Graham

The Grahams have been recorded as far back as the 12th Century, with the first recorded name bearer being William de Graham who received the lands of Abercorn and Dalkeith from David I. A famous tale states that the Roman Wall across Scotland was first breached by a Graham and the location named 'Graemes Dyke'.

A Graham was slain whilst at the right hand of William the Wallace in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, and have taken part in many of the Scottish battles for which they have received titles. The 3rd Lord Graham was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, after being awarded the Earl of Montrose by James IV in 1504. James 5th Earl recieved the title of Marquis of Montrose in 1664, and was renowned for being a masterly soldier, although he was executed in 1650.

Another great soldier was John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, also known affectionately as 'Bonnie Dundee' and to his enemies as 'Bloody Clavers'. He died, a brave warrior, at the Battle of Killiecrankie in his hour of triumph.

Highlanders have a Graham to be thankful for in repealing the 1747 Act that prohibited the wearing of traditional Highland attire.