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Clan Johnstone

Clan Johnstone: A Legacy of Annandale, Lochwood Tower and Never Being Unprepared

Introduction

Clan Johnstone, also written Johnston, is one of the great Scottish Border Reiver clans, rooted especially in Annandale, Dumfriesshire, Lockerbie, Lochwood Tower, Raehills, Lochmaben, and the old western Border country.

The clan motto is:

“Nunquam Non Paratus”
“Never unprepared.”

The clan crest is:

A winged spur rowel Or.

In simpler terms, this is a golden winged spur wheel, a perfect symbol for a mounted Border clan.

The clan plant badge is:

Red Hawthorn.

The clan slogan was:

“Light Thieves All”

This was later joined by the motto “Nunquam Non Paratus”, sometimes translated in clan tradition as “Ready, aye ready.” The Clan Johnstone Society explains that “Light Thieves All” was the original war cry or slogan and that the later motto means “Never Unprepared.” 

The current chief is:

Patrick Andrew Wentworth Hope-Johnstone
11th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell
Lord Johnstone
26th Chief of the Name and Arms of Johnstone

The clan’s historic seat is Lochwood Tower, while the modern chiefly seat is connected with Raehills, near Lockerbie. 

This article explores the history, people, heritage, tartans, crest, motto, tower, feuds, Border Reiver identity and modern legacy of Clan Johnstone.

Chapter I: Origins of Clan Johnstone

The surname Johnstone means:

John’s town
or
the settlement of John.

The name is territorial in origin. It comes from lands associated with a man named John, and in Scotland it became especially tied to Annandale in Dumfriesshire.

The Gaelic forms are commonly given as:

Mac Iain
MacIain
Mac Eoin

These forms mean:

Son of John.

Historic spellings and related forms include:

  • Johnstone

  • Johnston

  • Jonstone

  • Jonston

  • Johnestoun

  • Johnstoun

  • Johnsone

  • Johnston of Annandale

  • Johnstone of Lochwood

  • Johnstone of Caskieben

  • Hope-Johnstone

Clan Johnstone is not a Highland clan of island castles and mountain glens. It is a Border clan — a family shaped by towers, horses, raids, feuds, wardenship, frontier violence and survival between Scotland and England.

The Johnstones became one of the dominant riding clans of the western Borders.

Their motto says everything:

Never unprepared.

In the Borders, being unprepared could cost a family its cattle, tower, land or life.

Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands

Clan Johnstone’s historic territory includes:

  • Annandale

  • Dumfriesshire

  • Lockerbie

  • Lochwood Tower

  • Lochmaben

  • Raehills

  • Moffatdale

  • Wamphray

  • Caskieben

  • The Scottish Borders

  • The western marches

  • The wider Scottish diaspora

The historic seat is:

Lochwood Tower

Lochwood Tower was the great Johnstone stronghold. ScotlandShop describes Lochwood Tower as the historic seat of Clan Johnstone and says the Johnstones occupied the grounds from the 14th century until the 16th century, when the English captured the castle under the command of Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. 

The modern chiefly seat is associated with:

Raehills, near Lockerbie. 

Annandale was hard country for a clan. It stood in the western Border zone, where reiving, retaliation, riding families and Anglo-Scottish warfare shaped everyday life.

The Johnstones were not distant from danger.

They lived inside it.

Chapter III: Important People of Clan Johnstone

The Early Johnstones of Annandale

The early Johnstones rose in Annandale as a powerful Border family.

Their strength came from land, kinship, tower houses, mounted followers and their position among the reiving families of Dumfriesshire.

The Johnstones of Lochwood

The Johnstones of Lochwood became the chiefly line of the clan.

Lochwood Tower gave the family its strongest symbol of authority and became one of the key strongholds in the Johnstone-Maxwell feud.

Sir James Johnstone of Dunskellie

One of the most important figures in Johnstone history was Sir James Johnstone of Dunskellie, who led the Johnstones during the great feud with Clan Maxwell.

He commanded the Johnstone side at the Battle of Dryfe Sands in 1593, where the Johnstones defeated the Maxwells in one of the bloodiest clan battles of the Borders. 

James Johnstone, Lord Johnstone of Lochwood

In 1633, James Johnstone was created Lord Johnstone of Lochwood by King Charles I. Later, he was elevated as Earl of Hartfell. 

This brought the chiefly line into the Scottish peerage.

The Earls of Annandale and Hartfell

The Johnstone chiefly line later became associated with the title:

Earl of Annandale and Hartfell

This title preserved the family’s high status and territorial connection to Annandale.

Patrick Hope-Johnstone, 11th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell

The current chief is:

Patrick Andrew Wentworth Hope-Johnstone
11th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell
Lord Johnstone
26th Chief of the Name and Arms of Johnstone
11th Hereditary Steward of Annandale
11th Hereditary Keeper of Lochmaben Palace 

He represents the modern chiefly line of Clan Johnstone.

