An ancient clan, the Robertsons (also known as Clan Donnachaidh, 'clan of Duncan') have been described as the oldest family in Scotland and trace their descent through the ancient Celtic Earls of Atholl. Donnachaidh Reamhair (Duncan the Stout) fought alongside Robert the Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Methven in 1306 and, in defeat, fled into the lands of Atholl for protection. The Clan again supported Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Duncan's son was called Robert after the King, and this gave rise to the Robertson surname.
The remarkable Alexander Robertson of Struan (1669 - 1749) was the 13th Chief and an ardent supporter of King James VII and the Pretenders and who, uniquely in Scotland, participated in events both at the beginning and the end of the Jacobite era. Other notable Robertsons include historian William Robertson (1721-93), who became Principal of the University of Edinburgh, steam engineer John Robertson (1782 - 1868), early golf professional Allan Robertson (1815-59), industrialist William Robertson (1825-99), who became Lord Provost of Dundee, marmalade manufacturer James Robertson (d.1914), poet James Logie Robertson (Hugh Haliburton; 1846 - 1922), Munro-bagger Rev. Archibald Eneas Robertson (1870 - 1958), broadcaster Fyfe Robertson (1902-87), Olympians Arthur James Robertson (1879 - 1957) and Shirley Robertson (b.1968), businessman Sir Lewis Robertson (1922 - 2008) and politician George Robertson (Lord Robertson of Port Ellen; b.1946).
