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	About the Ramsay Clan
	The Ramsays are one of several knightly families who settled in 12th century Scotland. Traditional history assigns them an Anglo-Norman origin, from Ramsey in Cambridgeshire. However, new evidence indicates that the family probably originated in an area of medieval Germany, now in modern day Austria, which was then part of the Holy Roman Empire. Henry of Ramsay had his fiefdom there between 1129 and 1164. It seems likely that permission to use the distinctive black eagle in the original coats of arms was granted to his Ramsay vassal by Frederick I Barbarossa (Redbeard), Holy Roman Emperor and King of Germany, in recognition of the family's military contribution during Frederick's Italian campaigns of the 1150's and 1160's. During the late 12th and early 13th century the Ramsay family flourished, mainly in Fife, but also in Midlothian, Perthshire, Angus and the Borders. The earliest branches include Forthar (Fife), Clatto (Fife), Balfarg (Fife) and Bamff (Perthshire), Auchterhouse (Angus) and Dalhousie (Midlothian). During the medieval and Renaissance periods over 50 landowning branches developed and it is from these that most present day Ramsays are descended. In recognition of their contribution to Scottish history, sustained over several centuries, the Dalhousie Ramsays became the leading branch to which we owe our Clan Chiefs. At the top of this page the early coats of arms of a number of branches are displayed, including one founded in Finland. If you hover your mouse over each shield, you will see a brief statement about that branch's founding. Although there is no formal Clan Ramsay Association in Scotland, many members of the clan know each other. There are active clan and family associations in Finland, North America and Australia. This website has been developed especially for the Ramsay Clan Gathering 2009. It is hoped that clan members and their families will find it useful and interesting. The Chief has acquired four volunteer pipers, Will and Charlie Ramsay from the Borders and Jock and Jamie Ramsay from Fife. Jock and Charlie played together for several years in their school pipe band. It is expected that they will play during the Reception at Dalhousie Castle and at any other appropriate times. If there are any other volunteer pipers from the clan membership, please make yourselves known via the Contact page!