Falconer Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the annals of Scotland’s storied past, the Falconer Clan occupies a unique niche, their name forever tethered to the ancient art of falconry and the windswept landscapes of eastern Scotland. Emerging from humble origins as keepers of the king’s hawks, the Falconers rose to prominence through skill, loyalty, and an unyielding connection to the land. Their history is a soaring testament to adaptability and resilience, weaving a tale of nobility, service, and quiet distinction across the centuries.

II. Origins of Clan Falconer

The Falconer name is an occupational one, derived from the Old French "fauconnier," meaning a trainer or breeder of falcons—a role of prestige in medieval courts. The clan’s roots stretch back to the reign of William the Lion (1165–1214), when Ranulph the Falconer, son of Walter of Loutrop, served as falconer to the king. In reward for his service, Ranulph received lands in the Mearns (Kincardineshire), which he named Hawkerton—later Halkerton—a nod to his craft. This grant marked the genesis of the Falconer lineage, tying their identity to both their profession and the rugged terrain of Aberdeenshire.

III. Historical Evolution of Clan Falconer

A. Medieval Beginnings

The Falconers’ early history is etched in the records of Scotland’s feudal tapestry. In 1296, Robert le Faukener of Kincardyn en Miernes swore fealty to Edward I of England on the Ragman Roll, a pragmatic act amid the Wars of Independence. The clan’s foothold grew as they acquired lands like Newton and Balendro, their influence spreading from Kincardineshire to Morayshire and Nairnshire. By the 15th century, Sir Alexander Falconer of Lethens secured a charter for Newton in West Lothian in 1473, signaling their expanding presence.

B. Rise to Nobility

The 17th century heralded the Falconers’ golden age. Sir Alexander Falconer of Halkerton, born in Laurencekirk, ascended to the judiciary as a Lord of Session, earning the title Lord Falconer of Halkerton in 1646. His peerage, established on December 20, 1646, cemented the clan’s status among Scotland’s elite. Sir David Falconer of Newton followed, becoming Lord President of the Court of Session in 1682—a pinnacle of legal authority. These appointments reflected the clan’s shift from rural falconers to figures of national significance.

C. The Keith Connection

The Falconers’ fortunes intertwined with Clan Keith in 1778, when Anthony Adrian Falconer, seventh Lord Falconer of Halkerton, inherited the Earldom of Kintore from his great-uncle George Keith. Adopting the hyphenated Keith-Falconer name, he united the titles of Lord Falconer and Earl of Kintore, blending the clans’ legacies. This union persisted until 1966, when the death of the 10th Earl left the Lordship Falconer dormant, though the earldom continued through the female line.

IV. Clan Falconer Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The Falconer crest—an angel in a praying posture, or, within an orle of laurel, proper—evokes a blend of spirituality and triumph. The angel suggests divine favor or guidance, while the laurel, a symbol of victory, honors their achievements in service and nobility.

B. Clan Motto

"Live that you may have life" ("Vive Ut Vivas") serves as the clan’s motto, a poetic call to embrace purpose and vitality. It reflects the Falconers’ ethos of thriving through dedication, whether to their craft, their king, or their legacy.

V. Clan Falconer Tartan

As an armigerous clan without a current chief, the Falconers lack an officially registered tartan. However, their historical affiliation as a sept of Clan Keith allows them to claim the Keith tartan—a striking weave of green, blue, and black. This connection underscores their shared heritage, offering Falconer descendants a visual link to their past.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan Falconer

A. Sir Alexander Falconer, 1st Lord Falconer of Halkerton (d. 1671)

Sir Alexander’s elevation to the peerage in 1646 marked a turning point for the clan. A Lord of Session, he bridged the Falconers’ rural origins with Scotland’s legal establishment, laying the groundwork for their noble ascent.

B. Anthony Adrian Keith-Falconer, 5th Earl of Kintore (1742–1804)

Anthony Adrian’s inheritance of the Kintore title in 1778 fused the Falconer and Keith legacies. His tenure at Keith Hall in Aberdeenshire solidified the clan’s standing, merging their identity with one of Scotland’s most powerful families.

C. Ion Keith-Falconer (1856–1887)

A descendant of the Keith-Falconer line, Ion was a missionary and Arabic scholar whose zeal took him to Aden, where he died young. His intellectual and spiritual contributions added a global dimension to the clan’s story.

VII. Conclusion

From the hawk-strewn fields of the Mearns to the hallowed halls of Edinburgh’s judiciary, the Falconer Clan’s journey mirrors the currents of Scotland’s history—rising from humble service to noble prominence, only to meld into broader legacies. Their name, once synonymous with the cry of the falcon, now whispers through the ages, carried by descendants who cherish a heritage of skill, loyalty, and quiet valor. In the grand mosaic of Scottish clans, the Falconers endure as a symbol of ascent, their wings forever poised above the land they called home.