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List of Scottish clans facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Scottish clan map
Clan map of Scotland

Welcome to the world of Scottish clans! A Scottish clan is like a big family group, often sharing a last name and a long history in a certain part of Scotland. Each clan has its own special symbols, like unique patterns called tartans and special crest badges.

These crest badges are worn by clan members to show which clan they belong to. They usually feature a specific image (the crest) and a short saying (the motto) from the clan chief's coat of arms. Even though clan members wear these badges, the crest and motto themselves officially belong to the clan chief. Crest badges often have a strap and buckle design around the crest, which holds the motto.

Scottish crest badges, much like clan tartans, became very popular in the 1800s. People started wearing them on their hats to show their clan pride.

     Highland and Island clans      Lowland and Border clans

Clan name Crest badge Clan tartan Crest image & Motto Clan chief;
and clan seat, or historical seat
About the Clan
Abercromby
Abercromby crest badge
Abercromby tartan
Crest: A falcon flying upwards with bells.

Motto: He seeks high deeds

Chief: none, armigerous clan (no recognized chief)

Seat: Abercrombie, Fife

Abernethy Crest: A black raven with red beak and legs.

Motto: Salvation through Christ

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Abernethy, Perth and Kinross

Adair Crest: A man's head, cut off and bloody.

Motto: Loyal unto death

Chief: none, armigerous clan The crest and motto come from the Adair of Kinhilt family's symbols.
Adam Crest: A red cross with a pointed bottom, crossed by a sword.

Motto: The cross gives me welcome rest

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Blair Adam, estate in Kinross-shire

Agnew
Agnew crest badge
Agnew tartan
Crest: An eagle rising and looking backward.

Motto: By wisdom not force

Chief: Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, 11th Baronet

Seat: Lochnaw Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

Aikenhead Crest: A half-savage man holding three laurel branches with fruit.

Motto: We are born in a weak condition

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Aikenhead, Lanarkshire

Ainslie Crest: A bare arm holding a curved sword, coming out of a cap.

Motto: For country often, for king always

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Dolphinstone Castle (ruin), Jedburgh

Aiton Crest: A hand pulling a rose.

Motto: Roses plucked will give sweet smell

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Ayton, Berwickshire

Allardice Crest: A half-savage man holding a scimitar.

Motto: In defence of the distressed

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Allardice Castle, Kincardineshire

Anderson
Anderson crest badge
Anderson tartan
Crest: An oak tree.

Motto: Stand sure

Chief: none, armigerous clan This motto has been used by the main Anderson family since at least 1664.
Anstruther
Anstruther crest badge
Crest: Two armored arms holding a pole-axe.

Motto: I would have perished had I not persisted

Chief: Tobias Anstruther of that Ilk

Seat: Balcaskie House, Fife

The motto refers to a story where an Anstruther prevented an assassination by acting first.
Arbuthnott
Arbuthnott crest badge
Arbuthnott tartan
Crest: A peacock's head.

Motto: Praise God

Chief: Keith Arbuthnott 17th Viscount of Arbuthnott

Seat: Arbuthnott House, Arbuthnott, Aberdeenshire

Armstrong
Armstrong crest badge
Armstrong tartan
Crest: An arm from the shoulder, armored.

Motto: I remain unvanquished

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Gilnockie Tower, Dumfries and Galloway

Arnott Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Arnott, Portmoak in Kinross-shire

Arthur
Arthur crest badge
Arthur tartan
Arthur tartan
Crest: Two laurel branches in a circle.

Motto: By fidelity and labour
Plant badge: wild myrtle (bog myrtle), or fir club moss

Chief: John Alexander MacArthur of that Ilk

Seat: Castle Kennedy House, Castle Kennedy, Wigtownshire

Auchinleck Crest: An ear of rye.

Motto: What is useful is valuable

Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Auchinleck
Baillie
Baillie crest badge
Crest: A boar's head, torn off.

Motto: What is brighter than the stars

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Baird
Baird crest badge
Crest: A griffin's head, torn off.

Motto: The Lord has done this

Chief: none As of 2021, a petition for chiefship is being reviewed.
Balfour
Balfour tartan
Crest: An armored arm holding a baton.

Motto: Forward

Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Burleigh Castle
Bannatyne Crest: A half-griffin holding a sword.

Motto: Neither fast nor slow

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Bannerman
Bannerman crest badge
Crest: A half-man in armor holding a sword.

Motto: For my country

Chief: David Gordon Bannerman of Elsick, 15th Baronet The Bannerman family were historically the flag-bearers for the kings of Scotland.
Barclay
Barclay crest badge
Barclay Dress Tartan
Barclay Hunting tartan
Crest: A hand holding a dagger, on a cap.

Motto: Either to do or die

Chief: Peter Barclay of Towie Barclay and of that Ilk

Seat: Towie Barclay Castle, Aberdeenshire

Baxter Crest: A black lion standing on its hind legs, looking forward.

Motto: Truth prevails

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Bell Crest: A hand holding a dagger.

Motto: I beir the bel

Chief: in the process, armigerous clan. Seat: Middlebie
Belshes Crest: A greyhound's head, cut off, with a blue collar.

Motto: Virtue shines unstained

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Bethune
Bethune crest badge
Bethune tartan
Crest: An otter's head, torn off.

Motto: Gracious

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Beveridge Crest: A half-beaver coming out of a gold wall crown.

Motto: By persevering

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Brucefield, estate in Fife

Binning Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Barony of Binning, in the parish of Uphall, West Lothian

Bissett Crest: An oak tree trunk sprouting new branches.

Motto: That torn down regrows

Chief: none, armigerous clan The main family line is believed to be Bisset of Lessendrum.
Blackadder Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Old Tulliallan Castle, Kincardine, Fife

Blackstock Chief: none, armigerous clan
Blair Crest: A stag resting.

