What is the symbol of the MacFarlane clan?

Asked by: Helene Gorczany  |  Last update: May 9, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (7 votes)

The symbol of Clan MacFarlane is a demi-savage (or wild man) holding a broadsword in one hand and pointing to an imperial crown with the other, with the motto "This I'll Defend". This crest symbolizes the clan's bravery, particularly when they defended the Scottish Crown, and is often depicted with the motto encircling it, representing allegiance and heritage, with the cranberry plant sometimes featured as their plant badge.

What is the MacFarlane clan symbol?

MacFarlane Clan Crest

The MacFarlane motto is “This I'll defend” and the clan crest shows a demi-savage brandishing a broad sword and pointing to an imperial crown. Two different plant badges have been attributed to the clan: cloudberry and cranberry, which comes from the old Earls of Lennox.

Is MacFarlane Scottish or Irish?

Clan MacFarlane (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Phàrlain [ˈkʰl̪ˠãũn̪ˠ ˈfaːrˠl̪ˠɛn]) is a Highland Scottish clan. Descended from the medieval Earls of Lennox, the MacFarlanes occupied the land forming the western shore of Loch Lomond from Tarbet up-wards.

What is the most feared clan in Scotland?

Clan Campbell of Breadalbane is ranked first. The feud between the MacGregors and the Campbells is well known, but Sir Malcolm claimed that this branch of the Campbells was particularly feared due to its dominance over a large swath of Scotland - and its willingness to defend it at any cost.

What was the MacFarlane clan known for?

Clan MacFarlane were famous for their cattle raiding on the lands of their neighbouring clans. A full moon was known colloquially as "MacFarlane's Lantern" . The MacFarlane clan motto is "This I'll Defend" and the clan crest is a savage holding a sword in one hand and pointing at a crown with the other.

The Origin of Clan Macfarlane

25 related questions found

Is clan Macdonald Viking?

The ancestors of the Campbells were of the Britonic Celts who intermarried with the Celtic Gaels or Scots, whereas the ancestors of Clan Donald were Celtic Gaels or Scots who intermarried with the Norse and Vikings.

What part of Scotland are the McFarlands from?

The home of the MacFarlane clan is the parish of Arrochar at the head of Loch Lomond and Loch Long at the beginning of the western Highlands in Scotland. This area was granted by feudal charter to one of the younger sons of the second earl of Lennox in 1286.

Which Scottish clans have Viking roots?

Some come down from Vikings – Clan Donald, Macdougall, Macalister, Macleod, Sinclair. A great slew of them were continental adventurers who came north, particularly during the reign of David II, obtained estates and went native – Stewart, Lindsay, Fraser, Menzies, Murray, Gordon.

Which clan was Braveheart?

Braveheart is a legendary 1995 historical fiction war film directed by and starring Mel Gibson, who portrays the 13th-century Scottish warrior king William Wallace, who was part of the Wallace Clan.

What clan was banned in Scotland?

The MacGregor clan faced a turbulent period in their history during the early 17th century. After the Battle of Glen Fruin in 1603, where the MacGregors defeated the Colquhouns but were accused of slaughtering innocent bystanders, King James VI declared the entire clan outlawed.

What does MacFarlane mean?

Origin:Irish. Meaning:Bartholomew's son. Macfarlane as a boy's name is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Macfarlane is "Bartholomew's son".

Is there a MacFarlane tartan?

With seven different plaid variations, there's a MacFarlane tartan for everyone. The MacFarlane Black/White Modern is a great option for those looking for something a little less traditional, featuring monochrome black and white that look great either as a kilt or something a little different.

What are the septs of Clan MacFarlane?

ElectricScotland's short list of septs of Clan MacFarlane include the following families: Allan, Allanson, Bartholomew, Caw, Galbraith, Griesck, Gruamach, Kinnieson, Lennox, MacAindra, MacAllan, MacCaa, MacCause, MacCaw, MacCondy, MacEoin, MacGaw, MacGeoch, Macgreusich, Macinstalker, MacIock, MacJames, Mackinlay, ...

Who are Scots genetically closest to?

Many of the genetic patterns found were similar to the genes found in Gaels, Picts, Britons and the Norse. The extent of Norse Viking ancestry was measured across the North of Britain. The genetic diversity of these regions will allow a better understanding of Viking movements and the founding of Iceland.

Is there a black clan in Scotland?

The Blacks are recognised as a sept, or branch, of the three Highland clans of MacGregor, Lamont, and Maclean, and the reasons why the name came to be linked with these clans, particularly in the case of the MacGregors and the Lamonts, are rooted in tragedy and remain a stain on Scotland's historical record.

Are Scottish clans royalty?

Learney considered clans to be a "noble incorporation" because the arms borne by a clan chief are granted or otherwise recognised by the Lord Lyon as an officer of the Crown, thus conferring royal recognition to the entire clan. Clans with recognised chiefs are therefore considered a noble community under Scots law.

Where is the MacFarlane clan from?

The MacFarlane homeland is located in the Highlands of Scotland between Loch Long and Loch Lomond, having the same boundaries as the Parish of Arrochar. For over five centuries this area was held by the Chiefs of Clan MacFarlane and before them by their ancestors, the Celtic Earls of Lennox.

What is the MacFarlane coat of arms?

The crest, as it was originally designed, consists of a demi-savage holding a sheaf of arrows in his raised dexter (right) hand and pointing to the crown of James VI with his sinister (left) hand.