List of Scottish clans facts for kids
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 |
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Abercromby | Crest: A falcon flying upwards with bells. Motto: He seeks high deeds |
Chief: none, armigerous clan (no recognized chief) Seat: Abercrombie, Fife |
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Abernethy | Crest: A black raven with red beak and legs. Motto: Salvation through Christ |
Chief: none, armigerous clan |
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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 |
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Agnew | Crest: An eagle rising and looking backward. Motto: By wisdom not force |
Chief: Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, 11th Baronet | |||
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 |
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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 |
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Aiton | Crest: A hand pulling a rose. Motto: Roses plucked will give sweet smell |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Ayton, Berwickshire |
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Allardice | Crest: A half-savage man holding a scimitar. Motto: In defence of the distressed |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Allardice Castle, Kincardineshire |
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Anderson | 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 | 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 | Crest: A peacock's head. Motto: Praise God |
Chief: Keith Arbuthnott 17th Viscount of Arbuthnott
Seat: Arbuthnott House, Arbuthnott, Aberdeenshire |
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Armstrong | Crest: An arm from the shoulder, armored. Motto: I remain unvanquished |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Arnott | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Arnott, Portmoak in Kinross-shire |
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Arthur | Crest: Two laurel branches in a circle. Motto: By fidelity and labour |
Chief: John Alexander MacArthur of that Ilk
Seat: Castle Kennedy House, Castle Kennedy, Wigtownshire |
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Auchinleck | Crest: An ear of rye. Motto: What is useful is valuable |
Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Auchinleck | |||
Baillie | Crest: A boar's head, torn off. Motto: What is brighter than the stars |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Baird | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | |||
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 | 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 |
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Binning | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Barony of Binning, in the parish of Uphall, West Lothian |
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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 |
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Blackstock | Chief: none, armigerous clan | ||||
Blair | Crest: A stag resting. Motto: I love the virtuous |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Blair, Ayrshire |
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Blane | Crest: The sword of Justice, standing upright. Motto: Peace or war |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Blyth | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Lauderdale |
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Borthwick | 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 |
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Boswell | Crest: A falcon with a red hood and gold bells. Motto: True faith |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Boyd | Crest: An upright hand with outer fingers bent inwards. Motto: I trust |
Chief: Robin Jordan Boyd, 8th Baron Kilmarnock
Seat: Dean Castle, Ayrshire |
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Boyle | 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 |
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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 |
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Brodie | Crest: A right hand holding a bunch of arrows. Motto: Unite |
Chief: Alexander Tristan Duff Brodie of Brodie
Seat: Brodie Castle, Morayshire |
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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 |
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Bruce | Crest: A blue lion standing. Motto: We have been |
Chief: Andrew Douglas Alexander Thomas Bruce, 11th Earl of Elgin
Seat: Broomhall Hall, Dunfermline |
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Buchan | 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 |
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Buchanan | Crest: A hand holding up a ducal cap with a red rose, between two laurel branches. Motto: Hence the brighter honour |
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 | 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 |
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Byres | Crest: A cock looking backward. Motto: Safe by his own exertions |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Byses Castle (ruin), Haddington, East Lothian |
