Clan Robertson is a Scottish clan. William Forbes Skene, historiographer royal of Scotland, wrote in 1837 that
| Table of contents |
Mac Dhonnachaidh ("Son of Duncan"), Mac Raibeirt ("Son of Robert")
A dexter hand holding an imperial crown, all proper.
Virtutis gloria merces ("Glory is the reward of valour")
Fine-leaved heath, or bracken fern, which are common in the Clan's lands on the southern side of Loch Lannoch.
Teachd Chlann Donnachaidh ("The Clan Donnachie Has Arrived")
Collier, Colyear, MacConachie, Donachie, MacDonachie, Duncanson, Dunnachie, Inches, MacIvor, Macinroy, Maclagan, Tonnachy, Reid, MacRobert, MacRobie, Roberts, Roy, Stark.
The Gaelic clan Donnachaidh is descended from the Irish Ui Niall Cenel Conaill group (O'Donnells, O'Dohertys et al) of Donegal, through Duncan I, King of the Scots. He ruled Scotland from A.D. 1034, having obtained the succession from his maternal grandfather, Malcolm II, until killed by Macbeth, Mormaer (or Earl) of Maray, in 1040. Duncan married Sybel, daughter of Siward Digers, Earl of Northumberland. She was born in 1018, had three children of Duncan's, and died in 1038. Duncan's three sons were Malcolm III, Donald Bane, and Melmare. Both Malcolm III and Donald Bane were later Kings of Scotland. Clan Robertson is descended from Malcolm III.
The clan's first recognized chief was Donnachadh Reamhar, "Stout Duncan", leader of the clan and supporter of Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.