Clan Leask Crest
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CREST: A crescent Argent MOTTO: Virtute cresco TRANSLATION: I grow by virtue VARIATIONS: N/A |
| Like many Scottish families, the origin of the Leask name carries various theories. One possibility is that it stems from the Anglo-Saxon word “lisse,” meaning “happy,” serving as a diminutive form. In Norse, it is said to denote “a stirring fellow.” Another theory posits that Liscus, the chief of the Haedui, a Gaulish tribe mentioned in Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars, could be the ancestor of the Leasks. Additionally, the connection to the de Lesque family, who once held the Castle of Boulogne, adds another layer to the name’s historical significance.
The Leasks left their mark in historical records dating back centuries. In the Ragman Rolls of 1296, William de Laskereske is recorded as submitting to Edward I of England. William Leask, granted a charter of confirmation by David II in 1345, played a significant role in securing Leskgoroune or Leskgaranne. His legacy is further solidified through his generous bequests to the church of St Mary of Ellon. The Leask chiefs, including William Lask of that Ilk, were also known for their attendance in the reformed church at Ellon in the seventeenth century. |
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| Throughout their history, the Leasks forged alliances and encountered conflicts with other noble families. The Hays were one such connection, with the Leasks signing a bond of manrent in favor of William Hay, Earl of Erroll, in 1456. The Cheynes of Esslemont also formed ties with the Hay Earls of Erroll, as evidenced by their bond signed at the Chapel of Laske in 1499. However, clashes with the Gordons are also recorded, with instances of violence and attacks on Leask family members.
The late seventeenth century marked a tumultuous period for the Leasks. They invested heavily in the ill-fated Darien scheme, a trading venture intended to rival the East India Company. Unfortunately, disease and hardship ravaged the chosen settlement, leading to significant loss of life and finances for the Leasks. Alexander Leask of that Ilk, the thirteenth and last known chief in the unbroken line, was forced to relinquish their estates. The Leask name faded from prominence for a time. Despite the trials they faced, the Leask name resurfaced in the twentieth century. A dedicated descendant managed to repurchase a portion of the family lands, rekindling the Leask legacy. Supported by influential Leasks such as Lieutenant General Sir Henry Leask, the Leask Society was established in 1963. The society aimed to preserve the family’s heritage and foster a sense of connection among Leask descendants. In 1968, the Lord Lyon, the official heraldic authority in Scotland, recognized the present chief for her lifetime, reaffirming the line of descent and securing the bloodline for future generations. This acknowledgment served as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Leask clan. Today, the Leask Society continues to thrive, fostering a sense of community among Leask descendants worldwide. They celebrate their heritage through gatherings, events, and the exchange of genealogical information. The Leask name lives on, representing a shared bond and a deep connection to the storied past of Scotland. |
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