TartanGolfGrips.com - Personalized, custom putter and golf grips featuring Scottish tartan patterns and surnames

ABERCROMBIE - ABERCROMBIE(Y): The name comes from the Barony of Abercrombie in Fife, for which William de Abercromby swore fealty to Edward I in 1296. From William descended the Abercrombies of that Ilk, whose main line remained in Fife when a later second son of the family obtained the lands of Petmethan (Pitmeddan) in Aberdeenshire during the reign of Robert Bruce (1306-29).

The stem family held Abercrombie and Balcormo in Fife, and acquired the lands of Murthly in Perthshire about 1443. Balcormo passed to the Arnots through marriage about 1518, and Murthly was sold to the Stewarts of Grandtully c.1620, just prior the demise of the principal family.

The family were supporters of the Catholic Church, one having been Abbot of Scone, while another, Robert, a militant Jesuit father, escaped capture following the Battle of Glenlivet in 1594 and escaped abroad. The demise of the Fife line was hastened by the denouncement of Thomas Abercrombie for murder in 1626, and during his exile in Ireland his lands passed to Gibb of Knock, a relative by marriage.

Other Abercrombies were settled at Throsk near Stirling by 1456; at Gourdie, near Dundee by 1558, and in West Lothian by 1604, but the most unruly tribe settled at Pitelpie, near Scone, Perthshire,and frequently appear in 16th century records denounced as 'rebels'. Tradition relates a curious burial practice amongst the Abercrombies of that Ilk: On the death of a Laird his predecessor's skull was removed from the grave and stored in a niche in the church where 19 skulls were reputedly in situ by the 18th century.

The Pitmeddan line's fortunes rose while their kinsmen's declined, for in addition to the establishment of numerous Houses at Fetternear, Glassaugh and elsewhere, Alexander, 12th of Pitmeddan was created 'Grand Falconer' by James VI, and his son became 1st Baronet of Birkenbog (1636). Some Abercrombies appear in Scots Guards Lists in France as "Abre Commier".
BACK
TOP

ADAMS / ADAM -

ADAMS / ADAM - The antiquity of this name is not in any doubt but it came to particular prominence in the family of Robert Adam, the celebrated architect, born in Kirkcaldy in 1728. Prior to this, however, Adam, Sub-Prior of Melrose, is shown as Abbot of Cupar in 1189, and Adam son of Adam is a witness to a charter by William Bruce to Adam of Carlisle of the lands of Kynemund.

One Duncan Adam is stated by Anderson to have accompanied James, Lord Douglas, on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the heart of Robert the Bruce. William Adam, the father of the architects, Robert and James, and himself a distinguished architect, claimed descent from the knightly line of Duncan Adam. The Adam brothers were responsible for some of the most splendid classical buildings inside and outside Scotland, the inspiration for which they drew from studying classical architecture in Italy for several years between 1754 and 1757.

They have to their credit the homes of some of the most noble families in the land, including Hopetoun House, Culzean Castle and Gosford House, and in England Sion House, one of the seats of the Duke of Northumberland, and Luton Park in Bedfordshire. James Adam is known particularly as designer of Portland Place in London. The Adelphi buildings in the Strand in London are named after the two brothers, who participated jointly in this project. The family continued to give distinguished service through the line of John Adam of Blair Adam, which remains the family seat to this day. The Right Honourable William Adam of Blairadam was an eminent Scottish lawyer and is credited with the introduction of trial by jury in civil cases in Scotland. His son, Admiral Sir Charles Adam, was a Member of Parliament and Governor of Greenwich Hospital. General Sir Frederick Adam was wounded at Waterloo in 1815 and subsequently went to India to become Governor of Madras.
BACK
TOP

AITKEN -

AITKEN - A sept of the Gordon Clan. Although this is one of the great families of Northeast Scotland, the name originally came from a location in Berwickshire (probably 'gor-dun' meaning hill fort). The name appears in the Borders in the reigns of King Malcolm IV and King William the Lion in the 12th century.

Sir Adam de Gordon was appointed to the lordship of Strathbogie and Badenoch in the North-East of the country by Robert the Bruce, in place of the Comyns, who had opposed him. Sir Adam had been one of those who petitioned the Pope to remove the excommunication of Bruce after he murdered John Comyn in 1306. The Gordons were major landowners, rather than a traditional tribal clan but became known as the "Cock o' the North". The 1st Earl of Huntly is said to have rewarded anyone who adopted the name Gordon with a gift of oatmeal.

In the 15th century, Sir Alexander Gordon was created Lord Gordon and his son the first Earl of Huntly (a name which had also originated in the Borders). In the power struggle between King James II and the Douglas family, the Douglases burned down Huntly Castle but were later defeated. A grander castle was built in its place. The 4th Earl of Huntly was an adviser to Mary of Guise when she was regent in place of the absent Mary Queen of Scots. Gordons remained staunch Catholics and supporters of King Charles II in the Civil War of 1642-1648, but they refused to support the Marquis of Montrose. The 2nd Duke of Gordon supported the "Old Pretender" in the first Jacobite Uprising in 1715 and fought at the Battle of Sheriffmuir on September 12, 1715. His son, the 3rd Duke, remained loyal to the Hanoverian government in the 1745 Uprising but his brother fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The Gordon clan motto is "Bydand" which means "Remaining".

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Gordon clan include Addison, Adie, Aitcheson, Aitken, Barrie, Cullen, Eadie, Edie, Geddes, Huntly, Mavor, Milne, Todd.

Gordon was the 50th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.
BACK
TOP

ALEXANDER -

ALEXANDER - The Alexanders of Menstrie in Clackmannanshire are descendants of the MacAlisters of Loup in Kintyre, and likewise claim their descent from Alasdair Mor, son of Donald of Islay (1207-49), founder of Clan Donald. His grandson Gilbert, with a following, migrated to the Lowlands and in 1330 received grants of lands near Stirling where by the beginning of the 16th century they had adopted the name Alexander, and held the lands of Tullibody and Menstrie under the superiority of the Earl of Argyll.

William Alexander, knighted by James VI in 1609, was granted the Lordship of Nova Scotia and became the promoter of a scheme whereby the king granted Baronetcies of Nova Scotia to those who supported its colonisation. The Baronetcies were instituted by Charles I in 1625, and some 280 were created over the next 180 years. Sir William was firstly created Viscount, then Earl of Stirling in 1630 and for some obscure reason he was accepted by MacAlister of Tarbert as Chief of Clan Alasdair in 1631, while the real chief was the MacAlister Laird of Loup. Sir William recorded arms in Lyon Court with the motto "Per Mare per terras" thus recognising his descent from Clan Donald, and his line continued until the death, devoid of male issue, of the 5th Earl of Stirling in 1739.

Some Alexanders of the Menstrie line emigrated to Ulster in Norther Ireland where they became Barons Caledon in 1790, Viscounts Caledon in 1797, and Earls in 1800. Such are presently represented by the 7th Earl of Caledon, The Rt.Hon. Nicholas James Alexander.

The popularity of Alexander as a baptismal name led to numerous lines forming in other areas, and affinity to the Clackmannanshire family should not be claimed on basis of name alone, but on evidence of one's ancestral territorial or genealogical origins. Many Alexanders may have origins other than Scotland.
BACK
TOP

ANDERSON -

ANDERSON - This sample comes from the M-H collection which forms the basis of the cloth archive of the Scottish Tartans Society. Some of the samples, including this one, were unmarked. One can assume that the sample dates between 1930 and 1950.

The distinctive and elaborate Anderson tartan can be found in many minor variations dating back to the beginning of this century. The Highland Society of London began to collect specimens of tartans in 1815, but the Anderson sample appears to have been added at a later date, there being no reference to its place in the collection in early records. Anderson is recognised as a name in more than one of the Highland Clans including Clan Ross and Clan Donald.

(Several other patterns are available, including a bright red and green tartan. Please e-mail us if you prefer another Anderson tartan design.)
BACK
TOP

Putter
Full-swing
Set(14)

ARMSTRONG -

ARMSTRONG - The origins of this powerful Border family are said to go back to a "Siward Digry" (sword strong arm) who was the last Anglo-Danish Earl of Northumberland and a nephew of King Canute, who reigned in the 11th century. The name became widespread in the north of England and the Scottish Borders but their main power base became Liddesdale in the Borders. Gilbert Armstrong was a steward of King David II and in 1363 acted as an ambassador to the English court of King Edward III .

The family grew in strength and could muster 3,000 horsemen and virtually controlled the whole Border region at one stage. This meant that they were in a more or less constant state of conflict with the English lords and earls on the other side of the border with England.

The power of the Armstrongs became a perceived threat to the monarch of Scotland and King James V (who reigned from 1513 to 1542) tricked John Armstrong of Kilnockie into meeting him at Hawick - and promptly hanged him. A few years later, however, the Armstrongs refused to support King James V's invasion of England. It is possible that this made a difference at the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542, which cost King James his life.

The Union of the Crowns in 1603 brought an official end to the cross-border conflicts but old habits died hard. In 1610 the Armstrong laird was hanged for a reiving (cattle rustling) raid on Penrith. The Armstrongs were scattered at that time and there has been no chief of the clan since then. Many Armstrongs moved to Northern Ireland and also around the world.

