Clan Logan is a very ancient Scottish clan of celtic origin. Two distinct branches of Clan Logan exist: the Highland branch; and the Lowland branch (which descends from Sir Robert Logan of Restalrig who married Katherine Stewart, a daughter of the future Robert II () and, in 1400, became Lord High Admiral of Scotland). The clan does not have a chief recognised by Lord Lyon King of Arms, and therefore can be considered an armigerous clan.
History
The surname Logan is a territorial name, likely derived from the Gaelic word "Lagan or Laggan" meaning low-lying land, a glen, dell, or hollow, based on the situation of their land. They had lands in Gallway and Dumfiresshire at an early period and also in Ulster, Ireland, since the Clans often crossed over. They soon spread over Scotland to Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Dumfriesshire, Dubarton, and Rossshire. The Logan family was divided into two main branches, the Grugar (later the Restalrig) Chiefs of the name in the south of Scotland, which was recorded by Lord Lyons, and the Highland branch of Driudeurfit, Chiefs in the North. There was also a distinguished branch in Lanarkshire.
Based on modern criteria, with so many people doing genealogy and DNA testing, it's been confirmed by the Logan DNA project, that there are at least 14 separate lines of Logans, known so far, with Scottish Logans, Irish Logans, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and about anywhere in the world. Most Logan's were ordinary people, farmers, businessman, soldiers, seaman, educators, etc. These Logans would probably not been written about in history books, but the name Logan, has come a long way throughout the world, with airports, towns, counties, and universities named for it.
The Northern Logans
The northern Logan Clan can be traced back on the headstones in Kilmuir Kirkyard, where they were known as the Logans of Drumdeurfit, which is situated in the Black Isel in Easter Rossshire and most of the Black Isle. Robert Logan of Druimdeurfit can be found in this cemetery. But the family can be found over a wide area, even over to Harris in the Western Hebrides. Colan Logan, heiress of Druimmanairig, married Eachuin Beirach, a son of the Baron of Kintail, who died at Eadarachaolis about 1350, leaving a son Eanruig from whom descends the Logans of Harris. Between 1372 - 1450, Crotach M'Gillie Gorm was the Chief of the Northern Clan Logan. From that date up to 1564, the chiefs were buried in Kilmuir, Western Kirkyard, as is recored on Thomas Logan's tomb, but time has worn them away, and the names are no longer legible, but other Logans there are readable.
The Lowland Logans
From 1200 to 1600, the family had large possessions in both Scotland and in Ulster, Ireland, and were amongst the most distinguished knights and barons of that time. They were specifically famed for their steadfast courage and patriotic loyalty, with many being slain in battle against the English invaders. They were supporters of both William Wallace and Robert the Bruce in winning the independence of Scotland from England, both with fighting men and financially.
One of the earliest records of the surname is of Robert Logan who is recorded as witnessing the resignation of the lands of Ingilbristoun in 1204. The name is variously recorded throughout the 13th century. Several Logans are recorded as paying homage to Edward I of England within the Ragman Rolls of 1296. These are Phelippe de Logyn (burgess from Montrose), Thurbrandus de Logyn (from Dumfrieshire), Andreu de Logan (from Wigtonshire), and Wautier Logan (from Lanarkshire). The seal of Wautier Logan (SIGILLVM WALTERI LOGAN) is blazoned a stag's head cabossed, between the antlers, a shield with three piles.
Walter Logan, Lord of Hartside was a sheriff of Lanark in 1301, and in 1298 had received a grant of the lands of "Lus" from Robert Bruce. This Walter Logan appears twice on a roll of landowners forfeited in 1306 by Edward I, for supporting Robert the Bruce. The first instance of Logan has John Cromwell as the petitioner for Logan's forfeited lands, while the second instance of Walter Logan has William Mulcaster and John Bisset petitioning for his lands.
In 1306 Dominus Walter Logan was taken prisoner by the English forces and hanged at Durham, in the presence of Edward of Carnarvon (the future Edward II of England).