MacPherson

Gaelic: Mac a' Phearsoin

Motto: Touch not the cat without a glove

Badge: White Heather

Lands: Badenoch

Pipe Music: MacPherson's march

Name Origin: Gaelic, Mac a' Phearsoin (Son of the Parson)

Famous MacPhersons:
Cluny MacPherson – Inventor of the gas mask
Elle MacPherson – Model/Actress
Aimee Semple McPherson - American evangelist in the 1920s and 1930s
Graham McPherson – Lead singer of UK pop group Madness (better known as Suggs)

Dating from the time of the Celtic church, the name Macpherson is from the Gaelic "Mac-a Phearsain" meaning "son of the parson" in the days when celibacy of the priesthood was not enforced. The clan originated in Lochaber, but Robert the Bruce gave them land in Badenoch as thanks for their assistance in defeating the Comyns (or Cummings). The clan seat today is a fine castle at Blairgowrie.

 

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