Back in the misty days of Scotland's infancy, when the sword stood foremost as the instrument of power and law, one race rose to a position of supremacy over the many competitors who aimed for control of the country. These feared people were known as the Scots, and they grew so mighty that their name became bonded to the land for all eternity. The Scots also lent their name to the great Clan Scott, arguably the most powerful of all Scotland's border Clans.
The earliest documented Scott is Uchtred filius Scoti (meaning Uchtred, the son of a Scot), who witnessed charters between 1107 and 1128. In the late 13th century, Sir Richard Scott married an heiress, and acquired for the Clan the lands of Murdochstone in Lanarkshire, while Sir Michael Scott obtained, also through marriage, the territory of Balwearie. It is testament to the Scotts' loyalty to the Crown that thirteen out of fourteen successive barons of Balwearie were knighted by the Kings of Scotland. The fruits of allegiance were also shown in 1389, when Sir Walter Scott received the Barony of Kirkuld from Robert II. Later Chiefs, also showing the Clan's characteristic fealty, obtaining for the Scotts the Branxholm lands in Roxburghshire. Scotland's border Clans have long been renowned for their fierce fighting nature, and the Scotts have well proven their border blood. Scotts have fought in many of Scotland's battles through the centuries, including the Battles of Flodden Field and Pinkie Cleugh, and warred with neighbouring Clans, such as the Kerrs.
In keeping with border tradition, the Scotts produced a few rogues to harass their neighbours, including Walter Scott of Harden, a notorious cattle-rustler, who kept the larders of his followers well stocked with the beasts of less bold men. While the Chiefs of Clan Scott gained many noble titles over generations, ultimately obtaining the Dukedom of Buccleuch in 1663, and the Dukedom of Queensberry in 1810, many other people of greatness emerged from this prominent Clan.
Michael Scott of Balwearie (1175-1234) became known throughout Europe as "The Wizard" for his unparalleled knowledge of magic, mathematics and physics, making him one of the most learned scholars of his time. Probably the most famous Scott is the great Sir Walter Scott (1771-1834), 1st Laird of Abbotsford, the wonderful Scottish poet, historian and novelist, whose patriotic writings helped exemplify Scotland's national pride.
The Chief of Clan Scott is the 8th Duke of Buccleuch and 10th Duke of Queensberry, Walter Montague-Douglas-Scott, K.T., V.R.D., who resides at one of the Clan seats, the grand Dumlanrig Castle in Nithsdale. The Clan crest is a stag with one front hoof raised, and the motto of the Clan is Amo - meaning - "I Love".
Your ancestral
Scott Clan Crest ring is a very powerful emblem of your heritage.
A true family heirloom, to be cherished for centuries by Your descendants.
