Clan Carruthers

Clan Carruthers (Carruthers Tartan)

Crest: A seraphim volant, Proper
Motto: Promptus Et Fidelis (Ready and faithful)
Region: Lowlands
Clan Chief: Dr. Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains

1. Clan Carruthers History

The name Carruthers hails from the lands of Carruthers in Middlebie parish in Dumfriesshire. It traces back to the ancient Briton fort known as Caer Rydderch or Rythyr.

Legend has it that the Carruthers family could be descendants of ColeHen, King of Cumbria (or Old King Cole as he's sometimes called), as one of his sons, Rhideris, purportedly erected a caer, or castle, near Ecclefechan.

In local dialect, the name was often pronounced as "Cridders."

During the 13th century, the Carruthers served as stewards of Annandale under the Bruces. Historically, the clan's main strongholds included Mouswald, Holmains, Dormont, Little Dalton, Rammerscales, and a handful of others.

The earliest mention of the name can be found in the 'Records of Carruthers' by the Rev A. S. Carruthers and R.C Reid, where William de Karruthers is noted for donating to the Abbey of Newbattle during the reign of Alexander II of Scotland (1215-1245).

Another mention of the name appears as de Karruthers, with Simon de Karruthers, a churchman from the parish of Middlebie, around 1272 – 1307.

Sir Nigel de Karrutheris, a cleric who secured the rectory of Ruthwell in 1330, is documented again in 1337 and 1351 as Nigel de Carrothorys, a canon of Glasgow.

In 1344, Sir Nigel de Carother is noted as the chancellor of Robert Steward of Scotland.

A charter was granted at Moysfald in 1361 in favor of John de Carotheris, while Simon de Carrutheris witnessed a deed in 1394, and John of Carrutheris was listed among the 'borowis' for the Earl of Douglas’s bounds of the West March in 1398.

John Carruthers held the position of keeper of Lochmaben Castle in 1446, and William de Carrutheris served as presbyter of Glasgow in 1460.

The Carruthers have held the estate of Dormont since 1452 when it was bestowed upon the family by Robert the Bruce.

Following the Union of the Crowns on 24 March 1603 by James VI of Scotland & I of England, the Clan, like many other reiver families from the Marches, were scattered across Scotland, Ireland, and the colonies. This led to the widespread presence of the Carruthers name around the globe, with many Carruthers settling in North America.

The Chiefly line of the Carruthers began with Roger, the son of John Carruthers (1361) and brother to Thomas, the first of Mouswald (1320). Roger was granted the charter of Little Dalton and Holmains in 1375.

However, the Carruthers estate of Holmains was lost in 1772 due to a financial crisis that engulfed the family. The male line eventually dwindled out in the early 18th century with the passing of the 12th Laird in 1807.

Nonetheless, the Holmains line persists to this day.

After a 210-year hiatus without a chief, Clan Carruthers now boasts a recognized Chief once again. Dr. Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains has been acknowledged as Chief of Clan Carruthers by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Dr. Joseph Morrow, CBE, KStJ, QC, DL, LLD. The Lord Lyon is the authority responsible for determining chiefships and confirming the right to bear the hereditary Chiefly Arms of a Scottish clan or family.

In a Decision issued on 19th August 2019 and published on 9th September 2019, the Lord Lyon declared Peter entitled to be recognized as 'Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers' and upheld, ratified, and confirmed the undifferenced Arms of Carruthers of Holmains circa 1672.

2. Clan Carruthers Tartans

Historically acknowledged as an independent clan, although without a chief from 1809 until 2019, the Carruthers are listed among the 17 lowland ‘clannis’ in the 1587 Act of the Scottish Parliament of Unruly Clans.

After the passing of their last Chief in the 1800s, Carruthers have been recognized as a sept of the Bruce family. Consequently, they have been authorized to wear their tartan. However, the Bruce tartans, regardless of their variation (modern, ancient, hunting, etc.), are officially owned and patented by the Bruce family.

As a Border Reiver family, Carruthers traditionally donned trews rather than kilts, which were more suited for riding on robust horses. Until 2017, there was no officially recognized Carruthers tartan.

In a bid to attain Carruthers Clan status and to establish a unique identity, Dr. George Carruthers FSA Scot from Fife commissioned and designed a tartan based on the Bruce sett and thread count.

The colors in the design symbolize the clan and family's history. Green, purple, and lilac represent Carruthers' ancestral lands in Annandale, while red signifies the blood shed by their Reiver ancestors in defense of family and homeland. The subtle white stripe nods to the family's Jacobite sympathies and serves to distinguish Carruthers as a distinct Border Reiver clan.

Registered as STR 11700 with the Scottish Tartan Register by Dr. George Carruthers of Fife, the tartan is open for all individuals named Carruthers or its derivatives. In 2017, it was adopted as the official tartan of the Carruthers Clan Society.

In January 2020, the tartan's designated category was officially changed and registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the official Clan/Family tartan of Carruthers.

The Carruthers red tartan is currently woven by the House of Edgar in Perth, Scotland, and serves as the official tartan of Clan Carruthers. It is available through the House of Edgar to kiltmakers worldwide.

The Carruthers tartan is quite unique and not readily found. Due to its rarity, individuals affiliated with Clan Carruthers often opt to wear the tartans of Clan Bruce, as Carruthers is considered a sept of Bruce.

Carruthers tartan

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Bruce Modern

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Bruce Ancient

3. Clan Carruthers Crest & Coats of Arms

3.1 Clan Carruthers Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

3.2 Clan Carruthers Coat of Arms

4. Clan Carruthers Places & People

Carruthers traces its origins to Dumfriesshire, particularly in the parish of Middlebie, where the clan has ancient roots. Throughout history, key strongholds of the clan included Mouswald, Holmains, Dormont, Little Dalton, Rammerscales, and several others.

