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Clan Shaw

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Clan Shaw
Mac Ghille Sheathanaich[1]
Crest: A Dexter Arm, the hand holding the dagger, pale, proper
MottoFide et fortitudine (By fidelity and fortitude)[1]
War cry"Na Bean Ris A Chat" (Touch not the cat)
Profile
RegionHighland
DistrictStrathspey[1]
Plant badgeRed whortleberry[1]
Pipe musicThe Rothiemurchus Rant, The Shaws March
Chief
Landon Shaw of Tordarroch[1]
Historic seatDoune of Rothiemurchus[2]
Septs of Clan Shaw
Adamson, Adamsone, Ademson, Ademsoun, Ademsoune, Aesone, Aison, Aissone, Aissoun, Aissoune, Asson, Assone, Aue, Ave, Ay, Aye, Ayesone, Ayson, Aysone, Aysoun, Ayssoun, Eason, Easone, Easson, Esson, Ison, Isone, MacAy, Saythe, Scaith, Scayth, Schau, Schaw, Schawe, Scheoch, Scheok, Schiach, Schioch, Schioche, Seah, Seath, Seith, Seth, Sha, Shau, Shawe, Shay, Sheach, Sheath, Sheehan, Sheoch, Shiach, Siache, Sith, Sithach, Sithech, Sithig, Skaith, Sythach, Sythag, Sythock, Tordarroch
Allied clans
Rival clans

Clan Shaw is a Highland Scottish clan and is a member of the Chattan Confederation.[3]

History

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Origins

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A Victorian era, romanticised depiction of Private Farquhar Shaw of the Blackwatch by R. R. McIan, from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845.

The progenitor of the Clan Shaw is believed to be one Shaw MacDuff who was a younger son of Duncan, the Thane or Earl of Fife, who was a descendant of Kenneth MacAlpin.[3] Shaw MacDuff was made keeper of Inverness Castle, which was a strategic royal castle, by Malcolm IV of Scotland.[3] His heirs were known as the Mhic anToiseach which means the sons of the Thane and they supported the royal government, consolidating their power around Inverness.[3] Shaw's grandson was Shaw Macwilliam, who in 1263 acquired lands at Rothiemurchus.[3] His son was Farquhard who due to problems with their powerful neighbors the Clan Comyn, made an alliance with the Clan Donald by marrying Mora, daughter of Aonghas Mór, Lord of Islay.[3] Farquhard's son was Angus Mackintosh, sixth chief of Clan Mackintosh who married Eva, daughter of the chief of Clan Chattan (Chattan Confederation). Eva's second son John-Angus, was the first chief of Clan Shaw.[3]

Wars of Scottish Independence

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The feud with the Clan Comyn brought the Chattan Confederation support from Robert the Bruce and they fought for him at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.[3] They also took part in the Scottish invasions of England in 1318 and 1319.[3]

14th century

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The second chief of Clan Shaw was Shaw Macghillechrist Mhic Iain who was a great-grandson of Angus Mackintosh and Eva.[3] He was known as Sgorfhiachlach(bucktooth) and was raised with his cousins at Moy, seat of the Mackintoshes.[3] It seems certain that he was present at the Battle of Invernahavon against the Clan Cameron in 1370.[3] In 1391 Shaw was elected as Captain of Clan Chattan for a raid on Angus under Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan who was known as the "Wolf of Badenoch".[3] In 1396 Shaw was appointed to lead the Clan Chattan at the Battle of the North Inch, a trial by combat against the Clan Cameron, which took place in front of an audience that included Robert III of Scotland and the Dauphin of France.[3]

15th, 16th and 17th centuries

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James Shaw of Rothiemurchas was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411.[2]

The grandson of Shaw Bucktooth was Aedh who settled at Tordarroch in 1468.[3] He occupied a strategic site near the River Nairn and he and his followers became known as the "Clan Ay".[3] On 22 May 1543 Angus MacRobert of Tordarroch was one of the signatories of a band of union and management of the Clan Chattan, that was signed at Inverness.[3] Shaw of Tordarroch again signed a similar agreement on 4 April 1609.[3] The clan prospered and Duncan Shaw, Laird of Crathienaird rose to become chamberlain to the Earl of Mar by 1691.[3]

