If your surname is Armstrong, Maxwell, Johnstone, Carruthers, Graham, Nixon, Bell, Kerr, Crozier, Robson, Turnbull, Irvine, Rutherford, Elliot, Moffat, Pringle, Kerr, Douglas or Scott, then your ancestry, just like the astronaut Neil Armstrong or the inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell, may well be traced back to the Border Reivers.
Still common in Hawick and throughout the Scottish Borders, these are just some of the Border Reiver family or clan names include which can also be found around the world today, all linked with Border Reivers in times gone by.
THE SCOTTISH BORDERS CLANS
The “Riding Clans” or “Border Reivers” of the Anglo-Scottish borders were, like the Highlanders, organized into clans led by a clan chief. These clans were not of Gaelic origin. Border history may be dominated by the political struggle between England and Scotland, but it would be wrong to assume that the story of the Borderland was always a saga of the English against the Scots and vice versa.
The Scottish Borders Clans emerged in and around the 12th century. They began as family groups that were often characterised by a common surname, territorial area, and allegiance to a clan chief. They began to claim and occupy territorial areas which today we associate with the Borderlands region of Scotland.
Hardy and self-reliant, they were skilled horsemen, often at the centre of historic conflict, forming alliances and engaging in feuds. They grew to become immensely powerful, arguably more so than their Highland cousins and demonstrated deep loyalty to their kin – even above their country, monarchs, and the church.
BORDER REIVERS
Scotland and England were frequently at war, which devastated the lands and livelihoods of the people living in the area due to armies advancing and retreating on both sides. So, the region, on both sides of the border, was organised into areas called Marches – East, Middle and West, with a warden attributed to each.
The need for Borderers to stay close to and seek security through their own kin, gave way to the Border Reivers. They made their living by raiding other clans, moving very quickly to steal cattle, sheep, and anything else deemed valuable, before retreating at the same pace. It was a way of life of which they were very proud.
A highlight in the local events calendar is the annual Hawick Reivers Festival whick takes place in March.
SCOTTISH BORDERS CLANS TODAY
Unlike the Highland Clans, the Borders Clans didn’t wear kilts – the time spent on horseback would have made it impractical! However, specific tartan patterns, clan crests, and mottos began to be attributed to them in the 19th century. Today these items have come to strongly symbolise their identity.
Here are some of the best-known Border Clans.
CLAN TURNBULL
Motto: “I saved the King”.
Clan Chief: No Chief, Turnbull is an armigerous Scottish clan.
One of the more turbulent Border families of reiving fame, the Turnbulls are believed to have descended from William of Rule (known also as ‘Will-o-Rull’), who, around 1315, saved King Robert I’s life by wrestling to the ground an angered bull which the King’s hunters had injured, during a hunting expedition in the ancient Caledonian Forest. Legend says that Robert the Bruce awarded William of Rule the name ‘Turnebull’ in honour of this feat (the ‘e’ being later dropped).
Over the years, the Turnbulls became a large and powerful family. Sometime in the 14th century, they were installed at Bedrule Castle, and in the 16th century, toward the height of their reiving infamy, the family built both Fatlips Castle on Minto Crags, and Barnhills Tower on the fields below. At the skirmish of Sclaterford in 1513, following Scotland’s defeat at Flodden, George Turnbull of Bedrule led a force of Turnbulls alongside Kerrs, Douglases, and the Scotts of Hawick to victory over Lord Dacre. It was even said that during the later warring years between Scotland and England (for example during the War of the Rough Wooing 1543-51, in which the Earl of Hertford sacked and burned Minto Crags and Barnhills Tower) that the Turnbull Clan could quickly put five-hundred reivers to saddle.
CLAN ARMSTRONG
Motto: Invictus Maneo (I remain unvanquished)
Clan Chief: No chief. Clan Armstrong is known as an armigerous clan.
Originally from Anglo-Danish roots, Clan Armstrong was extremely powerful and had a huge number of fighting men who could be mobilised very quickly. The clan’s stronghold was Gilnockie Tower in Dumfriesshire, which today houses the Clan Armstrong Centre. Famous Armstrong descendants include arctic explorer, Sir Alexander Armstrong; and Neil Armstrong, who famously took a small piece of the Clan Armstrong tartan with him to the moon!
CLAN BELL
Motto: I Beir the Bell
Clan Chief: No chief. Clan Bell is known as an armigerous clan.
Clan Bell, a famous reiving family, is renowned for its historical significance and distinct identity. Close allies to Clan Douglas, they were traditionally associated with the lands around Liddesdale and were actively engaged in turbulent border conflicts. Well-known Bells include Dr Joseph Bell, inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes and Alexander Graham Bell, pioneering inventor who introduced the first telephone.
CLAN DOUGLAS
Motto: Jamais Arrière (Never behind)
Clan Chief: No chief. Clan Douglas is known as an armigerous clan.
