Clan Symbols

Clan symbols, including the tartan shown above, which is now registered to the Chief of Clan Oliphant (and thus is no longer Melville, who have their own additional tartan) and the Clan Badge, which is based on the Chief's crest inside it and the Chief's motto atop it, were an important part of highland culture. They were a source of pride for the clan members and was often used to distinguish them from other highlanders. Many symbols are a product of a great accomplishment, or the fame of the ancestor (e.g. The MacGregors, who claim decent from Scottish King Kenneth MacAlpine, have the motto of "'S Rioghal mo dhream" or "Royal is my race,") a Clan characteristic (e.g. the crest of the pugnacious Gunn's, depicting a hand holding a sword,) or even a territorial claim (the war cry of the Sutherlands is "Ceann na droichaide bige", or the "Head of the little bridge", referring to a rallying point in the town of Golspie, south of Dunrobin Castle).

Back to top