As well as the original founding branch of the Clan in Rothiemurchus, the branches of Clan Shaw that stemmed from the main line of the ancient Mackintosh Shaw 'Ciars' of Rothiemurchus at the Doune of Rothiemurcus are thus:

Senior Branch 1.) Shaws of Tordarroch – Clan Ay, circa 1468. Situated away from Rothiemurchus in Strathnairn, close to the Mackintosh duthaich at Moy. Also listed are related Clan Ay Houses: Shaws in Ayrshire:, circa 1650, Shaws of Craigfield, circa 1680, Shaws of Muirton (date undetermined), Shaws in Canada, circa 1814.

Branch 2.) Shaws of Dell, circa 1430–50. Situated in Rothiemurchus. Also listed are a related House: Shaws of Guislich, circa 1670. Both Houses are extinct.

In the late Major C. J. 'Iain' Shaw of Tordarroch's 1983 watershed book 'A History of Clan Shaw', it is interesting that he notes: "...Later in 1750, in the government report (MS. In Advocates Library, Edinburgh. 'Highlands of Scotland in 1750', page 122) it is stated that 'the Shaws have two Chieftains of equal dignity, viz., Shaw of Tordarack (sp) in Strathnairn, and Shaw of Dell in Badenoch, neither of whom were in the last Rebellion, (i.e. the 1745 Rising), but some of their men were sent out under command of some gentlemen who had nothing to lose". (i.e. the Shaws of Kinrara and the Shaw of Crathienaird/Glenshee/Glenisla men!). This Tribe consists of about 100".

Branch 3.) Shaws of Dalnavert, circa 1430–50. Situated in Rothiemurchus. this House is extinct.

Other Rothiemurchus branches: Shaws of Kinrara, Shaws of Achnahatnich and Shaws of Tullochgrue* (see Chapter Four: Rothiemurchus Septs: 'A History of Clan Shaw' by Major C.J. Shaw of Tordarroch).

Branch 4.) Mackintosh – Shaws of Mar, Clan Farquharson/Fhionnlaigh, circa 1435. Represented by the Clan Fhionnlaigh Chiefs/Farquharson of Invercauld, this line also descends from the Clan Shaw Chiefs (i.e. the Mackintosh Shaw 'Ciar's' of Rothiemurchus), but are an independent clan within the Clan Chattan confederation. The Representer is Philip Farquharson of Invercauld, 17th Chief. (N,B.: The Farquharson branch of the family emigrated 'over the hill' (i.e. The Cairngorms) from Rothiemurchus and is situated in Braemar and Upper Deeside.).

Branch 5.) Shaws of Trumpan, Harlosh and Skye – Clan Ivar/Iomhair, circa 1450. Situated in the Western Isles. Also listed are possibly related Houses on Mull, Jura and Islay.

Branch 6.) Shaws of Crathienaird – (latterly called) Clan Seumas, circa 1600 (Indeterminate, but descending from the Shaw of Tullochgrue branch in Rothiemurchus). Situated circa 1630 in Upper Deeside, near Braemar and Balmoral, and later (1710) in Glenshee and Glenisla. Also listed are related Houses in the Crathienaird branch: Shaws of Inchrory, circa 1650, Situated in GlenAvon, Shaws of Daldownie, circa 1680 (Extinct), situated in Glengairn, Shaws of Riverney, circa 1680 (Extinct), Shaws of the Balloch, circa 1700, Situated in Glenisla, Shaws of Easter Lair, circa 1762, Shaws of Blacklunans, circa 1780, Situated in Glenshee, Shaw of Shawfields, circa 1750, Situated in Glenisla (Extinct), Shaws of Dalnaglar, circa 1780, Situated in Glenshee (All currently armourially Represented by William Shaw of Easter Lair), and Shaws of Lochmaddy, Situated in Skye (Represented).

