Anderson or MacAndrew

The meaning of this clan name means 'son of Andrew', and is widespread throughout Scotland.

MacAndrew has its roots in the Highlands, while Anderson originates from the Lowlands.

The clan has its main origins from the 15th Century as a sept of Clan Chattan, although some MacAndrews have associations with the MacDonells of Glengarry.

The Kinrara Manuscript claims that the MacAndrews moved east to Badenoch from Modairt around the period of 1400, and its most famous clan member was John MacAndrew of Dalnahatnich, (Iain Beg MacAindrai).

The folklore states that Iain Beg was an excellent and famed bowman, and one of the most famous tales about him is, when, in 1670 some henchmen from neighboroughing Lochaber came to Badenoch and stole some cattle from the village. Iain Beg gathered a group of men and chased after the henchmen. They caught up with them and Iain Beg managed to slay all but one of the henchmen with his bow skill. The fortunate man escaped and ran back to Lochaber with tales of the slaughter. The village of Lochaber swore revenge at 'Little John', and for the rest of Iain Beg's days he was to suffer a great many attempts on his life, in all of which he managed to defend himself with his bravery.

The major branches of the Andersons were Dowhill, Wester Ardbreck and Candacraig in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire.