Clan Grant

Clan Grant
Clann Chiarain, Clann Ailein, Clann Phàdraig, Clann Phàdraig, Sliochd an Amair
Crest: An image of a burning hill. (The burning hill represents "Craig Elachie", the rallying point for the Grants. When signal fires were lit upon the summit of Craig Elachie, or "The Rock of Alarm", members of the clan would gather there in order to organize for an attack or defense.)
Motto	Stand Fast, Stand Sure
Slogan	"Stand Fast Craig Elachie!"
Profile
District	Strathspey,Glen Urquhart,Glenmoriston and Loch Ness.
Plant badge	Pine
Pipe music	Stand fast Craigellachie
Chief
The Rt. Hon. Sir James Grant of that Ilk
The 6th Lord Strathspey
Historic seat	Castle Grant
Septs of Clan Grant More of Drumcork, Allans of Rhynagairn, The Siol Lewis
Clan branches Grant of Grant (chiefs) Grant of Glenmoriston (senior cadets) Grant of Ballindalloch Grant of Rothiemurchus Grant of Carron Grant of Culcabuck See also: Grant baronets Macpherson-Grant baronets
Allied clans Clan Gordon Clan Gregor Clan Campbell
Rival clans Clan Cameron

Clan Grant is a Highland Scottish clan.

It is almost certain that the ancestors of the chiefs of Clan Grant came to Scotland with the Normans to England where the name is found soon after the conquest of that country. Although some historians have asserted that the Grants were part of the Siol Alpin group of families who descend from Alpin, father of Kenneth MacAlpin, first king of Scots. The first Grants to appear in Scotland are recorded in the 13th century when they acquired the lands of Stratherrick. One of the family married Mary, daughter of Sir John Bisset and from this marriage came at least two sons. One of these sons was Sir Laurence le Grand who became Sheriff of Inverness.

During the Wars of Scottish Independence Clan Grant were supporters of William Wallace and John and Randolph Grant were captured at the Battle of Dunbar (1296). The Clan Grant later supported Robert the Bruce in competition for the Scottish Crown. The victory of Robert the Bruce confirmed the Grants in their lands of Strathspey, where they became established Highland chiefs.

The taking of Castle Grant, 14th century; Originally a Comyn Clan stronghold, Clan traditions tell us that the castle was taken from the Comyns by a combined force of the Grants and MacGregors.

The next available reference is of Duncan le Grant in 1434, and later, Sir Duncan Grant of Freuchie (Castle Grant), who inherited land in Dulnain valley in upper Speyside from his mother, Matilda of Glencarnie. Her family had partially owned it since 1180, when Richard I of England gave Kinveachy (approximately ten miles southwest of Castle Grant) to Gille Brigte, Earl of Strathearn.

By the 16th century the clan and its chief had become powerful enough to play a part in national politics. Their main allies being the Clan Gordon, whose chief was the powerful Earl of Huntly.