Branch 7.) Shaws of Clonmel and Figlash in Eire, circa 1650 (Indeterminate). Also listed are related Houses: Shaws of Figlash, circa 1700, Shaws of Bushy Park, circa 1750.

18th century and Jacobite risings

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On 15 September 1715 Mackintosh of Borlum called out the Clan Chattan to fight for the Jacobite cause in the Jacobite rising of 1715.[3] The Shaw contingent was led by Robert, the younger of Tordarroch and his brother Angus.[3] The Shaw contingent was noted for its discipline, equipment and bravery.[3] Robert and Angus were both imprisoned after the rising had collapsed and Robert died soon after being released in 1718.[3] Angus was transported to Virginia but was pardoned in 1722.[3] Angus never recovered from his experience or the death of his brother and as a result he refused to call out his clan for the Jacobite rising of 1745.[3] However many Shaws rallied to support the Jacobite Stuarts:

■ Shaws from Strathnairn, Moy / Tomatin and from Rothiemurchus and Glenfeshie in the Clan Chattan Confederation / Lady Mackintosh’s Regiment under MacGillivray of Dunmaglass: In the middle of the front line, The brunt of the battle fell upon the Clan Chattan'. Shaws with the Clan Chattan confederation were among the first to charge at Culloden. They were heavily involved in the fierce hand-to-hand fighting and the regiment suffered terrible casualties. James and John Shaw of Kinrara were Lieutenants under Dunmaglass. James Shaw, Younger of Kinrara died in the brutal hand to hand fighting at Culloden. His brother John survived the charge and melee’ but was wounded. After the battle he was murdered in cold blood - executed by the Hanoverian soldiers a few days later. Another James Shaw also served as a Lieutenant in the Clan Chattan regiment. This James was most likely killed in the battle.

Other Highland Shaws in the ranks of the Clan Chattan regiment included: Alexander Shaw of Aberarder, Surrendered 7.6.46, Alexander Shaw of Brumin, Surrendered 17.5.46, Alexander Shaw of Glenbegg, Surrendered 7.6.46, Duncan Shaw from Moy, Surrendered 1746, James Shaw of Cog-na-Fearn, Surrendered 1746, Murdoch Shaw, A loyal servant to MacGillivray of Dunmaglass, taken prisoner 1.2.46, Pardoned and Robert Shaw of Kinearn, Surrendered 7.6.46.

In the Clan Chattan / Lady Mackintosh's regiment but not in the published Muster Roll there were also one or two dozen Shaws from the Rothiemurchus and Glenfeshie area that went out with John and James from Kinrara - their father John Shaw of Kinrara being one of the most powerful Mackintosh Tacksmen in Badenoch. There were also tenants from Dalnavert with the Kinrara boys, as well as the doughty sons of Farquhar Shaw - a Tacksman of Lagganlia: Duncan, Alasdair (From whom Alan Mackintosh Shaw descends from) and Alan (Killed at Culloden). Tenants of Mackintosh of Balnespick were also with the Kinrara boys, which is interesting because a week or two after the battle, Balnespick and Macpherson of Invereshie provided 150 plaids 'which their tenants happily gave up' for Cumberland's troops at Inverness after the battle. No doubt this was done by Balnespick to gain favor with Cumberland for having supported the Prince.

■ Shaws from Crathienaird / Glengairn / Glenavon in the Farquharsons of Monaltrie & Balmoral Regiment: Mustering a force of around 300, the 'Fighting Farquharsons’ were in the front line to the left and next to their kinsmen of Clan Chattan. They fought with fierce valour, cutting their way through the Hanoverian front line. James Shaw of Crathienaird, later of Daldownie (d. 1768) served as a Captain in Monaltrie and Balmoral's Farquharson Regiment, with his good friend and neighbour, ‘The Baron Ban’, Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie. The Regiment was a part of Lord Lewis Gordon's Deeside contingent. After the '45, Daldownie was involved in the (literal) cover up of the infamous Sergeant Arthur Davies murder, recommending Davies's body be buried privately in the moss to avoid bringing down even more Hanoverian trouble to the area. Daldownie was eventually pardoned (Source: MR; McDonnell NE.). His son John Shaw of Drumfork in Glenisla also served as a Captain alongside his father in Monaltrie's . He too was pardoned (Source: MR; McDonnell NE).

