Bagtown Clans

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Clan Stewart of Appin Crest

Stewart of Appin Crest
Stewart of Appin Crest
CREST: A unicorn’s head argent, armed Or
MOTTO: Quhidder will zie
TRANSLATION: Whither will ye, What will you do
VARIATIONS: N/A
The history of Clan Stewart of Appin can be traced back to the House of Stewart, a royal lineage that played a significant role in Scottish history. Their earliest known ancestor in Scotland, Walter Stewart, received lands in Renfrewshire from King David I in the 12th century. It was Walter’s descendant, also named Walter, who would become the first Stewart of Appin.

The Stewarts of Appin made their home in the stunningly picturesque region of Appin, which is nestled along the western coast of Scotland, not far from Glencoe. This rugged and wild terrain provided both protection and sustenance for the clan, but it also presented challenges in the form of rival clans and political conflicts.

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One of the defining moments in Clan Stewart of Appin’s history came during the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century. While the Stewarts of Appin were not as numerous as some other clans, their loyalty to the House of Stewart and the Jacobite cause was unwavering.

In the famous Jacobite rising of 1745, led by Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Clan Stewart of Appin played a pivotal role. Under the leadership of their chief, Stewart of Appin, they joined the Jacobite forces and fought bravely in the battles of Prestonpans and Falkirk.

However, it was the tragic incident known as the “Appin Murder” that would forever be etched into the clan’s history. After the defeat at Culloden in 1746, government forces sought retribution. Colin Roy Campbell of Glenure, known as the “Red Fox,” was appointed factor to manage the forfeited lands of Appin. His presence was deeply resented by the clan, and tensions escalated.

On May 14, 1752, Colin Campbell was assassinated in what became known as the Appin Murder. Though the true perpetrators were never officially identified, James Stewart of the Glens, a member of Clan Stewart of Appin, was wrongly accused and subsequently executed.

Despite the trials and tribulations faced throughout history, Clan Stewart of Appin has preserved its unique identity and traditions. The distinctive Stewart of Appin tartan is one of the most recognizable tartans in Scotland, marked by its black and green colors.

Today, the clan remains active and proud, with a chief who represents the continuation of this storied lineage. Clan gatherings and events keep the spirit of the Stewarts of Appin alive, fostering a sense of community among its members and honoring the legacy of their ancestors.

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