Originating in the 12th century, the Douglases were a hugely powerful and influential family, playing central roles in various border conflicts and earning a reputation for valour and loyalty. They were closely associated with Scottish monarchs – Sir James Douglas carried out the task of taking Robert the Bruce’s heart to the Holy Land. Two well-known Douglases include actors Kirk and Michael Douglas who are related to the clan on their maternal side.
CLAN ELIOTT
Motto: Fortiter et Recte (Boldly and Rightly)
Clan Chief: Madam Margaret Eliott of Redheugh
Clan Eliott has a rich and colourful history. They held the Middle March area at the frontier of England and along with Clan Armstrong were one of the most troublesome of the Scottish Border clans through the medieval era. Unfortunately, much of the documentation associated with this clan was lost due to a fire at Stobs Castle in 1712, but they remain one of just a few clans to have a recognised chief since the days of Robert the Bruce.
CLAN FRASER
Motto: All My Hope is in God
Clan Chief: Flora, the Lady Saltoun
The Frasers are thought to have originated in northern France, first settling in the Borders region before an offshoot of the family settled in the Highlands to create the Frasers of Lovat Clan. Today, they are perhaps one of the widest-spread clans, with descendants living in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Well-known Frasers include Lord Fraser of Allander, founder of department store House of Fraser and one-time owner of Harrods.
At the Borders Distillery, their Clan Fraser Reserve Whisky is inspired by the great clan.
CLAN GRAHAM
Motto: Ne Oublie (Forget Not)
Clan Chief: James, the Duke of Montrose
Clan Graham, an ancient clan with deep roots in medieval Scotland, was originally from Anglo-Norman origin. The first Scottish Graham, Sir William de Graham, was mentioned in William the Conqueror’s Doomsday Book and witnessed the foundation charter of the Abbey of Holyrood. Through the ages the clan boasted a legacy of military prowess and had pivotal roles in historical conflicts, including the wars of Scottish Independence.
CLAN IRVINE
Motto: Sub Sole, Sub Umbra, Virens (Flourishing Under the Sun and Shade)
Clan Chief: Alexander Irvine of Drum
Clan Irvine, a notorious Borders family, has a rich history marked by military service and political involvement. Engaging in key conflicts like the wars of Scottish Independence, the Irvines earned a reputation for bravery. The clan’s stronghold was Drum Castle which was gifted to William de Irwyn in 1323 by Robert the Bruce. Well-known Irvines include biographer and historian, Washington Irvine.
CLAN JOHNSTONE
Motto: Nunquam Non Paratus (Never Unprepared)
Clan Chief: Patrick, Earl of Annandale and Hartfell
One of the most ferocious Borders reiving families, the Johnstone clan originated from the Anglo-Normans but settled in Annandale, Dumfriesshire. They were well known for having a long-running feud with the Maxwell Clan in which they fought for supremacy of the West March, which they won after the Battle of Dryfe Sands. They also kept a vigilant watch against the English and, unlike many other Borders clans, only ever raided in England.
CLAN KERR
Motto: Sero Sed Serio (Late but in Earnest)
Clan Chief: Michael, the Marquess of Lothian
Although a prominent reiver family, Clan Kerr showed great loyalty to the Scottish Crown, and through the ages was rewarded with lands, titles, and office. They were the leading clan of the Middle March and played an important role in the history and development of the Borders region. Strangely, the Kerrs were associated with left-handedness due to the unusual number of left-handed clan swordsmen – they even built Ferniehurst Castle, complete with a left-handed staircase.
One famous Kerr is William Kerr, celebrated 19th century botanist, born here in Hawick, and the inspiration behind Kerr’s Gin.
CLAN MAXWELL
Motto: Reviresco (I Grow Strong Again)
Clan Chief: No chief. Maxwell is known as an armigerous clan
Clan Maxwell carries a legacy of political influence. They were a particularly prominent and wealthy family, acquiring their fortune by strategic marriages and alliances with other great clans. They were strong supporters of Robert the Bruce and fought loyally at his side at the Battle of Bannockburn but similarly with other Borders families, they were not consistent in their allegiance and changed sides many times. A famous descendant of Clan Maxwell was author and naturalist, Gavin Maxwell.
CLAN SCOTT
Motto: Amo (I Love)
Clan Chief: Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott, The Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry
Originating in the 12th century, the Scott clan was a powerful reiving family, extremely active in both the Borders conflicts and wars of Scottish Independence. They held intense rivalry with their neighbours, the Kerrs, regularly raiding their territory, before the feud was eventually resolved with a marriage between the clans. The most famous Scott’s are legendary 19th century writer, Sir Walter Scott, and filmmaker, Sir Ridley Scott.
Photocredits: Phil Wilkinson | Scotland Starts Here | The Borders Distillery
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