Bagtown Clans

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Clan Scott Crest

Clan Scott Crest
Clan Scott Crest
CREST: A stag trippant Proper, attired and unguled Or
MOTTO: Amo
TRANSLATION: I love
VARIATIONS: N/A
Scotland, with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to a multitude of clans, each with its unique history and traditions. Among these noble clans stands the illustrious Clan Scott, a name that carries with it centuries of valor, feuds, and resilience. In this journey through time, we uncover the fascinating history of Clan Scott and its enduring legacy.

The roots of Clan Scott can be traced back to the Latin word ‘Scotti,’ initially denoting the Irish Celts and later encompassing the broader Gaelic community. However, Clan Scott’s early members bore distinctive personal names that raised questions about their Celtic origin. The first documented mention of the name ‘Scott’ can be found in a charter from around 1120, when Uchtred ‘filius Scott’ emerged on the scene.

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Sir Richard Scott played a pivotal role in shaping the clan’s fortunes by marrying the heiress of Murthockstone. This strategic union led to the acquisition of estates, including Rankilburn. The family’s ancestral seat eventually became known as Buccleuch, a name now synonymous with Clan Scott.

Clan Scott’s loyalty to the Scottish monarchy was unwavering. Sir Michael, the second Laird of Buccleuch, notably distinguished himself at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333 while supporting Robert the Bruce. However, their steadfastness didn’t exempt them from the feuds that often defined borderland clans. The feud with the Kerrs of Cessford, a neighboring clan, escalated to violent confrontations.

Walter Scott, a later Laird of Buccleuch, earned the moniker “the Bold Buccleuch” for his daring military exploits. His legendary rescue of William Armstrong, known as Kinmount Willy, from the seemingly impregnable fortress of Carlisle in 1596 showcased the clan’s unwavering resolve.

Members of Clan Scott didn’t confine their adventures to the Scottish borders. They ventured abroad to fight in foreign lands, notably supporting the Prince of Orange in the Netherlands and earning recognition for their military prowess.

The Scotts received titles and honors throughout their history, from Lairds of Buccleuch to Earls and Dukes. Their alliances shifted with the changing political tides, as they navigated their roles in Scotland’s complex political landscape.

Beyond their military and political endeavors, Clan Scott also left an indelible mark on the world of art. Their collection, displayed in ancestral homes like Drumlanrig, Bowhill, and Boughton, remains renowned and celebrated internationally.

Citations:

  • Descriptive catalogue of the clan tartans and family tartans of Scotland with a brief note on their antiquity: also roll of the landlords and Baillies of lands in the Highlands and isles, A.D. 1587: roll of the clans; badges of the clans, John Catto and Company, King Street, Toronto, Canada
  • Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia”, by Collins, HarperCollins Publishers 1994