Clan Menzies

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 history of Clan Menzies, a clan with deep roots in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The Menzies, or “Clann Mèinnear” as they’re known in Gaelic, are a family known for their resilience, royal connections, and, of course, their dramatic stronghold, Castle Menzies.

The story of Clan Menzies begins in the 13th century, when the family’s Norman ancestors made their way to Scotland. They originally hailed from Mesnières in Normandy, and their name was transformed into "Meyners" and later "Menzies" upon settling in Scotland. In the mid-1200s, Robert de Myneris, one of the earliest recorded Menzies, received royal favor under King Alexander II, serving as Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland. This prestigious position granted him lands in Glen Lyon, Atholl, and Aberfeldy, establishing the Menzies in Perthshire, the clan’s historic heartland.

Throughout the centuries, the clan’s loyalty to the Scottish Crown and the Stewart monarchs secured them wealth and titles. Sir Robert Menzies, a close companion of Robert the Bruce, was awarded further lands for his loyalty during the Wars of Scottish Independence. His descendants expanded the clan’s holdings significantly, acquiring Glen Orchy, Finlarig, and Glen Dochart. By the early 16th century, the clan had grown into a powerful force in Perthshire, with Weem Castle, now known as Castle Menzies, as their ancestral seat.

This castle, a dramatic Z-plan fortress overlooking the Tay Valley, became the clan’s stronghold in 1571 after their original home, Weem Castle, was burned in a violent dispute with the Stewart clan over land rights. Castle Menzies would witness centuries of turbulence and clan battles, from skirmishes with the Stewarts to conflicts with other Highland clans.

Clan Menzies was deeply embedded in the Highlands’ feudal and social structure, participating in many of Scotland’s key historical events. During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the 17th century, Clan Menzies found itself in conflict with the royalist forces of James Graham, the Marquess of Montrose. Montrose sought to bring the Menzies to his cause, but after one of his messengers was wounded, Montrose’s forces retaliated, pillaging Menzies lands and dealing a heavy blow to the clan. Despite the devastation, the Menzies regrouped, with some branches of the clan ultimately siding with Montrose in later battles, including the fateful Battle of Inverlochy.

The clan’s fortunes were tested again during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century. Though the chief of Clan Menzies chose to remain neutral during the 1745 rising, his cousin Menzies of Shian led a force of 300 Menzies men in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, but the clan’s involvement underscores their commitment to causes they believed in. Meanwhile, Castle Menzies itself became a temporary refuge for Prince Charles Edward Stuart, who spent two nights there before Hanoverian forces, led by the Duke of Cumberland, arrived.

The Menzies clan has also left its mark in Scotland’s cultural landscape. Archibald Menzies, a noted botanist and surgeon, traveled the world as a naval surgeon, collecting plants that contributed to the growing knowledge of botany in the 18th century. Legend has it that Menzies of Culdares, a branch of the clan, was responsible for introducing the larch tree to Scotland, a gift that would forever change the landscape around Perthshire. Additionally, Michael Menzies, an inventive mind of his time, developed devices like the threshing machine, contributing to the evolution of Scottish industry.

Castle Menzies, the beating heart of the clan, stands as a testament to the family’s legacy. Situated near Aberfeldy, the castle has seen centuries of renovation, battle, and restoration. After falling into disrepair, it was rescued in the 20th century by the Clan Menzies Society, who have worked diligently to restore it as a hub for clan gatherings and a symbol of the clan’s enduring legacy. The castle also served during World War II as a medical supplies depot for the Polish Army, marking yet another chapter in its storied history.

The Menzies family motto, Vil God I Zal (God willing I shall), and their war cry, Geal ‘us Dearg a suas ("Up with the White and Red"), reflect the clan’s enduring spirit. Their plant badge, the Menzies Heath, also speaks to their Highland heritage, a symbol of the rugged beauty of their homeland.

Today, Clan Menzies is led by Robert Steuart Menzies, Baron of Menzies. Though the clan chief now resides in Australia, the clan’s ties to Scotland remain strong, with gatherings and celebrations held regularly at Castle Menzies. The clan’s tartan, in red and white, remains a distinct symbol of their identity, proudly worn by Menzies descendants around the world.

In the end, the Menzies are a clan defined by loyalty, resilience, and a deep connection to their Highland roots. From their early days in Norman France to their establishment in the Highlands, the Menzies have woven their story into the very fabric of Scottish history, their legacy standing as a beacon of Highland pride.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Clan Menzies’ history. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another episode of A Clan A Day Podcast. I'm Colin MacDonald, and as always, Go n-éirí an bóthar leat.