Chiefs of Clan Ross
Encyclopedia
The first chiefs of the Scottish Highland
, Clan Ross
were also the original Earls of Ross
. That title later went to other families in the late 14th century and from then on the chiefs of Clan Ross were designated as "of Balnagowen". This was because their seat was at Balnagowen Castle
. The chieftanship of the clan has since passed to various branches of the clan. The current chief is David Campbell Ross who descends from Hugh Ross the 4th of Balnagowan. The following is a list of the chiefs of Clan Ross.
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands is an historic region of Scotland. The area is sometimes referred to as the "Scottish Highlands". It was culturally distinguishable from the Lowlands from the later Middle Ages into the modern period, when Lowland Scots replaced Scottish Gaelic throughout most of the Lowlands...
, Clan Ross
Clan Ross
Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross.-Origins:Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan first named as such by King Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1160...
were also the original Earls of Ross
Earl of Ross
The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:...
. That title later went to other families in the late 14th century and from then on the chiefs of Clan Ross were designated as "of Balnagowen". This was because their seat was at Balnagowen Castle
Balnagown Castle
Balnagown Castle is located beside the village of Kildary in Easter Ross, part of the Highland area of Scotland. There has been a castle on the site since the 14th century, although the present building was remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries...
. The chieftanship of the clan has since passed to various branches of the clan. The current chief is David Campbell Ross who descends from Hugh Ross the 4th of Balnagowan. The following is a list of the chiefs of Clan Ross.
| Name of Clan Ross Chief | Chief until | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| Fearchar, Earl of Ross Fearchar, Earl of Ross Fearchar of Ross or Ferchar mac in tSagairt , was the first Mormaer or Earl of Ross we know of from the thirteenth century, whose career brought Ross into the fold of the Scottish kings for the first time, and who is remembered as the founder of the Earldom of Ross.-Origins:The traditional... (Fequhard 1st Earl of Ross) |
1249 | Crushed a rebellion in Moray and Ross, brought the King the heads of the rebel leaders and was knighted on 15 June 1215. |
| Uilleam I, Earl of Ross Uilleam I, Earl of Ross Uilleam I of Ross was the first successor of Ferchar mac an tSagairt, as Mormaer of Ross, with his comital dates traditionally given as 1251–1274.... (William 2nd Earl of Ross) |
1274 | Justiciar of Scotland, North. Dau of William Comyn Clan Cumming Clan Cumming, also known as Clan Comyn, is a Scottish clan from the central Highlands that played a major role in the history of 13th century Scotland and in the Wars of Scottish Independence and were instrumental in defeating the English at the Battle of Roslin in 1303... , Earl of Buchan Earl of Buchan The Mormaer or Earl of Buchan was originally the provincial ruler of the medieval province of Buchan. Buchan was the first Mormaerdom in the High Medieval Kingdom of the Scots to pass into the hands of a non-Scottish family in the male line. The earldom had three lines in its history, not counting... . |
| Uilleam II, Earl of Ross Uilleam II, Earl of Ross Uilleam II of Ross was the second successor of Ferchar mac in tSagairt, as Mormaer of Ross .In 1284 he joined with other Scottish noblemen who acknowledged Margaret of Norway as the heir of Alexander.... (William 3rd Earl of Ross) |
1323 | Changed sides during the Wars of Independence, his son Walter fought at Bannockburn for Scotland. |
| Aodh, Earl of Ross Aodh, Earl of Ross Hugh [probably Gaelic: Aodh], was the third successor of Ferchar mac in tSagairt as Mormaer of Ross .Hugh was a favorite of King Robert I of Scotland, who endowed him with many lands. Aodh even married Robert's sister, Maud... (Hugh 4th Earl of Ross) |
