Nicolson Hunting Ancient Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the deep folds of Scotland’s past, Clan Nicolson Hunting Ancient unfurls its tale, a clan of hunters clad in a tartan that blends the ancient with the primal.

Rooted in Skye’s storied soil, this branch of the Nicolsons merges their Norse-Gaelic heritage with the timeless pursuit of the wild, a legacy etched in muted hues.

II. Origins of Clan Nicolson Hunting Ancient

The Nicolsons’ origins lie in the Norse-Gaelic crucible of the Hebrides, their name tied to Skye’s Trotternish peninsula by the 14th century.

The “Hunting Ancient” tartan—soft greens, blues, and earthy browns—reflects an older, weathered palette, linking them to the huntsmen of their medieval past under the Lordship of the Isles.

III. Historical Evolution

From Scorrybreac, the Nicolsons governed their lands until the 1493 forfeiture disrupted their ascent.

The subsequent centuries saw their chiefly line wane, but their hunting tradition—enshrined in this tartan—persisted, a testament to their adaptability amid Scotland’s turbulent tides.

IV. Clan Nicolson Hunting Ancient Crest, Motto and Tartan

A. Crest Symbolism

The Nicolson crest features a lion’s head erased, or, armed and langued gules—a golden lion’s head with red tongue and claws, severed at the neck.

This potent symbol evokes courage, nobility, and ferocity, reflecting the clan’s martial heritage and their role as protectors of their Isle domains.

The lion, a king among beasts, mirrors the Nicolsons’ aspirations to lead and defend, even in the face of adversity.

B. Clan Motto

The motto “Generositate” Latin for “By Generosity” speaks to a core virtue of the clan.

It suggests a legacy not only of strength but of magnanimity—a willingness to share and uplift, perhaps a nod to their communal role on Skye.

This phrase encapsulates an ideal that transcends the clan’s tumultuous history, offering a glimpse into their moral compass.

C. Clan Nicolson Hunting Ancient Tartan

The Nicolson Hunting Ancient Clan's tartan is celebrated for its earthy tones of green, brown, and black, reminiscent of the natural landscapes they cherished.

Worn proudly by clan members during hunts and gatherings, the tartan remains a cherished symbol of their identity.

V. Prominent Figures

Iain MacNicol, a 14th-century witness to charters, stands as an early pillar of this line, his presence a whisper of the clan’s hunting heritage.

His era marks the zenith of their ancient influence.

VI. Conclusion

Clan Nicolson Hunting Ancient is a shadowed hymn to Skye’s wild heart—a clan whose tartan binds them to the hunts of old.

Their legacy is one of endurance, a quiet chorus in Scotland’s Highland song.