The Grants are of Norman origin and the name became widespread after the invasion. In French and Gaelic the name has the similar meaning of big and more. The earliest record of Grants relates to the marriage of the daughter of Sir John Bisset to a Grant. Their son, Sir Laurence le Grant was Sheriff of Inverness in 1258.
The Grants, who supported Wallace, were to become the dominant clan in Glen Moriston, Glen Urquhurt and Strathspey. The clan supported Robert the Bruce in his claim to the Scottish crown. As a result of this support, they came to be one of the major clans in the Highlands with considerable influence and power.
This power was further consolidated with the marriage of Sir John to the daughter of Gilbert of Glencairnie. She was the heiress to an earldom of the ancient Strathearn dynasty. The eldest son from the marriage was the first of the Grants of Freuchie. The Tullochgorm branch is descended from a younger son of this match.
The Grants supported royalty throughout the centuries. James V granted James Grant a charter which placed him outside of the authority of the law courts with the exception of the Supreme Court of Edinburgh.
Their gathering-place is Craigellachie and their slogan “Stand Fast”. Originally styled Grant of Freuchie, they became known as Lairds of Grant. When offered a peerage by James VI the then chief refused politely, asking “And wha’ll be Laird of Grant?”
The Chief of Clan Grant is Lord Strathspey.
