'Creag Dhubh Clann Chatain ! '

      That was the slogan or war cry of the Clan Macpherson in the days when the clansmen rallied to protect their homes from intruders. Today it is used by members of the modern Clan Macpherson Association to show our solidarity on occasions when the spirit moves us. The words come from the Gaelic meaning 'Black Rock of Clan Chattan.' Phonetically it is pronounced 'CrayGOO Clown HAT-un.'

      Creag Dhubh is the 2,350 foot hill that dominates much of the district of Badenoch. Cluny Castle, the traditional home site for the Chiefs of the Clan over the centuries, is situated just to the southwest of it. The name undoubtedly predates the arrival of the clan in Badenoch, and is descriptive: a black or dark hillside was a heather-covered hill, as distinct from Creag Bhan, a light-coloured hillside of grass.

      Natural features such as hills, lochs, and rivers had a special meaning for the Celtic people of earlier times from whence we came. It was only natural then for that 'black rock' to have a special meaning for the Macphersons of those days.

      As will be explained more fully on Panel 7, the name of the clan wasn't Macpherson when our ancestors first came to Badenoch. Rather, it was Clann Mhuirich (pronounced Clown VOOrish) and before that Clann Chatain (Clown HATun). Thus, it was only natural for the clan's name to become part of the war cry.

      Today, clansfolk identify themselves by wearing a metal badge pinned to their bonnet or sash. This badge consists of the chief's crest within a strap and buckle bearing his motto. A drawing of the modern Macpherson crest badge is shown at the right.

      In earlier times, clansfolk identified themselves with a plant badge. The plant badge of the Macphersons is a sprig of white heather, boxwood or whortleberry.