The Scottish Clans

Motto: Deid schaw
Origin of Tartan: A family tartan from the “vestiarium Scoticum”
Origin of Name: Lands in Perthshire

History
Thor, son of Sweyn the Viking chief, was the founder of the Ruthven clan, which takes its name from the lands north of Loch Rannoch in Perthshire. In Gaelic these lands are called Ruadhainn. The Ruthven family history reads like a saga worthy of their Viking origins, with shady characters and dark deeds.

Patrick, 3rd Lord Ruthven is celebrated as the principal perpetrator of the murder of David Rizzio, the Italian secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots. His son, who was created the Earl of Gowrie, headed the conspirators who seized James VI and took over the government in his name. For this action, later to be known as the “Ruthven Raid”, he was beheaded.

The reputation of the Ruthvens as assassins was strengthened by a mysterious affair which became known as the “Gowrie Conspiracy” in 1600. John and Alexander Ruthven were killed in Gowrie House during an alleged attempt on the person of James VI. The Ruthven brothers were declared by Parliament to be traitors, although there was no evidence of what, if anything, they had planned to do. Following the Gowrie conspiracy the Ruthven name was decreed out of existence. The family coat of arms was publicly debased, their estates forfeited and the title of Gowrie was outlawed.

However in the twentieth century the family honour was finally restored and the Earldom of Gowrie reinstated.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Rôs
Motto: Spem successus alit (Success nourishes hope)
Badge: Juniper
Lands: Ross-shire, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire
Origin of Name: Placename, Ross-shire
Pipe Music: The Earl of Ross’s March

History
The name Ross derives from the ancient Celtic word “Ros”, meaning “a promontory”, in this case the lands of Easter Ross. The clan is known to Highlanders as Clann Aindreas – the sons of Andrew.

The traditional progenitor of the clan was Fearchar Mac an t Sagairt which is translated as “son of the priest”. Fearchar was created Earl of Ross in 1234, for services to Alexander II.

The last chief of the clan Ross to hold the earldom died in 1372, having fathered no sons. His daughter tried to claim the earldom, but it passed to the MacDonalds of the Isles and subsequently into the hands of the crown in 1476. The once proud Ross estate of Balnagowan became heavily burdened by debt in the 18th century and it was purchased by a lowland branch of the Ross family who, although bearing the family name, were genealogically complete strangers to the Celtic Earls of Ross.

In the early 20th century the chiefship of the clan Ross was restored to the true line.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Ròs
Motto: Constant and true
Badge: Wild rosemary
Lands: Strathnairn, Ross-shire
Origin of Name: From the flower

History
The clan Rose originates from the Norman family ‘de Ros’ who first settled in the district of Nairn in the middle of the thirteenth century. Through marriage to the de Bisset family, Hugo de Ros established his home at Kilravock, which has remained the designation of the chief and the family’s home to this day.

Another union with the Chisholm family brought the Roses extensive lands at Strathnairn and an addition to the family coat of arms. Up until then, the Rose shield bore water bougets, said to allude to the water containers carried by knights taking part in the holy Crusades. The alliance with the Chisholms resulted in the addition of the Chisholms’ boars head to the shield.

In 1390 the Rose family records and charters were destroyed when Elgin Cathedral, where they were kept, was burned to the ground by the notorious Wolf of Badenoch. All documents relating to the family’s history were lost. However, from this time onwards, the records of the Roses are amongst the most complete in Scottish family history.

The Roses of Kilravock were diplomatic in their relations with neighbours and they lived peacefully compared to other clans. The Barons of Kilravock intermarried with the first families of the North and in 1460 the present Kilravock Castle was built on the banks of the River Nairn, where it is still inhabited by the family today.

The Rose family is one of the few in Scotland where the chiefship has descended in an unbroken line to the present day.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: MacDhonnachaidh
Motto: Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour)
Badge: Bracken
Lands: Struan
Origin of Name: Son of Robert
Pipe Music: Teachd Chlann Donnachaidh (The Clan Donnachie has arrived)

History
The Robertsons claim to be descended from Crinan, Lord of Atholl, from whom sprang the royal house of Duncan I, the King of the Scots. The Robertson clan is more properly called ‘Clan Donnachaidh’ from their ancestor Duncan, who was a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce, and who led the Clan at the Battle of Bannockburn.