On the 21st July 1969, Neil Armstrong, an American descendant became the first man to walk on the moon and he carried with him a fragment of the Armstrong tartan.

The Armstrong motto is "Invictus maneo" which means "I remain unvanquished".

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Armstrongs include Fairbairn and Nixon.
BACK
TOP

AUSTIN -

AUSTIN - A sept of Clan Keith.

BARNES -

BARNES - The parish of Barnes in Aberdeenshire derives its name from the Gaelic word "bearn", meaning `gap'. As a surname, Barnes is found also in Dundee and the central belt of Scotland.

The surname is found in both Scotland and in England, but is more common in England. It is often derived from a significant barn in the local region.

BARTHOLOMEW -

BARTHOLOMEW - A sept of Clan Leslie.

The Clan Leslie claim descent from Bartholf, a Hungarian who obtained the Barony of Lesly in the 12th century, and it was his son Malcolm who was the first to take the name from the lands.

Sir Andrew Leslie was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, a letter to the Pope asserting Scottish independance. His second son married the daughter and heiress of the Earl of Ross and hence in his wife's right became Earl . On his death in 1402 the right of earldom was fought by his brother-in-law, Donald of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. (Additional information on the Battle of Harlaw - Clan MacLean , Clan MacBean , Clan MacQueen , Clan Shaw , Clan Cameron.
The Leslies lost the title but the sixth Leslie Chief, Sir Andrew, was created Earl of Rothes by James II and the family have held the title up to the present day. William, 3rd Earl of Rothes was killed at Flodden and his son, George, was one of the chief conspirators in the assassination of Cardinal Beaton (Bethune). Andrew, 4th Earl who succeeded his father in 1588 was intimately concerned with the affairs of Mary Queen of Scots fighting on her side at Langside. George Leslie of Balgonie served with great distinction under Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden in the Thirty Years War. He returned to Scotland to command the Covenantors and captured Edinburgh Castle, as a reward, and to conciliate the Scots, Charles I created him Earl of Leven in 1641.
The Leslies of Balquhain were the most distinguished branch and were involved in a long feud with the Forbes. The most notable of their family was John Leslie, Bishop of Ross who wrote, in the Scottish vernacular, "A History of Scotland" for Mary Queen of Scots, of whom he was a loyal supporter. He was also involved in the Ridolfi plot, for which he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
BACK
TOP

BELL -

BELL - Clan Bell , since only 1984, has had a tartan named "Bell of the Borders" and informally called the "Dress Blue" that is listed by the Scottish Tartans Society and in Tartan For Me! by Dr. Philip D. Smith.

Meaning of the colors of the Bell of the Borders tartan: "Black is for the border and in remembrance of our dead, Blue is for the sky above and the oceans o'er we fled, Green is the the border's hue, and the promise of nature's plan, Red is for the blood we've shed, our caourage and elan, Yellow is the sunburst, our honor shining bright for all to tell that soon, with justice proper the reestablishment of Clan Bell " - William H. Bell

The status of this Tartan is awaiting the appointment of a Chief. (Famous Bell's include inventor Alexander Graham Bell , actress and golfer Catherine Bell )

BLAIR -

BLAIR - Approved by the Clan Blair Society. Modified ancient Blair.

Blair: The surname of Blair is of geographical origin, and may come from any one of the numerous areas of Scotland which have been so descibed. the name is an anglicisation of the gaelic word 'Blar' (field), used to define an open space clear of trees.

As a designation it was first recorded in the early 13th century hen a Stephen de Blare witnessed a charter by the Abbot of Brechin; Sir William de Blar was Seneschal of Fife in 1235, and David de Blare in Perthshire rendered homage to Edward of England in 1296. The Blairs of Blair in Ayrshire have been prominent in that area from an equally early date.

In general terms, it appears that the Blairs in Perthshire, Fife and Angus are now considered of one kindred, while the Blairs in Ayr, Wigton and Renfrew shires are of another.

In the reign of James VI (1567-1625), the Blairs of Blair in Ayrshire, and the Blairs of Balthyock in Perthshire, petitioned the king over 'seniority', and his judgement was that: 'the oldest man for the time being, of whatever family, should enjoy the precendency'. The fact that many place-names in Scotland have 'Blair' in the first element led to people adopting such when surnames where introduced, and it is quite likely that as many now named 'Blair' derive their name from the residence of an ancestor, as from one of the Blair families noted above - only genealogical evidence would distinguish. The 15th century Blair Castle in Ayrshire was a residence of the Blairs of that region, but the Blair Castle in Perthshire, in part dating from the 13th century, has no association.
BACK
TOP

BOYLE -

BOYLE - The de Boyvilles were Anglo-Norman knights from Beauville, near Caen, who came to Scotland after the Norman conquest of England in 1066 - there is a record of a David de Boivil witnessing a charter as early as 1164. Henry de Boyville was the keeper of the castles of Dumfries and Galloway in 1291 (taking over from another, earlier, Boyville) and three de Boyvils signed King Edward's Ragman Roll in 1296.

For some time the name was confined to the south-west of Scotland where it was pronounced as "bowl". Gradually, pronunciation and spelling became one syllable, Boyll in 1367 and Boyle in 1482, although as with so many names, there were many other variants.

The family spread into Ayrshire and Largs and Kelburn Castle became the seat of the major line. John Boyle was a supporter of King James III and was killed at the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488. The family lands were forfeited but John's son managed to have them restored by King James IV . Support for Mary Queen of Scots and later, King Charles I, did not help the family fortunes. But during the 17th century the Boyle's grew rich through shipping and shipbuilding.

The Boyle clan motto is "Dominus provedebit" which means "God will provide".

Boyle was the 84th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.
BACK
TOP

BRODIE -

TOP
BACK

BRODIE- There are three possible origins for this name. Firstly, a placename on the Moray Firth ("brothac" is a Gaelic word meaning "muddy") or secondly from the Flemish word for brother. Thirdly, that the name derives from a Pictish royal family named "Brude". There is certainly evidence of Pictish settlements around Brodie and it appears that Malcolm, Thane of Brodie, was a descendant of the old Pictish aristocracy. His son was granted a charter for property in Moray by Robert the Bruce , not for services rendered but because of an ancient right of his ancestors. Early records of the family are scant as many were burnt in 1645 by Lord Lewis Gordon during the Civil War.

Alexander Brodie of Brodie (1617-79) was a staunch Presbyterian who was among those who destroyed carvings and paintings in Elgin Cathedral in 1640 because he considered them to be idolatrous. In 1649 he was one of the commissioners sent to negotiate with the exiled King Charles II for his return to Scotland. He later accepted judicial office under the "Protectorate" set up by Oliver Cromwell (though only after Cromwell's death).

Brodies spread beyond Moray and Alexander Brodie was Lord of Session in Edinburgh in 1657-61 and other Brodies were prominent in the legal profession in the 17th century.

Castle Brodie was started in the 16th century and is now in the care of the National Trust . In 1727, Alexander Brodie of Brodie became Lord Lyon, King of Arms, responsible for heraldry in Scotland.There is a striking portrait of Alexander in his official robes on display in Brodie Castle. Alexander was Lord Lyon during the Jacobite Uprising and supported the Duke of Cumberland during the campaign.

In the 18th century, Deacon William Brodie was a respected Edinburgh councillor by day and a successful burglar by night. His exploits are said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde".

The Brodie clan motto is "Unite".

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Brodie clan include Bryde.

This tartan can be traced to the 1820's. It appears in several collections of hard tartans produced from that period, including the collection of the Highland Society of London. Stewart also mentions that the Brodies wore the Huntly district tartan prior to 1820.
TOP

BROWN -

BROWN - The Scott Adie collection, a book of manufacturers samples, was recently sold at auction. The book is dated 1850 and the samples are thought to represent the tartans available for purchase between 1840-50.

This name is very common in Scotland and is of more than one origin. It is a common forename in Old English charters, as Brun, from an adjective meaning brown or dark red. It also occurs in Old High German as Brunn and is the source of the French surname le Brun.

A family of this name were owners of Cumberland lands shortly after the Norman conquests. In all cases it seems to be a name describing the appearance of the original bearer. The Brouns of Cols toun, probably the heads of the family but not officially recognised as such by Lyon Court, claim descent from the Royal House of France.

They bear on their shield the three fleur-de-lys of the French Monarchy. The Brouns of Colstoun also claim descent from George Broun who in 1543 married Jean Hay second daughter of Lord Yester, ancestor of the Marquess of Tweeddale. The dowry consisted of the "Colstoun Pear" which was said to have been invested with wondrous powers by the 13th Century wizard and necro mancer Hugo de Gifford of Yester. This pear was meant to ensure unfailing prosperity on the family which possessd it. The pear was said to have been as fresh as the day it was picked until in the 17th Century a pregnant descendant, longing for the fruit which was out of season, took a bite of it, whereupon it became as hard as rock.

