Clan Kinninmont facts for kids
Clan Kinninmont is a Scottish clan, which is like a large family group with shared history. This clan doesn't have an official leader, called a chief, who is recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The Lord Lyon is Scotland's expert on family symbols and traditions. Because there's no recognized chief, Clan Kinninmont isn't officially recognized as a clan today under Scots Law.
Clan Kinninmont is known as an "armigerous clan." This means that at one time, it had a chief who owned special family symbols, like a unique coat of arms. However, no one currently holds these original symbols. The direct family line that led the clan ended when the last female heir married into a different family. Today, a family called the Earls of Minto uses a name similar to Kinninmont (Kynynmound). They also include the old Kinninmont family symbols as part of their own coat of arms.
Discovering the History of Clan Kinninmont
The name Kinninmont comes from a place called Kinninmonth in Fife, Scotland. This area is where the clan's story began.
Around the late 1100s, a man named Odo received control of these lands. He was a "seneschal," which means he managed the household and lands for the Bishop of St Andrews. Later, in 1296, a person named William de Kynemuthe signed the Ragman Roll. This was a list of Scottish nobles who agreed to follow King Edward I of England at that time.
Important members of the clan include Alexander de Kininmund, who became a Bishop of Aberdeen in 1329. Another Alexander de Kininmund became an Archdeacon of Aberdeen in 1352. In 1438, James Kynimond, known as "of that Ilk" (meaning he was the head of the Kinninmont family), confirmed his family's long-standing right to manage certain duties for St Andrews. The direct line of the Kinninmont family, who were the chiefs, ended when the only female heir married a man from the Murray of Melgund family.
Understanding Clan Kinninmont Symbols
The crest badge that members of Clan Kinninmont can wear comes from the old symbols of the Kinninmont chiefs.
- The crest (a part of the coat of arms) shows an oak tree. In heraldry, "Vert" means the tree is green.
- The motto (a short phrase) for the clan is STABO. This Latin word means "I shall stand."
The original Kinninmont family symbols are now part of the larger coat of arms used by the Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound family, who are the Earls of Minto.
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