Motto: I love the virtuous

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Blair, Ayrshire

Blane Crest: The sword of Justice, standing upright.

Motto: Peace or war

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Blyth Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Lauderdale

Borthwick
Borthwick crest badge
Borthwick tartan
Crest: A moor's head, cut off, with a silver and black wreath.

Motto: He who leads

Chief: John Hugh Borthwick of that Ilk, 24th Lord Borthwick

Seat: Borthwick Castle, Lothian

Boswell Crest: A falcon with a red hood and gold bells.

Motto: True faith

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Boyd
Boyd crest badge
Boyd tartan
Crest: An upright hand with outer fingers bent inwards.

Motto: I trust

Chief: Robin Jordan Boyd, 8th Baron Kilmarnock

Seat: Dean Castle, Ayrshire

Boyle
Boyle crest badge
Crest: A double-headed eagle with jagged edges, red and silver.

Motto: The Lord will provide

Chief: Patrick Robin Archibald Boyle, 10th Earl of Glasgow

Seat: Kelburn Castle, North Ayrshire

Brisbane Crest: A stork's head, torn off, holding a knotted snake in its beak.

Motto: God will give repose

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Killincraig, Largs, North Ayrshire

Brodie
Brodie crest badge
Brodie tartan
Crest: A right hand holding a bunch of arrows.

Motto: Unite
Plant badge: periwinkle

Chief: Alexander Tristan Duff Brodie of Brodie

Seat: Brodie Castle, Morayshire

Broun Crest: A lion standing on its hind legs, holding a gold fleur de lis.

Motto: Let majesty flourish

Chief: Sir Wayne Broun of Coultson, Bt.

Seat: Colstoun House, East Lothian

Bruce
Bruce crest badge
Bruce tartan
Crest: A blue lion standing.

Motto: We have been
Plant badge: rosemary

Chief: Andrew Douglas Alexander Thomas Bruce, 11th Earl of Elgin

Seat: Broomhall Hall, Dunfermline

Buchan
Buchan tartan
Crest: A sun shining on a sunflower, on a red cap.

Motto: Not having followed mean pursuits

Chief: David Buchan of Auchmacoy

Seat: Auchmacoy House, Aberdeenshire

Buchanan
Buchanan tartan
Buchanan Hunting Tartan
Crest: A hand holding up a ducal cap with a red rose, between two laurel branches.

Motto: Hence the brighter honour
Plant badge: billberry (blaeberry), oak, or birch

Chief: John Michael Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan of that Ilk and of Arnprior.

Seat: Cambusmore House, Callander, Stirlingshire

A chief for Clan Buchanan was officially recognized in August 2018.
Butter
Butter of Gormock crest
Crest: Two hands coming from a cloud, pulling an arrow in a bow.

Motto: God directs

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Fascally, by Pitlochry, Perthshire

Byres Crest: A cock looking backward.

Motto: Safe by his own exertions

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Byses Castle (ruin), Haddington, East Lothian

Cairns Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Mid Calder, West Lothian

Calder Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire

Caldwell Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Caldwell, East Renfrewshire

Callender Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Callander, Stirlingshire

Cameron
Cameron crest badge
Cameron tartan
Cameron tartan
Crest: A bundle of five arrows tied with a red band.

Motto: Unite
Plant badge: crowberry, or oak

Chief: Donald Cameron, Baron Cameron of Lochiel

Seat: Achnacarry Castle, Fort William, Highlands

Campbell
Campbell crest badge
Campbell tartan
Crest: A boar's head, torn off, with gold tusks and red tongue.

Motto: Do not forget
Plant badge: fir club moss, or wild myrtle (bog myrtle)

Chief: Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll

Seat: Inveraray Castle, Argyll and Bute

Bog myrtle loses its leaves in winter.
Campbell of Breadalbane
Campbell of Breadalbane crest badge
Campbell Breadalbane tartan
Crest: A boar's head, torn off.

Motto: Follow me

Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Breadalbane
Campbell of Cawdor
Campbell of Cawdor crest badge
Campbell of Cawdor tartan
Crest: A swan with a gold crown.

Motto: Be mindful

Chief: Colin Campbell, 7th Earl Cawdor

Seat: Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire

Campbell of Possil Crest: A boar's head, upright and torn off, with blue tusks and tongue.

Motto: Do and hope

Carmichael
Carmichael crest badge
Crest: An upright hand and arm holding a broken spear.

Motto: Always ready

Chief: Richard Carmichael of Carmichael

Seat: Carmichael, South Lanarkshire

Carnegie
Carnegie crest badge
Crest: A thunderbolt with gold wings.

Motto: Dred God

Chief: David Carnegie, 4th Duke of Fife

Seat: Elsick House, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire

Carruthers
Carruthers crest badge
Carruthers Dress Tartan
Crest: A flying angel.

Motto: Ready and faithful
Plant badge: Gorse

Chief: Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers
Cathcart
Cathcart crest badge
Crest: An upright hand, cut off above the wrist, grasping a silver crescent moon.

Motto: I hope to speed

Chief: Charles Alan Andrew Cathcart, 7th Earl Cathcart

Seat: Gateley Hall

Chalmers Crest: A lion's head and neck, black with a red tongue.

Motto: Advance

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Charteris
Charteris crest badge
Crest: A hand holding up a dagger.

Motto: This is our charter

Chief: James Charteris, 13th Earl of Wemyss and 9th Earl of March

Seat: Gosford House, East Lothian

Chattan
Clan Chattan crest badge
Clan Chattan tartan
Crest: A wildcat leaping.

Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove
Plant badge: wild whortleberry

Captain: Malcolm K. MacKintosh of Clan Chattan This is a unique group of smaller clans, like Clan Macpherson and Clan Macbean, led by Clan Macintosh.
Cheyne
Cheyne crest badge
Crest: A silver cross with pointed ends.