Patrick Broun of Colstoun was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1686, the title to be passed on to his male heirs. On his death he left only a daughter who inherited his possessions while the title went to the Thorndyke branch of the family. Members of a younger branch of Broun of Colstoun settled in Elsinore, Denmark where they became prominent merchants; the name is still found there today.
TOP

BRUCE -

BRUCE - The chiefly sett of the Bruce tartan, based on a weavers chart, which Lord Bruce believes to date from 1571.
This surname, possibly the most celebrated in the history of Scotland, is of Norman territorial origin, from the Chateau d'Adam at Brix situated between Cherbourg and Valognes. The ruins of this 11th century fortress built by, and named after, Adam de Brus, can still be seen.

The first Robert de Brus recorded in Britain accompanied the army of William the Conqueror in 1066; he died circa 1094. This Robert de Brus is claimed as the progenitor of the clan although it was his son, also called Robert de Brus, but known as Robert le Meschin, or "the Cadet", who was the first of the family connected with Scotland.

When the most powerful baron in England, and youngest son of Queen Margaret, went to Scotland to become King David I in 1124, he was accompanied by, amongst others, Robert the Cadet.

David I granted him the lands of Annandale which he renounced to his second son, yet again named Robert, before the Battle of the Standard in 1138. Robert, fourth Lord Annandale, married a niece of William the Lion, which formed the basis of subsequent claims of the Bruces to the throne of Scotland. This was realised in Robert, the seventh Lord Annandale, second Earl of Carrick, who was born in 1274 and crowned King at Scone in 1306. His celebrated victory against the English at Bannockburn in 1314 gained the independence of Scotland which was ratified by the Treaty of Northampton in 1328. He died in 1329 and was buried at Dunfermline although his heart, having first been carried to the Crusades, was brought back to Scotland and buried at Melrose Abbey.

David II, King Robert's only son, died childless and the Royal Line was taken up by the Stewart descendants of Lady Marjory Bruce. In 1334, Thomas Bruce, whose relationship to David II is uncertain, organised a rising against the English supporters of Balliol who had plaqued the reign of David II. For this service he was awarded the crown lands in Clackmannan and from this branch are descended the Earls of Elgin. The present Earl is Chief of the Bruces, who are not, strictly speaking, a clan - rather they are a powerful lowland family.

Clackmannan Tower, Clackmannan The town of Clackmannan has a long association with the Bruce family and was the home of Robert the Bruce for a while. It was built originally in the 14th century but substantially altered over the next three hundred years.
TOP

BRYCE -

BRYCE - A sept of MacFarlane.

BUCHANAN -

BUCHANAN - The early origin of this family is said to be a son of the king of Ulster who landed in Argyll around 1016 and was rewarded with land on the east side of Loch Lomond by King Malcolm II, for service in fighting Nordic invaders. The area was known as "Buth chanain", Gaelic for "house of the canon" and may have been connected with the ancient Celtic Church.

The land was to remain in the possession of Buchanans until 1682 when the 22nd laird of Buchanan died and the estates had to be sold to repay debts. The mansion house of Buchanan is now owned by the Graham Dukes of Montrose. The clan flourished after supporting Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence at the start of the 14th century. In the 15th century, Sir Alexander Buchanan was amongst the 7,000 Scots who fought in France against King Henry IV of England, distinguishing himself at Agincourt and Beauge. In the latter battle in Normandy in 1421, he killed the Duke of Clarence and captured his ducal cap - which is now represented in the clan coat of arms. The clan chief fell at the Battle of Flodden in 1513 and the clan were involved in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 and Langside in 1568.

In the 16th century George Buchanan, born in Killearn in Stirlingshire in 1506, travelled widely abroad and had a career as a writer, poet, humanist and Protestant reformer. He was a tutor to Mary Queen of Scots and later to her son, King James VI. He is credited with providing the foundation of the monarch's undoubted academic success. Andrew Buchanan was the Lord Provost of Glasgow at the time of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising and refused to asist the forces of the Young Pretender when he arrived in the city. A later Buchanan tobacco baron in Glasgow gave his name to Buchanan Street, which is now one of the city's fashionable shopping areas.

James Buchanan (1791-1868) was the 15th president of the USA. His ancestors had moved to Ulster and Donegal before emigrating to the US.

The Buchanan clan motto is "Clarior hinc honos" which means "Brighter, hence the honour".

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Buchanan clan include Colman, Cormack, Cousland, Donleavy, Donlevy, Dove, Dow , Dowe, Gibb , Gilbert , Gilbertson, Harper, Lennie, Lenny, MacAslan, MacAuselan, MacAuslan, MacAusland, MacAuslane, McCalman, MacCalmont, MacChruiter, MacColman, MacCormack, MacCubbin, MacDonleavy, MacGilbert,MacInally, MacIndoe, MacKinlay, MacMaster, MacMaurice, MacMurchie, MacWattie, MacWhirter, Masterson, Morris, Murchie, Murchison, Richardson , Risk, Rusk, Ruskin, Spittal, Watt , Yuill, Yule.

It is said that the Buchanans have the oldest established clan society in Scotland. The clan's heartland lies on a small island, measuring a mere half a mile in length, of Clar Innis or Clarinch on Loch Lomond.

The Buchanans have ecclesiastical origins, and are hereditary clerics of the Celtic church. Some even say that the Buchanans are descended from the son of a King of Ulster, Anselan o'Kyan, who landed in Argyll at the beginning of the 11th century. The Buchanan lands, lying to the east of Loch Lomond, remained in the family for almost seven centuries.
TOP

BURNER -

*** THIS IS A TOP TARTAN ***

BURNER - A sept of Clan Campbell. Similar to Barnes, Burns, Burnes.

A beautiful tartan...

BURNETT -

This tartan was added in honor of Flight 93 passenger, American hero, patriot,and citizen soldier,
Thomas Burnett . For every Burnett tartan design sold, a contribution will be made to the Thomas Burnett Foundation.

BURNETT - The name Burnett is a variant of Burnard from the Old English personal name Beornheard. Roger Burnard was established in the lands of Faringdon in the 13th century and made two grants to the monks of Melrose in his lifetime. Patrick Burnard also held lands near Gordon in Berwickshire about 1250. Down to the middle of the 14th century the family owned Faringdon in the county of Roxburgh and continued to figure prominently among the benefactors of Melrose Abbey and in 1296 William de Faringdon of Roxburgh paid homage to Edward I. Alexander Burnard or Burnett may have belonged to this family but as a supporter of King Robert the Bruce, he went north in his train and received charters of the lands of Drum and the Barony of Tulliboyll in Kincardinshire. His great-grandson, Robert was the first designated "of Leys" in 1446 and his descendant, Thomas was created a baronet of Nova Scotia in 1626. The seat of the chief is at Crathes Castle on the north of the River Dee in Kincardineshire which was founded in 1533 at the site of the "lake dwelling" that the family had occupied previously. The castle took 40 years to build and retains the traditional L-shaped form. In the main hall one can see the celebrated "Horn of Leys". The horn was employed in early days to mark the handing over of lands and the one present at Crathes is said to have been a gift of King Robert the Bruce. The Burnets of Barns gave their name to Burnetland in the parish of Broughton and claim descent from Robertus de Burneville who lived in the reign of David I (1124-53) ; however, this claim has not been substantiated.

ALTERNATE HISTORY: BURNETT: Of Anglo-Saxon origin, this name comes from 'Beonheard', a personal name which became 'Burnard', later 'Burnett'. Robert Burnard had settled in Teviotdale, Roxburghshire by the 12th century, and when a member of the family went North with Robert I (Bruce) he was given lands as keeper of the Forest of Drum. From this time the family heirloom, the 'Horn of Leys' (his 'badge of office') dates. Their earliest dwelling was on an artificial island in the Loch of Leys, and continued service to the Crown gained them the free barony of Banchory from James III, and later, through high church connection and marriage, they obtained substantial lands, once the property of Arbroath Abbey. Crathes Castle was begun in the 16th century and took 40 years to complete due to the family's involvement in various affairs in the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Those who remained in the Borders founded the families of Burnetland and Barns while, from the Leys family, descended the Houses of Kemnay, Craigmyle, Elrick and Caskieben, as well as the legal dynasties of Crimond and Monboddo. Thomas Burnett of Leys was created a baronet of Nova Scotia by Charles I, but the family remained firm supporters of the Covenant, and were respected by both sides in the Wars which followed. They retained similar respect in the Jacobite risings. Sir Thomas (3rd Bt.) sat in the last Scottish Parliament and was opposed to the Union of 1707, and when the 5th Baronet died in 1759 a inheritance feud erupted and endured for 7 years before it was resolved in favour of Burnett of Criggie. Criggie's 2nd son acquired the Ramsay of Balmain inheritance, giving rise to the claim that the present Balmain line may have a claim to the dormant Leys Baronetcy, which may only pass in the male line.

Motto: Virescit vulnere virtus (Latin: Courage gains strength from a wound)

Names associated with the clan: BURNET BURNAITT BURNAT BURNETT BURNATE BLACKHALL

BURNS -

BURNS - The surname of Burns comes from "Burnhouse" a dwelling near a burn or a stream. Although "burn" is a common word in Scotland for a stream, the word originated in Old English. The singular form "Burn" is found in Dumfries and Galloway in the 13th and 14th century. The poet Robert Burns' father came from Kincardineshire on the east coast of Scotland and spelt his name Burness. Robert and his brother adopted the spelling "Burns" a form which first appeared in written records only in the 17th century.

