MacDuff

Gaelic Name: MacDhuibh

Clan Crest: A demi-lion Gules holding in the dexter paw a broadsword erected in pale Proper, hilted and pommelled Or

Clan Motto: Deus Juvat (God assists)

Origin of Name: Gaelic, Dubh (Black)

Clan Badge: Red whortleberry

Lands: Fife, Lothian, Strathbran, and Strathbogie

Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan

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MacDuff Clan History

Clan Duff was descended from the Royal Scoto-Pictish line, with Queen Gruoch as the senior representative. William Shakespeare would immortalize her and her second husband, MacBeth, in literature. Her son succeeded to the throne but was assassinated in 1058, giving Malcolm Canmore the throne. His son Aedh married Margaret of Moray, the granddaughter of Owen Gruoch, and rose through the ranks to become Earl of Fife and Abbott of Abernethy (the ancient Pictish capital).

He bore the red lion rampant on his shield, becoming the undisputed ruler of the kingdom. Following his death in 1128, the men of Moray made a few unsuccessful claims to the throne, while Clan Duff pledged allegiance to Queen Margaret.

In 1353, the male line of Earls died out, and the throne passed to Robert Stewart, later Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland. The earldom passed to the crown in 1425, and the clan's great status was lost.

In 1759, William Duff and the Earl of Fife and Viscount Madcap were to reclaim a Fife title.

Later, Alexander, the sixth Earl of Fife, married HRH Louise, daughter of King Edward VII.

The ancient house's direct line continued in Wemyss, whereas in the northern territories, families of Clan Duff appeared in historical records with no proof of royal descent.

MacDuff Places & People

Clan MacDuff Individuals

Duff, William

Duff House was built in 1740 for more than £70.95,000 by Earl of Fife and Viscount MacDuff. He never saw it completed due to disagreements with the architect, William Adam.

The house has been restored and is now open to the public.

The 1st Duke of Fife, Alexander Duff

Duff, Alexander (1849-1912)

In 1889, he married HRH Princess Louise, daughter of future King Edward VII, and became Duke of Fife.

MacDuff Tartans

Ancient MacDuff

MacDuff Contemporary

Ancient MacDuff Dress

Modern MacDuff Dress

Ancient MacDuff Hunting

Modern MacDuff Hunting

MacDuff Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan MacDuff Crest

A demi-lion Gules holds in its dexter paw a broadsword erected in pale Proper, hilted and pommelled. Or

Coats of Arms of MacDuff

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.   

Earl of Fife MacDUFF

Gules, a lion rampant, armed and langued, Azure.

By ScotsTee

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