Chapter IV: Castles, Towers and Historic Sites

Lochwood Tower

Lochwood Tower is the great historic stronghold of Clan Johnstone.

It stood in Annandale and became the symbol of Johnstone power in the western Borders. ScotlandShop identifies it as the historic seat of Clan Johnstone and explains that the Johnstones occupied the site from the 14th century until the 16th century. 

For Clan Johnstone, Lochwood Tower represents:

  • Chiefship

  • Annandale roots

  • Border defence

  • Reiver strength

  • The Maxwell feud

  • Family survival

  • The old seat of Johnstone power

Raehills

Raehills, near Lockerbie, is connected with the modern chiefly line and is listed in clan summaries as the current seat.

Lochmaben Palace

The current chief is also styled Hereditary Keeper of Lochmaben Palace, preserving another major Annandale connection. 

Lochmaben is historically important because of its Bruce associations and its strategic position in the Borders.

Lockerbie

Lockerbie lies close to the heart of Johnstone country and near the battlefield of Dryfe Sands.

For Johnstone descendants, Lockerbie and Annandale are key areas for family-history research.

Dryfe Sands

Dryfe Sands, near Lockerbie, is one of the most important battlefield sites in Johnstone history.

It was there, on 6 December 1593, that the Johnstones defeated the Maxwells in a brutal clan battle. 

Chapter V: Battles, Wars and Clan Events

Clan Johnstone’s history is deeply shaped by Border warfare, reiving, feud and survival.

The Border Reiver World

The Johnstones were one of the major clans of the Border Reiver world.

This was a society of:

  • Mounted raiders

  • Tower houses

  • Cattle lifting

  • Kin loyalty

  • Cross-border retaliation

  • March law

  • Feud

  • Sudden violence

  • Family defence

A clan in this region had to be ready at all times.

That is why the motto “Never Unprepared” is so fitting.

Feud with Clan Maxwell

The greatest conflict in Johnstone history was the long feud with Clan Maxwell.

The Maxwells and Johnstones were two of the most powerful families in the western Borders. Their rivalry lasted for generations and turned Annandale and Nithsdale into dangerous ground.

The Clan Maxwell Society notes that Lochwood Tower, the Johnstone stronghold, was destroyed by Maxwells during the long feud, and preserves the tradition that Robert Maxwell set it ablaze in the late 16th century. 

Burning of Lochwood Tower

The burning of Lochwood Tower became one of the most famous episodes of the feud.

According to tradition, Robert Maxwell set the tower on fire and mocked the blaze as giving Dame Johnstone light to set her silken hood. 

This story captures the bitter tone of Border feud: violent, personal and remembered for centuries.

Battle of Dryfe Sands — 1593

The defining battle of Clan Johnstone history was the Battle of Dryfe Sands, fought near Lockerbie on 6 December 1593.

It was part of the Johnstone-Maxwell feud. The Johnstones, led by Sir James Johnstone, defeated the Maxwells, who were led by Lord John Maxwell. The battle was a decisive Johnstone victory. 

The battle was remembered for its ferocity. Clan Johnstone accounts preserve the tradition that Lord Maxwell begged for mercy but was killed, and that his head and right hand were displayed on the battlements of Lochwood Tower. 

From Feud to Peerage

After centuries of Border conflict, the Johnstones moved into higher noble status.

James Johnstone was created Lord Johnstone of Lochwood in 1633, and later Earl of Hartfell. 

This marked the shift from reiver power to noble title.

Chapter VI: Clan Crest, Motto and Badge

Clan Crest

The Johnstone crest is:

A winged spur rowel Or.

In simpler terms, this is a golden winged spur wheel.

ScotsConnection gives the Johnstone crest as a winged spur rowel. 

The spur rowel suggests:

  • Horsemen

  • Speed

  • Readiness

  • Border riding

  • Movement

  • Military response

  • Reiver identity

The wings add an even stronger sense of speed and sudden action.

For a Border clan, this crest is perfect. It belongs to the saddle, the night ride, the raid, the pursuit and the emergency call to arms.

Clan Motto

The clan motto is:

“Nunquam Non Paratus”

This means:

“Never unprepared.”

ScotsConnection and the Clan Johnstone Society both give this motto and translation. 

It means:

  • Always ready

  • Never caught off guard

  • Prepared for danger

  • Prepared for duty

  • Prepared for defence

  • Prepared for the call

In Border country, this was not decorative language.

It was survival.

Clan Slogan

The old slogan was:

“Light Thieves All”

The Clan Johnstone Society explains that this was a demand to the enemy to dismount and surrender, and that it was also used as the first motto in the chief’s arms in the early 17th century. 

Clan Badge

The plant badge is:

Red Hawthorn

Modern clan summaries list Red Hawthorn as the Johnstone plant badge. 