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Cairns | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Mid Calder, West Lothian |
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Calder | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire |
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Caldwell | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Caldwell, East Renfrewshire |
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Callender | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Callander, Stirlingshire |
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Cameron | Crest: A bundle of five arrows tied with a red band. Motto: Unite |
Chief: Donald Cameron, Baron Cameron of Lochiel
Seat: Achnacarry Castle, Fort William, Highlands |
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Campbell | Crest: A boar's head, torn off, with gold tusks and red tongue. Motto: Do not forget |
Chief: Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll
Seat: Inveraray Castle, Argyll and Bute |
Bog myrtle loses its leaves in winter. | ||
Campbell of Breadalbane | Crest: A boar's head, torn off. Motto: Follow me |
Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Breadalbane | |||
Campbell of Cawdor | Crest: A swan with a gold crown. Motto: Be mindful |
Chief: Colin Campbell, 7th Earl Cawdor
Seat: Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire |
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Campbell of Possil | Crest: A boar's head, upright and torn off, with blue tusks and tongue. Motto: Do and hope |
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Carmichael | Crest: An upright hand and arm holding a broken spear. Motto: Always ready |
Chief: Richard Carmichael of Carmichael
Seat: Carmichael, South Lanarkshire |
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Carnegie | Crest: A thunderbolt with gold wings. Motto: Dred God |
Chief: David Carnegie, 4th Duke of Fife
Seat: Elsick House, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire |
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Carruthers | Crest: A flying angel. Motto: Ready and faithful |
Chief: Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers | |||
Cathcart | 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 |
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Chalmers | Crest: A lion's head and neck, black with a red tongue. Motto: Advance |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Charteris | 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 |
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Chattan | Crest: A wildcat leaping. Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove |
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 | Crest: A silver cross with pointed ends. Motto: Patience conquers |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Esslemont, Aberdeenshire |
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Chisholm | Crest: A hand holding an upright dagger, piercing a boar's head. Motto: I am fierce with the fierce |
Chief: Hamish Chisholm of Chisholm | |||
Clelland | Crest: A falcon on a glove. Motto: For sport |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Cleland, North Lanarkshire |
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Clephane | Crest: A hand holding a helmet. Motto: That I May Be the More Ready |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Carslogie, Fife |
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Cochrane | 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 |
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Cockburn | Crest: A cock crowing. Motto: He rouses us with song |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Colquhoun | Crest: A stag's head, cut off, with silver antlers. Motto: If I can |
Chief: Sir Malcolm Rory Colquhoun of Luss, 9th Baronet
Seat: Rossdhu Mansion, Argyll & Bute |
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Colville | 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 |
Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Riccarton |
The last chief died in 1823. | ||
Cranstoun | 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 | 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 | Crest: A dragon breathing fire. Motto: God send grace |
Chief: David Maitland Makgill Crichton of that Ilk
Seat: Monzie Castle, Crieff |
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Crosbie | Crest: A tree trunk sprouting new branches from a mound. Motto: I shall rise again |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Cumming | Crest: A gold lion standing on its hind legs, holding a dagger. Motto: Courage |
Chief: Sir Alexander Penrose Gordon Cumming of Altyre, 7th Bt.
Seat: Altyre House, Morayshire |
The cumin plant is not native to Britain. | ||
Cunningham | 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 |
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Dalrymple | Crest: A rock. Motto: Firm |
Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Dalrymple | |||
Dalziel | 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 | Crest: A stag's head, torn off. Motto: Wisely if sincerely |
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 | 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 | Crest: A hand holding up an imperial crown. Motto: Glory is the reward of valour |
Chief: Alexander Robertson of Struan. | Fern is considered an older plant badge for this clan. | ||