Motto: Patience conquers

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Esslemont, Aberdeenshire

Chisholm
Chisholm crest badge
Chisholm tartan
Crest: A hand holding an upright dagger, piercing a boar's head.

Motto: I am fierce with the fierce
Plant badge: fern

Chief: Hamish Chisholm of Chisholm
Clelland Crest: A falcon on a glove.

Motto: For sport

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Cleland, North Lanarkshire

Clephane Crest: A hand holding a helmet.

Motto: That I May Be the More Ready

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Carslogie, Fife

Cochrane
Cochrane crest badge
Crest: A silver horse walking.

Motto: By valour and exertion

Chief: Iain Alexander Douglas Blair Cochrane, 15th Earl of Dundonald, 6th Marquess of Maranhão

Seat: Lochnell Castle, Argyllshire

Cockburn
Cockburn crest badge
Crest: A cock crowing.

Motto: He rouses us with song

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Colquhoun
Colquhoun crest badge
Crest: A stag's head, cut off, with silver antlers.

Motto: If I can
Plant badge: hazel, or dogberry

Chief: Sir Malcolm Rory Colquhoun of Luss, 9th Baronet

Seat: Rossdhu Mansion, Argyll & Bute

Colville
Colville crest badge
Crest: A hind's head, cut off at the neck, silver.

Motto: I cannot forget

Chief: Charles Mark Townshend Colville, 5th Viscount Colville of Culross
Congilton Crest: A bee.

Motto: Much in little

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Craig Crest: A knight on horseback holding a broken spear.

Mottos: I have good hope
Live for God and you shall have life

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Riccarton
The last chief died in 1823.
Cranstoun
Cranstoun crest badge
Crest: A crane resting, holding a stone in its claw.

Motto: Thou shalt want ere I want

Chief: David Cranston of that Ilk and Corehouse
Crawford
Crawford crest badge
Crest: A stag's head, torn off, with a black cross between its antlers.

Motto: I will give you safety through strength

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Crichton
Crichton crest badge
Crest: A dragon breathing fire.

Motto: God send grace

Chief: David Maitland Makgill Crichton of that Ilk

Seat: Monzie Castle, Crieff

Crosbie Crest: A tree trunk sprouting new branches from a mound.

Motto: I shall rise again

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Cumming
Cumming crest badge
Cumming tartan
Crest: A gold lion standing on its hind legs, holding a dagger.

Motto: Courage
Plant badge: cumin

Chief: Sir Alexander Penrose Gordon Cumming of Altyre, 7th Bt.

Seat: Altyre House, Morayshire

The cumin plant is not native to Britain.
Cunningham
Cunningham crest badge
Crest: A unicorn's head, cut off, with gold horn.

Motto: Over fork over

Chief: Sir John Christopher Foggo Montgomery Cunninghame of Kilmaurs, Baronet of Corsehill
Dalmahoy Crest: A hand waving a sword high up.

Motto: Without fear

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: barony of Dalmahoy, Midlothian

Dalrymple
Dalrymple crest badge
Crest: A rock.

Motto: Firm

Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Dalrymple
Dalziel
Dalziel crest badge
Crest: A blue dagger, standing upright, with gold handle.

Motto: I dare

Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Dalziel
Darroch Crest: On a red cap, a half-African man holding a dagger.

'Motto: Be watchfull

Chief: Duncan Darroch of Gourock
Davidson
Davidson crest badge
Davidson Half Tartan
Crest: A stag's head, torn off.

Motto: Wisely if sincerely
Plant badge: boxwood, or red whortleberry

Chief: Alister Davidson of Davidston This clan is part of the old Clan Chattan Federation.
Dennistoun Crest: An arm in a red sleeve, holding an old shield with a gold star.

Motto: I repel adversity with fortitude

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Dewar
Dewar crest badge
Crest: An armored arm holding a sword, coming out of a gold crown with strawberry leaves.

Motto: What would one not do for his country

Chief: Michael Kenneth Dewar of that Ilk and Vogrie
Donnachaidh aka Clan Duncan aka Clan Robertson
Robertson crest badge
Crest: A hand holding up an imperial crown.

Motto: Glory is the reward of valour
Plant badge: bracken, or fern

Chief: Alexander Robertson of Struan. Fern is considered an older plant badge for this clan.
Douglas
Douglas crest badge
Douglas tartan
Crest: A green salamander surrounded by flames, on a red cap.

Motto: Never behind

Chief: none, armigerous clan The Douglas-Hamiltons are heirs to the chiefship, but would need to change their name to Douglas to be recognized.
Drummond
Drummond crest badge
Crest: A goshawk with spread wings, on a gold crown.

Motto: Honour crowns virtue
Plant badge: holly, or wild thyme

Chief: James David Drummond, 19th Earl of Perth
Dunbar
Dunbar crest badge
Crest: A silver horse's head with red bridle and reins.

Motto: In readiness

Chief: Sir James Dunbar of Mochrum, 14th Bt.

Seat: Mochrum Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

Duncan
Duncan crest badge
Chief: none, armigerous clan The Clan is currently led by the head of The Territorial House of Duncan of Sketraw.
Dundas Crest: A lion's head looking through an oak bush.

Motto: Try

Chief: David Dundas of Dundas The current chief has not been heard from in over 30 years.
Dunlop Crest: An upright hand holding a dagger.

Motto: Deservedly

Chief: James Stuart Wallace Dunlop, Dunlop of that Ilk.

Seat: Dunlop, in Cunningham, Ayrshire

Durie
Durie crest badge
Crest: A gold crescent moon.

Motto: I trust

Chief: Andrew Durie of Durie
Edmonstone Crest: A swan's head and neck. (Formerly a camel's head).

Motto: Virtue increases honour

Chief: Sir Archibald Bruce Charles Edmonstone of Duntreath, 7th Bt

Seat: Duntreath, Glasgow

Eliott
Eliott crest badge
Eliott tartan
Crest: An armored hand, cut off at the wrist, holding a cutlass.