Red hawthorn is fitting for a Border clan:

  • Thorned

  • Hardy

  • Defensive

  • Bright in flower

  • Rooted in rough ground

  • Protective by nature

Chapter VII: Clan Tartans

Clan Johnstone has several recorded tartan traditions.

Johnston / Johnstone Tartan

The Johnston/Johnstone tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 1899. 

This is one of the main tartans associated with the name.

Johnstone / Johnston Tartan

The Scottish Register of Tartans also lists Johnstone/Johnston as a Clan/Family tartan, along with Johnston/Johnstone entries. 

This reflects the interchangeable use of the spellings Johnstone and Johnston.

Johnstone Ancient and Modern Tartans

Modern tartan suppliers commonly offer Johnstone tartans in:

  • Ancient

  • Modern

  • Weathered

  • Muted

  • Dress or variant forms where available

The difference is usually dye tone:

  • Ancient colours are softer and lighter.

  • Modern colours are deeper and stronger.

  • Weathered colours are muted and aged.

Johnstone Tartan Today

Modern kiltmakers note that there are multiple Johnstone tartans available through the Scottish Register and commercial weaving traditions. A 2024 kiltmaker summary noted that they sold 12 Johnstone tartans in store, though not all tartans are necessarily open clan tartans; some may be private or personal registrations. 

The Meaning of Johnstone Tartan Today

For modern Johnstone descendants, tartan represents:

  • Annandale roots

  • Lochwood Tower

  • Border Reiver heritage

  • The motto “Never Unprepared”

  • The winged spur crest

  • Red Hawthorn

  • Dryfe Sands

  • Family pride and diaspora identity

The Johnstone tartan gives one of the great Border clans a visible and wearable Scottish identity.

Chapter VIII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions

Clan Johnstone represents a proud Border identity built on readiness, speed, kinship and survival.

Its story includes:

  • Annandale roots

  • Lochwood Tower

  • Raehills

  • Lochmaben Palace

  • Border Reiver heritage

  • The Maxwell feud

  • Burning of Lochwood Tower

  • Battle of Dryfe Sands

  • The winged spur crest

  • The motto “Nunquam Non Paratus”

  • The slogan “Light Thieves All”

  • Red Hawthorn plant badge

  • Johnstone tartans

  • A living recognised chief

Associated names and branches include:

  • Johnstone

  • Johnston

  • Jonstone

  • Jonston

  • Johnstoun

  • Johnestoun

  • Johnstone of Annandale

  • Johnstone of Lochwood

  • Johnstone of Caskieben

  • Hope-Johnstone

  • Johnston of Caskieben

Clan Johnstone’s story is not gentle history.

It is a Border story: towers, horses, feud, fire, sudden violence and readiness at every hour.

Chapter IX: Clan Johnstone Today

Today, Clan Johnstone remains a recognised Scottish clan with a living chief.

The current chief is:

Patrick Andrew Wentworth Hope-Johnstone
11th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell
Lord Johnstone
26th Chief of the Name and Arms of Johnstone
11th Hereditary Steward of Annandale
11th Hereditary Keeper of Lochmaben Palace 

Modern Clan Johnstone identity can be found through:

  • Clan Johnstone societies

  • Family history research

  • Tartan wearing

  • Scottish Borders heritage events

  • Study of Annandale and Lockerbie

  • Visits to Lochwood Tower and Raehills country

  • Research into the Maxwell feud

  • Genealogy projects

  • Diaspora communities across the world

The clan stands today as a symbol of readiness, Border endurance, family loyalty, reiver strength and Scottish pride.

Chapter X: Legacy of Clan Johnstone

The story of Clan Johnstone begins in Annandale, in the hard country of the Scottish Borders.

From Lochwood Tower, the Johnstones rode, fought, defended and endured through one of the most dangerous frontier worlds in Scottish history.

Its crest, the winged spur rowel, speaks of speed, horses and sudden readiness.

Its plant badge, Red Hawthorn, speaks of beauty guarded by thorns.

Its motto gives the clan its voice:

Nunquam Non Paratus — Never Unprepared.

That phrase captures the Johnstone spirit: awake, armed, loyal and ready.

From Lochwood Tower to Dryfe Sands, from Annandale to descendants across the world, Clan Johnstone continues to carry its history forward.

Its legacy is written in tartan, spurs, hawthorn, tower stone, Border ballads, family records and the pride of those who still honour the name.

Tartan Time Machine Closing Paragraph

At Tartan Time Machine, we bring Scotland’s past into the present by exploring the clans, castles, battles, kirkyards, legends and forgotten stories that shaped the nation.

Clan Johnstone is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Annandale riders, Lochwood Tower, Border Reivers, red hawthorn, tartans, Maxwell feuds, Dryfe Sands and the uncompromising motto: Never Unprepared.

Discover more Scottish history, clan stories, castle features and heritage content at:

www.tartantimemachine.com