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Clan MacNaughton (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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MacNaughton

Gaelic Name: MacNeachdainn

Clan Crest: A tower embattled Gules

Clan Motto: I hope in God

Origin of Name: Gaelic, Son of Nechtan, pure one

Clan Badge: Trailing azalea

Lands: Strathtay, Lewis, and Argyll

Clan Chief: Sir Malcolm Macnaghten of Macnaghten

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MacNaughton Clan History

The clan MacNaughton is first mentioned in connection with the great Pictish rulers of Moray. The name 'Nechtan,' which means 'pure' or 'clear,' was popular in the Pictish royal line, and Nechtan Mor, who lived in the tenth century, is thought to be the clan's progenitor.

The MacNaughton family opposed Robert the Bruce's claim to the Scottish throne and, as a result, lost many of their lands when he became king. David II restored some of the clan's fortunes by granting them lands in Lewis.

Around 1700, the direct line of the MacNaughtons died out, with John MacNaughton attempting to salvage his fortunes by marrying the second daughter of Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglass. Sir James, on the other hand, duped him into marrying his eldest daughter instead by dousing him in alcohol until he was unable to comprehend what was going on. When MacNaughton awoke, he fled to Ireland with his original choice, and Ardkinglass accused him of incest. Ardkinglass was compensated with the remains of the MacNaughton property after MacNaughton was found guilty.

The chiefship remained dormant after this incident until the nineteenth century, when it was discovered that the direct line of the family could be traced back to another John MacNaughton, known as 'Shane Dhu,' who emigrated to Antrim in 1580. In 1818, his great-grandson Alexander was appointed clan chief.

MacNaughton Places & People

Clan MacNaughton Individuals

Alexander MacNaughton died in 1515.

Alexander, chief of the clan, was knighted by James IV for his services to the crown and fought alongside his sovereign at the Battle of Flodden. Alexander was one of the few survivors of the bloody disaster, but he died two years later, leaving six sons. The eldest was appointed clan chief.

Edmund Alex. MacNaughton died in 1832.

In 1818, he was recognized as the chief of the clan by the Irish branch of the family.

Sir Malcolm MacNaughton (born 1928).

He is a well-known British Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology who is regarded as a leading expert in his field.

MacNaughton Tartans

MacNaughton Ancient

MacNaughton Modern

MacNaughton Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan MacNaughton Crest

A tower embattled Gules is depicted on the crest.

Coats of Arms of MacNaughton

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.