Motto: Boldly and rightly

Chief: Margaret Eliott of Redheugh

Seat: Redheugh, Roxburghshire

Elphinstone
Elphinstone crest badge
Crest: A lady, from the waist up, in red, holding a tower in her right hand and a laurel branch in her left.

Motto: Cause caused it

Chief: The Rt Hon. Lord Elphinstone
Erskine
Erskine crest
Erskine tartan
Crest: A hand holding up a dagger, on a red cap.

Motto: I think more

Chief: James Thorne Erskine, 14th Earl of Mar and 16th Earl of Kellie
Ewing
Ewing crest badge
Crest: A half-lion standing on its hind legs, holding a star.

Motto: Boldly

Chief: none, armigerous clan The Ewing coat of arms dates back to 1566.
Fairlie Crest: A lion's head, cut off, gold.

Motto: I am prepared

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Fairley, Ayrshire

The Fairleys of Braid have arms in several old records.
Falconer Crest: An angel praying, surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Motto: Live that you may have life

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Farquharson
Farquharson crest badge
Crest: A half-red lion holding a sword, on a red cap.

Motto: By fidelity and fortitude
Plant badge: Scots fir, red whortleberry, or foxglove

Chief: Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld This clan is part of the Clan Chattan Federation.
Fenton Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Fenton, Dirleton, East Lothian

Fergusson
Fergusson crest badge
Fergusson tartan
Crest: A bee on a thistle, on a red cap.

Motto: Sweeter after difficulties
Plant badge: little sunflower

Chief: Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran, 9th Bt.
Fleming
Fleming crest badge
Crest: A goat's head, torn off, silver with gold horns.

Motto: Let the deed shaw

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Fletcher Crest: A half-blue bloodhound with a red tongue, wearing a gold ducal crown.

Motto: God for us

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Glenorchie, Argyll

Many Fletchers moved to the US and Canada after the Highland Clearances. The last chief died in 1911.
Forbes
Forbes tartan
Crest: A stag's head with ten antlers.

Motto: Grace me guide
Plant badge: broom

Chief: Lord Malcolm Nigel Forbes, 23rd Lord Forbes

Seat: Castle Forbes, Aberdeenshire

Forrester
Forrester crest badge
Crest: A hound's head, torn off, with a red collar.

Motto: Blaw hunter blaw thy horn

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Corstorphine Castle (demolished), Corstorphine, Lothian

Forsyth
Forsyth crest badge
Crest: A blue griffin standing, with black claws and beak, and a gold crown.

Motto: A repairer of ruin

Chief: Alister Forsyth of that Ilk
Fotheringham Cotto: Be it fast

Crest: A lion's paw holding a scimitar.
Motto: Disperse

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Powrie, Inverarity, Forfarshire

Fraser
Fraser tartan
Crest: A mound with strawberries, leaves, and fruit.

Motto: All my hope is in God
Plant badge: yew

Chief: Flora Fraser, 21st Lady Saltoun
Fraser of Lovat
Fraser of Lovat crest badge
Fraser of Lovat tartan
Crest: A buck's head, torn off.

Motto: I am ready.

Chief: Simon Fraser, 18th Lord Lovat

Seat: Beaufort Castle, Aberdeenshire

Fullarton Crest: An otter's head, torn off, red.

Motto: Light in darkness

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: barony of Fullarton, Ayrshire

Galbraith
Galbraith crest badge
Galbraith tartan
Crest: A bear's head, cut off, silver with a blue muzzle.

Motto: Gentler because of the obstruction

Chief: none, armigerous clan The chiefs were the Galbraiths of Culcreuch, but their line cannot be traced since about 1700.
Galloway Crest: A mound with sun rays, between two corn ears, topped with a small gold cross.

Motto: Higher

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Gardyne Crest: Two hands joined, holding up a small gold cross with a pointed bottom.

Motto: Troubles are connected with the cross

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Gardyne Castle

Gartshore Crest: An eagle with spread wings.

Motto: Renew my age

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Gartshore, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire

Gayre Chief: Reinold Gayre of Gayre and Nigg
Ged
Ged crest badge
Crest: A pike fish's head.

Motto: It sustains, it enriches, it pleases

Chief: none, armigerous clan The crest (a pike fish) is a play on the clan name Ged, which means pike in heraldry.
Gibsone Chief: none, armigerous clan
Gladstains Chief: none, armigerous clan
Glas Chief: none, armigerous clan
Glen Chief: none, armigerous clan
Glendinning Chief: none, armigerous clan
Gordon
Gordon crest badge
Gordon tartan
Crest: A stag's head with ten antlers, coming out of a gold crown.

Motto: Abiding, Steadfast Plant badge: ivy

Chief: Granville Charles Gomer Gordon, 13th Marquess of Huntly

Seat: Aboyne Castle, Aberdeenshire

Graham
Graham crest badge
Graham tartan
Crest: A falcon killing a stork.

Motto: Do not forget
Plant badge: spurge laurel

Chief: James Graham, 8th Duke of Montrose

Seat: Buchanan Castle, Stirlingshire

Grant
Grant crest badge
Grant tartan
Crest: A burning hill.

Motto: The rock of alarm
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir)

Chief: James Patrick Trevor Grant of Grant, 6th Baron Strathspey
Gray
Gray crest badge
Crest: A gold anchor.

Motto: Anchor fast anchor

Chief: none, armigerous clan In 1950, rules were made that people with double-barrelled names could not be clan chiefs.
Gregor
Gregor crest badge
Crest: A lion's head, torn off, with a gold antique crown.

Motto: My race is royal
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir)

Chief: Sir Malcolm Gregor MacGregor of MacGregor, 7th Bart. This is the clan of the famous historical figure, Rob Roy MacGregor.
Grierson
Grierson crest badge
Crest: A silver fetterlock (a type of shackle).

