Ross

The clan take their name from the ancient area of Ross. The first of the clan is traditionally known as Fearchar Mac-an-t-sagairt, 'son of the priest' of Applecross who was a strong supporter of Alexander II, and for his faithful services was created Earl of Ross on 1234.

The clan fought at Bannockburn, and the 5th Earl was slain at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333. The 5th Earls son died with no male heir and succession to the title followed the female line, which caused uproar and several attempts to take the titles and land. In 1424, the Earldom was reverted to the Crown, but later restored to the mother of the Lord of the Isles, where it remained until the Lordship was forfeited, when it was returned to the Crown.

The chiefship of the Clan Ross was passed to Hugh Ross of Rariches, who received lands in Balnagowan in 1374. The last of that direct line settled the estate onto the Hon. Charles Ross, son of Lord Ross of Hawkhead, Renfrewshire. On the death of the unmarried 14th Lord Ross, Balnagowan went to Sir James Lockhart, 2nd Baronet of Carstairs.