Burns is regarded as a sept of Clan Campbell, and also includes Burnes, Barnes and Burner .

Burns was the 60th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.

CAMERON -

CAMERON - The name is thought to be derived the Gaelic "cam-shron" meaning "crooked nose" but the earliest records show the name as "Cambron" which may indicate that it originated in Camberone (from the Gaelic "cam brun" meaning "crooked hill" - now Cameron parish) in Fife. However, there is also a Cameron placename in the outskirts of Edinburgh and in Lennox.

To add to the confusion, there is a Cambron in Flanders and the Cameron coat of arms differ only in coloring from those of the family of Oudenarde, nobles in Flanders. There is a record of a John Cameron in the Carse of Gowrie (on the other side of the river Tay from Fife) and Hugh Cambrun was sheriff of Forfar and John Cambron was sheriff of Perth. A hundred years later the name appeared in Lochaber in the far west.

Often described as "fiercer than fierceness itself" the Camerons originally consisted of three branches in Lochaber - McMartins of Letterfinlay, McGillonies of Strone and McSorlies of Glen Nevis. The first chief of the combined families was Donald Dubh (born around 1400) who was descended from the McGillonies of Strone but through marriage with the McMartins brought the federation together. Donald Dubh and his successors were known as captains of Clan Cameron until the early 16th century when the lands of Lochiel were united by charter into the barony of Lochiel by Allan Cameron, the 12th chief. The clan assisted Donald, Lord of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. A chief of the clan, Ewen of Lochiel, was born in 1629 and was a supporter of King Charles II. He was knighted in 1682 and fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

Oddly, there were Camerons fighting on the other side - Camerons from Fife who supported the Protestant cause. Ewen of Lochiel was too old to fight in the 1715 Jacobite Uprising but sent his son and the clan to assist the Earl of Mar. Sir Ewen's grandson was known as "the gentle Lochiel" and is regarded as one of the noblest of all the Highland chiefs. He was persuaded, through loyalty to the crown and the persuasive words of Prince Charles Edward Stewart, to support the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.

It is said that if Cameron of Lochiel had not agreed to participate, the rising might never have got off the ground, such was his influence. During the Jacobite retreat, Lochiel prevented the Highlanders from sacking Glasgow and to this day when Cameron of Lochiel enters the city, the bells of the churches are rung in his honor. The Gentle Lochiel survived Culloden and was exiled to France. Following the General Act of Amnesty of 1784 the Cameron lands were restored and Gentle Lochiel's grandson, Donald, became the 22nd chief. In 1793 Allan Cameron maintained the fighting tradition of the clan by raising the 79th Regiment which, in 1881, became the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. The 25th chief, who died in 1905, was a Member of Parliament and his son raised four new battalions of the Cameron Highlanders on the outbreak of the First World War.

Cameron was the 35th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.

The motto of the Camerons is "Aonaibh ri chéile" ("Unite").

Septs (sub-branch) of the clan Cameron include Clark, Clarke , Clerk, Clarkson, Macolonie, MacChlery, MacGillonie, MacKail, MacLerie, MacMartin, MacSorley, Martin, Paul and Sorley.

CAMPBELL -

CAMPBELL - The tartan appointed for the Highland Companies in 1725 and later for the Black Watch in 1739 may in fact have been worn by the Campbells at an earlier date. There is a strong possibility that many others wore the sett or something similar before the idea of distinctive clan tartans took hold. The Black Watch is usually dyed in darker shades.

The name Campbell is undoubtedly one of considerable antiquity and the clan has long been one of the most numerous and powerful in the Highlands, although many families have adopted the name who have no connection with the Campbells proper by blood or descent. The Argyll family became latterly so powerful, that many smaller clans were absorbed in it voluntarily or compulsorily and assumed in course of time its peculiar designation.

The origin of the name, as well as of the founder of the family, remains still a matter of the greatest doubt. The attempt to deduce the family from the half-mythical King Arthur of course is mere trifling. The name is by some stated to have been derived from a Norman knight, named de Campo Bello, who came to England with William the Conqueror. As respects the latter part of the statement, it is to be observed that in the list of all the knights who composed the army of the Conqueror on the occasion of his invasion of England and which is known by the name of the Roll of Battle-Abbey, the name of Campo Bello is not to be found. But it does not follow as recent writers have assumed, that a knight of that name may not have come over to England at a later period, either of his reign or that of his successors. It has been alleged in the opposition to this account that in the oldest form of writing the name, it is spelled Cambel or Kambel, and it is so found in many ancient documents; but these were written by parties not acquainted with the individuals whose name they record, as in the manuscript account of the battle of Halidon Hill, by an unknown English writer, preserved in the British Museum; in the Ragman's Roll, which was compiled by an English clerk, and in Wyntoun's Chronicle. There is no evidence however that at any period it was written by any of the family otherwise than as Campbell, notwithstanding the extraordinary diversity that occurs in the spelling of other names by their holders, as shown by Lord Lindsay in the account of his clan; and the invariable employment of the letter p by the Campbells themselves would be of itself a strong argument for the southern origin of the name, did there not exist, in the record of the parliament of Robert Bruce held in 1320, the name of the then head of the family, entered as Sir Nigel de Campo Bello

The Campbell motto is "Ne obliviscaris" ("Do not forget).

A number of other clans/families are septs (sub-branches) of the Campbells, including Burns/Burnes, Caddell, Hastings, Hawes/Haws/Hawson, Lorne, Loudon, Louden, MacConnechy, MacDermid/MacDiarmid, McIsaac, MacIver/MacIvor, MacKellar, MacKelvie, MacLehose, MacOwen, MacPhedran, MacTavish, MacUre, Pinkerton and Ure.

CARSON -

*** THIS IS A TOP TARTAN ***

CARSON - A sept of Clan MacPherson.

CHRISTIE -

*** THIS IS A TOP TARTAN ***

CHRISTIE - The name, which is a shortened form Christian and possibly also of Christopher, is established in Fife and Stirlingshire. William Christie (1748-1823), son of a provost of Montrose, was the first Uniarian minister in Scotland. Thomas Christie (1773-1829), born in Carnwath, Lanarkshire, successfully introduced vaccination against smallpox in Ceylon, and was latterly a physician extraordinary to the Price Regent.

The name Christie in Scotland is thought to derive from the Norse word 'Trusty' meaning swordsman. (c.f. thrust).

Christies are traditionally associated with the Clan Farquharson.

CLARK / CLARKE -

CLARK / (CLARKE) - The term "clericus" was originally applied to someone in a religious order but it was later applied to anyone who was a secretary, scribe, scholar as well as a cleric in the church. It is therefore not surprising that this occupational name became widespread when surnames began to be used. At the end of the 12th century, a Roger clericus held land in Kelso and in 1249 Alan clericus was a witness to a charter in Aberdeen. There were nine people from Scotland with that name who signed the "Ragman Roll" when King Edward I of England demanded in 1296 that all landowners had to swear allegiance to him.

However, it is only after 1400 that we can be certain that it was being used as a surname rather than as a description of someone's occupation or status. There was never a Highland clan of that name. However, it is frequently found among the Clan Chattan confederacy.

Clarks appear to have been a sept (under the protection) of the MacPhersons (whose origins were also from the church, "Mac-a Phearsain" meaning in Gaelic "son of the parson" in the days when celibacy of the priesthood was not enforced). The name is common throughout the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland. It is particularly prevalent in Caithness and there were important families of Clarks in places as far apart as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Paisley and some have become landed families with baronetcies.

Two unrelated Clarks reached high office in the Swedish navy in the 17th century and the name is found in Sweden and Finland in the form Klerck. The American explorer George Rogers Clark (1752-1818) was of Scottish descent. The tartan used by the Clerks is a variation of one called "Blue Clergy" which was worn by ministers, though it dates from the re-invention of tartan after the visit (orchestrated by Sir Walter Scott) of King George IV to Scotland in 1822.

Clark is currently the 14th most frequently found name in Scotland. The name is also common in England where it is often spelt Clarke.

Clark is regarded as a sept (sub-branch) of both Cameron and Macpherson.

Clark was the 14th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.
TOP

CONNERY -

CONNERY - Sean Connery's tartan - a Hunting MacLean, his mother's clan.

(Sir Sean toasting at Dressed To Kilt)

COOPER -

(Could be used by famous golfing rock star, Alice Cooper...)

COOPER / (COUPER) - The Cooper name occurs in many guises in nearly every English-speaking county of Scotland and it is also common throughout England and elsewhere for it's origin is largely derived from the occupation of barrel maker.

In Scotland it may equally be of local origin in that some originated in or near the town of Cupar in Fife, or from the ancient settlement around the Abbey of Coupar in Angus (Coupar Angus, Perthshire), for in both associations the name is common in early records. Its first appearance seems to be in a Charter dated 1245, and an early widespread distribution is evidenced by a John Cupar holding lands in Aberdeen in 1281, while a Symon Coupare in Berwickshire rendered homage to Edward I of England in 1296.