1334 | A favorite of King Robert the Bruce Robert I of Scotland Robert I , popularly known as Robert the Bruce , was King of Scots from March 25, 1306, until his death in 1329.His paternal ancestors were of Scoto-Norman heritage , and... . Married the Bruce's sister, Matilda. |
| Uilleam III, Earl of Ross Uilleam III, Earl of Ross Uilleam III of Ross was the fourth successor of Ferchar mac in tSagairt, as Mormaer of Ross .Uilleam came into his inheritance at a torrid time, his father Aodh dying at the Battle of Halidon Hill. Uilleam temporarily lost many of his lands. However, he returned from Norway in 1336 and regained them... (William 5th Earl of Ross) The last Chief of Clan Ross that was also Earl of Ross Earl of Ross The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:... . |
1372 |
|
| Hugh Ross of Rarichies later the 1st of Balnagowan. | 1374 | Hugh Ross of Rarichies who later became the 1st of Balnagowan was descended from Aodh, 4th Earl of Ross Aodh, Earl of Ross Hugh [probably Gaelic: Aodh], was the third successor of Ferchar mac in tSagairt as Mormaer of Ross .Hugh was a favorite of King Robert I of Scotland, who endowed him with many lands. Aodh even married Robert's sister, Maud... . He took over as Chief of the Clan Ross when Uilleam III 5th Earl of Ross Uilleam III, Earl of Ross Uilleam III of Ross was the fourth successor of Ferchar mac in tSagairt, as Mormaer of Ross .Uilleam came into his inheritance at a torrid time, his father Aodh dying at the Battle of Halidon Hill. Uilleam temporarily lost many of his lands. However, he returned from Norway in 1336 and regained them... died in 1372, however the title of Earl of Ross Earl of Ross The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:... had gone elsewhere (see above). Hugh Ross's daughter Jean Ross married Robert de Munro, 8th Baron of Foulis Robert de Munro, 8th Baron of Foulis Robert de Munro is the first chief of the Scottish Clan Munro who can be proved by contemporary evidence. He is also by tradition the 8th Baron of Foulis and 11th overall chief of the clan.-Lands and charters:... . |
| William Ross 2nd of Balnagowan | 1412 | Married Catherine, daughter of Paul Mactire Paul Mactire Paul Mactire, also known as Paul MacTyre, and Paul M'Tyre, was a 14th century Scotsman who lived in the north of Scotland. He appears in several contemporary records, as well as in a 15th century genealogy which records his supposed ancestry. He is known to have married a niece of the brother of... . |
| Walter Ross 3rd of Balnagowan | 1412 | ? |
| Hugh Ross 4th of Balnagowan | ? | Married the daughter of the Earl of Sutherland Earl of Sutherland Earl of Sutherland is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created circa 1230 for William de Moravia. The Earl of Sutherland is also the Chief of Clan Sutherland... . The Earl of Sutherland was married to Helen Sinclair Clan Sinclair Clan Sinclair is a Highland Scottish clan of Norman origin who held lands in the north of Scotland, the Orkney Islands, and the Lothians which they received from the Kings of Scots... . Helen Sinclair was the daughter of the Earl of Orkney Earl of Orkney The Earl of Orkney was originally a Norse jarl ruling Orkney, Shetland and parts of Caithness and Sutherland. The Earls were periodically subject to the kings of Norway for the Northern Isles, and later also to the kings of Alba for those parts of their territory in mainland Scotland . The Earl's... . |
| John Ross 5th of Balnagowan | ? | Married Christian daughter MacLeod Clan MacLeod Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is Macleod of Macleod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid ; the Macleods of Lewis, whose chief is Macleod of The Lewes, are known in... of Torquil. |
