Home Clan Society and its branches Join the Clan Society Genealogy International Gatherings Contact us
HISTORY
OF THE CLAN
The name “Matheson” comes from the Gaelic “MacMathan”, meaning “son of the bear” – not to be confused with the English “Mathewson” which is simply “son of Matthew”. There are countless legends about the origins of the MacMathans. They came from Scandinavia many hundreds of years ago, subsequently establishing their stronghold in Lochalsh, Wester Ross, in the Scottish Highlands.
By the 15th Century, a time of contention between the Kings of Scots and many Highland Clans, the Mathesons constituted a major Clan and the Chief could raise 2,000 fighting men. The Chiefship remained in Lochalsh until 1688, when Chief John (Ian Mor) Matheson moved to the Black Isle, first to East Suddy (Easter Suddie), and then, in 1697, to nearby Bennetsfield. The Mathesons of Bennetsfield retained the Chiefship until 1975, when it passed to Major Sir Torquhil Matheson of Matheson, of the Lochalsh branch. The present Chief is Sir Torquhil’s brother, Major Sir Fergus Matheson of Matheson, the 7th Baronet.