Douglas | 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 | Crest: A goshawk with spread wings, on a gold crown. Motto: Honour crowns virtue |
Chief: James David Drummond, 19th Earl of Perth | |||
Dunbar | 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 |
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Duncan | 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 |
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Durie | 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 |
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Eliott | Crest: An armored hand, cut off at the wrist, holding a cutlass. Motto: Boldly and rightly |
Chief: Margaret Eliott of Redheugh
Seat: Redheugh, Roxburghshire |
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Elphinstone | 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 | 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 | 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 | Crest: A half-red lion holding a sword, on a red cap. Motto: By fidelity and fortitude |
Chief: Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld | This clan is part of the Clan Chattan Federation. | ||
Fenton | Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Fenton, Dirleton, East Lothian |
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Fergusson | Crest: A bee on a thistle, on a red cap. Motto: Sweeter after difficulties |
Chief: Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran, 9th Bt. | |||
Fleming | 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 | Crest: A stag's head with ten antlers. Motto: Grace me guide |
Chief: Lord Malcolm Nigel Forbes, 23rd Lord Forbes
Seat: Castle Forbes, Aberdeenshire |
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Forrester | 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 |
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Forsyth | 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. |
Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Powrie, Inverarity, Forfarshire |
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Fraser | Crest: A mound with strawberries, leaves, and fruit. Motto: All my hope is in God |
Chief: Flora Fraser, 21st Lady Saltoun | |||
Fraser of Lovat | Crest: A buck's head, torn off. Motto: I am ready. |
Chief: Simon Fraser, 18th Lord Lovat
Seat: Beaufort Castle, Aberdeenshire |
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Fullarton | Crest: An otter's head, torn off, red. Motto: Light in darkness |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: barony of Fullarton, Ayrshire |
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Galbraith | 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 |
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Gartshore | Crest: An eagle with spread wings. Motto: Renew my age |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Gartshore, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire |
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Gayre | Chief: Reinold Gayre of Gayre and Nigg | ||||
Ged | 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 | 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 |
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Graham | Crest: A falcon killing a stork. Motto: Do not forget |
Chief: James Graham, 8th Duke of Montrose
Seat: Buchanan Castle, Stirlingshire |
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Grant | Crest: A burning hill. Motto: The rock of alarm |
Chief: James Patrick Trevor Grant of Grant, 6th Baron Strathspey | |||
Gray | 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 | Crest: A lion's head, torn off, with a gold antique crown. Motto: My race is royal |
Chief: Sir Malcolm Gregor MacGregor of MacGregor, 7th Bart. | This is the clan of the famous historical figure, Rob Roy MacGregor. | ||
Grierson | Crest: A silver fetterlock (a type of shackle). Motto: More secure by this |
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 | Crest: A hand holding a sword. Motto: Either peace or war |
Chief: Iain Alexander Gunn of Banniskirk | The crest and motto here are not from the chief's official symbols. | ||
Guthrie | Crest: A hand holding a drawn sword. Motto: I stand for the truth |
Chief: Alexander Guthrie of Guthrie | |||
Haig | Crest: A rock. Motto: Tyde what may |
Chief: Alexander Douglas Derrick Haig, 3rd Earl Haig
Seat: Bemersyde, Roxburghshire |
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Haldane | Crest: An eagle's head, torn off, gold. Motto: Suffer |
Chief: Martin Haldane of Gleneagles
Seat: Gleneagles, Perthshire |
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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 |
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Halkerston | Crest: A falcon's head, torn off. Motto: I endeavour in difficulties |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Rathillet, Fife |
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Halket | Crest: A falcon's head, torn off. Motto: Faith is sufficient |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Pitfirran, Fife |
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Hall | Crest: A Talbot dog's head. Motto: Live, so that you may live |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Liddesdale, Roxburghshire |
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Hamilton | 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 | 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 | Crest: A falcon flying, coming out of a crown, with gold bells and straps. Motto: Keep the yoke |
