Clan Anderson
Clan Anderson (Anderson Tartan)
Gaelic Name: Mac Ghille Aindrais
Crest: An oak tree, Proper
Motto: Stand sure
Origin of Name: Son of Andrew
Badge: An Oak Tree
Lands: Badenoch
Clan Chief: No Living Chief
1. Clan Anderson History
The name "son of Andrew" has a long history and many variants in Scotland. Although it's more commonly known as Anderson in the lowlands, it frequently takes the form of MacAndrew in the Highlands.
The Gaelic "Gilleaindreas," which means a servant of St. Andrew, the saint who is venerated as Scotland's patron, is the source of both variants. These names are significant in Scottish society because of this cultural link to Scotland's past.
The Kinrara manuscript states that, despite an unidentified origin, the MacAndrews are thought to have moved from Moidart to Badenoch circa 1400.
This story is supported by legends of Iain beg MacAindrea's vengeance on cattle rustlers who raided Badenoch. Still, the MacAndrews bequeathed a lasting legacy of wisdom and knowledge.
In particular, the Anderson family has a long history of academic pursuits in a variety of fields. This tradition can be traced back to the early 17th-century French mathematician and geometry writer Alexander Anderson.
David Anderson of Finshaugh was another well-known person who excelled in mathematics and mechanics.
He was dubbed 'Davie-Do-a'-Things' after he masterfully planned the removal of a sizable obstruction rock from Aberdeen Harbour's entrance. Stories like these highlight the clan's impressive intellectual history.
2. Clan Anderson Tartans
Anderson Ancient
Anderson Modern
Anderson Weathered
3. Clan Anderson Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Anderson Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry.
Crest Description:
An oak tree, Proper
3.2 Clan Anderson Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
A coat of arms is awarded to an individual under Scottish heraldic law; civic or corporate entities are not eligible. A "family coat of arms" is an imaginary notion. The following arms are private and unique to the person who received them, unless they are corporate or civic arms. The only person authorized to wield these arms is the one who has been given them.
Anderson of that Ilk, the alleged 16th-century chief of Clan Anderson, is depicted with the following arms: a silver shield with a black mullet in chief, three crescents in the dexter, sinister, and base positions, and a red saltire engrailed.
Anderson Arms
Anderson of that Ilk
Different Anderson branch arms
4. Clan Anderson People & Places
4.1 Clan Anderson Places
The Andersons received the lands and lairdship of Candacraig in Aberdeenshire in 1620, and they were held by the family for 246 years, until 1866.
4.2 Clan Anderson People
4.2.1 Adam Anderson (1692 or 1693-1765)
1765 entitled "Historical and Chronological Deduction of the Origin of Commerce" . Anderson provided an objective examination of the historical foundations of commerce, drawing on his experience as a trustee in the colony of Georgia, which was founded in 1732 under General Oglethorpe's charter.
4.2.2 James Anderson (1739-1808)
Scottish literature and knowledge have benefited greatly from the contributions of political economist and agriculturist James Anderson.
He wrote his famous "Account of the Present State of The Hebrides and Western Coasts of Scotland" in 1785, providing insight into the circumstances and dynamics of these areas.
Besides, his entry on 'Monsoon' in the first Encyclopaedia Britannica in 1773 turned out to be prophetic, accurately predicting discoveries that Captain Cook would make on his return.
4.2.3 John Anderson (1726 – 1796)
Glasgow University appointed John Anderson, a well-known academic in Scotland, as a professor of natural philosophy. His groundbreaking work "Institutes of Physics" proved to be so successful that it went through five editions during his lifetime, demonstrating his scholarly prowess.
Anderson also upheld the ties to his family that his seventeenth-century ancestor Alexander had forged with France. Specifically, he developed a novel way to lessen gun recoil, for which the French National Convention expressed gratitude in 1791.
4.2.4 William Anderson (1805-1866)
His well-known biographical history of the Scottish people, "The Scottish Nation," was written by him in 1863 and published in three volumes.
4.2.5 John Anderson (1882 – 1958)
Scottish-born Viscount Waverly made a lasting impression as the respected Governor of Bengal from 1932 to 1937, when India was trying to break away from the Empire.
Known for being the last British statesman to retain independent parliamentary status, he rose to cabinet position under Churchill's direction. During the war, Viscount Waverly made a noteworthy contribution by helping to create the Anderson bomb shelter.
5. Anderson Septs
The following names—Anderson, Andrews, Gillanders, and MacAndrew—are acknowledged as septs or associated names of Clan Anderson. Anderson was regarded as a sept within Clan Ross as well.