clan2

McNeish is a Sept of Clan MacGregor. Ellen McNeish was my (Karen) Great Great Grandmother and as far as we are so far aware, probably our most Scottish relative. Until recently, I did not know of this Scottish connection. I have only become aware of this thanks to my Uncle Leon, the Notary Poet and Writer. Ellen McNeish was born in Glasgow approximately around 1867. I have no more information on her than this. When she immigrated to New Zealand I am unaware. She married my Great Great Grandfather Walter Pell. Hopefully we can somehow discover more in the future.

Gaelic name:                         Grannd
Motto:                                    Craig Elachie (The rock of alarm)
Plant Badge:                          Pine
Lands:                                    Strathspey, Glen Urquhart, Glen Moriston
                                                and Loch Ness
Origin of Name:                     French, grand (great)
Pipe Music:                            Stand Fast Craigellachie

After the Normans had established themselves in England, the name Grant became widespread, appearing in many documents from various areas, which are still with us today. In the French and Gaelic languages, the word has the similar meanings of big and more.
The earliest recordings of Grants in Scotland, however are from the mid-thirteenth century and describe the acquisition of Stratherrick land through the marriage of a Grant to Sir John Bisset's daughter Mary. One of their two children was Sir Laurence le Grand, who became the Sheriff of Inverness.

My knowledge of our family ties here are very few. I have a lot more investigating to discover them. All I do know, is that my Great Grandfather, Peter Grant was born approximately around 1880. I do not know if he was born in Scotland or born in New Zealand after his parents immigrated there. What part of Scotland is another question. I do know however, that he died in New Zealand at quite a young age in 1911 from pneumonia. My Grand mother Doris was a small child when this happened. My Great Grand mother later re-married and had several more children. I have been told that the Grant is in actual fact the same Grant as the famous Scotch Whiskey.

All of these Clans have many Tartans. In fact, the Macdonald Clan for example has 14 different Tartans. They had certain Tartans for different ocassions like war, hunting, morning and afternoon wear etc. So, if you have a Tartan that is different from the ones I have shown here this is why. The MacGregor Clan also uses the Rob Roy Tartan a lot.
You can visit the Tartan Store that is linked on our main page and you will find a tartan finder where you can look up many Clan Tartans.