| Alexander Ross 6th of Balnagowan | 1486 | Married Dorothy daughter of Alexander Sutherland Clan Sutherland Clan Sutherland is a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional territory is located in the region of Sutherland in northern highlands of Scotland and was one of the most powerful Scottish clans. The clan seat is at Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland... . Killed leading the Clan Ross into battle against the Clan MacKay Clan MacKay Clan Mackay is an ancient and once powerful Scottish clan from the far north of the Scottish Highlands, but with roots in the old kingdom of Moray. They were a powerful force in politics beginning in the 14th century, supporting Robert the Bruce. In the centuries that followed they were... and Clan Sutherland Clan Sutherland Clan Sutherland is a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional territory is located in the region of Sutherland in northern highlands of Scotland and was one of the most powerful Scottish clans. The clan seat is at Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland... at the Battle of Auldicharish Battle of Auldicharish The Battle of Aldy Charrish was a Scottish clan battle that took place on 11 July 1487... (Battle of Strathcarron). |
| Sir David Ross 7th of Balnagowan | ? | Married Helen, daughter of Keith Clan Keith Clan Keith is a Scottish clan associated with Aberdeenshire and Caithness.-Origins:It is said that a Scottish warrior slew the Danish General Camus at the legendary Battle of Barrie in 1010. For this, King Máel Coluim II of Scotland dipped three fingers into the blood of the slain and drew them... of Inverugie. |
| Walter Ross 8th of Balnagowan | 1528 | Married Marrion, daughter of Sir John Grant Clan Grant -Origins:The Grants are one of the clans of Siol Alpin, and descend from the 9th century Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots; and also of Norse origin, from settlers who are the descents of Haakon inn Riki Sigurdarsson , Jarl of Hladr, Protector of Norway ,-Origins:The Grants are one of the clans of... of Freuchie. |
| Alexander Ross 9th of Balnagowan | 1592 | Married Janet, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Caithness Earl of Caithness Earl of Caithness is a title that has been created several times in the Peerage of Scotland, and has a very complex history. Its first grant, in the modern sense as to have been counted in strict lists of peerages, is now generally held to have taken place in favor of Maol Íosa V, Earl of... . |
| George Ross 10th of Balnagowan | 1615 | Married Marrion, daughter of Sir John Campbell Clan Campbell Clan Campbell is a Highland Scottish clan. Historically one of the largest, most powerful and most successful of the Highland clans, their lands were in Argyll and the chief of the clan became the Earl and later Duke of Argyll.-Origins:... of Calder. Later married Isobel, daughter of Angus MacKintosh Clan MacKintosh Clan Mackintosh is a Scottish clan from Inverness with strong Jacobite ties. The Mackintoshes were also chiefs of the Chattan Confederation.-Origins:... of Torcastle. |
| David Ross 11th of Balnagowan | 1632 | Married Mary, daughter of Alexander Earl of Sutherland Earl of Sutherland Earl of Sutherland is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created circa 1230 for William de Moravia. The Earl of Sutherland is also the Chief of Clan Sutherland... . |
| David Ross 12th of Balnagowan | 1653 | Married Mary, daughter of the 7th Lord Fraser of Lovat. Fought at the Battle of Worcester Battle of Worcester The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651 at Worcester, England and was the final battle of the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalist, predominantly Scottish, forces of King Charles II... in 1651 where he led some of the clan, captured and imprisoned at the Tower of London Tower of London Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space... , said to have died there and been buried in Westminster. |
| David Ross 13th of Balnagowan | 1711 | Last of Balnagowan O' Beolain line. Married Anne, daughter of the 4th Earl of Moray Earl of Moray The title Earl of Moray has been created several times in the Peerage of Scotland.Prior to the formal establishment of the peerage, Earl of Moray, numerous individuals ruled the kingdom of Moray or Mormaer of Moray until 1130 when the kingdom was destroyed by David I of Scotland.-History of the... . Left his estates to a stranger in blood: Charles Ross. |
