Clan Skene Crest
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CREST: A dexter arm issuing from the shoulder out of a cloud, holding forth in the hand atriupphal drown, Proper. MOTTO: Virtutis Regia Merces TRANSLATION: A palace the reward of bravery VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The tale begins in the 11th century, where a younger son of Roberson of Struan, a member of the clan, found himself in a life-defining moment. He saved the life of the king by fearlessly taking on a savage wolf with nothing more than a small dagger, or ‘sgian.’ In recognition of this heroic act, he was granted lands in Aberdeenshire, which he aptly named after the very weapon that had brought him good fortune. The clan, in turn, adopted the name ‘Skene’ to honor their ownership of these lands. This legendary event is immortalized in the clan’s coat of arms, featuring three wolves’ heads impaled on daggers, symbolizing bravery and triumph. | |
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| The Skene clan’s early history is intertwined with Scotland’s tumultuous past. John de Skeen, the first recorded bearer of the name, lived during the reign of Malcolm III. His loyalty to Conald Bane, a rival to the succession of King Edgar, led to the forfeiture of his lands. However, the Skenes regained their holdings by joining the army of Alexander I during the fight against northern rebels in 1118.
The clan’s commitment to the Scottish cause remained steadfast. They supported Robert the Bruce, and their lands were elevated to a barony after his victory. Generations of Skenes continued to play pivotal roles in historic battles, including the Battle of Harlaw in 1411, the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. During the era of the Covenanters, the Skenes did not support the Covenanters and were forced into exile. The clan chief even found himself in the service of the Swedish armies under King Gustavus Adolphus. This period reflects the Skene clan’s unwavering loyalty to their beliefs and principles. Clan Skene boasts prominent branches, including the Skenes of Dyce, Halyards, Rubislaw, and Curriehill. Members of these branches excelled in various fields. Sir John Skene of Curriehill, a distinguished lawyer, was knighted by James VI. William Forbes Skene, a celebrated writer and historian, was appointed historiographer royal for Scotland in 1881. In 1944, the Lord Lyon recognized Dnus George Moncrieffe Skene of Halyards as the chief of Clan Skene. This recognition affirmed the clan’s lineage and the belief that the chiefly line had passed to the Halyards branch in 1827. While the decision was open to review if a rival claimant emerged within ten years, no such claimant appeared, solidifying Dnus George Moncrieffe Skene as the clan’s chief. |
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