Scotland's clans are famous around the world, and they are one of the most important and iconic parts of the country's heritage.
There are hundreds of clans in Scotland, many of which are still active to this day. The word 'clann' derives from the Gaelic word for 'children' and would refer to the descendants, family and sworn arms men of a particularly powerful chief or king.
While different clans have different histories, by the 13th century many had established firm roots in the Highlands. The clans were the primary political system in Scotland until the time of the battle of Culloden in 1746, which marked the end of the Jacobite rising.
Here is a summary of 12 of the most iconic Scottish clans, including their mottos, crests, and origins.
Clan Campbell
Region: Argyll
Motto: Ne Obliviscaris (Forget Not)
Crest: A boar's head
Clan Campbell is commonly regarded as among the largest and most powerful of the Highland clans, while its name originates from the Gaelic 'cam-beul', which translates to 'crooked mouth'. The chief of the clan became Earl of Argyll and later Duke of Argyll.
Clan MacLeod
Region: Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Sutherland
Motto: Hold fast
Crest: A bull's head between two flags
Clan MacLeod is often associated with the Isle of Skye, while its name simply means 'son of Leod'. There are two primary branches of the clan: the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, and the MacLeods of Lewis and Raasay.
Clan Sinclair
Region: Caithness
Motto: Commit thy work to God
Crest: A cock proper
Clan Sinclair holds the lands of Caithness, the Orkney Islands, and the Lothians, and is believed to have arrived in Scotland in the 11th century. Before that, they were thought to have originated in Saint-Clair in Normandy — hence the name.
Clan MacLean
Region: Inner Hebrides
Motto: Virtue Mine Honour (My Virtues are my Honour)
Crest: A tower with battlements
Clan Maclean is thought to be one of the oldest in the country. Many members were renowned for their honour, strength, and courage. It is also known for having been involved in many battles with other clans, including the Camerons, MacDonalds and Campbells.
Clan Robertson
Region: Struan, Perthshire
Motto: Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour)
Crest: A dexter hand holding up an imperial crown
The name of Clan Robertson means ''son of Robert', who is said to have been a famous clan chief of the Clan Donald. The clan, which is also referred to as Clan Donnachaidh, are historically based in Perthshire.
Clan Mackenzie
Region: Ross-shire
Motto: Luceo non uro (I shine not burn)
Crest: A mountain in flames
Historians believe the ancestors of Clan Mackenzie date back to the 12th century. The clan is known for having supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Clan Douglas
Region: Lanarkshire, Lothian, Scottish Marches, Angus, Moray, Galloway and Dumfriesshire
Motto: Jamais arrière (Never behind)
Crest: On a chapeau, a green salamander surrounded by fire
Clan Douglas' name comes from Douglas in Lanarkshire, though they came to control large amounts of territory throughout the Lowlands. The clan were among the most powerful and decorated in all of Scotland, holding many titles.
Clan Gregor/MacGregor
Region: Argyll, Perthshire Highlands
Motto: 'S Rioghal mo dhream (Royal is my race)
Crest: A crowned lions head
Known as both Clan Gregor and Clan MacGregor, this clan is thought to date all the way back to the 9th century. Its most well-known member is perhaps the infamous outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor, who later became a folk hero.
Clan Mackintosh
Region: Inverness
Motto: Touch Not The Cat Bot A Glove
Crest: A wildcat guardant.
The founder of Clan Mackintosh is traditionally believed to be a son of MacDuff, with its name translating from Gaelic to 'Son of the Thane or Leader'. During the Wars of Scottish Independence, they were supporters of Robert the Bruce.
Clan Cameron
Region: Lochaber
Motto: Aonaibh Ri Chéile (Let Us Unite)
Crest: A sheaf of five arrows
Based in Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands, the name of Clan Cameron comes from the Gaelic 'Cam-sron' meaning 'Crooked Nose'. The highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, lies within their lands.
Clan Donald/MacDonald
Region: Inner Hebrides, Ross
Motto: Per mare per terras (By sea and by land)
Crest: On a crest coronet, an armoured hand holding a cross
Known as both Clan Donald and Clan MacDonald, this is among the largest clans in Scotland. At one time, it controlled practically the entirety of Scotland's western seaboard.
Clan Fraser (of Lovat)
Region: Inverness-shire
Motto: Je suis prest (I am ready)
Crest: A buck's head
Clan Fraser of Lovat is the primary branch of Clan Fraser and is commonly associated with Inverness. In fact, the clan has historically held great influence over local politics in Inverness-shire, and has been a key player in Scottish military conflicts.
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