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 |
Chief: Alistair Donald Henderson of Fordell | |||
Hepburn | 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 |
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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 |
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Hogarth | Crest: A pegasus (winged horse). Motto: Sincerity gives wings to strength |
Chief: William Hogarth
Seat: Berwickshire and later Firhil |
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Home | Crest: A lion's head, torn off, silver, on a red cap. Motto: A home. A home. A home. |
Chief: David Douglas-Home, 15th Earl of Home | |||
Hope | 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 | Crest: A sand-glass. Motto: In time |
Chief: none, armigerous clan Seat: Houston, Renfrewshire | |||
Hunter | 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 | Crest: A boar's head, torn off. Motto: Be traist |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | The Duke of Roxburghe could be the chief, but he uses the name Innes-Ker. | ||
Irvine | 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 |
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Irving | ![]() |
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 |
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Jardine | Crest: A spur wheel with six points. Motto: Beware I am present |
Chief: Sir William Murray Jardine of Applegirth, 13th Bt. | |||
Johnstone | Crest: A winged gold spur. Motto: Never unprepared |
Chief: Patrick Andrew Wentworth Johnstone of Annandale and of that Ilk, 11th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell | |||
Keith | 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 |
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Kelly | Chief: none, armigerous clan | ||||
Kennedy | Crest: A dolphin swimming. Motto: Consider the end |
Chief: David Thomas Kennedy, 9th Marquess of Ailsa | |||
Kerr | 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 | Crest: Two anchors crossed. Motto: I live in hope |
Chief: The clan has a senior male, Malcolm MacIntyre Kinnear; armigerous clan | |||
Kinninmont | 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 | |||
Kirkpatrick | Crest: An upright hand holding a dagger dripping blood. Motto: I make sure |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Laing | 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 | Crest: A hand, cut off at the wrist. Motto: Neither spare nor scorn |
Chief: The Rev. Father Peter Lamont of that Ilk | |||
Langlands | Chief: none, armigerous clan | ||||
Learmonth | Chief: none, armigerous clan | ||||
Leask | Crest: A silver crescent moon. Motto: I grow by virtue |
Chief: Jonathan Leask of that Ilk. | |||
Lennox | Crest: Two crossed broadswords behind a swan's head and neck. Motto: I'll defend |
Chief: Edward Lennox of that Ilk | |||
Leslie | Crest: A half-griffin, with gold beak and wings. Motto: Grip fast |
Chief: James Malcolm David Leslie, 22nd Earl of Rothes | |||
Lindsay | 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 | 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 | 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 | Crest: A human heart pierced by a nail. Motto: This is valour of my ancestors |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Logie | Chief: none, armigerous clan | ||||
Lumsden | 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 | 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 | Crest: An upright armored arm holding a dagger. Motto: Boldly |
Chief: William MacAlester of Loup and Kennox | |||
MacAlpin/e | Crest: A boar's head. Motto: Remember the death of Alpin |
Chief: none Commander: Michael T. McAlpin, Armigers: eight MacAlpine armigers |
No chief's arms have been officially recorded. | ||
MacAulay | Crest: A boot, cut off at the ankle, with a spur. Motto: Danger is sweet. or 'Sweet Danger' |
Chief: none, armigerous clan
Seat: Ardencaple Castle, Argyll & Bute |
No chief's arms have been officially recorded. | ||
MacBain | Crest: A grey half-wildcat, with a red Highland shield on its left foreleg. Motto: Touch not a catt bot a targe |
Chief: James McBain of McBain | This clan is part of the old Clan Chattan Federation. | ||
MacBrayne | Chief: none, armigerous clan | ||||
MacDonald | Crest: On a gold crown, an armored hand holding a red cross with a pointed bottom. Motto: By sea, by land |
Chief: Godfrey James Macdonald of Macdonald, 8th Baron Macdonald of Slate | |||
MacDonald of Clanranald | 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 |
Chief: Ranald Alexander MacDonald, Captain of Clanranald | |||
MacDonald of Keppoch | 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 | 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 | Crest: A raven perching on a blue rock. Motto: The rock of the raven |
Chief: Ranald MacDonnell of Glengarry | |||
MacDougall | Crest: An armored arm holding an upright red cross with a pointed bottom, on a red cap. Motto: To conquer or die |
Chief: Madame Morag MacDougall of MacDougall | |||
Mac Domhnaill | Motto: Stand with honor |
Chief: Steven Mitchell of Clan Mac Domhnaill | |||
Macdowall | 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 |
Chief: | |||
MacDuff | Crest: A half-red lion holding an upright broadsword. Motto: God assists |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
