amongst her tenants and towns people as a generous and unfailing benefactor.
Only fifteen months after his death, she opened the hospital which had been planned by Ian Charles ‘for the treatment and care of the sick, which has been of untold benefit to the Speyside district’ and which still stands today.
On May 1st 1886 she laid the memorial stone on the Seafield Memorial Church that she had designed by her private architect, Mr Alex Smith.
She continued her predecessor's good work with diligence, considering the circumstances and wants of all her tenants individually and on more than one occasion reducing their rents to enable them to make ends meet.
Sir James Grant of Grant. Baronet (1738 - 1811)
Affectionately known as “the Good Sir James,” was well-educated, well-travelled and certainly the most capable chief of his long line. He was a dedicated public servant and an ardent improver of his vast estates. He was the founder of Grantown and at various times served as a Member of Parliament, Cashier of Excise for Scotland, Lord Lieutenant, and Sheriff of Inverness-shire. In the last decade of the 18th century, Sir James raised and served as Colonel of two regiments – the 1st Strathspey Fencibles and the 97th Inverness-shire Highlanders.
During much of his tenure as Chief of Grant, the highlands were devastated by periods of famine and epidemic. The country was continuously pummelled with all manner of inclement weather – drought, floods and unrelenting snowstorms. Crops were laid waste and starvation was rampant. Sir James repeatedly dipped into his own coffers to purchase grain for his starving tenants and clansmen. In most cases, he overlooked unpaid rents and searched for ways to provide employment for his clan. It was also during this time that Sir James’ personal debts continued to mount. His massive financial burdens were brought about by his own tenants’ inability to pay their rents. He also had to deal with the tragic personal loss of children, the mental illness of his eldest son and heir, Lewis Alexander, the eventual loss of his wife, and finally his own declining health. Sir James Grant of Grant, Baronet, “the good Sir James,” died at Castle Grant in 1811.
Affectionately known as “the Good Sir James,” was well-educated, well-travelled and certainly the most capable chief of his long line. He was a dedicated public servant and an ardent improver of his vast estates. He was the founder of Grantown and at various times served as a Member of Parliament, Cashier of Excise for Scotland, Lord Lieutenant, and Sheriff of Inverness-shire. In the last decade of the 18th century, Sir James raised and served as Colonel of two regiments – the 1st Strathspey Fencibles and the 97th Inverness-shire Highlanders.
During much of his tenure as Chief of Grant, the highlands were devastated by periods of famine and epidemic. The country was continuously pummelled with all manner of inclement weather – drought, floods and unrelenting snowstorms. Crops were laid waste and starvation was rampant. Sir James repeatedly dipped into his own coffers to purchase grain for his starving tenants and clansmen. In most cases, he overlooked unpaid rents and searched for ways to provide employment for his clan. It was also during this time that Sir James’ personal debts continued to mount. His massive financial burdens were brought about by his own tenants’ inability to pay their rents. He also had to deal with the tragic personal loss of children, the mental illness of his eldest son and heir, Lewis Alexander, the eventual loss of his wife, and finally his own declining health. Sir James Grant of Grant, Baronet, “the good Sir James,” died at Castle Grant in 1811.