Chapter 4 - Section I - Alexander Burr: Origins and Language

Alexander Burr was born in 1817 in the Parish of Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and emigrated to Canada in 1835. He was a farmer and a member of the Free Church of Scotland.

Context: Ethnic Origin The inhabitants of Aberdeenshire descended from three main groups: the Picts, the Scots, and the Norse. The Picts were the earliest known inhabitants who opposed the Romans and eventually united with the Scots in 843 A.D.

Language and Culture – Gaelic It is likely Alexander Burr spoke Gaelic or a mix of Gaelic and English. Gaelic was introduced by Irish Scots who settled in Argyll around 500 A.D. and supplanted the languages of the Picts and Britons.

Norse Influence Between the 8th and 11th centuries, Norsemen settled northern Scotland and the Hebrides. These settlers brought their laws and families, eventually assimilating into the local culture through intermarriage and the adoption of Christianity.

Clan Membership The dominant clan in Aberdeenshire was the Mar clan. The Burr family is entitled to wear the tartan of the Mar clan or the Aberdeen District.