Clan Young

Clan Young is a clan of the Scottish Boarders originating in East Lothian, Scotland.  The surname Young is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin and was derived from the Middle English word yunge, which means the “young one”.  The first mention of the Young family in Scotland appeared in Dumbarton where Malmore and Ade Young, were listed as residences.  In 1605 Peter Young of Easter Seton was Knighted by James VI of Scotland.

The motto of the clan is Robore Prudentia Praestat which translates into “Prudence excels strength”, and the clan crest features a lion rampant holding a sword.

The historic seat of the clan is Auldbar Castle located in Brechin, Angus.  In 1670 the Young family sold their land holdings in Easter Seton and purchased the lands of Auldbar.  Auldbar Castle was a four story tower house that was originally built by the Crammond family in the 13th century.  The Youngs held the castle until 1743 when it was sold to William Chalmers of Hazlehead who was married to a member of the Young Clan.  In 1965 the castle was demolished.

Clan Young of Auldbar was considered to be a dormant clan by the Lord Lyon King of Arms with Peter Young of Auldbar considered to be its progenitor.  In 1988, Edward Anderson Young of Orlando, Florida, petitioned the Lord Lyon to allow the Youngs to re-convene the clan using Peter Young’s crest and motto as the crest and motto of the whole clan, permission was granted by the Lord Lyon.

Since the clan society was formed in the late 1980s it has grown significantly with branches in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.  The clan holds an annual meeting at the Blairgowrie Highland Games in Scotland.