Clan Anderson

Clan Anderson
Mac Ghille Aindrais[1] or Gilleaindreas[2]

Crest: An oak tree, Proper[1]
Motto Stand sure[1]
Profile
Region unknown [3]
District Badenoch[1]
Plant badge An Oak Tree[1]
Clan Anderson has no chief, and is an armigerous clan
Last Chief Anderson of that Ilk [4]

Clan Anderson is a Scottish clan. The clan does not currently have a chief recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and is therefore considered an Armigerous clan.[2]

History

Origins

As Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland the surname Anderson, which means Son of Andrew is commonly found throughout most of the country.[2] The Scottish Gaelic derivation of the name is Gilleaindreas which means Macandrew.[2] The Scottish historian, Ian Grimble, states that although arms were granted to an Anderson of that Ilk in the sixteenth century, as the name is so widespread no exact place of origin can be established.[2]

16th and 17th centuries

The historian George Fraser Black lists Andersons as being burgesses of Peebles as well as in the county of Dumfries.[2] In 1585 John Anderson was a commissioner to Parliament for Cupar.[2] Alexander Anderson was a famous mathematician who was born near Aberdeen and later settled in Paris, where he published works on Algebra and Geometry.[2] Alexander's kinsman, David Anderson of Finshaugh, also a scientist, is renowned for removing a rock that was obstructing the entrance to Aberdeen harbour with the application of science and mechanics.[2]

19th and 20th centuries

In 1863 William Anderson published his famous biographical history of the people of Scotland, The Scottish Nation, in three volumes.[2] In this book he praised the above-mentioned rock remover, David Anderson, stating that he had been rich enough and generous enough to found and endow a hospital in Aberdeen for the maintenance and education of ten poor orphans.[2]

In the 20th century the name is remembered for the famous Anderson shelters, a type of bomb shelter that was designed by John Anderson, 1st Viscount Waverley, during World War II.[2]

Anderson Clan Society

The Anderson Clan Society was formed in 1973 and is active throughout the world.[2] A clan room and archival display are maintained at Wisby House in Kirtlebridge, Dumfriesshire.[2]

Cadet branches

There is currently no chiefly line of the Clan Anderson, however the major cadet branches have been identified as Anderson of Dowhill, Anderson of West Ardbreck and Anderson of Candacraig.[2]

Anderson of Ardbrake
Anderson of Erbury
Anderson of Bruntstane
Anderson of Bishopmill
Anderson of Candacraig
Anderson of Kinneddar
[4]

Highland MacAndrews and Andersons

In the Scottish Highlands the surname MacAndrew is considered a sept of the Clan Mackintosh or Chattan Confederation and MacAndrews were also associated with the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry.[5] The surnames Andrew, Andrews and Anderson are also considered septs of the Highland Clan Ross.[6]

Clan profile

Septs

Andrew, Anderson, Andrews, Gillanders, MacAndrew.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Clan Anderson Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 Way, George and Squire, Romily. Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). Published in 1994. Page 352.
  3. ↑ it has not certain who the chiefly arms belonged to, therefore the lands of this chief can not be properly asertained. See myclan.com
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 anderson-assoc.org
  5. ↑ Clan Anderson/MacAndrews History rampantscotland.com. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  6. ↑ Clan Ross History electricscotland.com. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 clanandersonsociety.org symbols
  8. ↑ "The Anderson Tartan and Variants". clananderson.net. Retrieved 2008-02-07.

External links