Collection: Wishart

🦅 Clan Wishart

Motto: Mercy is my desire
Translation: A declaration of compassion and moral strength — embodying the clan’s guiding virtue of mercy over vengeance.

🛡️ Crest Description

The crest shows:

• An eagle rising (often blazoned as “a demi-eagle displayed proper”)

• Surrounded by a belt and buckle bearing the clan motto.

• Below it, the standard Gaelic inscription “An Ceann Cinneadh” meaning “The Clan Chief.”

Symbolism:

• The eagle is a long-standing emblem of nobility, vision, and divine inspiration — it signifies courage and foresight.

• The gold (Or) background represents generosity and faith, while the red (Gules) signifies warrior spirit and strength of heart.

📜 Historical Notes

• The Wishart family name (from “Wise Heart”) is of Norman origin, arriving in Scotland in the 12th century.

• Early members were churchmen and scholars — including William Wishart, Bishop of St Andrews in the 13th century, and George Wishart, the Protestant martyr and mentor to John Knox.

• The family became prominent in both ecclesiastical and political life, especially in Angus, Fife, and Kincardineshire.

Their motto, Mercy is my desire, reflects Christian devotion and moral virtue, contrasting with the more martial mottos of other Lowland clans.

⚜️ Heraldic Symbolism

🪶 Clan Summary