Collection: Shaw

🏰 Clan Shaw History

Clan Shaw (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Seathan) is one of the oldest Highland clans, descending from the ancient royal line of Clan Chattan, a powerful confederation of clans in the Scottish Highlands.

The clan traces its ancestry to Shaw MacDuff, a son of the Thane of Fife, who fought alongside King Malcolm IV in the 12th century. For his loyalty, Shaw was granted lands in the Spey Valley, around Rothiemurchus, near Aviemore, in Inverness-shire. His descendants became the Shaws of Rothiemurchus, recognized as one of the principal families of the Clan Chattan Confederation, alongside the Macphersons and Mackintoshes.

The clan was known for its courage and leadership in Highland conflicts. Shaw Mor, a 15th-century chief, was a legendary warrior who fought bravely in the famous Battle of the North Inch of Perth (1396) — a trial combat between Clan Chattan and their rivals, Clan Cameron.

Later branches of the clan settled in Tordarroch (near Inverness) and Harris, producing families such as the Shaws of Tordarroch, who were later recognized as the chiefly line.

Today, the Chief of Clan Shaw is recognized as The Shaw of Tordarroch, hereditary head of this ancient Highland family.

🛡️ Clan Crest

Your image shows the Clan Shaw crest badge, which features:

• A hand holding a dagger (dirk) upright, symbolizing readiness, courage, and defense of honor.

• The design is encircled by the traditional belt and buckle, showing loyalty to the clan chief.

This imagery reflects the clan’s warrior heritage and their role as defenders within the Clan Chattan Confederation.

💬 Clan Motto

The Latin motto reads:

“Fide et Fortitudine”
(“By faith and fortitude”)

This expresses the Shaw clan’s enduring values of loyalty, strength, and perseverance — qualities that have characterized their long history in the Highlands.

👪 Clan Septs and Associated Families

Surnames and families historically connected with Clan Shaw include:

• Ayson

• Adamson

• MacAy

• MacHay

• Sheach

• Shiach

• Shay

These names reflect Gaelic variants and anglicizations from different regions of Scotland.

🧵 Clan Tartan

The Shaw tartan is a bold and traditional Highland pattern featuring:

• Dark green and navy base,

• With red and black overstripes, and

• Accented with fine white lines.

It’s registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans and remains a popular design among Shaw descendants and members of the Clan Chattan Federation.

📜 Summary