SCOTTISH CLAN CREST OR COAT OF ARMS????

There are approximately 300 Scottish Clan crests. These 300 Clan crests are associated with approximately 35,000 Scottish names. These 35,000 names are called "Septs" These fall into 3 major categories; connected to the major Clan through a warfare alliance for mutual protection, associated with the major clan through inter marriage or a variation in spelling of the Clan name. There are an astonishing number of spelling variations in the spelling of Scottish family names! For example the name "Stirling" has over 65 variations in spelling. Quite astonishing! Part of the reason for such a large number of spelling variations is that surnames were still evolving, the translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and that the ability to read and write was not wide spread. Indeed, the use of crest badges and tartan was so that members of the same Clan could recognize each other quickly and easily without the ability to read.

There are some "Sept" names that have more than one Clan connection. These Scottish names were connected to more than one Clan because they created a number of alliances and/or intermarried with members of other Clans. This can be rather confusing since those of the same Scottish family name can indeed choose between any of the Clan names and thus wear the crest or tartan of the Clan alliance they have chosen. This is perfectly correct but confusing when different members of the same Scottish family choose different Clan crests and associated tartans.

One of the big issues with Scottish Clan names is the use of the crest versus the Coat of Arms. Scottish heraldry is unique in that there are strict laws in Scotland that have been in place since 1673. Only the chief of the Clan can display a Coat of Arms. The definitive description is as follows:

"Please note that the Coat of Arms properly belongs to the chief of the Clan.  These are not the "Family Arms" or Clan crest of all and any person with the same Clan name.  Such a thing does not exist in Scottish heraldry.  Arms are personal property and represent the bearer.  To wear or display these arms would imply that you are chief of the Clan.  Wearing or displaying someone else's Arms in Scotland is a crime punishable by arrest or fine.  What is proper to wear, as a clansman, is the crest of your chief (the upper element on top of the helm in the full achievement of the Arms), surrounded by a belt and buckle bearing your clan motto.  This turns the crest (a personal heraldic item) into a badge (a communal heraldic item that different people can wear or display to denote affiliation).  The belt and buckle symbolize the fact that this is not your personal crest but that you follow the man who bears the crest.  In effect, you are not chief of the clan, but a loyal clansman.  Sometimes the battle cry is shown on the belt and buckle instead of the motto, when a clan has one."

SOME SAMPLES OF CORRECT CLAN CRESTS

The Gaelic inscription in blue at the bottom of the crest is required by "Lord Lyon" and means that the crest shown is the crest of the Chief of the Clan.

From left to right:  Buchanan, Mac Donald (Clan Donald), Campbell (Argyll), Mac Lachlan, Sinclair, Duncan

If anyone offers to sell you a Coat of Arms for your Scottish name they are indeed breaking Scottish heraldic laws. There are a number of Companies on the Internet that sell "Scottish Coat of Arms". These are incorrect and thus a waste of money since they are simply wrong. A number of these Companies have been sued. When I have contacted these Companies they seem to know that what they are selling is incorrect but persist anyway since it fits with their standard Coat of Arms designs on their web pages. These Coats of Arms are quite correct for ALL other nationalities but because Scottish heraldry is different ( There is actually an existing Chief or owner of the Arms! ) for Scottish names they are simply incorrect!

The exception to this rule is the case in which the Scottish family name is not connected to a Highland Clan. Here it is found acceptable for those Scottish families to use the ancient Arms used for their name.

Scottish heraldic laws can not be enforced in North America, one of the reasons it is difficult to stop bogus sellers of "Scottish Coat of Arms", but if you show up in Scotland wearing a Coat of Arms you are indeed clearing displaying the fact that you have no right to wear the Coat of Arms of the Chief and although you may not be fined or imprisoned you will and should be the subject of derision by those that know what is heraldically correct. You will be displaying your lack of knowledge of both Scottish tradition and Scottish heraldic law. This is something that you probably don't want to do! Why waste your good money! In Scotland, they find it hilarious to see someone marching about in their newly purchased kilt displaying the Coat of Arms of the Chief when the wearer is DEFINITELY not the Chief of the Clan!

There is another group in Scotland called the "Standing Council of Scottish Chief's" who as a group of living Scottish Chief's try an ensure that Scottish heraldic law is complied to. These are real living people not some ancient historical characters that are long dead.

There is a second and more important Scottish entity, "Lord Lyon Master of Bearings and Arms". This is a division of government and has been for hundreds of years. This body decrees who is and who is not entitled to display and wear a particular Coat of Arms. If there is a dispute as to who is the rightful Chief they decide on evidence presented to their Court. Quite frequently the Chief of the Clan can change, going from one branch to another based on the decision of "Lord Lyon". The new chief, once decided by Lyon Court can decide to change the crest to his own preference since it is part of his personal Coat of Arms and to be correct, when the Chief changes his crest his followers should do so as well. This change does not make the previous Clan crest wrong it simply means that it is dated. When the new crest is decided and approved by "Lord Lyon" followers of the Clan should indeed update their use to the new crest on any new purchases. It is therefore valuable to deal with a supplier who is abreast of the most recent decisions of "Lord Lyon" since you will then be assured that you are using the most up to date and  "authentic" crest for your current Clan Chief. Celtic Studio does this and attempts to be the most up to date site for correct Scottish Clan crest products. This is quite a task since it means that every  master mold and design has to be re made  for every product offered! Both expensive and time consuming but what must be done to offer the very best to the Scottish community worldwide. 

In recent years the crest has changed for a number of Clans; Mac Innes, Mac Lennan, Lockhart, Murray, Russell and  Fraser are just a few.

Hope this is of assistance in making sure you know that what you are purchasing is indeed correct.

For information on your Clan connection, a of picture of your colour Clan crest  or what the current approved crest is you may contact Celtic Studio through their eBay store.

Celtic Studio's eBay store!

Louis

Feb 2008