Strange

Clan Crest: A cluster of grapes, Proper

Clan Motto :Dulce Quod Utile (That Which Is Useful Is Sweet)

Origin of Name: Strang/Strong is a Scots word.

Clan Chief: Major Timothy Strange of Balcaskie

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Strange Clan History

Strange is primarily found in the Scottish Lowlands, particularly in Fife, though there are some Strange families in Orkney. It is thought that the name derives from the Norse Strangi, the Norman name 'étrange,' which means stranger or foreigner, or the Scots form of 'Strong'.

In Orkney, the name is commonly spelled Strong, whereas in the Lowlands, it is spelled Lestrange, Strange, Strang, and Strong.

The name was first mentioned in Scotland in 1255, by Home le Estraunge, who was in the service of Alexander II. In 1296, a William Strange was elected Burgess of Montrose; in 1340, Thomas de Strang had land near Aberdeen; and in 1398, John Strang was elected Common Councillor.

Sir George Strang was a cleric and notary in Orkney in 1542, and Richard Strange was an advocate in Edinburgh in 1555.

Balcaskie's Strange

Around 1362, John Strang married Cecelia, inheriting some of the land at Balcaskie from her brother, Richard Anstruther of that Ilk. In 1482, John Strang of Balcaskie received a charter of confirmation for the lands of Ewington that his father, George Strang, had exchanged for the lands of Whiteside and Glenkirk. This same John Strang had a grandson, also named John, who died in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. In 1615, his grandson, also John, sold the Balcaskie estate and had a son, Thomas, who died without heirs.

Major Timothy Strange of Balcaskie is the current chief, who was appointed by Lord Lyon in 1995.

Sir William Bruce remodelled Balcaskie House in the East Neuk of Fide between 1665 and 1684, and it is now owned by the Anstruthers.

Sir Robert Strange was descended from the Stranges of Balcaskie and was born in 1721. When he joined the Jacobite army as part of the Prince's Life Guard in 1745, he had already begun a career as an engraver. He eventually returned to Edinburgh after Culloden before traveling to Europe and becoming an acclaimed artist. In 1787, he became the first engraver to be knighted.

Strange Places & People

Strange Places Clan

Balcaskie House is located near Pittenweem in Fife. Strange owned it until 1615.

Strange Tartans

Balkaskie is strange.

The surname Strange is associated with the following Tartans:

Ancient MacGregor

MacGregor Contemporary

MacGregor's Ancient Hunt

Strange Crest & Coats of Arms

Strange Clan Crest:

Proper Crest Description: A cluster of grapes

Strange Coats of Arms:

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.