Arbuthnot Clan Collection

In the intricate weave of Scotland’s storied past, Clan Arbuthnott emerges as a vibrant thread, embodying the resilience, loyalty, and nobility of the nation’s Lowland clans. Rooted in the ancient lands of Kincardineshire, the Arbuthnotts have carved a distinctive path through Scottish history, their legacy preserved in the stones of Arbuthnott House and the tales of their forebears.

II. Origins of Clan Arbuthnott

The name Arbuthnott derives from a territorial designation tied to the lands of Aberbothenoth in Kincardineshire, a name of Celtic origin meaning "the mouth of the stream below the noble house." This geographical anchor, situated on a defensible peninsula in the Bervie Valley, has been held by the Arbuthnott family for over 24 generations. The clan’s origins trace back to the 12th century when Hugh, possibly of Clan Swinton lineage, acquired these lands through marriage to Margaret Olifard, heiress of Arbuthnott and sister to Osbert Olifard, a crusader who perished during the First Crusade under William the Lion’s reign. By 1282, another Hugh, known as "Le Blond" for his fair hair, was documented as Laird of Arbuthnott, marking the family’s early prominence.

III. Historical Evolution of Clan Arbuthnott

A. Medieval Foundations

The Arbuthnotts solidified their status in medieval Scotland as landowners and local influencers. Phillip de Arbuthnott, the first to be styled "dominus ejusdem" (of that ilk) in a charter, established the family’s enduring connection to their ancestral estate. His son, Hugh Arbuthnott, became infamous in 1420 for his role in the gruesome murder of John Melville, Sheriff of the Mearns. Disgruntled lairds, including Arbuthnott, lured Melville to a hunting party in Garvock Forest, where he was boiled alive in a cauldron—an act spurred by the Duke of Albany’s exasperated remark, "sorrow gin that sheriff were sodden and supped in broo." Remarkably, Hugh was pardoned and lived until 1446, a testament to the clan’s ability to navigate turbulent times.

B. Ties to Royalty and Nobility

The Arbuthnotts’ influence grew through strategic alliances. In 1507, James Arbuthnott secured a Crown Charter for the feudal barony of Arbuthnott and wed Jean Stewart, daughter of the 1st Earl of Atholl and a descendant of Joan Beaufort, Dowager Queen of Scots. This union linked the clan to Scotland’s royal lineage. Later, Sir Robert Arbuthnott’s loyalty to Charles I earned him the titles of Viscount of Arbuthnott and Baron Inverbervie in 1641, elevating the family’s noble standing during the Stuart era.

C. Expansion and Adaptation

While rooted in Kincardineshire, the Arbuthnotts adapted to Scotland’s shifting political and religious landscapes. Their support for the Stuart cause is reflected in Arbuthnott House, where portraits of exiled Stuarts adorn the walls, a gift to the 5th Viscount for his fidelity. The clan’s estate, spanning roughly 3,000 acres, remains their seat today, a symbol of their enduring presence.

IV. Clan Arbuthnott Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The Arbuthnott crest features a peacock’s head, couped at the neck, proper—a striking emblem of nobility, pride, and vigilance. The peacock, with its resplendent plumage, mirrors the clan’s aspirations to uphold dignity and integrity across generations.

B. Clan Motto

The motto "Laus Deo," Latin for "Praise to God," encapsulates the Arbuthnotts’ deep-seated faith and gratitude. This phrase, proudly encircling their crest, reflects a spiritual foundation that guided their actions through Scotland’s religious upheavals.

V. Clan Arbuthnott Tartan

Registered with the Lord Lyon in 1962, the Arbuthnott tartan draws inspiration from the Black Watch, featuring a pattern of green and blue with accents of red and white. This tartan serves as a modern symbol of clan identity, worn by members worldwide to honor their heritage and unity.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan Arbuthnott

A. Alexander Arbuthnot (1538–1583)

A key figure in Scotland’s Reformation, Alexander Arbuthnot was the first post-Reformation Principal of King’s College, Aberdeen, and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1577. His bold critique of James VI’s tolerance of "popish practices" in 1583 underscored the clan’s influence in ecclesiastical reform.

B. Dr. John Arbuthnot (1667–1735)

Born in Kincardineshire, Dr. John Arbuthnot rose to prominence as a physician and satirist in London. Educated at the University of Aberdeen, he attended Prince George of Denmark during a critical illness in 1705 and became a confidant of literary giants like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, blending Scottish roots with intellectual renown.

C. Sir Robert Arbuthnott, 1st Viscount (c. 1590–1655)

Sir Robert’s elevation to Viscount of Arbuthnott by Charles I marked a pinnacle of the clan’s political ascent. His steadfast support for the Stuart monarchy during the Civil Wars reinforced the Arbuthnotts’ reputation as loyalists in a fractious era.

VII. Conclusion

From their medieval origins in Kincardineshire to their contributions in religion, politics, and culture, Clan Arbuthnott’s history is a compelling chapter in Scotland’s saga. Their crest, motto, and tartan stand as enduring symbols of a legacy that spans centuries, while figures like Alexander, John, and Sir Robert illuminate their impact on both Scottish and broader spheres. Today, Arbuthnott House remains a living testament to a clan that has weathered history’s storms with grace and fortitude, inspiring pride among descendants and admirers of Scotland’s noble heritage.