The general surname of the clan Robertson was taken from Robert Riach (Grizzled Robert) the clan chief, who was known for his intense loyalty to the Stewarts. Riach was responsible for capturing the murderers of King James I, and was rewarded by the crown for this act by having his lands at Struan erected into a Barony.

The clan was also granted a symbolic memorial by additions to their coat of arms – subsequently the chief of clan Robertson bore as his crest a hand holding an imperial royal crown, and underneath a man in chains, representing the regicide. About a century later, the Robertson family lost the lands of Struan to the Earl of Atholl but the family regained them in 1606.

However in the seventeenth century, after the final defeat of James VII, all Robertson estates were forfeited and the chief of the Robertson clan joined the exiled court in France. To this day the chiefs of the clan Robertson still have the right and privilege of interment in the family burial ground at Struan.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Super sidera votum (My wishes are above the stars)
Origin of name: Placename, Perthshire

History
The name Rattray derives from the barony of Rattray in Perthshire. Legend has it that the land was acquired from Malcolm Canmore in the 11th Century. Part of the estate includes a ruined Pictish fort which lies on a serpent shaped feature; this may explain why two serpents support the coat of arms.

The earliest records mention the first laird, Alan who was recorded as witness on charters of Alexander II. Alan’s grandson Eustace fought at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296 where he was captured. His Son Adam swore an oath to Edward I in the same year.

Sir Silvester Rattray of Rattray was ambassador to England in 1463, after his death he was succeeded by his son, Sir John. Sir John was knighted by James IV in 1488 but was killed at Flodden in 1513. His eldest son was already dead leaving two daughters so the estate passed to his second son Patrick.

Patrick was intimidated into giving up the Barony by John Stewart, Earl of Atholl. Through the marriage of Patrick’s niece into the family, the Earl took control of the Barony and also took control of her sister. Thus Patrick was driven from his estate in 1516. He began the construction of Craighall a grand building perched on a 200 feet rock above the River Ericht. The stronghold of Craighall could not protect him from Atholl though and he was murdered in 1533.

Sir John’s third son Silvester succeeded his murdered brother, Atholl continued to intimidate the family however and Silvester petitioned the king for legal recognition as heir. He was succeeded by his son, David Rattray of Craighall. George The laird’s eldest son was also murdered in 1592 and another Silvester, his son, succeeded him.

Silvester died in 1612, leaving three sons. David, the eldest, fought for Charles I. John, the youngest, was captured after the defeat of Charles II in 1651 and incarcerated in the Tower of London.

Patrick Rattray was successful in uniting the barony of Kinballoch with Rattray and their other associated parishes into one free barony of Craighall-Rattray. This charter also claimed back Rattray land seized by the Earls of Atholl.

Patrick’s son, John, was physician to Bonnie Prince Charlie. He was with him throughout the Forty-five and was captured after the Battle of Culloden, but was fortunately reprieved. The twenty-second and twenty-third Lairds died without issue, and the estates passed to a cousin, James Clerk Rattray, sheriff depute of Edinburgh. He was a good friend of Sir Walter Scott who modelled “Tully-Veolan” the Baron of Bradwardine’s castle in “Waverley” on Craighall.

The family seat is still at Craighall-Rattray.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Ramsaidh
Motto: Ora et labora (Pray and work)
Lands: Dalhousie, Banff
Origin of Name: Placename, South Scotland

History
The Ramsays are an ancient family of Anglo-Norman origin. The name was first recorded in Scotland by Simon de Ramsay, who travelled north with the Earl of Huntingdon in 1124. He was granted lands in Lothian and was the ancestor of the Ramsays of Dalhousie.

The Ramsay family prospered and by the thirteenth century there were five major branches: Dalhousie, Auchterhouse, Banff, Forfar and Chatto.

The Ramsay family undertook to maintain a Bruce on the throne of Scotland.

Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie, a renowned knight of the fourteenth century, was honoured in song and story for raising the siege of Dunbar in 1338, and for leading daring guerrilla raids against the English. He was repaid by being created Constable of Roxburgh Castle but this act offended the neighbouring family of Douglas. The leader of the Douglas clan imprisoned Sir Alexander in Hermitage Castle where he starved to death.

Subsequent members of the Ramsay clan continued the military tradition but fighting was not the only talent of this great family. Later descendants include Alan Ramsay, the great eighteenth century poet. His son also achieved fame as a distinguished portrait painter.

The seat of the chiefs of the Ramsay clan is now Brechin Castle in Angus.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item