The Clan Graham has one of the most fascinating and complex histories of any Scottish Clan. There is some confusion and debate surrounding the origins of the family. Tradition holds that Graeme or Graham came from the old Gaelic word ‘Gruamach’ meaning someone who was stern or perhaps the old saxon word ‘grim’ meaning fierce. Legend also holds that in the 5th century, a chieftain known as Gramus, breached the Antonine wall established by the Romans across the central belt of Scotland. More recent research has the Grahams descending from the Normans or from Flemish stock. Perhaps with no written evidence the only way this mystery may ever be solved is through modern science with the DNA testing of Grahams today.

The first recording of the name appears at the time of King David I (1084-1153) who granted lands at Abercorn and Dalkeith to William de Graham a few years after he was crowned king in 1124. His name is recorded as having witnessed the founding of Holyrood Abbey in 1128. Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries the Grahams were granted more lands including Clifton in Midlothian and from William the Lion the lands of Charlton and Barrowfield in Forfarshire. The lands of Dundaff and Kincardine were also gained around this time. From this period the Grahams were known as ‘the Gallant Grahams’ due to their bravery to the causes they pledged their lives. Sir Patrick Graham was killed at the battle of Dunbar in 1296 while carrying the Kings Standard. Sir John Graham of Dundaff was William Wallace’s right hand man and died at the battle of Falkirk in 1298. Another Sir John Graham distinguished himself at the battle of Nevilles Cross in 1346 when he asked King David II (1324-1371) for 100 horse to charge the English archers who were picking off knights in the Scots army. When the King refused, Sir John and a handful of kin, charged the field and caused some damage before his horse was shot from under him. A generation later the Grahams turned out for the Douglas at the battle of Otterburn in 1388 where they are remembered in the ballad of chevy chase

He chose the Gordons and the Graemes,
With them the Lindsays, light and gay;
But the Jardines wad not with him ride,
And they rue it to this day.