Clan Moncreiffe: Ancient Perthshire Nobility, Royal Lineage, and One of Scotland’s Most Heraldically Distinguished Clans
Clan Moncreiffe—also spelled Moncrieff—is one of Scotland’s most prestigious Highland–Lowland border clans, rooted in the ancient lands of Perthshire and steeped in royal ancestry. Known for their deep involvement in Scottish heraldry, diplomacy, royal service, and intellectual life, the Moncreiffes have long been regarded as one of the nation’s most honourable and historically significant families.
Their motto, “Sur Esperance” — “Upon Hope” — beautifully reflects the clan’s forward-looking spirit and noble resilience across centuries of Scottish history.
Origins and Early History
1. The Ancient Lands of Moncreiffe
The name comes from the Gaelic Monadh Craoibhe, meaning:
“Hill of the Sacred Tree.”
This hill, Moncreiffe Hill, stands between:
The River Earn
The River Tay
near Perth, and has been associated with settlement, ritual, and kingship since prehistoric times.
2. Royal Descent from the Pictish Kings
Clan tradition holds that the Moncreiffes descend from:
The ancient Pictish royal house,
specifically through Fergus mac Nisse, a semi-legendary early king of Dál Riata.
This link has been celebrated in the clan’s heraldic symbols.
3. The First Recorded Moncreiffe
The early family appears in charters under David II and Robert II, but the line is likely older.
The principal ancestor was:
Sir Matthew Moncreiffe,
a knight active during the 13th and 14th centuries.
His descendants became powerful landed nobles in Perthshire.
Territories and Clan Seats
1. Moncreiffe Island (Friarton, Perth)
A historic island in the River Tay long associated with the family.
2. Moncreiffe House
The chief’s ancestral seat at the base of Moncreiffe Hill.
Though tragically destroyed by fire in 1957, the estate remains central to clan identity.
3. The Hill of Moncreiffe
A landmark crowned with ancient woodlands, sacred sites, and commanding views of the Tay valley.
4. Perthshire Holdings
Additional lands in:
Dunbarnie
Easter Moncreiffe
Innerpeffray
These estates reflect the clan’s long-standing regional influence.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A demi lion holding a sword, symbolising:
Courage
Justice
Nobility
Motto:
“Sur Esperance”
“Upon Hope.”
A motto expressing optimism and perseverance.
Badge:
The clan’s plant badge is the oak, representing:
Strength
Wisdom
Endurance
Arms:
One of the most recognisable in Scotland:
Black and white checky fess
Red lion
Distinctive heraldic artistry reflecting ancient royal ties
Moncreiffe Tartans
Clan Moncreiffe has several official tartans:
1. Moncreiffe (Modern)
A balanced blue, green, and black sett with red accents.
2. Moncreiffe (Ancient)
More muted earth-toned colours.
3. Moncreiffe (Weathered)
Grey and brown tones for a rugged, historical feel.
4. Moncreiffe Hunting
A darker tartan suited to Highland dress and field use.
These tartans reflect the clan’s dual Highland–Lowland identity.
Branches and Septs of Clan Moncreiffe
Prominent branches include:
Moncreiffes of Moncreiffe (chief line)
Moncreiffs of Easter Moncreiffe
Moncreiffs of Kinmonth
Moncrieffs of Tulliebole (an important cadet house)
Associated surnames include:
Moncrieff
Moncrief
Moncrieffe
Alliances & Clan Associations
The Moncreiffes formed strong alliances with:
Clan Murray
Clan Oliphant
Clan Drummond
Clan Graham
Their position near Perth placed them at the crossroads of Highland and Lowland politics.
Feuds and Conflicts
1. Local Rivalries
Occasional disputes occurred with neighbouring families over land and feudal obligations.
2. Wars of Scottish Independence
Moncreiffes supported:
Robert the Bruce
and fought in several early campaigns.
3. The Reformation & Civil Wars
Some Moncreiffes supported the Presbyterian cause; others were royalists, reflecting Scotland’s turbulent 17th century.
4. Jacobite Allegiances
Though primarily Lowland, branches of the clan expressed sympathy for the Jacobite movement.
The Moncreiffes in Service, Scholarship & Diplomacy
1. Heraldry & Genealogy
Clan Moncreiffe is unique in its contribution to heraldic scholarship:
Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, though not a Moncreiffe, influenced the later chief’s family
Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk,
the celebrated Albany Herald, author, genealogist, and recognized expert on Scottish (and European) nobility.
He revived the clan’s heritage and remains its best-known modern figure.
2. Military Service
Moncreiffes served in:
Highland regiments
Scots Guards
Household Cavalry
Colonial and World War forces
3. Legal and Political Careers
Many Moncreiffes became:
Judges
Advocates
Politicians
Including:
James Moncreiff, 1st Baron Moncreiff, a towering figure in Scottish law.
4. Ecclesiastical Influence
Multiple Moncreiffes were ministers and leaders within the Church of Scotland.
Notable Moncreiffes in History
Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk (1919–1985)
Chief of Clan Moncreiffe, Albany Herald, historian, and world-renowned authority on genealogy.
James Moncreiff, 1st Lord Moncreiff (1776–1858)
Lord Advocate and influential judge.
Sir Thomas Moncreiffe of Tulliebole
An important cadet line laird.
General Sir John Moncrieff
Prominent military figure.
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Chief:
Sir Peregrine Moncreiffe of that Ilk,
Current Chief of Clan Moncreiffe.
Clan Societies:
Vibrant membership in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
Australia
Heartlands:
Perthshire
The Tay valley
Surrounding Highland border regions
Clan Moncreiffe Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Moncreiffe / Moncrieff
Region: Perthshire
Chief: Sir Peregrine Moncreiffe of that Ilk
Crest: Demi lion holding a sword
Motto: Sur Esperance
Badge: Oak
Tartans: Moncreiffe Modern, Ancient, Weathered, Hunting
Alliances: Murray, Drummond, Oliphant
Notable Figures: Sir Iain Moncreiffe, Lord Moncreiff
Status: One of Scotland’s most noble and scholarly clans
Conclusion
Clan Moncreiffe stands at the heart of Scottish nobility—ancient in origin, rich in culture, and unmatched in heraldic scholarship. From the sacred slopes of Moncreiffe Hill to the halls of Scottish courts and European academies, the clan’s legacy is one of intellect, loyalty, and enduring honour.
Their motto, “Upon Hope,” captures a lineage defined by optimism, perseverance, and deep-rooted pride in their heritage.