Lindsay

Gaelic Name: MacGhille Fhionntaig

Clan Crest: Iissuing from an old ducal coronet Properly, the head, neck, and wings of a swan.

Clan Motto: Endure forte (Suffer bravely)

Origin of Name: Placename, probably Norman

Clan Badge: Rue

Lands: Borders, Angus

Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Crawford

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Lindsay Clan History

Danes lived in one of the little kingdoms of Lincolnshire in England between the sixth and ninth centuries, and after the Norman Conquest, Baldric of Lindsay came to be tenant of the manors under the Earl of Chester.

At the time, the Lindsay surname was already well-known throughout England. Sir Walter Lindsay served on the council of David, Earl of Huntingdon, who became King of Scots in 1124. Sir Walter's successor, either his son or brother William, accompanied the new King to Scotland.

The Chief of Clan Lindsay's original seat was Edzell Castle in Angus. Between 1358 and 1715, the clan held it. William Lindsay bought Crawford in Lanarkshire and gave Dryburgh Abbey some of his Ayrshire land.

In the following century, Sir David Lindsay of Crawford and the Byres went on crusade with St Louis, King of France. He passed away in Egypt. By then, the family had grown prosperously on both sides of the border, and the war for independence presented them with numerous dilemmas.

Sir Alexander, one of the Crusader's sons, was a Knight of Edward I of England. Nonetheless, his Scottish patriotism earned him Bruce's support and Wallace's friendship. His English property was taken away from him, and his sons were imprisoned. Sir David, the eldest of these sons, was a signatory to the 'Declaration Of Arbroath,' the 1320 declaration of Scottish independence.

Lindsay land in Scotland was lost as a result of a long feud with the Ogilvies when the 4th Earl of Crawford, Alexander, also known as the 'Tiger Earl' and 'Earl Beardie,' was badly defeated at Brechin in 1452.

After being convicted of attempting to murder his father, another Alexander, son of the 8th Earl, was known as 'The Wicked Master' and had his land, position, and inheritance taken away.

Lindsays have been active throughout British history in numerous struggles to retain a Scottish Crown.

Lindsay Places & People

Lindsay Clan Members

Sir David Lindsay (1486-1555)

He rose through the ranks of the Cupar family to become Lord Lyon, King of Arms. Sir David worked in French embassies, absorbing French culture, which resurfaced in his poetic and dramatic work.

He is best known for his poetry and literary work, with "Ane Satyre" being his most famous work.

Pitscottie's Robert Lindsay (1500-65)

Author of "The Historie and Cronicles of Scotland," which was first published in 1728 and spans the years 1435 to 1565. Sir Walter Scott used Lindsay's work as historical reference while writing stories set in these times.

Lindsay Tartans

Lindsay the Elder

Lindsay Contemporary

Lindsay endured

Lindsay Crest & Coats of Arms

Lindsay Family Crest

The crest is derived from an antique ducal coronet. Properly, the head, neck, and wings of a swan.

Coats of Arms for Lindsay:

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.