Motto: More secure by this
Plant badge: Scottish bluebell

Chief: Madam Sarah Anne Grierson of Lag This clan includes Sir Robert Grierson, known as "Auld Lag", who inspired a character in a Sir Walter Scott novel.
Gunn
Gunn crest badge
Gunn tartan
Crest: A hand holding a sword.

Motto: Either peace or war
Plant badge: juniper, or roseroot

Chief: Iain Alexander Gunn of Banniskirk The crest and motto here are not from the chief's official symbols.
Guthrie
Guthrie crest badge
Guthrie Ancient Tartan
Crest: A hand holding a drawn sword.

Motto: I stand for the truth

Chief: Alexander Guthrie of Guthrie
Haig
Haig crest badge
Crest: A rock.

Motto: Tyde what may

Chief: Alexander Douglas Derrick Haig, 3rd Earl Haig

Seat: Bemersyde, Roxburghshire

Haldane
Haldane crest badge
Crest: An eagle's head, torn off, gold.

Motto: Suffer

Chief: Martin Haldane of Gleneagles

Seat: Gleneagles, Perthshire

Haliburton Crest: A black man's head, cut off at the shoulders, wearing a helmet.

Motto: Watch well

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Haliburton, Berwickshire

Halkerston Crest: A falcon's head, torn off.

Motto: I endeavour in difficulties

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Rathillet, Fife

Halket Crest: A falcon's head, torn off.

Motto: Faith is sufficient

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Pitfirran, Fife

Hall Crest: A Talbot dog's head.

Motto: Live, so that you may live

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Liddesdale, Roxburghshire

Hamilton
Hamilton crest badge
Hamilton tartan
Crest: An oak tree with fruit, cut by a saw, coming out of a ducal crown.

Motto: Through

Chief: Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 16th Duke of Hamilton
Hannay
Hannay crest badge
Hannay tartan
Crest: A black cross with a pointed bottom, coming out of a crescent moon.

Motto: Through difficulties to higher things

Chief: David Hannay of Kirkdale and of that Ilk.
Harris Chief: none, armigerous clan
Hay or Leith
Hay Clan Tartan
Hay or Leith Clan Tartan
Crest: A falcon flying, coming out of a crown, with gold bells and straps.

Motto: Keep the yoke
Plant badge: mistletoe

Chief: Merlin Sereld Victor Gilbert Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll
Henderson Crest: An arm holding a gold star, topped by a blue crescent moon.

Motto: Virtue alone ennobles
Plant badge: cotton grass

Chief: Alistair Donald Henderson of Fordell
Hepburn
Hepburn crest badge
Crest: A silver horse's head, cut off, with a red bridle.

Motto: Keep tryst

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Heron Crest: A half-silver lion holding a red cross with a pointed bottom.

Motto: By bravery

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Heron, Kirkcudbrightshire

Herries Crest: A stag's head with ten antlers, silver.

Motto: The Lord has given

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Hogg Crest: An oak tree.

Motto: A good name gives strength

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Newliston House, Kirkliston, Lothian

Hogarth
Hogarth crest
Crest: A pegasus (winged horse).

Motto: Sincerity gives wings to strength

Chief: William Hogarth

Seat: Berwickshire and later Firhil

Home
Home crest badge
Home tartan
Crest: A lion's head, torn off, silver, on a red cap.

Motto: A home. A home. A home.
Plant badge: broom

Chief: David Douglas-Home, 15th Earl of Home
Hope
Hope crest badge
Crest: A broken globe with a rainbow coming from clouds.

Motto: But hope is unbroken

Chief: Sir John Hope of Craighall, Bt. The motto is a clever play on the clan name "Hope".
Hopkirk Crest: An upright armored hand, cut off at the elbow, pointing to a silver crescent moon.

Motto: I hope to prosper

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Horsburgh Chief: none, armigerous clan
Houston
Houston crest badge
Crest: A sand-glass.

Motto: In time

Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Houston, Renfrewshire
Hunter
Hunter crest
Hunter tartan
Hunter of Bute Tartan
Crest: A greyhound sitting, wearing an old gold crown.

Motto: I accomplish the hunt

Chief: Pauline Hunter of Hunterston Seat: Hunterston
Hutton Chief: none, armigerous clan
Inglis Demi Lion. Motto: Nobilis Est Ira Leonis Chief: none, armigerous clan
Innes
Innes crest badge
Innes tartan
Crest: A boar's head, torn off.

Motto: Be traist
Plant badge: great bulrush

Chief: none, armigerous clan The Duke of Roxburghe could be the chief, but he uses the name Innes-Ker.
Irvine
Irvine crest
Crest: A bundle of holly with nine leaves, tied with a red band.

Motto: Flourishing both in sunshine and in shade

Chief: Alexander Irvine of Drum, 27th Baron of Drum

Seat: Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire

Irving
Irving crest
Irving of Bonshaw Tartan Crest: An armored arm holding a holly branch with seven leaves.

Motto: Yielding under no winds

Chief: Rupert Irving of Bonshaw

Seat: Bonshaw Tower, Dumfriesshire

Jardine
Jardine crest badge
Crest: A spur wheel with six points.

Motto: Beware I am present

Chief: Sir William Murray Jardine of Applegirth, 13th Bt.
Johnstone
Johnstone crest badge
Johnstone tartan
Crest: A winged gold spur.

Motto: Never unprepared
Plant badge: red hawthorn

Chief: Patrick Andrew Wentworth Johnstone of Annandale and of that Ilk, 11th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell
Keith
Keith crest badge
Crest: A roebuck's head with gold antlers, coming out of a gold crown.

Motto: Truth conquers

Chief: James William Falconer Keith, 14th Earl of Kintore

Seat: [1] Keith Hall, Aberdeenshire

Kelly Chief: none, armigerous clan
Kennedy
Kennedy crest badge
Kennedy tartan
Crest: A dolphin swimming.

