Clan Hay

Clan Hay is a Scottish Clan located in the North East of Scotland in locations such as Banffshire, Morayshire and Nairn.  It is believed that the name Hay was derived from La Haye, in Normandy, France.

The Hay clan is thought to have originated after the Norman conquest of England.  The Hays were lords that were invited to settle in Scotland to help improve the area. The first Hay to arrive in Scotland is William de la Haye, who was made the first Baron of Erroll, by King Malcolm IV in 1178. He is considered to be the first chief of the clan.

The clan motto is Serva Jugum which means “Keep the yoke”, and, the clan crest features a falcon, from a crown, armed and belled.

The historic seat of Can Hay is Old Slains Castle located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.  The castle was granted to Sir Gilbert Hay, The 5th Lord Erroll, after his support of Robert the Bruce against the English.  It was destroyed in 1594 by King James VI

New Slains Castle was built sometime after 1597, near Cruden Bay, to replace Old Stains Castle.  This castle remained in the Hay family until 1913 when the chief sold the castle to a wealthy business man. The castle was abandoned in the 1920s but there are plans for restoration.

The Clan Hay society was founded in 1951 with the goal to “bring all those with an interest in the Scottish family Hay” together.  The society organizes regular events around the world and is actively assisting with genealogical research.