Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 25 on 17/02/2006.

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Warriors loyal and true (Munro)

The history of the Munro clan includes tales of witchcraft and strange rental payments. James Irvine Robertson reports

One of the surprising aspects of Highland clans is their variability.

Some clans descended from Picts; others from French mercenaries.

Some clan leaders were national figures who guided the destiny of the Nation. Other chiefs led little more than robber gangs who preyed upon the cattle of their neighbours. Others lived more or less peacefully in their own country.

The Munros were amongst the latter. Their country is Ferindonald in the north of Scotland between Ben Wyvis and the fertile lands of the Cromarty Firth opposite the Black Isle, part of the great medieval earldom of Ross.

The first noted Munro chief is believed to have been granted the charter for these lands as a reward for fighting the Vikings. The clan is one of those said to have fought during the Scottish Wars of Independence, both at Bannockburn and Halidon Hill.

The forfeiture of the Lordship of the Isles included the earldom of Ross which meant that the Munros thenceforth held their lands by charter from the Crown. The tenure was a snowball which, should the King so demand, was to be collected on midsummer day from Ben Wyvis.

Today’s Chief, to ensure he is not caught short should his Royal superior come visiting, collected a goodly handful on the necessary day a few years ago and keeps it handy in his deep freeze.

In the early days, the clan fought the McIntoshes and the Mackenzies and its chiefs were loyal supporters of Mary Queen of Scots and James VI.

Many clans were slow to support the Reformation.....

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By James Irvine Robertson

Section : Scottish Clans

Page number : 56