From up in Glenavon, cousin Alasdair Shaw of Inchrory also mustered with his friend, Farquharson of Monaltrie. Inchrory was also friends with the great Jacobite warrior poet and distant cousin John Roy Stuart, and had several adventures with him after the '45.

■ Shaws of Crathienaird from Glenshee and Glenisla In the Ogilvy of Airlie / Angus / Forfar Regiment: At Culloden, the Ogilvy of Airlie regiment was ordered to the Jacobite second line's far right. As the Highland Charge impetus quickly collapsed, the Regiment wheeled off to the right and about faced in tight formation several times. During their fighting withdrawal, the training, equipage and professionalism of the Airlie Regiment shone true. They provided serious and continued covering fire to keep Lord Mark Kerr's and Cobham’s Dragoons in check. This enabled much of the remaining Jacobite right wing precious time to flee. After the tattered yet still quite viable remains of the Jacobite army stood down at Ruthven, the Airlie regiment withdrew in a flying column over the Cairngorms to Glen Clova in Angus, where they disbanded on 21, April. While some of the regimental units (all still fully armed) caused a bit of trouble in the area for a while, many of the men soon disbursed throughout the wilder parts of the Perth and Angus Highlands.

Other brothers and cousins of the Shaw of Crathienaird sept from Glenshee and Glenisla fought with their neighbour the Earl of Airlie and the Angus/Forfar Regiment: Duncan Shaw, another son of James Shaw of Crathienard / Daldownie, served as Factor to Lord Airlie. In the '45 he was a Captain in the Airlie / Angus Regiment. He took to the heather after the regiment disbanded in Glen Clova on 21, April. (Source: DL, 1745. MR1914). Daldownie's other brothers also served as officers in Airlie's Regiment: Alexander Shaw of Achavan served as Captain, 1st Ogilvy’s. He was later pardoned (Source: MR). At his funeral, Lord Airlie placed his foot on Alister’s grave and said: “Here lies one who never turned his back on a friend or an enemy”. Alister's third wife was a daughter of Donald Shaw of Dalnavert in Rothiemurchus. William Shaw of Broughdearg, Drumfin and Little Forter also served as a Captain in 2nd Ogilvy’s. At one point William was hiding out in a cave near the north side of Mount Blair, where his other brother 'Cruiket' Duncan Shaw of the Balloch (who had a limp and stayed home during the Rising, watching over his brothers families and farms) regularly brought him and his brothers (All ‘lurking’ in the heather) food, clothing weapons and Intel of Hanoverian troop movement. William survived his ordeals, and married a second daughter of poor John Shaw of Kinrara. He was later pardoned (Source: MR). Brother John Shaw of Ravernie / Rivernie was an Ensign/Standard bearer in Airlie's Regiment (Source: MR). After Culloden, John became a fugitive and took to the heather. When he returned home, he was so changed that even his friends barely recognized him. Brother Donald Shaw also served as an Ensign in the Airlie Regiment. Donald later served as a mercenary in Europe and eventually served as an officer in the Dutch army.

■ Other Shaws at Culloden: The famous Jacobite hero/warrior poet, Iain Ruadh Stiùbhart / John Roy Stuart's mother was a Shaw of Guislich (in Rothiemurchus). A former Captain of Grenadier's in the Regiment Royal-Ecossais, he raised the Edinburgh Regiment, and soon whipped them into shape where one officer commented that they had a pretty good reputation. At Culloden, the contingent was about 200 strong, eventually standing in the front line next to the Stewarts of Appin. Some of his most well-known poems are ‘Lament for Lady Macintosh’ and ‘Latha Chul-Lodair’ / ’The Day of Culloden’. After the '45, Iain Ruadh had some interesting exploits evading Hanoverian troops with his friend the Shaw of Inchrory.