A family of Coupers held the lands of Gogar near Edinburgh in the 17th century, and of this House, John Couper was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1638, two years before being killed in an explosion which destroyed Douglas Castle during the 'Bishops' Wars'.

Sir John's 3rd son settled in Dumbartonshire and from his House came others who settled in the West of Scotland. Amongst others, these families comprised the Coupers of Banheath (Dumbartonshire); of Failford and Smeithston (Ayrshire), and of Ballindalloch (West Stirlingshire). Many changed their spelling to 'Cooper' during the 18th century.

In a letter from the 'English' poet William Cowper (1731-1800) he reminded a correspondent that his roots lay in Fife where his line was still extant.

There is however a Couper tartan, originally woven by Messrs Peter Macarthur of Hamilton for a family descended from the Coupers of Gogar. It is quite distinctive in its colourings and appears to have been copied from an old shawl.

CRAIG -

CRAIG - MacGregor Hastie wrote, "This tartan was designed by me to meet a long felt want. Many people have asked if there was a Craig family tartan, and as the name is not connected with any Highland clan, yet the family name is numerous, it seemed a good idea to design one. The design is based on the general colour of craigs and rocks." The Craig tartan is now in general production.

The surname Craig is one of great antiquity. It originated in the area of the Picts, the eastern portion of Scotland, where they (Picts) were allowed to settle on condition that all their Kings agree to marry an Irish Princess. The Picts are considered to be among the most ancient of the founding races of Scotland. Bede, a respected historian (born 673), estimated that they came to Scotland some fifteen centuries BC, from France. From some early documents researched such as the Inquisito, 1120 AD., the Black Book of the Exchequer, and others, records of the name Craig were produced in Aberdeenshire where they were seated from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066.

The surname Craig was found in many different forms and spellings, From time to time it was spelt Craig, Craigh, Creag, Creagh, some of these are still used today. The name Craig emerged as a Clan and developed in their original territories of Aberdeen where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity, seated at Craigfintray Castle in Kildrummie in that Shire. This Northern Clan is frequently associated with the Gordons, but their first records appear in Ayershire and Lanarkshire to the south about 1180. There were two other branches, one of which is listed separately, the other was closely associated with the Huntly clan. Several of the Clan rendered homage to King Edward I of England on his brief conquest of Scotland in 1296. By 1300 they had moved to Aberdeen and Forfar, John Craig brought out his whole Clan (est. 1,000 warriors) at the battle of Culblean in 1335. They were granted Estircrag in 1440, where this important branch developed in Berwick. Several of the Clan were elected to Scottish Parliament. The Clan seat is at Riccarton, the last known Craig Chief was Thomas Craig of Riccarton who died March 13, 1823. He left no known male heirs.

The Craig crest, which includes a chevalier on horseback grasping a broken lance in bend Proper, is representative of a group of 'broken men' from other clans who had sought, and were granted, the protection of the clan. There are two Clan mottoes, the most common being in French - "J'ai Bonne Esperance" - ‘I have Good Hope', the other in Latin "Vive Deo et Vives" - ‘Live in God and You Shall Live'.
TOP

CRAWFORD -

CRAWFORD - The Crawford surname is traced to the upper Clyde River Valley in Lanarkshire. The surname is followed back to the late 1000's when the Barony of Crawford is noted in records. This surname is officially and legally recognized as an independent noble house of Scotland. Members of this Clan have played the most important roles in establishing and reuniting Scotland as a nation.

As a Southern Upland Family, the Crawfords didn't strictly follow the traditions of Highland Clans. There are no septs or affiliated surnames under the Crawford surname. But like all surnames, the spelling has undergone the effects of various cultures. One general rule is that the use of 'u' is Scots and the use of 'w' is Anglo. The variety of spellings includes most of the combinations in the table to the right. The most numerous surname worldwide is the Anglo spelling 'Crawford' with the Scottish spelling 'Craufurd' mostly in Scotland a distant second.

The youngest son of the 4th Earl of Richmond (who was descended from the Duke of Brittany) was granted lands in the Barony of Craufurd (from "crow ford") in Lanarkshire in the 12th century by King David I and the family took the surname from the placename. In 1127 Sir Gregan Crawford was involved in the legendary incident when King David was saved from a stag (and founded the Abbey of Holyrood as a result). In 1296 Sir Reginald Crawford was appointed sheriff of Ayr. His sister married Wallace of Elderslie and thus became the mother of William Wallace the great Scottish patriot. Needless to say, the Crawfords rallied to his cause. The main branches of the family were Crawford of Auchinames (in Renfrewshire) who received a grant of land from Robert the BruceRobert the Bruce and Craufurd of Craufurdland (in upper Clydesdale). Sir William Craufurd of Craufurdland was a brave soldier who was knighted by King James I and fought for King Charles VII of France. The castle at Craufurdland was much extended in the 17th century. The castle passed to the Howiesons in 1793 and was restored in the 1980s. Other lines of Crawfords began in the reign of James III when descendants of Archibald Craufurd created the families of Auchenairn, Beanscroft and Powmill. Archibald's son John was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. In the 16th century, Thomas Crawford of Jordanhill was a member of the household of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots. During those turbulent times he captured Dumbarton Castle in 1571 with 150 men by scaling the supposedly impregnable rock and later received the surrender of Edinburgh Castle. Lawrence Crawford (1611-45) fought for Gustavus Adolphus in the Thirty Years War and returned to Britain to fight for the Parliamentary forces against King Charles I.

The Crawford clan motto is "Tutum te robore reddam" which means "I will give you safety by strength".

Crawford was the 75th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.
TOP

CUNNINGHAM -

CUNNINGHAM - The family Cunningham take their name from the district of Cunningham in northern Ayrshire. The land of Kilmaurs of that area was granted by Hugo de Moreville, Constable of Scotland to a vassel named Warnebald in the 12th century and it is from his descendants that the Cunningham family originate.

Harvey de Cunningham of Kilmaurs was amoung those who fought against the King of Norway at the Battle of Largs in 1263 and for his bravery his possession of Kilmaurs was confirmed by Alexander II. Robert the Bruce granted further lands and through the marriage of Sir William Cunningham to Margaret, daughter of Sir Robert Dennieston the Cunninghams extended their possessions further to include Glencairn. His grandson Sir Alexander de Cunningham was created Lord Kilmaurs in 1462 and then Earl of Glencairn in 1488 by James III. However he died with James at the Battle of Sauchieburn in that year. William, 3rd Earl was captured at Solway Moss but released in exchange for support of the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots to King Edward VI of England. Alexander, 5th Earl of Glencairn was a supporter of the Reformation and responsible for the destruction of the chapel at Holyrood, his Protestant sentiments fuelled the longstanding feud between the Cunninghams and the Montgomeries, Earls of Eglinton.

However the 9th Earl returned to the Stewart side leading the rising of 1653 for Charles II. The rebellion was defeated but he was made Lord Chancellor after the Restoration in 1660. The 14th Earl, John was a friend of Burns and on his death in 1791 Burns wrote "Lament for the Earl of Glencairn". On the death of the 15th Earl who died without issue in 1796 the Earldom became dormant although the undisputed claimant to the chiefship today descends from the Cunninghams of Corsehill. Other important cadet branches are the Cunninghams of Caprington, Craigends and Robertlane.
TOP

DALY (O'DALY, O'DAILEY, McDALY,MacDALY)-

*** THIS IS A TOP TARTAN ***

DALY - An Irish surname, derived from O'Dalaigh, eventually shortened to Daly, or MacDaly, or McDaly in its Scottish form.

The earliest recording of the name was Cuchonnacht O'Dalaigh, who lived in Teffia, in what is now the County of Westmeath. Being noted for his learning, he was called "Cuchonnacht na Sgoile," meaning "Cuchonnacht of the School." He died in the year 1139.

The "O" prefixed to the name "Dalach" or "Dalaigh" signifies grandson or male descendant of Dalach in contrast to the prefix Mac or Mc which would mean son of the ancestor specified.

Famous golfers with the surname include John Daly, and Carson Daly, noted for playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

DAVIDSON -

DAVIDSON - Unlike many Highland clan names which begin with the Gaelic 'mac' meaning 'son of', the son of David took the non-Gaelic form and became Davidson. There are a number of different Davidson lines but the most significant was from Badenoch.

They may have been a branch of the Comyns (Cummings) who were defeated by Robert the Bruce and became known as Clan Dhai when the Comyn name was prescribed around 1320. They became attached to the Clan Chattan confederation and David Dubh of Invernahaven, the first known bearer of the Highland line of Davidsons, married a daughter of the 6th chief of the Mackintosh clan.

The Davidsons became quite powerful but they became involved in various feuds, particularly with the MacPhersons (another part of Clan Chattan), following a dispute in 1370 over who should lead the right wing in a battle between the Clan Chattan and the Camerons. The MacPhersons withdrew and the Davidsons suffered heavy casualties. The Davidsons are said to have formed a part of the Clan Chattan force which fought in the famous "Battle of the Clans" at Perth in 1396. This was staged in front of King Robert III.

As a result of these two battles, the Davidsons lost many men and declined in power and became scattered. The chieftainship of the clan was held by a Davidson from Tulloch for many years, possibly after the chief moved north after the Battle of the Clans.