Motto: Consider the end
Plant badge: oak

Chief: David Thomas Kennedy, 9th Marquess of Ailsa
Kerr
Kerr crest badge
Crest: The sun shining brightly, gold.

Motto: Late but in earnest

Chief: Michael Andrew Foster Jude Kerr, 13th Marquess of Lothian
Kincaid Crest: A three-towered silver castle, with an arm holding a sword coming from the middle tower, wearing Kincaid tartan.

Motto: This I'll defend

Chief: Arabella Kincaid of Kincaid
Kinloch Crest: A young eagle perched and looking up at the sun.

Motto: Not degenerate

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Kinnaird Crest: A crescent moon with a star coming from it, surrounded by two palm branches.

Motto: Wandering lights deceive

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Kinnear
Kinnear crest badge
Crest: Two anchors crossed.

Motto: I live in hope

Chief: The clan has a senior male, Malcolm MacIntyre Kinnear; armigerous clan
Kinninmont
Kinninmont crest badge
Crest: A green oak tree.

Motto: I shall stand

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Kirkcaldy Crest: A man's head looking upwards.

Motto: Truth is the strongest

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Kirkcaldy, Fife

Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick crest
Crest: An upright hand holding a dagger dripping blood.

Motto: I make sure

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Laing
Laing crest
Crest: A dove holding an olive branch in its mouth.

Motto: Mercy is my desire

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Lammie Crest: A hand holding a shepherd's crook.

Motto: By various fortunes

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Lamont
Lamont crest badge
Lamont tartan
Crest: A hand, cut off at the wrist.

Motto: Neither spare nor scorn
Plant badge: crab-apple tree, or trefoil or dryas

Chief: The Rev. Father Peter Lamont of that Ilk
Langlands Chief: none, armigerous clan
Learmonth Chief: none, armigerous clan
Leask
Leask crest badge
Crest: A silver crescent moon.

Motto: I grow by virtue

Chief: Jonathan Leask of that Ilk.
Lennox
Lennox crest badge
Crest: Two crossed broadswords behind a swan's head and neck.

Motto: I'll defend

Chief: Edward Lennox of that Ilk
Leslie
Leslie crest badge
Leslie tartan
Crest: A half-griffin, with gold beak and wings.

Motto: Grip fast

Chief: James Malcolm David Leslie, 22nd Earl of Rothes
Lindsay
Lindsay crest badge
Lindsay tartan
Crest: A swan's head, neck, and wings, coming from an old gold ducal crown.

Motto: Endure boldly

Chief: Anthony Robert Lindsay, 30th Earl of Crawford and 13th Earl of Balcarres
Little
Little crest badge
Crest: A half-black lion with silver saltires, holding a cutlass in one paw and a silver saltire in the other.

Motto:Concedo nulli or Fidei coticula crux

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Lockhart
Lockhart crest badge
Crest: A boar's head, torn off, silver with a red tongue, on a red cap.

Motto: I open locked hearts

Chief: Ranald William Angus Lockhart, 26th Baron of Lee
Logan
Logan crest badge
Logan or MacLennan tartan
Crest: A human heart pierced by a nail.

Motto: This is valour of my ancestors
Plant badge: furze

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Logie Chief: none, armigerous clan
Lumsden
Lumsden crest badge
Crest: A bare arm holding a sword, coming out of a gold crown.

Motto: Love endures delays

Chief: Gillem Lumsden of that Ilk
Lundin Crest: A red lion coming out of a gold crown, holding a sword and a thistle.

Motto: By the grace of God I am what I am

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Lyle Crest: A gold cock with red comb and wattle.

Motto: An I may

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Lyon
Lyon crest badge
Crest: A lady from the waist up, richly dressed, holding a thistle, within a laurel wreath.

Motto: In thee o Lord have I put my trust

Chief: Michael Fergus Bowes-Lyon, 18th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne The crest refers to Sir John Lyon's marriage to Princess Jean, daughter of Robert II of Scotland.
MacAlister
MacAlister crest badge
MacAlister tartan
Crest: An upright armored arm holding a dagger.

Motto: Boldly
Plant badge: common heath (Scots heather)

Chief: William MacAlester of Loup and Kennox
MacAlpin/e
MacAlpine Boars Head Crest
MacAlpine Tartan
Crest: A boar's head.

Motto: Remember the death of Alpin
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir)

Chief: none
Commander: Michael T. McAlpin,
Armigers: eight MacAlpine armigers
No chief's arms have been officially recorded.
MacAulay
MacAulay crest badge
MacAulay tartan
MacAulay Hunting tartan
Crest: A boot, cut off at the ankle, with a spur.

Motto: Danger is sweet. or 'Sweet Danger'
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir), or cranberry

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Seat: Ardencaple Castle, Argyll & Bute

No chief's arms have been officially recorded.
MacBain
MacBain crest badge
Crest: A grey half-wildcat, with a red Highland shield on its left foreleg.

Motto: Touch not a catt bot a targe
Plant badge: boxwood, or red whortleberry

Chief: James McBain of McBain This clan is part of the old Clan Chattan Federation.
MacBrayne Chief: none, armigerous clan
MacDonald
Macdonald crest
Crest: On a gold crown, an armored hand holding a red cross with a pointed bottom.

Motto: By sea, by land
Plant badge: common heath (Scots heather)

Chief: Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, 8th Baron Macdonald of Slate
MacDonald of Clanranald
Clanranald crest
Crest: A three-towered silver castle, with an armored arm holding a sword coming from the middle tower.

Motto: My hope is constant in thee
Plant badge: common heath (Scots heather)

Chief: Ranald Alexander MacDonald, Captain of Clanranald
MacDonald of Keppoch
Keppoch Crest
Crest: A red eagle with spread wings, crowned with a gold ducal coronet.

