Let me share with you the captivating history of your family, the Farquharsons. Your ancestors can be traced back to Farquhar or Ferchard, the fourth son of Alexander Cier (Shaw) of Rothiemercus. In the fifteenth century, he settled near the source of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, laying the foundation for the Farquharson lineage. In Gaelic, the Farquharsons are known as Erachar or Earachar, with some branches of the family adopting these names, such as the MacEarachars in Atholl. The name Farquhar itself originates from the Gaelic words fearchar, meaning ‘man,’ and car, meaning ‘beloved,’ symbolizing the notion of ‘the beloved man.’

An important figure in your family’s history is Alexander’s son, Donald, who played a pivotal role in securing the prosperity of your lineage. He married Isobel Stewart, the heiress to the lands of Invercauld, and from this union, a son named Finla Mor emerged as the progenitor of the clan. Finla Mor, often referred to as Mac Fionlaigh Mar in Gaelic, achieved renown for his presence as the royal standard-bearer at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, where he met his unfortunate demise. Finla Mor’s nine sons went on to establish numerous branches of the clan, including Craigniety, Monaltrie, Whitehouse, Finzean, Allanquoich, Inveray, Tullocheoy, Broughdearg, and Achriachan. While the Farquharsons were not as numerous as some of their neighboring clans, they were an integral part of the confederation known as Clan Chattan.

Due to their fierce reputation, your family earned the nickname ‘the fighting Farquharsons.’ John Farquharson of Inverey, also known as the Black Colonel, sided with James VII and supported ‘Bonnie Dundee’ in 1689, proving to be a thorn in the government’s side until his death in 1698. During the 1715 uprising, John Farquharson of Invercauld served as a colonel in the Clan Chattan regiment and was taken prisoner. Undeterred, the Farquharsons remained loyal to Prince Charles Edward Stuart during the events of Culloden in 1745. One notable figure in this period is Anne, the daughter of Invercauld, who played a significant role in the Jacobite story of the ’45. Despite being married to Angus, chief of Mackintosh, who fought on the government side, Anne rallied Clan Mackintosh and allied clans in support of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. As a result, she earned the enduring title of Colonel Anne.

It is worth noting that Farquharsons trace their lineage back to Farquhar, the son of Alexander Ciar, the third Shaw of Rothiemurcus in Strathspey. The early history of Clan Shaw is intricately intertwined with that of Clan Mackintosh.

Your family’s connection to Invercauld is significant. Donald, the son of Farquhar, married Isobel Stewart, who held the inheritance of Invercauld, and he was appointed Keeper of the King’s Forests of Braemar. Their son, Finlay Mor (Mac Fionlaigh Mor), became the first recognized Farquharson of Invercauld and met his fate while carrying the Royal Standard at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. Finlay Mor was known for his remarkable height, and his alleged grave at Inveresk, near the battlefield in East Lothian, is called “the long Highlandman’s grave.