Overview of Ferguson

Not all Ferguson's in Scotland are descended from a common ancestor, the name is spread widely across the country with different family histories.

The Fergusons from Argyllshire hold the chiefship of the clan, and claim that they are the descendants of Fergus Mor mac Erc, an ancient King of Dalriada. This family seems to have held the lands of Kilkerran since the 12th century and were Protestants, fighting for the Royalist cause during the civil war. General Sir Charles Fergusson (1865 - 1951) of this family was a noted soldier serving for nearly forty years. He was Governor of territory occupied within Germany after the First World War (1918-20) and of New Zealand (1924-30).

Another notable Ferguson family are those from Dunfallandy near Pitlochry. This family were staunch Jacobites fighting for the cause in both the 1715 and 1745 uprisings.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Ferguson, inventor of the breech-loading rifle, used to great effect against the Americans in their War of Independence, was a Ferguson of Pitfour.