There were Davidsons in Tulloch, Ross-shire through to the early part of the 20th century. Tulloch Castle was the seat of the Davidson chief for many years. There were Davidsons of Cantray, Inverness and Davidsons of Inchmarlo, Deeside. The Davidsons in Aberdeen can be traced back to the late 14th century when Robert Davidson was Provost of the city - he was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411.

In the south, probably unconnected to those in the Highlands, there were Davidsons in Ayrshire, Roxburghshire, Midlothian and Edinburgh. In the early 1600s, Queen Elizabeth I had a secretary named Davidson "whose grandfather was out of the North" and in the reign of Charles II, the Scots Commercial Representative at Veere in Holland was Sir William Davidson from Dundee.

The Davidson clan motto is "Sapienter si sincere" which means "Wisely if sincerely".

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Davidson clan include Davie, Davis, Davison, Dawson, Day, Dean, Dow , Kay, McDade, McDaid, MacDavid. Davidson was the 24th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.

Septs of the clan include Davey, Dawson, Day, Dean, Dow , Kay, MacDade, and Slora, while the Inverness-shire Mackays are really said to be MacDhais. (Although Davidson sounds a English name the clan is, in fact, a Gaelic tribe, one of the earliest to become associated with the confederation of the clan Chattan. The name comes from their leader, David Dubh of Invernahaven, who married a Mackintosh, daughter of the clan Chattan chief, in the mid-14th century.)
TOP

DIXON -

DIXON / (DICKSON / DICKERSON) - A sept of Clan Keith . The Dickson/Dixon (and other derivates) family name was first found in Scotland.

Early records show Thomas Dicson, a follower of the Douglas clan, at the capture of Castle Douglas in 1307. Although the name was Scottish in it's origin, with the spelling of Dicson or Dickson (the most common usage in Scotland today), being a Borders counties name it also spread to the north and midlands of England to become a popular family name with the spelling of Dixon.

It was during the 11th century that the use of surnames was introduced to the British Isles by the Normans. They were usually local (a place or landmark), patronymic ("son of"), a trade or profession name, or a nickname. The name Dixon/Dickson is a patronymic name, meaning "Dick's son" or "son of Dick". Coming from Scotland it might seem strange that it is not "MacDick", but this is simply explained again by it's Borders origins.

The ancient family motto is said to be "Fortes Fortuna Juvat", which is Latin for "Fortune Helps the Brave". In his book The Border and Riding Clans and a Shorter History of Clan Dixon, (published by Albany, New York, 1888) B. Homer Dixon wrote:- "In a charter from King Robert Bruce about A.D. 1306 to Thomas Dickson it [the name] occurs as Filius Ricardi (son of Richard) and the Charter is endorsed Carta Thomas fil Dick." "Nesbit in his Heraldry (Edinburgh, 1722) says 'The Dicksons are descended from one Richard Keith, said to be a son of the family of Keith's Earls Marshalls of Scotland.' and in proof thereof carry the chief of Keith Marischal. This Richard was commonly called Dick and the 'son' was styled after him.

The affix of son in the Lowlands answering to the prefix Mac in the Highlands." the KEITH Clan Crest Because of the connection to Richard Keith, the descendants of Thomas Dickson are considered part of the Clan Keith and use their tartan. Clan Keith has the Latin motto "Veritas Vincit," which translates "Truth Conquers." For three centuries the Keith family home was Dunottar Castle near Stonehaven.

Thomas Dickson himself has quite a history. He was associated in some way with William Wallace (of "Braveheart"), and he was killed by the English in 1307 in battle. Tradition states that he was slashed across the abdomen but continued to fight holding the abdominal wound closed with one hand until he finally dropped dead. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Bride of Douglas, and his marker shows him with a sword in one hand and holding his belly with the other. Robert de Brus (Bruce) had made him Castellan of Castle Douglas the year before he was killed.
TOP

DONALDSON -

DONALDSON - A sept of Clan MacDonald. The largest of the Highland clans, the Gaelic first name "Domnuill" was anglicised to "Donald". The original Donald was a grandson of the mighty King Somerled who drove out the Vikings in the 12th century. Somerled's mother was Norse and his father was descended from the kings of Dalriada, according to clan history. The family was founded in Islay and extended their territory to the mainland. Donald's great-grandson, "Good" John of Islay, became known as Lord of the Isles and later holders of the title became powerful enough to challenge the king of Scotland. The Lord of the Isles had its own parliament at Finlaggan on Islay. Eventually, the Lord of the Isles was defeated in 1493 by King James IV and the various branches of the clan evolved under their own chieftains. The main branches were Clan Donald of Sleat (in Skye), Clanranald (in Moidart, Glengarry, Lochaber and Glencoe). The Glengarry line adopted the spelling MacDonnell. The MacDonells of Keppoch were descended from Alastair, third son of John, first Lord of the Isles. Their lands were on the mainland in Lochaber; they were sometimes known as Clan Ranald of Lochaber. The last clan battle in the Highlands took place between MacDonell of Keppoch and Mackintosh of Mackintosh in Lochaber in 1688.

The Clanranald MacDonalds were involved in both the 1715 (the clan chief was killed at the Battle of Sheriffmuir) and 1745 Jacobite Uprisings. Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in Clanranald territory in 1745. Many MacDonalds emigrated to North America and other parts of the world in the 18th and 19th century. 300 MacDonalds from Clanranald emigrated to Prince Edward Island in 1790 and MacDonnells of Glengarry settled in some numbers in Glengarry County, Ontario.

MacDonald was the most frequently registered "mac" name in Scotland - it was the 26th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.

The motto of MacDonald of MacDonald is "Per mare per terras" (By sea and by land). The MacDonalds of Clanranald and MacDonalds of Sleat have the motto "My hope is constant in thee" and the MacDonnells of Glengarry have the motto "Cragan an Fhithich" (The rock of the raven).

As befits a large and powerful clan, the septs or sub-branches under the protection of the MacDonalds are many. The list provided by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs include Alexander, Allan , Allanson, Balloch, Beath, Begg, Bowie , Burk, Colson, Connall, Connell, Coull, Coulson, Crombie, Crum, Daniels, Donaldson , et al .

DOUGLAS / DOUGLASS -

DOUGLAS / DOUGLASS- The Douglases were considered to be the most influential and powerful of the Lowland families and who at the height of their powers were possibly the greatest family in Scotland.

The first record of this name was in 1175 when William de Duglas witnessed a charter by the Bishop of Glasgow to the monks of Kelso. Grants of the land were made to Sir James Douglas one of Robert Bruce's chief lieutenants and famed for his many brave exploits. Unfortunately he was killed by the Moors in Granada, Spain whilst attempting to carry Bruce's heart to the Holyland. His nephew was created Earl of Douglas, later becoming Earl of Mar by marriage.

The strength and wealth of the Douglases were a constant threat to the Stewart Kings. At one time they formed an alliance with the English crown and the Lord of the Isles against the Scots crown, the failure of which meant that Lord Douglas had to flee to England. The Black Douglases were thus forfeited in 1455 and Threave Castle was bombarded by the famous cannon, Mons Meg. George, 4th Earl of Angus, chief of the Red Douglases became head of the whole clan. His son, Archibald, "Bell-the Cat", led the nobles rebellion against James III which ended in the defeat and death of the King at the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488. His grandson also Archibald married Margaret Tudor widow of James IV who had fallen at Flodden. Their daughter, Lady Margaret married the Earl of Lennox, their son Lord Darnley married Mary Queen of Scots and was father of James VI & I.

The Douglases continued to play an important role in the life of Scotland throughout the centuries and were ancestors of the Earls of Morton, Douglas, Annandale, Moray, Ormond, Angus and Forfar and the Dukes of Touraine, Queensberry, Buccleuch and Hamilton. It would appear that the senior representative of this house is at present Lord Home (ex-prime minister of Great Britain) but he cannot exercise the chiefship while he is also chief of Home, the heir male is the Duke of Hamilton.

The Douglas clan motto is "Jamais arrière" which means "Never behind".

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Douglas clan include Drysdale , Lockerbie and Morton .

Douglas was the 89th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.
TOP

DOW -

DOW - A sept of Clan Buchanan and Clan Davidson. The Clan Dow originated in Ireland, as Dowd. Dow (Scottish) means one with dark complexion or black hair ( Smith, Elsdon C. New Dictionary of American Family Names . New York: Gramercy Publishing Company, 1988 ).

Dow is also said to be a variant of Duff, and is common in Aberdeenshire. Dow, Dowe are associated with Dove which comes from the Gallic adjective duhb meaning "black" and pronounced like the Scottish "doo"; also can mean pigeon.

The name is also thought to be the Anglicizing of MacCalma or a varient of Daw, a diminutive of David. Ede Douw held land in vicoboreali in Edinburgh in 1366 ( Passelet. Registrum monasterii de Passalet 1877, 1, 261 and Sancti Egidii de Edinburgh. Registrum cantarum ecclesie, 1344-1567 . Edinburgh,1959, 19 ). The dove A George Dow appears in the Home Manuscripts in 1479 (p. 13). Dow is not uncommon in Perthshire. A Robert Dow held land in Perth in 1497 ( Black, George F. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History . New York: New York Public Library, 1999 ).