MacEwen (or MacEwan) | 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 |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Macfie | Crest: A half-lion standing on its hind legs. Motto: For the king |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | The motto is said to refer to Alpin, the father of the first traditional king of Scots. | ||
Macgillivray | 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 | Crest: An arm holding a bow, wearing Clan Aonghais tartan. Motto: By the grace of God and king |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | This motto and crest come from a modern coat of arms granted in 1961. | ||
MacIntyre | Crest: A hand holding an upright dagger. Motto: Through difficulties |
Chief: Donald R. MacIntyre of Glenoe
Seat: Glenoe, Argyll and Bute |
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MacIver | 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 | Crest: An upright arm, cut off at the elbow, holding a dagger. Motto: With a strong hand |
Chief: Æneas Simon Mackay, 15th Lord Reay | |||
Mackenzie | Crest: A burning hill. Motto: I shine not burn |
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 |
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Mackie | Crest: A raven. Motto: Endeavour |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | Derived from the arms of Mackie of Larg, the main branch of the clan. | ||
Mackinnon | Crest: A boar's head, torn off, holding a deer's leg in its mouth. Motto: Fortune assists the daring |
Chief: Madam Anne Mackinnon of Mackinnon. | |||
MacKinlay | Chief: none, armigerous clan | United States President William McKinley was a member of this clan. | |||
Mackintosh | Crest: A wildcat sitting and looking forward. Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove |
Chief: John Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh | Clan Macintosh leads the Clan Chattan Federation. | ||
Maclachlan | Crest: A castle on a rock, coming out of a crown with strawberry leaves. Motto: Brave and faithful |
Chief: Euan Maclachlan of Maclachlan. | |||
Maclaine of Lochbuie | Crest: A laurel branch and a cypress branch crossed, topped by a battle axe. Motto: To conquer or die |
Chief: Lorne MacLaine of Lochbuie | |||
MacLaren | Crest: A black lion's head, torn off, with a gold antique crown, between two laurel branches. Motto: The boar's rock |
Chief: Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine | |||
MacLaurin | Crest: A lady from the middle upwards, holding a child. Motto: Bi'se mac ant' Slaurie |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
MacLea or Livingstone | 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 | Crest: A silver castle with battlements. Motto: Virtue mine honour |
Chief: Major The Hon Sir Lachlan MacLean of Duart and Morvern, Bt. | |||
MacLellan | 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 |
Chief: Ruairidh MacLennan of MacLennan | |||
Macleod | Crest: A black bull's head with gold horns, between two red flags. Motto: Hold fast |
Chief: Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod
Seat: Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye |
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Macleod of the Lewes | Crest: The sun shining brightly. Motto: I birn quhil I se |
Chief: Torquil MacLeod of the Lewes | |||
MacMillan | Crest: Two hands holding and waving a two-handed sword. Motto: I learn to succour the unfortunate |
Chief: George MacMillan of Macmillan and Knap | |||
Macnab | Crest: The head of a savage looking forward. Motto: Let fear be far from all |
Chief: James Macnab of Macnab | |||
Macnaghten | Crest: A red castle with battlements. Motto: I hoip in God |
Chief: Sir Patrick Macnaghten of Macnaghten, Bt. | |||
MacNeacail | Crest: A hawk's head, torn off, red. Motto: Scorrybreac (the clan chiefs' castle) |
Chief: John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac | |||
MacNeil | Crest: A rock, on a red cap. Motto: To conquer or die |
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 | 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 | Crest: A wildcat sitting. Motto: 'Touch no the cat but a glove' |
Chief: Sir William Macpherson of Cluny | This clan is part of the old Clan Chattan Federation. | ||
Macquarrie | Plant badge: pine (Scots fir) | Chief: none, armigerous clan | |||
Macqueen | Crest: A heraldic tiger standing on its hind legs, ermine, holding an arrow. Motto: Constant and faithful |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | Part of the Clan Chattan Federation. The chief's family is believed to have moved to New Zealand. | ||
Macrae | Crest: An arm holding a sword. Motto: With fortitude |
Chief: none, armigerous clan | Club moss may refer to the Mackenzie clan's symbols, showing the Macrae's close ties to them. | ||
MacTavish | 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 | 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 | 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 | Crest: A phoenix rising from flames. Motto: Without end |
Chief: Ian Arthur Alexander Makgill, 14th Viscount of Oxfuird | |||
Malcolm (MacCallum) | Crest: A silver tower with blue windows and door. Motto: He has attempted difficult things |
Chief: Robin Malcolm of Poltalloch | |||
Mar | 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 | Crest: A half-griffin coming out of a gold crown.<br |