Clan Inglis: The Ancient Lowland Family of Honour, Service, and Scottish Identity
Clan Inglis is one of Scotland’s oldest and most respected Lowland families, with a history rooted in Perthshire, Fife, Lothian, and the Borders. Known for their loyalty, administrative skill, military service, and connection to medieval Scotland’s nobility, the Inglis family holds a proud place among the nation’s historic lineages.
Their motto, “Recte Faciendo Secura” — “In Doing Right, There Is Safety” — reflects the clan’s centuries-long dedication to justice, integrity, and honour.
Origins and Early History
1. Meaning of the Name
The name Inglis literally means “the Englishman”, from the Old Scots “Inglis”. It was used to identify someone of English descent or someone who spoke English rather than Gaelic.
As such, the surname likely originated in early medieval times when Scotland’s linguistic and cultural divisions were more pronounced.
2. Earliest Records
The name appears in Scottish documents as early as the 12th century, including:
John Inglis, recorded during the reign of William the Lion (1165–1214)
William Inglis, who appears in the 13th century
Sir William Inglis of Manor, famed for his duel with the English knight Sir Thomas Struthers
These early references place the family among Scotland’s established Lowland gentry.
Territories and Clan Seats
1. Manor Valley (Peeblesshire)
The Inglis family became prominent landholders here.
Sir William Inglis was rewarded for his bravery with the Barony of Manor — a key turning point in the clan’s rise.
2. Cramond House (near Edinburgh)
A major seat of the Inglis of Cramond, one of the most distinguished branches.
This elegant estate is closely tied to the clan’s identity.
3. Lochend and Auchindinny Estates
Lands in Midlothian and Fife were also held by prominent Inglis families.
4. Borders and Lothians
Numerous branches spread through:
Edinburgh
East Lothian
West Lothian
Berwickshire
These regions became strongholds of the Inglis surname.
Crest, Motto, and Clan Symbols
Crest
A boar’s head, symbolising courage, leadership, and defence.
Motto
“Recte Faciendo Secura”
“In Doing Right, There Is Safety.”
A moral declaration of honour, integrity, and ethical conduct.
Badge
The traditional plant badge is the oak, representing strength, endurance, and ancient roots.
Arms
Various Inglis families have held arms featuring:
Boar’s heads
Saltire elements
Gold and red themes
Stars or fleur-de-lis
These designs reflect noble service and martial tradition.
Clan Inglis Tartans
Clan Inglis has several tartans recognised today:
Inglis (Modern)
A bold tartan featuring:
Forest green
Navy blue
Black
Thin red lines
Inglis (Ancient)
Softer tones with a more natural, aged aesthetic.
Inglis Hunting Tartan
A darker variation suited for Highland dress and outdoor wear.
These tartans are worn proudly by Inglis descendants.
Alliances and Feuds
Alliances
As a Lowland family, the Inglises maintained strong ties through marriage and service with families such as:
Douglas
Stewart
Murray
Home
Scott
Their connections extended across both nobility and royal households.
Feuds
The Inglis family is not widely recorded in prolonged feuding, reflecting their more administrative and honourable reputation.
However, like all Border-associated families, they were occasionally drawn into territorial disputes and political conflicts.
Military Service and Scottish Warfare
Clan Inglis has a distinguished martial history.
1. Sir William Inglis and the Legendary Duel
In 1395, Sir William Inglis defeated the English champion Sir Thomas Struthers in single combat.
King Robert III rewarded him with the Barony of Manor, forever cementing his family’s legacy.
2. Wars of Independence
Various Inglises supported Scottish resistance against England, particularly in the Borders.
3. Border Conflicts
As landowners in contested territory, the Inglises defended their estates during the turbulent centuries of Reiver activity.
4. Civil Wars (17th century)
Different branches aligned with Covenanters or Royalists depending on local loyalties.
5. Jacobite Era
Most Inglis families remained pro-government, consistent with Lowland political tendencies.
6. Modern Military Service
Inglises served in:
The Royal Scots
King’s Own Scottish Borderers
Scots Greys
Royal Navy
British Army regiments worldwide
Their tradition of service continued into the 20th century.
Notable Inglis Figures
Sir William Inglis of Manor (14th century)
Hero of the famous duel; rewarded with a barony for his valour.
John Inglis of Cramond (18th century)
Prominent judge and Solicitor General for Scotland.
Alexander Inglis (18th–19th century)
Laird of Cramond; instrumental in modernising estates around Edinburgh.
Admiral Sir John Inglis (1726–1798)
Commander of the Royal Navy ship HMS Bellona and a distinguished officer.
Charles Inglis (1734–1816)
First Anglican bishop in North America.
Modern Inglis figures
Many excel in:
Law
Finance
Engineering
Academia
Civic service
Clan Status and Global Identity
Today, Clan Inglis is considered an armigerous clan, meaning that although branches hold coats of arms, there is no recognised chief.
However, the surname has a proud and active presence worldwide, particularly in:
Scotland
Canada
United States
Australia
New Zealand
England (especially the Northeast)
Clan Inglis associations preserve genealogy, tartan culture, and historic sites like Cramond House and Manor Valley.
Clan Inglis Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Inglis
Region: Lowlands (Perthshire, Lothians, Borders)
Chief: None (armigerous)
Historic Seats: Manor Valley and Cramond House
Crest: Boar’s head
Motto: Recte Faciendo Secura — “In Doing Right, There Is Safety”
Badge: Oak
Tartan: Inglis Modern, Ancient, Hunting
Allies: Douglas, Stewart, Home, Scott
Notable Members: Sir William Inglis, Admiral Inglis, Bishop Charles Inglis
Status: Recognised Scottish Lowland family without a chief
Conclusion
Clan Inglis is a proud Scottish family grounded in honour, responsibility, and generations of loyal service. From the heroic duel of Sir William Inglis to the civic achievements of later centuries, the Inglises embody the values expressed in their motto: “In Doing Right, There Is Safety.”
Today, the Inglis name is celebrated across Scotland and the wider diaspora as a symbol of tradition, integrity, and enduring Lowland heritage.