*** Dow is my maternal grandmother's side of the family *** Dow has an association to both the Davidsons and Buchanans, of the Clan Chattan ( Martine, Roddy. Scottish Clan and Family Names: Their Arms, Origins, and Tartans . Edinburgh & London: Mainstream Publishing Co., Ltd., 1996 ).

Motto: Clarior hinc honos (Brighter, hence the honor)
TOP

DUNBAR -

DUNBAR - The name comes from the old barony of Dunbar, now in East Lothian. The name Dunbar itself comes from the Gaelic "dun" meaning "fort and "barr" meaning "summit". The lands were granted by King Malcolm III to the Earl Gospatric who had lived further south in Northumberland in the 11th century but had been forced to flee by William the Conqueror.

Earl Gospatric in turn was descended from Crinan, the thane of Dunkeld whose grandfather was probably Duncan, lay-abbot of Dunkeld who died in 965. Patrick of Dunbar married a daughter of King William the Lion in 1184. A later Patrick "Black Beard", 8th Earl of Dunbar, was one of those who competed for the crown of Scotland in 1291 when King Edward I of England volunteered to mediate in the argument. Later, the 9th Earl of Dunbar sheltered King Edward II at Dunbar after the flight of the English king from the field of Bannockburn in 1314. During the 14th century, the 10th Earl enlarged his estates and became one of the most important nobles in Scotland. He accompanied the Earl of Douglas in his raids into England and fought at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388 in which the Scots defeated Henry Percy, (Hotspur) but with the loss of the Earl of Douglas. But he fell out with the Douglas family when they disrupted his plans for his daughter to marry the son of King Robert III. In the early 15th century, the 11th Earl of Dunbar became so powerful that he became perceived as a threat to King James I and he was imprisoned on a trumped up charge of treason so that the king could take over the large Dunbar estates. The last Earl died in exile in England in 1455.

In 1368 the Dunbars obtained lands of Glenkens and Mochrum in Dumfries and Galloway and the Dunbars also appear in Caithness around the middle of the 15th century, descended from the Dunbars of Westfield in that county. The present chief of the Dunbars is from the Mochrum line. There have been a number of other Dunbars who have walked across the pages of Scottish history. In 1337, Agnes, Countess of Dunbar, known as Black Agnes, conducted a sturdy defence of Dunbar Castle while her husband was absent. She was the daughter of King Robert the Bruce's friend, Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. She calmly dusted the stones off the battlements with her 'kerchief whenever the besieging cannons of the Earls of Salisbury and Arundel crashed into the castle walls. The siege lasted 19 weeks and was eventually abandoned. In the 16th century, the Archbishoprics of both Glasgow and Aberdeen were both held by Gavin Dunbars from the Mochrum line. The Archbishop of Glasgow was a tutor of King James V and became his Lord Chancellor. Perhaps the best known member of the family was William Dunbar (1460-1513) who was a court poet to King James IV. While much of his poetry was composed by royal command, he also managed to include advice to his monarch! His works were meant to be read out loud and Sir Richard Burton listed Dunbar's "Lament for the Makaris" as one of his three favourite poems. William Dunbar may have died at the Battle of Flodden with his king. In 1694, Sir James Dunbar of Mochrum was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia and in his coat of arms he was allowed to use supporters "Imperially Crowned". The present line of Dunbar clan chiefs was established in a celebrated court case in 1990 which went all the way to the House of Lords.

The Dunbar clan motto is "In promptu" which means "In readiness".

Motto: "Honour is the prize of honesty".

Badge: A white horses head.

Septs: Clugston, Corbett , Dunbar, Dundas, Edgar, Grey , Heryng, Home, Knox , Nisbett, Peddie, Strickland , Washington , Wedderburn

Names associated with the clan: DUNBARRE DUNBAR DUMBARE DUMBAR DOUNBARE ABERLADY

DUNCAN -

DUNCAN - Duncans and Robertsons share a common ancestor, one of the ancient Earls of Atholl, 'Fat Duncan', who led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn. This sett is also known as Leslie of Wardis.

From the Gaelic words "donn" (brown) and "cath (warrior) the name Duncan was initially a forename and there were two Kings of Scotland with that name in the 11th century, Duncan I and Duncan II. The surnames Duncan and Robertson or Clann Donnachaidh have similar origins, being descended from the ancient earls of Atholl and took their name from Donnachaidh Reamhar who led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn (June 24, 1314). The Duncans owned lands in what is now the county of Angus but it is found over much of Central Scotland.

Adam Duncan from Dundee became a naval commander and defeated the Spanish at Cape St Vincent in 1780 and the Dutch fleet at Camperdown in 1797, one of the most famous victories of the British Navy for which he was created Viscount Duncan by George IV in 1800. The Rev Henry Duncan founded the first Savings Bank in 1810 in Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire.

Duncan was the 36th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.

The motto of the clan Duncan is "Disce pati" ("Learn to suffer"). TOP

EDWARDS -

EDWARDS - From an English surname.

The origins of the ancient name edwards belong to that rich Celtic tradition that comes from Wales. This surname was derived from the personal name Edward. This name is in turn derived from the Old English forename "Eadweard," which literally means "prosperity-guard."

First found in Denbighshire where they were seated from very ancient times, and were descended from Einion Efell, Lord of Cynlleth, living in 1182, son of Madoc, Prince of Powys, who built Oswestry Castle in 1148.

ELLIOTT -

ELLIOTT / ELLIOT - The name originated as Elwald or Elwold in Old English and there are many other variations on the spelling of this name which is strongly associated with the Scottish Borders and the reivers (raiders on horseback) of the area.

Family tradition says that the Ellots (as it was spelt at that time) came from the foot of Glenshie in Angus. In 1320 William de Soulis, a powerful Border noble, was convicted of treason. The Ellots were supporters of Robert the Bruce and they moved to Liddesdale to improve Bruce's hold on the area. The Elliot form of the name was used by the family in Minto while the Eliott form was used by those in Stobo. And there were other variations - Robert Ellot of Redheugh was the 10th chief in 1476. The family built around 100 strong towers around Liddesdale and, like so many of the Scottish nobility, the 13th chief was killed at the Battle of Flodden along with King James IV in 1513. At times, the Ellots of Redheugh held Hermitage Castle, south of Hawick.

In 1565 a feud arose between the Ellots and the neighbouring Scott family. 300 Ellots rode to avenge the execution of one of their kinsman by Scott of Buccleuch and casualties on both sides were heavy before they came to terms. The Ellots also had a dispute with the Earl of Bothwell (future husband of Mary Queen of Scots) and a royal force of 4,000 men ravaged the Ellots lands. After the Union of the Crowns in 1603, the Borders quietened down. Many in the Borders at this time emigrated to Ulster in what became known as "the Plantations".

Sir Gilbert Eliott of Stobs became chief in 1673 and King Charles II created him a Baronet of Nova Scotia. The poetess who wrote "The Flowers of the Forest" was an Elliot and the earl of Minto became Governor General of India in 1807. He became Earl of Minto and Viscount Melgund on his return. The 4th Earl became Viceroy of India in 1905.

The Eliott clan motto is "Fortiter et recte" which means "Boldly and rightly".

ESTES -

ESTES - An Irish surname - the family tartan is shown here. Also can use County Kildare tartan.

The surname Estes is derived from a nickname for a Iustas, indicating a fruitful person. This perhaps refers to someone with many offspring, or with extraordinary agricultural or material wealth. The Latin form Eustachius was originally derived from a Greek word which means fruitful.

Spelling variations include: Eustace, Eustice, Eustes, Eustach, Eustis and others.

First found in Kildare where they held a family seat from ancient times.
TOP

FERGUSON -

FERGUSON - Logan records only two threads for the red stripe. D.C. Stewart calls this Ferguson of Balquhidder to differenciate it from the Ferguson of Athol. Chiefs of the Clan are the Fergusons of Kilkerran, descended from Fergus of Dalriada, who brought the 'Stone of Scone' to Scotland. The Fergusons of Perthshire were recognised as the principal Highland branch of the clan and the chiefship belonged to 'MacFhearghuis' of Dunfallandy.

The sons of Fergus have spread across Scotland, from Ross-shire in the north to Dumfriesshire in the south-west. The Gaelic patronymic, ‘Mac Fhearghuis', is translated alternatively as ‘son of the angry' or ‘son of the bold and proud'.

The Fergusons held the lands of Kilkerran, probably from the twelfth century, but the first certain record is John Ferguson of Kilkerran in 1464. He may have been descended from John, son of Fergus, one of the witnesses to a charter of Edward Bruce signed at Turnberry shortly after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. By 1600 there were Fergusons all over the southern part of Carrick, all of whom acknowledged Kilkerran as their chief. They sided with the Kennedys in their feud with the Lairds of Bargany and were part of the Earl of Cassillis's band in the skirmish around Maybole in 1601 when Bargany met his death.

