The clan Rose originates from the Norman family 'de Ros' who first settled in The clan Rose originates from the Norman family 'de Ros' who first settled in the district of Nairn in the middle of the thirteenth century. Through marriage to the de Bisset family, Hugo de Ros established his home at Kilravock, which has remained the designation of the chief and the family's home to this day.

Another union with the Chisholm family brought the Roses extensive lands at Strathnairn and an addition to the family coat of arms. Up until then, the Rose shield bore water bougets, said to allude to the water containers carried by knights taking part in the holy Crusades. The alliance with the Chisholms resulted in the addition of the Chisholms' boars head to the shield.