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CLAN RAMSAY  |
Ramsay began dancing at the age of three, classic ballet, tap and modern jazz. At 12, highland dancing was added. Above, here she is at age 14 -- in the same kilt! -- on her way to compete in the 1961 Highland Games. She won numerous awards across America in the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance and the Sean Trews, with a special award from the Highland Dancing Teachers Association of North America.
The Ramsay clan is of Anglo-Norman origin. Simon de Ramseie came to Scotland with David I, who granted him lands in Lothian. From Simon descended the Ramsay's of Dalhousie. Clan Ramsay of Dalhousie goes back to at least 1296, when William de Ramsay first appears. He later fought for Robert the Bruce, and was a signatory of the declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This letter to the Pope asserted the independence of Scotland. One of the most famous members of the family was Alexander Ramsay, William's son, who defended Dunbar against the English. A dramatized version of his life can be found in the novel "The Flower of Chivalry" (his nickname) by Nigel Trantor. The Earldom of Dalhousie was conferred upon the Ramsays by Charles I. In later years, the Family produced many well-known soldiers, including the 10th Earl, Marquess. In 1849 he became the Governor-General of India. The current chief of the clan is the Earl of Dalhousie, who lives in Brechin, Angus. The Ramsay's of Bamff, in Perthshire, are in the line of a Neis de Ramsay, who lived in the 13th century. The motto is "Ora et Labora" or pray and work.
