Clan Wallace

Clan Wallace is a lowland Scottish Clan originating in the Ayrshire and Renfrewshire districts of Scotland. There are several theories about the origin of the surname Wallace. Many believe that the name is derived from Waleis which meant “Welsh-man” and that the family moved North from Wales with King David I in the 11th century. The progenitor of the clan is believed to be Richard Wallace who acquired several properties in the Scottish lowlands before 1160.

The clan motto is Pro Libertate which means for liberty and the clans crest features a dexter arm, emerging from a crown, holding a sword.

The historic seat of the clan is Craigie Castle located near Craigie Village in South Ayrshire. Craigie Castle was passed onto John Wallace, in 1371, from the Lindsay Clan through marriage. They abandoned the castle in 1588 due to lack of space, once abandoned the castle fell into ruin. Another historic seat of the clan was Auchinbathie Tower located in Renfrewshire, Parish of Lochwinnoch. It is believed that the Wallace’s owned the tower as early as 1398, only ruins remain today.

During the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296–1328), William Wallace became famous leading guerrilla campaign against the English. William and his troops had several successful battles against the English until he was captured, tried for treason and hung in 1305. The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing at Stirling in Scotland commemorating Sir William Wallace.

The Wallace Clan Society was founded in Texas, in 1966. The goal of the society is to promote history and education of Scotland and the Wallace Clan. The society claims to have more than1400 members from around the world.