Clan Colville

Clan Colville is a lowland Scottish Clan originating in the Roxburgshire district of Scotland.  The surname Colville is thought to be of Norman descent derived from the town of Colville in Normandy.  The first mention of the name Colville is as a witness to a charter in 1159.  Philip de Coville is the progenitor of the Colville Clan. Phillip was granted properties in Roxburghshire and Ayrshire in the late 12th century.  In 1219, Thomas de Colville acquired the barony of Kinnaird in Stirlingshire Scotland, this became the seat of the clan.

The motto of the clan is Oblier ne puis which means “I cannot forget”, and the clans crest features a female deer from the neck up.

The historic seat of the clan is Kinnaird Castle in Perthshire.  The castle was constructed by the Colville clan in the 15th century.  In 1449 Sir Robert Colville killed John Auchinleck, a strong ally of Douglas, the Earl of Angus.  In response the Earl of Angus attacked the castle and destroyed the surrounding properties.  The Colvilles abandoned the property.  In 1647 the castle was sold by the Colvilles to the Threipland family.  The building is still occupied.

The Clan Colville Society is open to families from all over the world.  Currently the Society charges a one time membership fee. This includes member resources, a bi-annual newsletter, a clan membership card and representation at Scottish Games.