Clan Craig: Ancient Scottish Lineage, Loyal Crown Supporters, and Guardians of the Rocky Lands of Aberdeenshire
Clan Craig is an old and respected Scottish family whose heritage is rooted in the rugged landscapes of Aberdeenshire, the north-east Lowlands, and portions of Angus and Perthshire. Though Craig is now classified as an armigerous clan—meaning it currently has no officially recognised chief—the name carries centuries of honour, military service, and noble lineage.
The clan motto, “Vive Deo et Vives” — “Live for God and You Shall Live” — reflects a family tradition grounded in devotion, integrity, and loyalty.
Origins and Early History
1. A Name Born of Scotland’s Geography
The surname Craig comes from the Gaelic “creag”, meaning:
Rock
Crag
Cliff
Originally, the name denoted a family living near a prominent rock or rocky hill—a common and distinctive landmark in medieval Scotland.
2. First Recorded Craigs
The Craigs appear in documents as early as the 12th–13th century, especially in:
Aberdeenshire
Angus
The Mearns (Kincardineshire)
Edinburgh
One of the earliest notable figures is:
John de Crag (c. 1296)
who swore fealty to King Edward I of England during the signing of the Ragman Roll, though Craigs later firmly sided with Scottish sovereignty.
3. Rise to Prominence
By the 14th century, the Craigs were firmly established as:
Lairds
Royal officials
Knights
Members of the local gentry
Their influence peaked between the 14th and 17th centuries, especially around Aberdeenshire.
Territories and Clan Seats
Although the Craigs never held a vast unified territory, several estates became strongly associated with the family:
1. Craigston (near Turriff, Aberdeenshire)
Home of the Craigston Castle, built in 1607 by the Craig family.
It remains one of Scotland’s architectural treasures, representing:
Z-plan design
Renaissance influences
Long-standing Craig heritage
2. Riccarton (Edinburgh)
The Craigs of Riccarton played leading roles in:
Law
Politics
Scholarship
Their seat stood near modern-day Heriot-Watt University.
3. Craigfintry / Craigievar Vicinity
Various branches lived around the stunning castle region of Craigievar.
4. Kincardineshire & The Mearns
Early Craigs held estates close to the coastal cliffs that originally inspired the surname.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A knight on horseback in full armour, holding a broken spear.
Symbolising:
Bravery
Knightly virtue
Martial readiness
Motto:
“Vive Deo et Vives”
“Live for God and You Shall Live.”
Badge / Plant:
The Craig plant badge is traditionally the holly, representing:
Protection
Resilience
Immortality
Arms:
Various Craig arms include:
Chevrons
Eagles
Horses
Armour
Strong red and silver colours
Reflecting nobility and loyal service to the Scottish Crown.
Craig Tartans
Although not as numerous as Highland clans, Clan Craig has officially registered tartans:
Craig (Modern)
A bold blue and green sett with red detailing.
Craig (Ancient)
Lighter, earthier tones inspired by natural dyes.
Craig Hunting
A darker, woodland palette suitable for Highland use.
These tartans are worn proudly by Craigs worldwide.
Alliances and Associations
Craig families maintained connections with several influential houses:
Primary Associations
Clan Gordon (neighbours in Aberdeenshire)
Clan Keith
Clan Forbes
Clan Ogilvie
Clan Hay
These alliances were formed through marriage, military ties, and regional governance.
Feuds & Conflicts
While not engaged in major clan feuds like Highland clans, the Craigs experienced:
1. Local Land Disputes
Particularly in:
Aberdeenshire
Angus
The Mearns
2. Border and Barony Conflicts
Mostly around jurisdiction and rights, not prolonged blood feuds.
3. Covenanter Era Tensions
Some Craig families were involved in the political and religious struggles of the 17th century.
Overall, the Craigs are known more for courtly, legal, and political influence than for violent clan disputes.
Craigs in Warfare and National Service
1. Wars of Scottish Independence
Members of the Craig family fought alongside:
Robert the Bruce
Regional lords defending the north-east
2. Medieval Service
Craigs served as:
Knights
Sheriffs
Advisors
Burgesses
Crown officers
3. The Civil Wars (1600s)
Some Craigs were Covenanters; others supported the King.
This mirrored Scotland’s broader divisions.
4. Jacobite Risings
The Craigs were generally not Jacobite, aligning more with:
Presbyterian tradition
Lowland politics
Government service
5. Global Military Service
Over the 18th–20th centuries, Craigs excelled in:
British Army
Royal Navy
Military engineering
Exploration
Academia
Notable Craigs in History
Sir Thomas Craig of Riccarton (1538–1608)
One of Scotland’s greatest legal scholars:
Author of Jus Feudale
Leading authority on Scots Law
Advisor to King James VI
James Craig (1739–1795)
Architect of Edinburgh’s New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.
Elizabeth Craig (1883–1980)
Famous Scottish cookery writer with global influence.
William Craig (1913–1998)
Lord Craig of Radley, Marshal of the Royal Air Force.
The Craigston Craigs
Noted for public service, military distinction, and maintaining historic Craigston Castle.
Clan / Family Status Today
Chiefship
Craig is an armigerous clan, meaning:
Currently no recognised chief
The clan cannot operate formally as a Highland clan under Scottish law
There are efforts underway to re-establish a chiefship through genealogical research.
Clan Associations
Active Craig groups exist in:
Scotland
North America
Australia
These organisations foster:
Genealogy
Historical research
Clan gatherings
Preservation of Craig heritage sites
Global Distribution
Today, Craigs are widespread across:
Scotland
England
Canada
USA
Australia
New Zealand
Craig Facts at a Glance
Name: Craig
Region: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Mearns, Lothians
Seat: Craigston Castle (historic), Riccarton (historic)
Chief: None (armigerous clan)
Crest: Knight on horseback
Motto: Vive Deo et Vives
Badge: Holly
Tartans: Craig Modern, Ancient, Hunting
Allies: Gordon, Forbes, Keith
Notable Figures: Sir Thomas Craig, James Craig (architect)
Status: Armigerous Scottish clan with deep Lowland roots
Conclusion
Clan Craig is a testament to the strength, intelligence, and perseverance of Scotland’s Lowland and north-eastern families. From medieval knights to Enlightenment scholars, architects, military leaders, and writers, the Craigs have shaped Scotland’s legal, cultural, and architectural landscape for centuries.
Their motto, “Live for God and You Shall Live,” reflects a clan tradition of honour, moral strength, and enduring legacy.
Today, Craigs across the world proudly honour a lineage built upon resilience, service, and the storied rocky landscapes of Scotland.