John Shaw, an Aberdonian ‘fiddler' was in arms with James Moir of Stoneywood's Regiment. John marched with them to England. He was among 50 prisoners held in the Tolbooth in Aberdeen in April 1746, and was charged with being ‘in Arms with the Rebels’ and marching with them into England. John claimed to have surrendered - and this defense must have helped him as, unusually, he was discharged.

Chiefs

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The grave of Shaw Macghillechrist Mhic Iain

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The 2nd chief of Clan Shaw has an unusual grave. Shaw Macghillechrist Mhic Iain known as Sgorfhiachlach was appointed to lead the Clan Chattan at the Battle of the North Inch, a trial by combat, as the Chief of Clan Macintosh was too old at that stage. His grave in Doune at Rothimurchus has 5 heavy homing stones resting on top, said to represent those who survived the battle. Any person who tampers with these stones is said to suffer illness or death. In 1983 an iron cage was placed over the grave to protect visitors from the curse. A spirit known as a Bordach an Duin is also said to guard the grave.[4][5]

Current Chief

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In 1970 Major Charles John Shaw of Tordarroch was recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as chief of Clan Shaw.[3] He was the grandfather of the present chief, in an unbroken line of continuity back to the ancient Earls of Fife.[3]

The 22nd Chief of the Clan Shaw, John Shaw of Tordarroch, died in Spain on 22, October 2017; his heir and Tanist is his only son Iain Shaw of Tordarroch, now 23rd Chief of Clan Shaw.

Armigers

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Armigers of the Clan Shaw are:

The Honourable Iain Shaw of Tordarroch, 23rd Chief of Clan Shaw, 18th Chief of Clan Ay. Tanist is Marcus Alexander Shaw, Yr. of Tordarroch.

Thomas Donald MacKay Shaw, 3rd Baron Craigmyle – London and Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Tanist is Thomas Columba Shaw, Younger of Craigmyle.

William Shaw of Easter Lair – 10th Representer of the Territorial House of Shaw of Easter Lair. (The Senior armiger of the Shaw of Crathienaird sept) : Wester Crathienaird, Squak Mountain, Issaquah, WA. USA. Tanist is Liam David Shaw, Younger of Easter Lair.

The late Iain Farqhuar Shaw – Mount Blair, Glenshee, Perthshire, Scotland. A younger line of the Crathieniard sept in Glenshee, Mr. Shaw Inherited Arms and lands as Tanist/heir of his uncles: MacKenzie Smith Shaw of Achenleish and Little Forter, WS (who matriculated Arms in Lyon Court in March 1930) and William Thomas Shaw of Tenandry, WS (who matriculated Arms in Lyon Court in March 1927). Tanist is William James Shaw.

Robert James Shaw – Tintenbar, New South Wales, Australia.

Clan Castles

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Tordarroch House
  • Doune of Rothiemurchus, two miles south of Aviemore in Strathspey is an eighteenth-century mansion which replaced an earlier castle.[2] The lands were held by the Shaws, Mackintoshes and by the Dallases of Cantray.[2] James Shaw of Rothiemurchus was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411.[2]
  • Tordarroch Castle, seven miles south of Inverness was once a strong tower but little survives.[2] It was held by the Shaws from 1468.[2] The castle was later replaced by Tordarroch House.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Clan Shaw Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Coventry, Martin (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. p. 527. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 320–321. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
  4. ^ The Highland Clans of Scotland: Their History and Traditions. By George Eyre-Todd. With an Introduction by A.M. Mackintosh, Volume 2, D. Appleton and Company, New York MCMXXIII pg 475, last paragraph of this chiefs unique grave.
  5. ^ A Genealogical Account of the Highland Families of Shaw by Alexander Mackintosh Shaw, London, 1877 Chapter 2 pg 20 second paragraph
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