Clan MacPherson claims an unbroken descent from the Clan Chattan. The founder of the clan is reputed to have been Gillichattan Mor, who lived in the reign of Malcolm Canmore. His great-grandson Muirich is reported to have been the chief of the clan in 1153 and also parson of Badenoch. Since the clergy was not bound to celibacy at this time, Muirich had five sons. The Macphersons are said to be descended from Kenneth, Muirich’s grandson. It is not clear whether the clan lands of Badenoch were derived from Muirich and his connection to the area or if they were granted by Robert the Bruce in recognition of services rendered for expelling the Comyns from the area.

The clan continued to be of consequence during the 15th and 16th century and was allied to Mary, Queen of Scots. The clan also supported Charles I and took part in many of the battles of the time. At the beginning of the 17th century, the MacIntoshes and MacPhersons were in dispute about the chiefship of the Clan Chattan and this carried on throughout the century. The MacPhersons were involved in the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 and were involved in the march south to Derby. They were on their way to support the Prince at Culloden when they heard of the defeat. It was considered that if the clan had been there, it may have turned the tide of defeat. Inevitably it meant ruin for the chief and his estates were burned and he was in hiding amongst his own people for nine years.