Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 26 on 21/04/2006.

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At the core of history (Clan Drummond)

In the latest in our series James Irvine Robertson looks at Clan Drummond

Most clans have two origins; one in history and one in legend. The latter says that the Drummond family was founded by Maurice, grandson of the King of Hungary, who captained the ship whose passengers included the family of Prince Edgar, claimant to the throne of England. Edgar was usurped by King Harold who perished at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The vessel was driven into the Firth of Forth, and its fugitive passengers landed on the Fife coast at what is today known as Queensferry. Edgar’s sister Princess Margaret would later marry King Malcolm III of Scotland, and great were the rewards subsequently heaped upon Maurice.

History states that the family was founded by Malcolm Beg – Wee Malcolm – a west Highlander who is recorded as being in charge of the household of the Earl of Lennox in 1225. Malcolm catapulted himself to greatness when he married the Earl’s daughter Ada, whose grandfather was the High Steward of Scotland.

The heraldic arms of the Drummond Family show three wavy lines. If you like the legend, they represent the sea that carried Maurice and his royal cargo to Scotland. If you prefer history, they are taken from the arms of the earls of Menteith. The name Drummond itself comes from the lands of Drymen (Dromainn – a ridge) near Stirling that the family held for two centuries.

The Wars of Independence decided who should become the great families of Scotland. Malcolm of Drummond was captured by the English in 1301 ‘to the great joy of King Edward I.’

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By James Irvine Robertson

Section : Scottish Clans

Page number : 56