| Clan McKerrell | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Dulcis Pro Patria Labor (Labour for one’s country is sweet)[1] |
| Profile | |
| Region | Scottish Lowlands |
| District | Ayrshire |
 | |
| Clan McKerrell no longer has a chief, and is anarmigerous clan | |
| Historic seat | Hillhouse, Troon, Ayrshire[2] |
| Last Chief | Charles McKerrell, 15th Laird of Hillhouse[3] |
Clan McKerrell,[3] also known asClan MacKerrell,[2] isScottish clan. The clan is officially recognized by theCourt of the Lord Lyon; however, as it does not currently have a chief recognized by theLord Lyon King of Arms, it is considered anarmigerous clan.[3]
The surname is of ancientCeltic origin and there are several derivations of it.[3] According to historian George Fraser Black, theGaelic,Macfhearghil meansson of Fearghal.[3] According to O'Hart'sIrish Pedigrees they are descended from one Lochlan MacCairhill Roidamna who was the future king ofUlster, but who fled toScotland after being defeated in battle in the year 1095.[3] The name is found in early times inCarrick, Scotland.[3] Recherus MecMaccharil witnessed a charter by theEarl of Carrick during the reign ofWilliam the Lion.[3] The name is also found asCarleton, which is a place name found aroundKirkcudbrightshire,Wigtownshire andAyrshire.[3] In the records ofWhithorn Priory it is recorded asCairlitoun.[3]
John Mckerrell, 1st Laird of Hillhouse was the grandson of Martin Mckerrell (born 1490).[3] Martin was directly descended from Sir John Mckirel, who distinguished himself at theBattle of Otterburn in 1388, where he wounded and took prisoner Rouel de Percy, who was second in command of the English host.[3]
John Mckerrell, 4th Laird of Hillhouse married Elizabeth, daughter ofRobert Wallace who was theBishop of the Isles in 1660.[3] He also built a new mansion that replaced an older seat.[3] John Mckerrell, 8th Laird of Hillhouse (born 1762) is credited with bringing the silk industry toPaisley, Renfrewshire.[3] His fourth son was Colonel of the Paisley Volunteers, who were the first volunteer regiment to resist the threat of the French invasion of 1792.[3] Colonel Mckerrell's son made a fortune inIndia and was Master of the Mint inMadras.[3]
In 1895, Robert Mckerrell, 13th Laird of Hillhouse sold his estates.[3] He was a prison commissioner for Scotland and a member of theRoyal Company of Archers, who are the monarch's body guard.[3] In 1990, Charles Mckerrell, 15th Laird of Hillhouse, returned to the family lands and established his seat atLochmaben.[3]
