The name of Henderson is in Gaelic MacEanruig, sometimes rendered in English MacKendrick, and is found in widely separated districts in Scotland. Those in Caithness and the north claim to be a sept of the Clan Gunn and descended from Henry, son of George Gunn, “the Crowner” in the fifteenth century.

The principal family of Hendersons was the clan Eanruig of Glencoe for whom it is claimed that they were in the glen of grievous memory centuries before the MacIains (Macdonalds) arrived there. Tradition states that “ Iain Fraoch,” a brother of John, 1st Lord of the Isles, married a daughter of the chief of the Hendersons of Glencoe and their son Iain was the founder of the MacIains of Glencoe. He was called “ Iain Abrach” from his being born in lochaber, and the clan came to be known as the Clan Abrach. The Hendersons were notable for their strength and always formed the bodyguard of the chief, and were the hereditary pipers of the Clan Abrach. The well known march “Gabhaidh Sinn an Rathad Mor” ( We will take the highway) was composed by John Breac Henderson, a celebrated Glencoe piper.

From Hendersons of Fordell in Angus is decended the famous divine, Alexander Henderson (1583 - 1646), who filled a prominent position in the Presbyterian Church Of Scotland during the most vital period in her history. With the assistance of Johnston of Wariston he prepared the National Covenant if 1638. He was Moderator of the Glasgow Assembly which outlined Presbyterian organisation in the same year. He drafted the Solemn League and Covenant in 1643, and was a member of the Westminster Assembly which issued the Confession of Faith.

Crest: A hand, proper, holding a star, azure. Badge: Cotton grass.