| Lt-General Charles Ross, 14th of Balnagowan | 1732 | Second son of George Ross, 11th Lord Ross George Ross, 11th Lord Ross George Ross, 11th Lord Ross of Halkhead , was a Scottish nobleman and soldier.-Origins:Ross was the son and heir of William Ross, 10th Lord Ross, who died in 1656, by Margaret, daughter of Sir James Forrester of Torwoodhead... of Hawkhead. Also inherited the estates of Balnagowan. |
| Col. Charles Ross, 15th of Balnagowan. | 1745 | Second son of George Ross, 13th Lord Ross George Ross, 13th Lord Ross George Ross, 13th Lord Ross of Halkhead , was a Scottish nobleman.-Origins:Ross was the eldest son and heir of William Ross, 12th Lord Ross, who died in 1738, by Agnes, daughter and heiress of Sir John Wilkie of Fouldean... of Hawkhead. Killed in 1745 leading some members of the clan at the Battle of Fontenoy Battle of Fontenoy The Battle of Fontenoy, 11 May 1745, was a major engagement of the War of the Austrian Succession, fought between the forces of the Pragmatic Allies – comprising mainly Dutch, British, and Hanoverian troops under the nominal command of the Duke of Cumberland – and a French army under Maurice de... 30 April 1745. |
| George, 13th Lord Ross of Hawkhead and 16th of Balnagowan George Ross, 13th Lord Ross George Ross, 13th Lord Ross of Halkhead , was a Scottish nobleman.-Origins:Ross was the eldest son and heir of William Ross, 12th Lord Ross, who died in 1738, by Agnes, daughter and heiress of Sir John Wilkie of Fouldean... . |
1754 | Chieftainship passed to Lockhart line of Ross. |
| William, 14th Lord Ross of Hawkhead and 17th of Balnagowan William Ross, 14th Lord Ross William Ross, 14th Lord Ross of Halkhead , was a Scottish nobleman.-Origins:Ross was the eldest son and heir of George Ross, 13th Lord Ross, who died on 17 June 1754, by Elizabeth, third daughter of William Kerr, 2nd Marquess of Lothian... . |
1754 | Chieftainship passed to Lockhart line of Ross. |
| Grizel Lockhart Ross, daughter of William Ross, 12th Lord Ross William Ross, 12th Lord Ross William Ross, 12th Lord Ross , was a Scottish nobleman, soldier and politician.-Origins:Ross was born in about 1656. He was the son and heir of George Ross, 11th Lord Ross, who died in 1682, by Grizel, daughter of William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald... of Hawkhead |
1755 | On expiry of the male Ross of Hawkhead line the estates of Balnagowan passed to James Lockhart of Carstairs whose grandfather had married Grizel the daughter of William Ross, 12th Lord Ross William Ross, 12th Lord Ross William Ross, 12th Lord Ross , was a Scottish nobleman, soldier and politician.-Origins:Ross was born in about 1656. He was the son and heir of George Ross, 11th Lord Ross, who died in 1682, by Grizel, daughter of William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald... . Sir James assumed the name Lockhart-Ross. |
| Sir William Lockhart-Ross | 1758 | First of Lockhart line. |
| Sir James Lockhart-Ross | 1760 | Second of Lockhart line. |
| Sir George Lockhart-Ross | 1778 | Third of Lockhart line. |
| Admiral Sir John Lockhart-Ross | 1790 | Fourth of Lockhart line. |
| Lt. General Sir Charles Lockhart-Ross of Balnagown | 1814 | Fifth of Lockhart line. |
| Sir Charles William Augustus Lockhart-Ross of Balnagown Sir Charles Ross, 9th Baronet Sir Charles Henry Augustus Frederick Lockhart Ross, 9th Baronet was a Scottish inventor and commercial entrepreneur who invented the innovative and often controversial straight-pull actioned Ross rifle.... |
1893 | Sixth and last of Lockhart-Ross line. |
| Ethel Frances Sarah Williamson Ross | 1957 | The Rosses of Pitcalnie. The Chieftainship of Balnagowan then passed to a line who were direct descendants of Nicholas Ross who was the second son of Chief Alexander Ross 9th of Balnagowan who died in 1592. (The Chieftainship back then had gone to Alexander's first son George 10th of Balnagowan who died in 1615) |
| Rosa Williamson Ross | 1968 | The Rosses of Pitcalnie. |
| David Campbell Ross | The current Chief of Clan Ross. | The Chieftainship passed to another line of Rosses. The Rosses of Shandwick are direct descendants of William Ross who was killed in battle in 1486. William was the grandson of Hugh Ross the 4th of Balnagowan and the brother of Alexander Ross 6th of Balnagowan. |