Shaw

Gaelic Name: Mac Ghille Sheathanaich

Clan Crest: A dexter cubit arm couped and holding a dagger erect, all Proper

Clan Motto: Fide et fortitudine (By fidelity and fortitude)

Origin of Name: Gaelic, Seaghdha (Pithful)

Clan Badge: Red whortleberry

Lands: Strathspey

Clan Chief: Iain Shaw of Tordarroch

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Shaw Clan History

Shaw MacDuff, the younger son of the Thane of Fife, is the ancestor of the Shaw clan. Shaw was appointed keeper of the royal castle of Inverness, and his heirs were known as the 'Mhic a Toiseach' or'sons of the Thane'.

The Shaw family was constantly threatened by the belligerent powers of their neighbors, Clan Comyn, and they sought support by marrying into the powerful MacDonalds. The large tribal confederation known as Clan Chattan arose from this union, as did the first chief of Clan Shaw.

Clan Shaw went on to become one of Clan Chattan's main septs. The clan's second and most well-known chief was Shaw Macghillechrist Mhic Iain, also known as 'Sgorghiaclach', which translates as 'bucktooth'. He led the clan Chattan, most notably on the legendary raid on Angus in 1391, under the notorious Wolf of Badenoch.

Clan Chattan was involved in a long-running feud with the Cameron clan, which threatened the stability of the entire neighborhood. It was decided to settle this dispute through a champions' trial. Shaw Bucktooth led the clan Chattan, and over sixty Highlanders fought at Perth in front of an illustrious audience that included France's Dauphin.

Today, the Shaw clan is recognized as a direct descendant of the ancient Earls of Fife.

Shaw Places & People

Shaw's Locations

Doune of Rothiemurchus is located near Aviemore. On the site of an earlier castle, an 18th century mansion was built. Grants now owns what was once owned by Shaws.

Sauchie Tower, near Alloa, was built by the Shaws after the land was passed to them in 1420.

Shaw Individuals

Lachlan Shaw (1692-1777) is a Scottish writer.

Before becoming a minister, Lachlan Shaw worked as a schoolteacher in Abernethy. He served as a minister in Kingusse, Cawdor, and finally Elgin. He was well-known not only as an inspiring preacher, but also as an outstanding local historian.

The Elgin Cathedral

Shaw, John (1792-1827)

He studied medicine and went on to become a brilliant surgeon. He wrote numerous excellent medical treatises.

Shaw Tartans

Shaw Green Aged

Shaw Green Contemporary

Shaw crimson

Shaw Crest & Coats of Arms

Shaw Clan Symbol:

Crest Description: A Proper dexter cubit arm couped and holding a dagger erect.

Coats of Arms of Shaw:

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.

Charles Shaw of Easter Lair

Quarterly, Or, a lion rampant Gules, armed and langued Azure; 2nd and 3rd, Argent, a fir-tree growing out of a mound in base Vert, a dexter hand couped at the wrist holding a dagger, point downwards, all Gules, overall at the center point a torteau charged with a wolf's head erased Argent, langued Azure.