4.1 Clan Carruthers Places

4.1.1 Mouswald

Mouswald, located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, holds significance for Clan Carruthers, an ancient Scottish clan. Historically, Mouswald served as one of the principal strongholds of the Carruthers clan.

Situated in the parish of Middlebie, Mouswald played a central role in the clan's history and heritage.

The Carruthers clan, with its roots in Dumfriesshire, has a rich history dating back centuries. Mouswald, along with other key strongholds like Holmains, Dormont, Little Dalton, and Rammerscales, contributed to the prominence and influence of the Carruthers family in the region.

Today, Mouswald stands as a testament to the legacy of Clan Carruthers, attracting visitors interested in exploring Scotland's fascinating history and heritage. The site serves as a reminder of the clan's enduring presence in Dumfriesshire and its contributions to Scotland's cultural tapestry.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Clan Carruthers and its connection to Mouswald, the area offers opportunities for exploration and discovery, providing insight into the rich heritage of this ancient Scottish clan.

4.1.2 Holmains

Holmains, situated in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, holds significance for Clan Carruthers, an esteemed Scottish clan with deep historical roots. As one of the principal strongholds of the Carruthers clan, Holmains played a vital role in shaping the history and heritage of the family.

Clan Carruthers, hailing from Dumfriesshire, boasts a rich and storied past that spans many centuries. Holmains, along with other key strongholds like Mouswald, Dormont, Little Dalton, and Rammerscales, contributed to the prominence and influence of the Carruthers family in the region.

Today, Holmains stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Clan Carruthers, attracting visitors eager to explore Scotland's fascinating history and heritage.

The site serves as a tangible reminder of the clan's enduring presence in Dumfriesshire and its significant contributions to Scotland's cultural heritage.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Clan Carruthers and its connection to Holmains, the area offers opportunities for exploration and discovery, providing valuable insights into the rich heritage of this ancient Scottish clan.

4.1.3 Dormont

Dormont, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, holds a special place in the history of Clan Carruthers, a distinguished Scottish clan with a legacy dating back centuries.

As one of the principal strongholds of Clan Carruthers, Dormont played a significant role in shaping the fortunes and influence of the family throughout history.

Clan Carruthers, rooted in Dumfriesshire, boasts a storied past intertwined with the rich tapestry of Scottish history.

Dormont, along with other key strongholds like Mouswald, Holmains, Little Dalton, and Rammerscales, served as a bastion of the Carruthers clan's power and prestige in the region.

Today, Dormont stands as a tangible reminder of Clan Carruthers' enduring legacy, attracting visitors from near and far who are eager to explore Scotland's captivating history and heritage.

The site offers a glimpse into the lives and achievements of the Carruthers family, providing valuable insights into their cultural significance and contributions to Scotland's vibrant tapestry of clans and families.

For those seeking to delve deeper into the history of Clan Carruthers and its connection to Dormont, the area presents opportunities for exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of this ancient Scottish clan.

4.1.4 Little Dalton

Situated in the heart of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Little Dalton holds a special significance in the history of Clan Carruthers, one of Scotland's esteemed clans with a legacy spanning centuries.

As one of the principal strongholds of Clan Carruthers, Little Dalton has played a pivotal role in shaping the fortunes and influence of the family throughout the ages.

Clan Carruthers, deeply rooted in Dumfriesshire, boasts a storied past intricately woven into the fabric of Scottish history.

Little Dalton, along with other key strongholds such as Mouswald, Holmains, Dormont, and Rammerscales, served as a bastion of the Carruthers clan's power and prestige in the region.

Today, Little Dalton stands as a tangible symbol of Clan Carruthers' enduring legacy, attracting visitors from far and wide eager to explore Scotland's captivating history and heritage.

The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of the Carruthers family, providing valuable insights into their cultural significance and contributions to Scotland's rich tapestry of clans and families.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Clan Carruthers and its connection to Little Dalton, the area offers ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of this ancient Scottish clan, gaining a deeper appreciation for its enduring legacy and cultural heritage.

4.1.5 Rammerscales

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Rammerscales holds a significant place in the annals of Clan Carruthers' history.

As one of the principal strongholds of the Carruthers clan, Rammerscales Castle stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of this esteemed Scottish family.

Clan Carruthers, with its roots deeply intertwined with the landscape of Dumfriesshire, has left an indelible mark on the region's history and heritage.

Rammerscales Castle, along with other key strongholds such as Mouswald, Holmains, Dormont, and Little Dalton, served as a bastion of the Carruthers clan's power and influence for generations.

Today, Rammerscales Castle continues to captivate visitors with its rich historical significance and architectural charm.

Steeped in centuries of history, the castle offers a glimpse into the lives and legacies of the Carruthers family, inviting visitors to explore the heritage of one of Scotland's most distinguished clans.

For those eager to delve deeper into the history of Clan Carruthers and its connection to Rammerscales, the castle provides a captivating backdrop for exploration and discovery.

From its imposing battlements to its storied halls, Rammerscales offers a fascinating journey through Scotland's medieval past and the enduring legacy of Clan Carruthers.

Visitors to Rammerscales Castle can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Scottish history, gaining valuable insights into the cultural heritage and traditions that have shaped Dumfriesshire and its people.

With its breathtaking scenery and fascinating history, Rammerscales stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Clan Carruthers and its timeless contributions to Scotland's heritage.

5. Associated Names

Carruthers is recognized as a sept of Clan Bruce and maintains a historical alliance with Clan Douglas.