Plant badge: common heath (Scots heather), or white heather

Chief: Ranald Macdonald of Keppoch
MacDonald of Sleat
Macdonald of Sleat crest badge
Crest: An armored hand holding a red cross with a pointed bottom.

Motto: By sea, by land

Chief: Sir Ian MacDonald of Sleat, Bt.
MacDonell of Glengarry
MacDonell of Glengarry crest badge
Crest: A raven perching on a blue rock.

Motto: The rock of the raven
Plant badge: common heath (Scots heather)

Chief: Ranald MacDonnell of Glengarry
MacDougall
MacDougall crest badge
MacDougall tartan
Crest: An armored arm holding an upright red cross with a pointed bottom, on a red cap.

Motto: To conquer or die
Plant badge: bell heather

Chief: Madame Morag MacDougall of MacDougall
Mac Domhnaill Motto: Stand with honor
Chief: Steven Mitchell of Clan Mac Domhnaill
Macdowall
Macdowall crest badge
MacDowall Tartan
Crest: A lion's paw, torn off and upright, holding a dagger, coming from a gold crown.

Motto: To conquer or die

Chief: Fergus D. H. McDowall of Garthland
McDowell Crest: A gold lion standing on its hind legs, crowned red, holding a red cross with a pointed bottom.

Motto: Fear God
Fear of God

Chief:
MacDuff
MacDuff crest badge
MacDuff tartan
Crest: A half-red lion holding an upright broadsword.

Motto: God assists
Plant badge: boxwood, or red whortleberry

Chief: none, armigerous clan
MacEwen (or MacEwan)
MacEwen crest badge
MacEwan tartan
Crest: An oak tree trunk sprouting.

Motto: I grow strong again

Chief: none, armigerous clan This motto comes from the McEwen baronets' symbols, not the clan chief's.
Macfarlane Crest: A half-savage man holding a broadsword and pointing to an Imperial Crown.

Motto: This I'll defend
Plant badge: cranberry, or cloudberry

Chief: none, armigerous clan
Macfie
Macfie crest badge
MacFie tartan
Crest: A half-lion standing on its hind legs.

Motto: For the king
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir), oak, or crowberry

Chief: none, armigerous clan The motto is said to refer to Alpin, the father of the first traditional king of Scots.
Macgillivray
Macgillivray crest badge
Crest: A wildcat sitting and looking forward, with one paw on the ground and its tail curled.

Motto: Touch not this cat

Chief: none, armigerous clan

Plant badge: boxwood, or red whortleberry

Part of the Clan Chattan Federation. In 2016, Iain MacGillivray was elected Clan Commander.
MacInnes
MacInnes crest badge
MacInnes dress tartan
MacInnes tartan
Crest: An arm holding a bow, wearing Clan Aonghais tartan.

Motto: By the grace of God and king
Plant badge: holly

Chief: none, armigerous clan This motto and crest come from a modern coat of arms granted in 1961.
MacIntyre
MacIntyre crest badge
MacIntyre tartan
Crest: A hand holding an upright dagger.

Motto: Through difficulties
Plant badge: common heath (Scots heather), or white Heather

Chief: Donald R. MacIntyre of Glenoe

Seat: Glenoe, Argyll and Bute

MacIver
MacIver crest badge
MacIver tartan
Crest: A boar's head, cut off, gold.

Motto: I will never forget

Chief: none, armigerous clan Both the crest and motto are very similar to the Campbell clan's symbols.
Mackay
Mackay crest badge
Mackay tartan
Ancient Mackay tartan
Crest: An upright arm, cut off at the elbow, holding a dagger.

Motto: With a strong hand
Plant badge: great bulrush, or broom

Chief: Æneas Simon Mackay, 15th Lord Reay
Mackenzie
Mackenzie crest
Mackenzie tartan
Mackenzie dress tartan
Crest: A burning hill.

Motto: I shine not burn
Plant badge: variegated holly, or deer's grass

Chief: John Ruaridh Grant MacKenzie, 5th Earl of Cromartie

Seat: Castle Leod, Ross-shire

The crest and motto come from the Macleods of Lewis. The Mackenzie chiefs are also called "Baron Macleod of Castle Leod".
McKenzie of Torry Crest: None

Motto: He shall conquer

Chieftain: Keith Ngamphon McKenzie of Torry
Seat: Torry
Mackie
Mackie crest badge
Crest: A raven.

Motto: Endeavour

Chief: none, armigerous clan Derived from the arms of Mackie of Larg, the main branch of the clan.
Mackinnon
Mackinnon tartan
Mackinnon Hunting tartan
Crest: A boar's head, torn off, holding a deer's leg in its mouth.

Motto: Fortune assists the daring
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir) or St John's wort

Chief: Madam Anne Mackinnon of Mackinnon.
MacKinlay Chief: none, armigerous clan United States President William McKinley was a member of this clan.
Mackintosh
Mackintosh crest badge
Mackintosh modern tartan
Crest: A wildcat sitting and looking forward.

Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove
Plant badge: red whortleberry, bearberry, or boxwood

Chief: John Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh Clan Macintosh leads the Clan Chattan Federation.
Maclachlan
Maclachlan crest badge
Maclachlan tartan
Maclachlan hunting tartan
Maclachlan tartan
Crest: A castle on a rock, coming out of a crown with strawberry leaves.

Motto: Brave and faithful
Plant badge: rowan (mountain ash), or lesser periwinkle

Chief: Euan Maclachlan of Maclachlan.
Maclaine of Lochbuie
Maclaine of Lochbuie crest badge
Maclaine of Lochbuie tartan
Crest: A laurel branch and a cypress branch crossed, topped by a battle axe.

Motto: To conquer or die
Plant badge: bilberry (blaeberry), bramble, holly, or black berry heath

Chief: Lorne MacLaine of Lochbuie
MacLaren
MacLaren crest badge
MacLaren tartan
Crest: A black lion's head, torn off, with a gold antique crown, between two laurel branches.

