Clan Dewar

Welcome back to "A Clan A Day Podcast," brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we’re diving into the rich and varied history of Clan Dewar, a Scottish family with roots that span across Lowland and Highland Scotland. With origins tied to medieval battles, legends of pilgrim guardians, and an iconic whisky dynasty, Clan Dewar’s journey through Scottish history is truly a fascinating one.

The lands associated with the Dewars lie near Heriot, southeast of Edinburgh, and it’s from here that the clan’s story first emerges. It’s not entirely clear whether the name "Dewar" came from the lands or the family, but some suggest it comes from the Gaelic Deoradh, meaning "pilgrim" or "wanderer." For centuries, however, the Dewars of Edinburghshire have been well-documented, starting as far back as the late 13th century.

In 1296, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, we find two of the earliest recorded Dewars—Thomas and Piers de Deware—pledging loyalty to Edward I of England in the infamous Ragman Roll. This period marked a tumultuous time for Scottish clans, as families navigated shifting allegiances between Scotland and England. Despite pledging fealty to the English king, the Dewars, like many other Scottish families, ultimately took pride in their homeland’s independence.

In 1474, Clan Dewar saw its fortunes formalized when Lord Borthwick granted a charter to William Dewar, giving him full rights to the lands of Dewar. William’s descendants, known as "Dewars of that Ilk," moved the clan base from Dewar to nearby Carrington, thus establishing the chiefly line from which today’s clan leaders descend. Later, they acquired the barony of Vogrie, near Gorebridge, in 1719, marking a new chapter in their history.

By the 18th century, the Dewars had developed into a family of influential merchants. David Dewar of Vogrie was not only a prominent landowner but also served as Postmaster General for Leith and Edinburgh, an important role in an era when communication and trade were flourishing. His family’s commercial success helped them establish a thriving estate, which eventually included one of Scotland's earliest gunpowder mills, a testament to the clan’s industrial spirit. The mill, powered by waterwheels on the Vogrie estate, was a symbol of progress and innovation in its time.

Meanwhile, another branch of the Dewar family settled in Stirling, with records showing Dewars in the area as early as 1483. By the 17th century, this line of the family had established themselves as the "Dewars of Cambuskenneth." The clan was not without its mischief, as one John Dewar of Cambuskenneth was fined in 1710 for "causing blood and riot"—a reminder of the often-feisty nature of Scottish clan life.

Another fascinating chapter in Dewar history is their connection to the Highland religious relic known as the Staff of St. Fillan. The Dewar Coigerachs, one of five Highland Dewar families, were the traditional custodians of this revered object, believed to have belonged to St. Fillan, a Celtic saint of royal lineage. Robert the Bruce had the staff brought to his army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, believing it would bring divine favor. After Bruce's victory, the relic remained with the Dewars for centuries, only briefly sold and then later reacquired by the family. Today, the Staff of St. Fillan is held in the National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh, symbolizing the Dewars’ longstanding role as guardians of Scotland’s spiritual heritage.

Clan Dewar also made its mark in the 19th century, particularly in the world of whisky, through John Dewar. Born in 1856, John Dewar transformed a small whisky business into a globally recognized Scottish brand. His innovation and dedication to quality led to him being honored in 1917 with the title of Baron Forteviot of Dupplin, a title that enhanced the family’s noble status and marked their success as whisky pioneers. Dupplin Castle, the family’s seat, became one of the grandest estates in Scotland, a powerful reminder of their achievements.

As with many Scottish families, the Dewars served in both military and diplomatic roles. Kenneth Dewar, for instance, was an aide to King George V and commanded the HMS Royal Oak, showcasing the clan’s ongoing commitment to service. Kenneth’s descendants would become the present-day Dewar chiefs, solidifying the line’s continuity.

It’s worth noting that Clan Dewar is recognized as a sept, or sub-clan, of several other larger clans, including Clan Menzies, Clan Buchanan, Clan Arthur, and Clan Macnab. This status indicates alliances or shared ancestry, reflecting the interwoven relationships among Scottish families. However, in 1990, Peter Dewar of Vogrie was formally recognized by the Lord Lyon, granting Clan Dewar official status as a clan in its own right, complete with a chief.

Today, the motto of Clan Dewar, Quid non pro Patria? or “Why would we not do it for our country?” embodies their loyalty and sense of duty. The current clan chief, Michael Kenneth O'Malley Dewar of Vogrie, carries forward this proud heritage, upholding the traditions of service, craftsmanship, and guardianship that have defined Clan Dewar for centuries.

Thank you for joining us today on "A Clan A Day Podcast" as we explored the history of Clan Dewar, a family of pilgrims, protectors, and pioneers. We hope you enjoyed learning about this remarkable clan whose contributions span industries, centuries, and even Scotland’s most cherished relics. Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for another deep dive into the history of a Scottish clan. I'm Colin MacDonald, and as always, go n-éirí an bóthar leat.