Posted by Maris on 20th Dec 2023
Inside 12 iconic Scottish clans' mottos and meanings that trace back over centuries
One of the most significant and recognizable aspects of Scottish history, clans are well-known throughout the globe.
Scotland is home to hundreds of clans, many of which still exist today. The term 'clann' refers to the sworn armsmen, offspring, and family of a great chief or king and comes from the Gaelic word meaning 'children'.
Although the history of many clans vary, by the thirteenth century, several had firmly established themselves in the Highlands. Up to the Jacobite uprising's demise at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the clans were the main governmental structure in Scotland.
This is a synopsis of 12 of the most well-known Scottish clans, complete with crests, mottos, and historical background.
Clan Campbell
Area: Argyll
Ne Obliviscaris is the motto (forget not)
Crest: A head of a boar
As one of the biggest and most influential clans in the Highlands, Clan Campbell gets its name from the Gaelic word "cam-beul," which means "crooked mouth." The clan leader rose to the position of Earl of Argyll and then Duke of Argyll.
Clan MacLeod
Region: Sutherland, Inner and Outer Hebrides
Motto: Remain steadfast.
A bull's head between two flags is the crest.
Although Clan MacLeod's name only translates to "son of Leod," it is frequently connected to the Isle of Skye. The MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan and the MacLeods of Lewis and Raasay are the two main branches of the clan.
Clan Sinclair
Area: Caithness
Motto: Give your labor to God.
Crest: A decent cock
Presumably having arrived in Scotland in the eleventh century, Clan Sinclair is the owner of the territories of Caithness, the Orkney Islands, and the Lothians. The name comes from the belief that they originated in Saint-Clair, Normandy, prior to that.
Clan MacLean
Area: Inner Hebrides
Motto: Virtue Mine Honour, which means "My Honor is my Virtues."
Crest: A battlemented tower
It's believed that Clan Maclean is among the oldest in the nation. Numerous members were well-known for their bravery, tenacity, and honor. It is also well-known for having fought numerous conflicts with other clans, including as the Campbell, MacDonald, and Cameron families.
Clan Robertson
Location: Perthshire's Struan
Motto: "Glory is the reward of valour" (Virtis gloria merces).
Crest: An imperial crown held aloft by a deft hand
Clan Robertson gets its name from the phrase "son of Robert," who was allegedly a well-known Clan Donald clan head. Historically, the clan—also known as Clan Donnachaidh—has its headquarters in Perthshire.
Clan Mackenzie
Area: Ross-shire
Motto: "I shine, not burn." Luceo non uro
Crest: A burning mountain
The forebears of Clan Mackenzie, according to historians, originated in the twelfth century. The clan is well-known for having backed Robert Bruce throughout the Scottish Independence Wars.
Clan Douglas
Area: Dumfriesshire, Angus, Moray, Galloway, Scottish Marches, Lanarkshire, and Lothian
Motto: "Never behind" or jamais arrière
Crest: A green salamander encircled by fire on a chapeau
The name Clan Douglas originates from Douglas in Lanarkshire, even though they eventually gained authority over a considerable portion of the Lowlands. With numerous titles, the clan was one of the most illustrious and powerful in all of Scotland.
Clan Gregor/MacGregor
Area: Perthshire Highlands and Argyll
"S Rioghal mo dhream" means "Royal is my race."
Crest: The head of a crowned lion
This clan, also known as Clan MacGregor and Clan Gregor, is believed to have existed as early as the ninth century. Probably the most famous of its members is the legendary criminal Robert Roy MacGregor, who went on to become a folk hero.
Clan Mackintosh
Area: Inverness
Motto: "Don't Touch The Cat, Just The Glove"
Crest: A protector wildcat.
The name Clan Mackintosh means 'Son of the Thane or Leader' in Gaelic, and it is customarily assumed that its progenitor was a son of MacDuff. They backed Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Clan Cameron
Area: Lochaber
Motto: "Let Us Unite," Aonaibh Ri Chéile
Crest: Five arrows in a sheaf
The name Clan Cameron, which is derived from the Gaelic phrase "Cam-sron," which means "Crooked Nose," is derived from Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands. Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, is located on their territory.
Donald/MacDonald Clan
Area: Ross and the Inner Hebrides
Motto: "For land, for sea" (By land and by sea)
crown: An armored hand clutching a cross on a crown coronet
This is one of the biggest clans in Scotland, going by the names Clan Donald and Clan MacDonald. It once held authority over almost the whole western coast of Scotland.
Fraser Clan (of Lovat)
Inverness-shire region
Slogan: Je suis prest (I'm prepared)
Crest: A head of a deer
The main branch of Clan Fraser, known as Clan Fraser of Lovat, is frequently connected to Inverness. Actually, the clan has a long history of being heavily involved in Scottish military wars and has significant political sway over Inverness-shire local politics.