House of Gordon Australia

The 4th Duke of Gordon, Alexander Gordon was also known as "Cock O'the North" ( Coileach an taobh tuath in Gaelic pronounced kull-ach an too-eve too ah) due to his military strength and ability to raise armies and troops Later Clan Chiefs retained the title.

In the 1700s when Mary of Guise reigned as regent she visited the Gordon Clan Chief Alexander Gordon. She was shocked at how much wealth and power he and the clan had and commented" I think this 'Cock of the North should have his wings clipped." This then became the nickname of the Clan Chief and subsequent chiefs have also kept this name .

Alexander Gordon was the 4th Duke of Gordon and is attributed as being responsible for raising many military units including the Gordon Highlanders and the Old Fencibles. He had an established military force unequalled in Scotland. He was a powerful landowner, Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland and was known to be one of the most handsome men of his day. He had 13 children to his first wife Jane Maxwell and 5 more to his second wife Jane Christie.

In Gaelic the name is "Coileach an taobh tuath" (pronounced Kull-ach an too-eve too ah)

Since that time it has become an important part of Scottish History and is marked by several events and Items. The Cock O'the north was a LNER Class P2 Steam Locomotive, it is also a Traditional Scottish bagpipe tune and a world famous whisky based liqueur and a Championship show jumping competition.