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Clan Aiton
Motto Decerptae Dabunt Odorum (Roses plucked will give sweet smell)
Profile
District Berwickshire (historic)
Fife
Arms of Aytoun of that Ilk.svg
Clan Aiton has no chief, and is an armigerous clan
Historic seat Ayton, Scottish Borders

Clan Aiton is a historic Scottish clan. It is recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This official makes sure that Scottish coats of arms and clan symbols are used correctly.

However, Clan Aiton does not currently have a chief. A chief is a recognized leader of a clan. Because there is no chief, Clan Aiton is known as an armigerous clan. This means the clan has a coat of arms, but no official leader.

What is a Scottish Clan?

A Scottish clan is a group of people. These groups are usually connected by family ties. They often share a common ancestor. Clans also share a specific territory.

Clans have a long history in Scotland. They played a big role in Scottish society. Each clan has its own traditions. They also have unique symbols. These symbols include tartans, crests, and mottos.

Clan Symbols and Meanings

Clans use special symbols. These symbols help people identify them. They also show the clan's history.

  • Motto: The motto of Clan Aiton is Decerptae Dabunt Odorum. This Latin phrase means "Roses plucked will give sweet smell." Mottos often share a clan's values. They can also tell a story about the clan.
  • Crest: The crest is "A hand pulling a rose, Proper." A crest is a special design. It is often shown above a coat of arms. Clan members can wear the crest. It shows their connection to the clan.
  • Historic Seat: The historic seat of Clan Aiton is Ayton, Scottish Borders. A historic seat is a place. It is usually a castle or a large house. This place was once the main home of the clan chief. It is an important part of the clan's heritage.

What Does 'Armigerous' Mean?

The term "armigerous clan" might sound a bit complicated. It simply means a clan that has a coat of arms. But it does not have a chief recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon.

The Lord Lyon King of Arms is a very old office. This official is in charge of Scottish heraldry. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms. The Lord Lyon makes sure that clan chiefs are properly recognized.

If a clan has no recognized chief, it is armigerous. This does not mean the clan is gone. It just means it is waiting for a new leader. Clan members can still be proud of their heritage. They can still use their clan's symbols.

History of Clan Aiton

The Aiton name comes from the lands of Ayton. These lands are in Berwickshire, Scotland. The family has been in this area for a very long time.

Records show the name in the 12th century. Early members of the family were important. They held lands and had influence. Over time, the family spread to other parts of Scotland. This included Fife.

Like many Scottish clans, Clan Aiton's history is linked to the land. It is also linked to the people who lived there. Their story is part of Scotland's rich past.

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