Clan Donnachaidh (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Dònnchaidh), also known as Clan Robertson, is one of the oldest of all Scottish clans.

History

Origins

There are two main theories as to the origins of the Clan Donnachaidh:

Wars of Scottish Independence

The clan's first recognised chief, Donnchadh Reamhar, "Stout Duncan", son of Andrew de Atholia (Latin "Andrew of Atholl"), was a minor land-owner and leader of a kin-group around Dunkeld, Highland Perthshire, and as legend has it, an enthusiastic and faithful supporter of Robert I (king 1306–29 aka Robert the Bruce) during the Wars of Scottish Independence; he is believed to have looked after King Robert after the Battle of Methven in 1306. The clan asserts that Stout Duncan's relatives and followers (not yet known as Robertsons) supported Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His descendants became known (in English or Scots) as the Duncansons, or Gaelic Clann Dhònnchaidh, "Children of Duncan". Duncan is believed to have been killed at the Battle of Neville's Cross and was succeeded by Robert, from who the Clan Robertson takes its name. Robert's brother, Patrick, was the ancestor of the Robertsons of Lude who were the principal cadet branch.