Clan Lindsay

Clan Lindsay is a lowland Scottish clan originating in the Angus district of Scotland. The surname Lindsay is derived from the place name, Lincoln’s Island. The first chief of the clan is considered to be Sir Walter de Lindsay who lived in the 12th century. Sir Walter was the son of Gilbert de Ghent who emigrated from Flanders.

The motto of the clan is Endure Fort which means to suffer bravely. The Clan crest features a swan emerging from a crown.

The historic seat of clan Lindsay was Crawford Castle, formally known as Lindsay Tower, in Crawford, South Lanarkshire. The Lindsay family acquired the property in 1246 through marriage. The Lindsay’s lost the castle to the Clan Douglas in 1488 by a decree by James IV. In 1520 the Clan chief built Edzell Castle in Brechin and it was the family seat until 1715 when it was sold to the Earl of Dalhousie. The current seat of the clan is Balcarres House in the village of Colinsburgh.

In 1390 the clan Chief Sir David Lindsay took part in a tournament at the London Bridge. Present at the event was Richard II of England. Sir David won the tournament and the respect of King Richard and received the title of Earl of Crawford. Chiefs of the Lindsay Clan still carry this title.

The Clan Lindsay Society was founded in 1897 in Edinburgh Scotland. The goal of the Society is to reunite and connect descendants of the Lindsay Clan. The society holds annual meetings and is often present at clan gatherings.