Clan Ramsay

Welcome back to "A Clan A Day Podcast," brought to you by BagTownClans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today, we dive into the proud and formidable history of Clan Ramsay—a Lowland Scottish clan steeped in military prowess, loyalty, and enduring resilience.

The Ramsays have long been associated with courage and military skill. Described as having a "stubborn hardihood," the Ramsays are known to fight tenaciously for what they believe in, whether on Scottish soil or battlefields far abroad. This trait earned them a storied reputation across generations, a legacy that we’ll explore today.

The Ramsay family’s roots are believed to trace back to Germany, but their presence in Scotland became prominent during the reign of David I in the 12th century. The founder of the Scottish Ramsays was likely Symon de Ramesie, a Norman nobleman who accompanied David to Scotland. Symon was granted lands in Midlothian, and in 1140, he witnessed a key charter to Holyrood Abbey. The Ramsay name quickly gained traction, and by the 13th century, there were five notable branches: the Ramsays of Dalhousie, Auchterhouse, Banff, Forfar, and Clatto.

The Ramsays were deeply involved in the Wars of Scottish Independence, most notably aligning with Robert the Bruce. They fought valiantly for Scotland’s freedom, and Sir William Ramsay was among those who signed the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, affirming Scotland’s independence.

However, it was Sir Alexander Ramsay, the son of Sir William, who truly immortalized the family name. A knight of exceptional renown, Sir Alexander was appointed Sheriff of Teviotdale in 1342, a title coveted by his rival, William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale. In a grim twist, Douglas captured Ramsay, imprisoned him in Hermitage Castle, and left him to die a slow death of starvation—a dark chapter in the clan’s history that illustrates the fierce rivalries between Scottish nobles at the time.

Though the tragedy of Sir Alexander’s death looms large, the Ramsays continued to prove their resilience. In 1400, another Sir Alexander Ramsay—likely a descendant—held off a siege at Dalhousie Castle against English forces, showcasing the clan’s ability to defend their stronghold. Dalhousie Castle, located in Midlothian, served as the Ramsay family seat for centuries, and its fortifications helped secure the clan's place in Scottish history. The castle still stands today, though it has been converted into a hotel, giving visitors a chance to experience a piece of Ramsay heritage firsthand.

In the 16th century, the Ramsays, like many noble Scottish families, found themselves embroiled in the turbulent politics of the day. Nicolas Ramsay, a key figure of the clan, was a staunch supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, but ultimately threw his support behind her son, James VI. This allegiance paid off in 1600 when John Ramsay—a grandson of Nicolas—became a hero by foiling the Ruthven Conspiracy, an attempted coup in which conspirators aimed to kidnap King James. John Ramsay's intervention resulted in the deaths of the Ruthven brothers, securing the King’s safety and earning John the title Earl of Holderness.

The Ramsays were not merely players in domestic politics—they were instrumental in several key conflicts across Britain. During the Civil War, William Ramsay, the first Earl of Dalhousie, fought at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, aligning with the Covenanters. The Dalhousie earldom was established in 1633, cementing the Ramsays’ status among the Scottish nobility.

The family’s military tradition continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries, with several Ramsays distinguishing themselves in both European and colonial campaigns. George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie, served as Governor-General of British North America and Commander-in-Chief of India, reinforcing the clan’s martial legacy overseas. His son, James Broun-Ramsay, became the 1st Marquess of Dalhousie and is best remembered for his tenure as Governor-General of India from 1847 to 1856. Under his administration, significant territories were annexed to the British Empire, including Punjab, Pegu, and Nagpur. His impact on the Indian subcontinent left a lasting mark, as did his contributions to infrastructure development, including railways and telegraphs.

But military prowess was not the only strength of the Ramsay clan. Andrew Ramsay, known as the Chevalier de Ramsay, became a prominent intellectual in France, tutoring the Jacobite princes and earning recognition from the French crown. Another famous Ramsay is the poet Allan Ramsay, whose works were celebrated in the 18th century, alongside his son Allan Ramsay, a notable portrait painter.

In modern times, Gordon Ramsay, the internationally renowned chef, carries on the family’s reputation for excellence, though in the kitchens rather than the battlefield.

Clan Ramsay members wear the crest badge of a unicorn’s head, symbolizing purity and strength, along with the motto "Ora et Labora," meaning “pray and work.” Their plant badge is the blue harebell, and the clan tartan, with blue, black, and green tones, remains popular among Ramsay descendants.

Today, James Ramsay, the 17th Earl of Dalhousie, serves as the clan’s current chief, continuing the legacy of a family that has fought fiercely for Scotland’s independence, upheld royal loyalty, and excelled on battlefields across the globe.

Thanks for tuning in to "A Clan A Day Podcast"! Join me, Colin MacDonald, tomorrow as we uncover the history of another proud Scottish clan. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat—may the road rise to meet you!