Motto: The boar's rock
Plant badge: laurel

Chief: Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine
MacLaurin
Maclaurin crest
Crest: A lady from the middle upwards, holding a child.

Motto: Bi'se mac ant' Slaurie

Chief: none, armigerous clan
MacLea or Livingstone
MacLea crest badge
Crest: A half-man representing Saint Moluag, with a gold halo, green cloak, holding a staff and a blue cross.

Motto: Hill of fire

Chief: Niall Livingstone of Bachuil The motto refers to a hill on the Isle of Lismore.
Maclean
Maclean crest badge
Maclean tartan
Crest: A silver castle with battlements.

Motto: Virtue mine honour
Plant badge: crowberry or holly

Chief: Major The Hon Sir Lachlan MacLean of Duart and Morvern, Bt.
MacLellan
MacLellan crest
Crest: A bare arm supporting a black man's head on the point of a sword.

Motto: Think on

Chief: none, armigerous clan The crest refers to a story where a MacLellan killed an Irish bandit.
MacLennan Crest: A half-piper wearing Clan Maclennan tartan.

Motto: While I breathe I hope
Plant badge: furze

Chief: Ruairidh MacLennan of MacLennan
Macleod
Macleod crest badge
Macleod tartan
Crest: A black bull's head with gold horns, between two red flags.

Motto: Hold fast
Plant badge: juniper

Chief: Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod

Seat: Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye

Macleod of the Lewes
Macleod of the Lewes crest badge
MacLeod Dress tartan
Crest: The sun shining brightly.

Motto: I birn quhil I se
Plant badge: red whortleberry

Chief: Torquil MacLeod of the Lewes
MacMillan
MacMillan crest badge
MacMillan tartan
Crest: Two hands holding and waving a two-handed sword.

Motto: I learn to succour the unfortunate
Plant badge: holly

Chief: George MacMillan of Macmillan and Knap
Macnab
Macnab crest badge
MacNab tartan
Crest: The head of a savage looking forward.

Motto: Let fear be far from all
Plant badge: stone bramble, or common heath (Scots heather)

Chief: James Macnab of Macnab
Macnaghten
Macnaghten crest badge
MacNaughton tartan
Crest: A red castle with battlements.

Motto: I hoip in God
Plant badge: trailing azalea

Chief: Sir Patrick Macnaghten of Macnaghten, Bt.
MacNeacail
MacNeacail crest badge
MacNeacail Tartan
MacNeacail Tartan
Crest: A hawk's head, torn off, red.

Motto: Scorrybreac (the clan chiefs' castle)

Chief: John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac
MacNeil
MacNeil crest badge
Macneil of Barra tartan
Macneil of Colonsay tartan
Crest: A rock, on a red cap.

Motto: To conquer or die
Plant badge: dryas, or trefoil

Chief: Ian R. MacNeil of Barra The plant badge might be for the McNeills of Gigha. Both Lamonts and MacNeils claim descent from the same O'Neill ancestor.
Macphail
MacPhail crest badge
Crest: A stag's head, torn off.

Motto: Be mindful Plant badge: red whortleberry

Chief: none, armigerous clan This clan is part of the Clan Chattan Federation. MacPhails can be found with Clan Macintosh or Clan Cameron.
Macpherson
Macpherson crest badge
Macpherson tartan
Crest: A wildcat sitting.

Motto: 'Touch no the cat but a glove'
Plant badge: white heather, boxwood, or red whortleberry

Chief: Sir William Macpherson of Cluny This clan is part of the old Clan Chattan Federation.
Macquarrie
Macquarrie crest badge
MacQuarrie tartan
Plant badge: pine (Scots fir) Chief: none, armigerous clan
Macqueen
Macqueen crest badge
MacQuarrie tartan
Crest: A heraldic tiger standing on its hind legs, ermine, holding an arrow.

Motto: Constant and faithful
Plant badge: boxwood, or red whortleberry

Chief: none, armigerous clan Part of the Clan Chattan Federation. The chief's family is believed to have moved to New Zealand.
Macrae
Macrae crest badge
Crest: An arm holding a sword.

Motto: With fortitude
Plant badge: club moss

Chief: none, armigerous clan Club moss may refer to the Mackenzie clan's symbols, showing the Macrae's close ties to them.
MacTavish
MacTavish crest badge
Crest: A boar's head, torn off, gold with a red tongue.

Motto: Not forgetful

Chief: Steven MacTavish of Dunardry This clan was considered part of Clan Campbell until 1997. The motto is a response to the Campbell chief's motto.
MacThomas
MacThomas crest badge
MacThomas tartan
Crest: A half-wildcat standing on its hind legs, looking forward, holding a green snake.

Motto: I Will Overcome Envy with God's Help

Chief: Andrew MacThomas of Finegand
Maitland
Maitland crest badge
Crest: A red lion sitting and looking forward, crowned, holding a sword and a blue fleur de lis.

Motto: By wisdom and courage

Chief: Ian Maitland, 18th Earl of Lauderdale
Makgill
Makgill crest badge
Crest: A phoenix rising from flames.

Motto: Without end

Chief: Ian Arthur Alexander Makgill, 14th Viscount of Oxfuird
Malcolm (MacCallum)
Malcolm crest badge
Crest: A silver tower with blue windows and door.

Motto: He has attempted difficult things
Plant badge: rowan berries

Chief: Robin Malcolm of Poltalloch
Mar
Mar crest badge
Mar tartan
Crest: Two wings, each with ten feathers, upright and back-to-back, on a red cap.

Motto: Thinks more

Chief: Margaret of Mar, 31st Countess of Mar
Marjoribanks
Marjoribanks crest badge
Marjoribanks tartan
Crest: A half-griffin coming out of a gold crown.<br
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