Scottish Clans - find our more

Remember, that Scots are extremely proud of their roots, so never make stupid jokes of clans and their ancestors.

Claus Clan

At the head of the clan stands Clan chief. Beneath him were the chieftains, heads of individual houses forming this particular clan. Some clans are called an armigerous clans. At the moment they haven’t got chief recognized as such by Lyon Court. And what is mysterious “sept”? Sept is plainly big, powerful family within a clan.
How do one gain clan membership?

That’s very simple! You become clan member through your surname, although married woman takes that of her husband.
What’s in Scots name?

Well, a lot! Scottish surnames can be derived from:

    father’s first name, e.g. Allison, Thomson,
    places, such as Heriot (town), Law (meaning “hill”),
    nicknames, e.g. Meikle (large), Hastie (impetous),
    occupations, e.g. Tranter (hawker), Brewster (brewer).

Each clan has its symbols. What are they?

    tartan – tartan is iconic Scottish pattern. What is interesting, its name is derived from French. Wearing clothes with this pattern is way to emphasize clan’s members identity. Clan tartan has to be approved by the Lord Lyon and recorded in Lyon Court Books.
    crest badge – it is heraldic badge. It’s primary task is to show connection to specific Scottish clan. Usually crest badge consist of crest and clan motto. These elements are protected by law.
    clan badge – usually clan badge is worn in a bonnet behind crest badge, sometimes attached at the shoulder of a lady’s tartan sash.