This clan, said to be of Norman origin is first found in the south of Scotland in the 11th century. The first recorded Fraser in the Highlands was possibly Sir Andrew Fraser who acquired the lands of Lovat through his wife, the daughter of the Earl of Orkney and Caithness, through her descent from Sir David de Graham and from Bissets.

The Frasers took their share in the feuds of the clans and in 1544 they espoused the cause of Ranald for the chiefship of Clan Ranald as against the claim of John of Moidart. Ranald had been fostered by Lovat, and a desperate battle was fought on the shores of Loch Lochy between the Frasers and the MacDonalds. This battle is known as Blar-na-Leine - the Battle of the Shirts - because the combatants removed their shirts, and fought with such determination that only five Frasers and eight MacDonalds remained alive at the end of the battle.

The Frasers opposed Montrose, but supported Viscount Dundee. For the part played by the clan in “the ‘45” Lord Lovat was executed, although it was his son who commanded the clan at Culloden. The son was pardoned for his part in the Rising and in 1757 raised 1800 Frasers for service in America where they distinguished themselves.

The title was attainted, and about fifty years later the direct line failed, but in 1837 Thomas, of Strichen, was created Baron Lovat.

Crest: A stag’s head erased, or attired, argent. Badge: Yew.
War Cry: Caisteal Dhuni. Pipe Music: Lovat’s March.