The Ayrshire Fergusons adopted the Protestant faith during the Reformation. Sir John Ferguson of Kilkerran fought for the royalist cause in the civil war. The Kilkerran estates fell heavily into debt and it fell to one of Sir John's grandsons to restore the family fortunes. Sir John Fergusson, born around 1653, became a distinguished lawyer and a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 1681. He was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in November 1703. His son, James, became a judge of the Supreme Court in 1735 with the title, ‘Lord Kilkerran'. General Sir Charles Ferguson of Kilkerran, seventh Baronet, served in the army for almost forty years. His early career took him in 1895 to Egypt and later to the Sudan. In 1914 he was the youngest major general on the army list. He served throughout the First World War and was later military governor of occupied German territory. From 1924 to 1930 he was Governor General of New Zealand. The present chief still lives at the splendid Kilkerran House in Ayrshire.

Other distinguished branches of the family include the Fergusons of Pitfour, one of whom became a High Court judge in 1765 with the title of ‘Lord Pitfour'. His son, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Fergusson, invented the first breach-loading rifle used by the British army and patented in 1776. Ronald Ferguson of Raith, Viscount Novar, was MP for Leith from 1886 to 1914, when he was appointed Governor General of Australia. His ancestor, General Sir Ronald Ferguson, was a distinguished soldier who was praised by the Duke of Wellington for his gallantry during the Peninsular War of 1808–14, and is perhaps now best known for the famous double portrait of him and his brother, Robert, in the uniform of the Royal Company of Archers (the monarch's bodyguard in Scotland). The Fergusons were not, however, without culture, and Robert Ferguson, who died in 1774, was the poet most admired by Robert Burns, who venerated his work and took it as his model.

FINDLAY -

*** THIS IS A TOP TARTAN ***

FINDLAY - A sept of Clan Farquharson. This branch of Clan Chattan descend from Farquhar, 4th son of Alister Ciar Mackintosh, 3rd Shaw of Rothiemurchus during the 15th century. His son Donald married Isobel Stewart heiress of Invercauld and from their son Finlay Mor, killed in battle at Pinkie in 1547 while carrying the Royal Standard, derives the patronymic, "Mac Fhionnlaigh"(son of Finlay), borne by subsequent Chiefs.

In the period 1435-1565 the lands of Invercauld were part of the Earldom of Mar and held by the crown, and it was not until the next century that the clan acquired their right of tenure to these lands. In their continuing loyalty to the House of Stewart, the Clan followed Charles II to Worcester in 1651, and fought for Viscount Dundee in 1689. They were part of the Clan Chattan Regiment in the Jacobite Rising of 1715, in which they fielded 4 officers and 140 men, but when the Chief, owing to his advanced years, did not take part in the '45 Rising the clan was led by the "Baron Ban", Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie. Monaltrie was taken prisoner at Culloden and removed to London where he escaped the gallows by being pardoned on the eve of his execution. The Invercauld inheritance passed through the female line in 1806 when the Lord Lyon recognised Catherine Farquharson as chief of the clan - despite the House of Inverey (said to be descended from the eldest son of Finlay Mor), being senior in the direct male line. In 1936 chiefship again passed through the female line when Mrs Myrtle Farquharson was awarded the ensigns of chiefship by Lyon Court. She was killed during an air-raid in 1940 and the succession passed to her nephew, the present Chief. Noted cadets included the House of Inverey, of whom John, the 3rd Laird, remains in Deeside legend as 'The Black Colonel', and the lineages of Allargue, Balmoral, Breda, Finzean, and Whitehouse.

Many MacKinlays also claim Finlay Mor as an ancestor - particularly those of 'The Annie' in Perthshire, ancestors of President MacKinley of the U.S.A. Finlaysons in Lochalsh claim similar descent, as do many who settled in the Lowlands.
TOP

FLEMING -

FLEMING - This name derives mainly from persons of Flanders origin who settled throughout Britain and thus Scottish ancestry should not be claimed unless there is a familiy tradition of such descent.

They first appear in Scotland in the time of David I (1124-53) in whose reign, Baldwin, ancestor of the Flemings of Biggar, acquired lands in Lanarkshire. They soon rose to eminence for, by the reign of Alexander III (1249-86), Sir Malcolm Fleming was sheriff of Dumbarton, and another ancient family had established itself at Barochan in Renfrewshire.

It appears also that there was a great influx of their countrymen about this time, and that outwith the principal families of Biggar and Barochan, many others became established.

Sir Robert Fleming supported Bruce, and when the forfeit Comyn lands were dispensed to his adherents, the Barony of Cumbernauld, amongst others, came to the Flemings. By continued adherence to the crown Flemings appear frequently as hostages for their kings during the minorities of the early Stewarts, and such was rewarded by the Earldom of Wigtoun in the 15th century. Such honour upset the Douglas lords of Galloway who, fearing a usurpation of his power, when the occasion arose bought the title from the 2nd Earl. The landless Earl died without issue and the family representation passed to Fleming of Biggar. A later Sir Malcolm allied himself with the treacherous Albany dynasty, and with the Earl of Douglas, and all kept a similar appointment with the beheading block.

Honour was restored when they were created Lords Fleming, and they were again in favour with the Crown. The 4th Lord accompanied the Mary Queen of Scots to France, along with his mother who, following a liason with the French king, was returned to Scotland. The 6th Lord Fleming was created Earl of Wigton in 1606.

Flemings also held Auchintoul in Aberdeenshire and Boghall in Tweeddale, in addition to the Houses of Ferme and Bord. Other families evolved, and affiliation with these would only be determined by genealogical research.

The association with the Murrays of Atholl applies only to the few Fleming families who inhabited Atholl and Glenshee. There is no Fleming Tartan as such so the one indicated here is the Murray of Atholl. The Motto and Crest are those of Fleming.
TOP

FLETCHER -

*** THIS IS A TOP TARTAN ***

FLETCHER - Sometimes known as Fletcher of Saltoun, but commonly worn by all the Scottish Fletchers regardless of family origins.

According to legend, "Is e Clann-an-leisdeir a thog a cued smuid thug goil air uisge 'an Urcha." (It was the Fletcher clan that first raised smoke and boiled their water in Glen Orchy.)

Clan Fletcher of Dunans - The word fletcher means a "maker of arrows", and the medieval fletchers followed, and settled alongside, the clan whose needs they served. The Fletchers of Glenlyon served under the MacGregors. A family of Fletchers moved to Dunans from Achallader at the head of Glenorchy, where they were replaced by Campbells. Archibald Fletcher (1746-1828), born in Glenlyon, was the eldest son of a younger brother of Archibald Fletcher of Bennice and Dunans. A lawyer and reformer, he was also an abolitionist, and favoured the cause of American independence.

Clan Fletcher of Saltoun Saltoun is in East Lothian, the estate being bought by the Fletchers of Innerpeffer, Angus, in 1643. Andrew Fletcher (d.1650) was made Lord Innerpeffer in 1623. His son, Sir Robert Fletcher of Saltoun and Innerpeffer (d.1665), married Catherine Bruce, daughter of Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, who claimed ancenstry from the grandfather of King Robert the Bruce. Their celebrated politician and political philosopher who strongly opposed the Act of Union of the Scottish and English parliaments in 1707.

FORBES -

FORBES - The name is from the Gaelic term "forb-ais" means "at the land". Originally the name was pronounced as two syllables sounding like "For bays" but that is largely lost.

Established in Aberdeenshire on the banks of the river Don, they had ben there long before being raised to a barony in 1271 by Alexander III. Duncan de Forboys paid homage in 1296 to John Balliol and John Forbes signed the "Ragman Roll" in 1296. The main lines of Forbes were established in the 14th century. Sir John de Forbes of the Black Lip, justiciary in Aberdeenshire, had four sons - William the first of the Pitsligo line, John the ancestor of the Forbes of Polquhoun, Alistair of Brux who established the lines of Skellatar and Inverernan. Sir John's eldest son fought beside the Earl of Mar at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411 against Donald, Lord of the Isles and became Lord Forbes around 1445. Forbes eventually became the premier lordship of Scotland. James, 2nd Lord Forbes had three sons, the two younger offspring establishing the Forbes of Corsindale and Monymusk and of Craigievar. The Forbes expanded their territory, at one time covering half of the earldom of Mar. However, over the years, there were feuds with the powerful Gordon clan and the Leslies, culminating in two battles and several massacres. Two Acts of the Scottish Parliament were required to force the factions to lay down their arms. King James VI confirmed the Forbes in their lands in 1582 but the cost of the struggles with the Gordons had created debts and much of the Forbes land had to be sold.

Robert Forbes, the episcopalian bishop of Ross and Caithness was arrested for being a Jacobite in 1745 but survived to write a three volume account of the Jacobite Uprising, entitled "The Lyon in Mourning." Involvement of the Forbes in the 1745 Uprising resulted in forfeiture of lands and title. The first Baronet of Craigievar, Sir William, built the outstanding Craigievar Castle in 1626 and it is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Craigievar is said to be haunted by a member of the Gordon family who was murdered in the castle.

Another of the Forbes, the Baron of Monymusk, now lives in New Zealand. In 1815, the 17th Lord Forbes built Castle Forbes near Alford which is still the home of his descendants.

The Forbes clan motto is "Grace me guide."

Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Forbes clan include Berry , Boyes, Michie, Walters .

Forbes was the 93rd most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995.

FRASER / FRASIER -