Beaton Clan Crest
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CREST: An otter’s head erased Argent MOTTO: Debonnaire TRANSLATION: Gracious VARIATIONS: Bethune |
| The Clan Beaton is a fascinating family with a rich history that stretches back to the late medieval and early modern periods in Scotland. The clan’s name is an indication of their long-standing association with medicine, with the name “Beaton” being derived from the Gaelic “MacMeic-bethad” which means “son of life.” This connection with medicine is what sets the clan apart from other families in the Scottish Highlands, which were often portrayed as wild and uncivilized during this period. | |
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| One of the earliest recorded members of the clan was Patrick MacBeth, who was the principal physician to King Robert I of Scotland. This indicates that the Beatons had already established themselves as a family of physicians by the late 13th century.
In the late 16th century, the clan began to adopt the name “Beaton” as their surname, which was similar to their Gaelic name and made it easier for them to fit in with non-Gaelic communities. This was a common practice among Highland families at the time. One of the most prominent members of the clan was Dr. Peter Beaton, who was a “famous physician” according to historical accounts. However, recent research by John Bannerman, a historian from the University of Edinburgh, suggests that Dr. Peter Beaton was actually a Patrick, and that the use of “Peter” as a non-Gaelic substitute for “Patrick” was common at the time. The Beatons were also associated with the MacDonalds, one of the largest and most powerful clans in Scotland. According to tradition, the Beatons came to Scotland as part of the retinue of Aine, the wife of Angus “Og” MacDonald, who was a follower of Robert the Bruce and led the MacDonalds in the Battle of Bannockburn. The Beatons were known for their expertise in medicine and their reputation as skilled physicians spread throughout the Scottish Highlands and the Hebrides. They were highly valued for their medical knowledge and were often called upon to treat the sick and injured. |
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