Modern Clansmen
Whether you live in Beauly or on the other side of the world, these are the marks and customs that make you a Fraser.
Heraldry
Fraises, crowns and the clan badge
The clan motto is “Je Suis Prest” — ancient French for “I am ready” — and appears on the clan badge, which every clansperson may wear.
The shield carries three cinquefoils, known as fraises, in the first and fourth quarters; the name Fraser is thought to derive from the French fraise, strawberry.
The three crowns in the second and third quarters have several explanations: a gift from Robert the Bruce to Sir Simon “The Patriot” for saving his life three times at Methven in 1306; a gift to Sir Alexander Fraser, Chamberlain of Scotland, on marrying the Bruce's sister Mary; or a reward for Sir Simon Fraser “Filius”, who is said to have beaten three English armies in one day at Roslin Moor in 1302. Each is speculative, and all came to the Lovat line from the south country Frasers.
Customs
Clan Fraser traditions
Clan Badge
All members of the clan may wear the badge.
Coat of Arms
Only the chief may use the full arms.
Motto
“Je Suis Prest” — I am ready, in ancient French.
Sprig of Yew
For centuries Frasers of Lovat wore a sprig of yew in cap or lapel to be known as a Fraser.
Fraser Toast
Frisealach Air-Son Frisealach, Frisealach Air-Son MacShimidh — a Fraser for a Fraser, a Fraser for Simon.
Pipe Tunes
Lovat's March and Lord Lovat's Lament among many — the Lament is never played in the chief's presence.
Battle Cry
“Caisteal Dhuni” for Castle Dounie, the ancestral seat, and “A Mhor-fhaiche”, the Great Field where the clan mustered.