Clan McCorquodale Crest
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CREST: A stag at gaze Proper attired Gules MOTTO: Vivat rex TRANSLATION: Long live the king VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The very name “McCorquodale” is steeped in rich heritage. Derived from the old Norse name “Thorketil,” which translates to “son of Torquil,” the clan’s nomenclature directly links to the thunderous Norse god of storms. This connection alone sparks intrigue, hinting at the clan’s might and resilience.
According to the annals of history, the founding of the Clan MacCorquodale can be traced back to Thorkil, a member of the Scots army led by Kenneth MacAlpin. The year was 834, and the Picts posed a formidable challenge. The story takes a dramatic twist as Alpin, King of the Scots, fell in battle before Kenneth’s arrival. The Picts, in a grim display, impaled the late king’s head on a spike within their camp. |
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| Kenneth MacAlpin, true to his word, offered a generous reward of land to anyone in his army who could recover the fallen king’s head. Enter Thorkil, whose unwavering courage and determination led him to undertake this daunting task. With his triumphant success, he secured a charter of land and marked the inception of the MacCorquodale lineage.
In 1434, history finds its echo when Ewan, the son of Ewan MacCorquodale, receives a grant of lands. This charter names him as the “Lord of Maintelan,” believed to be a reference to Phanteland. This marks the rise of the MacCorquodales of Planteland, a branch that would carve its own path in the clan’s storied history. Despite their illustrious ancestry, the MacCorquodales faced challenges to their reputation. In 1612, the clan was reproached by the Privy Council for their association with Clan Gregour and labeled as “notorious thieves.” This moment in history adds depth to the clan’s narrative, showcasing the complexities of their journey. The MacCorquodale clan’s legacy endured through the centuries, with some descendants still residing in their ancestral lands as late as the 18th century. The illustrious story reaches its modern culmination with Sir Malcolm MacCorquodale, who earned the title of Lord MacCorquodale of Newton in 1971, although the title has since become extinct. |
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