ReAsk!... Which Clan would over power the other? Clan MacGregor or Clan Ramsay

Question

In a previous question I used "stronger" to find the competitive relationship between Clan MacGregor and Clan Ramsay...
I'll ask again and try to be more on point
Apologies if the question contains the incorrect keywords or phrases!
Which Clan would have been more feared or would have over powered the other? Clan MacGregor or Clan Ramsay? Based on the Clans size and area of land it owned... Which clan would have ranked higher?

Comments

I suspect this could be different during different time spans.

Answer 1

Not sure if this answers your question, but in the case of Duncans ...

Duncans were later known as "Septs" to the more dominant clans The Duncan – Donnachaidh – Robertson, Scenario by John Duncan of Sketraw. (Clan vs Sept) Duncan names were included by a happy accident that they lived within control of the dominant family, in specific areas, rising to power as the clan system formed. Septs pledged fealty to their "lords".

I suspect this is also true of other clans depending on the location and time period of who or which was the "stronger" clan in a particular area.  Many intermarriages, also contributed to the multiple clan perception.  (see Wikipedia link above re "septs")

Regards,

Comments

Makes sense... perhaps my Question is flawed to begin with as the one is a highland clan farther away from the other which was a lowland clan

Answer 2

I think it depends on the time spans. I'd have to look it up. Ramsay was originally a Norman surname, and the Normans were feared, also.

Answer 3

As Tanya says, it depends when you are looking at.

By the 16th century, Clan MacGregor had been dispossessed of all its land and were dubbed the "MacEogh" - children of the Mist - because they lived in the mountains and came down just to steal cattle. In 1603 the king declared the clan abolished, in response to a notorious murder, saying anyone could kill a MacGregor without punishment, they were forbidden from using the name or wearing the kilt. More details here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Gregor#16th_century_and_clan_conflicts

So I suspect if you are looking at that time period, the Ramsays would have been more powerful.

What is the context for the question?