Burnett Clan Crest
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CREST: (on a chapeau Gules furred Ermine) A cubit arm, the hand naked, vested Vert doubled Argent pruning a vine tree with a pruning knife Proper MOTTO: Virecit vulnere virtus TRANSLATION: Her virtue flourishes by her wounds VARIATIONS: N/A |
| Clan Burnett is a Scottish clan with a rich and varied history dating back to the 12th century. The clan’s roots are said to extend to both Norman and Saxon ancestry, with the name “Burnett” being connected to the Saxon “beornheard,” meaning “brave warrior.”
The Burnetts first came to Scotland in the 12th century, and were said to have settled in Roxburghshire. Alexander Burnett, who was a faithful adherent of Robert the Bruce, was rewarded for his loyalty with a grant of land in the royal Forest of Drum, along with the title of forester. The Burnetts’ association with Drum and the surrounding area would continue for centuries, with Crathes Castle, one of the clan’s most well-known seats, being located nearby. |
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| Over the centuries, the Burnetts were known for their patronage of the Church, with the family granting lands and other endowments to various religious institutions. However, their relationship with the Church was not always cordial. One legend tells of a dispute between Burnett and a neighboring laird over a piece of land, with the local priest declining to intercede. In a fit of rage, Burnett stopped the local monks from fishing in a nearby loch, and even planned to drain it. However, his son was killed in the process, and Burnett ultimately reconciled with the Church.
The Burnetts were also known for their military service, with members of the family serving in conflicts such as the American Wars and World War I. One of the most distinguished members of the family was Major General Sir James Burnett of Leys, who commanded a brigade in World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order twice. In addition to their military service, the Burnetts also produced notable figures in the fields of law and philosophy. Robert Burnett, raised to the Scottish judiciary as Lord Crimond in 1661, had a son who became an eminent historian and clergyman. James Burnett of Monboddo was an eighteenth-century lawyer, philosopher, and judge who was known for his belief that man was related to apes and originally had tails. Today, the Burnett family is still active, with the present chief living on the family lands. Although Crathes Castle is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, it still stands as a testament to the family’s long and distinguished history in Scotland. The Burnett clan is one of Scotland’s many fascinating and enduring historical legacies, and their contributions to Scottish history and culture continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day. |
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