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Clan Wemyss (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Wemyss

Clan Crest: A swan, Proper

Clan Motto: Je pense (I think)

Origin of Tartan: The “Vestiarium Scoticum”

Clan Chief: Michael Wemyss of Wemyss

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Wemyss Clan History

Wemyss gets its name from the Gaelic word 'uaimh,' which means "cave."

Caves containing Pictish paintings are thought to have given rise to the local place name of Wemyss on the coast of Fife, beneath the ruin known as MacDuff's Castle. Wemyss has been the seat of the Clan Wemyss chiefs since the twelfth century, and they almost certainly took their name from the land where they lived.

MacDuff's Castle Ruins, Fife

The Wemyss family is one of the few lowland families descended directly from the Celtic nobility, via the MacDuff Earls of Fife.

The family initially ensured their prosperity by supporting Robert the Bruce's cause, and the name subsequently multiplied into many branches. Wemyss Castle, the family seat, was built in the early thirteenth century and is famous for hosting the first meeting between Mary, Queen of Scots and her future husband, Henry, Lord Darnley.

The Wemyss family was recognized as the senior representatives of the ancient earldom of Fife by the eighteenth century.

Wemyss Places & People

Clan Wemyss Locations:

Wemyss Castle is located in Wemyss Bay, Fife.

Elcho Castle, near Perth, has been owned since 1468.

Wemyss is also associated with:

Balgreddie, near Cowdenbeath, is the location of a castle.

Carden Tower in Fife, near Cardenden - Tower house ruin

Clan Wemyss Members:

Wemyss, John (1586-1649)

In 1618, John Wemyss was knighted, and in 1625, he was made a Baronet of Nova Scotia. He rose through the ranks to become High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a Privy Councillor, and a member of the Estates Committee.

David Wemyss (died in 1699)

He devoted his life to preserving the Wemyss estate's resources. He established profitable salt and coal mines and constructed a large harbour at Methil.

James Wemyss (around 1750)

Sutherland's Member of Parliament.

Wemyss Tartans

Wemyss Modern

Wemyss Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Wemyss Crest:

The proper crest is a swan.

Coats of Arms for Wemyss:

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.