Clan Paterson: The Proud Lowland and Highland Lineage of Faith, Resilience, and Scottish Tradition
The name Paterson (also spelled Patterson, Patrickson, or MacPhadraig) is woven deeply into Scotland’s cultural and historical tapestry. Found in both the Lowlands and the Highlands, the Patersons are a distinguished Scottish family whose roots stretch back to medieval times. While not traditionally governed by a single paramount chief, the Paterson name carries centuries of heritage — built upon loyalty, craftsmanship, scholarship, and service.
Their proud motto, “Huc Tendimus Omnes” — “We All Strive for This” — reflects unity, purpose, and the steadfast resolve that defines this enduring Scottish surnamed clan.
Origins and Early History
A Patronymic Birth
The name Paterson simply means “son of Patrick”, derived from the Gaelic MacPhadraig.
Its rise as a hereditary surname began between the 13th and 15th centuries, rooted in:
Christian devotion to St. Patrick
Gaelic naming customs
Lowland Norman-influenced patronymics
Because of this dual heritage, two broad traditions developed:
1. Lowland Patersons
Predominantly found in:
Peeblesshire
Lanarkshire
Stirlingshire
Angus
Perthshire
Aberdeenshire
Lowland Patersons were early burgesses, merchants, craftsmen, and farmers, integrated into the civic fabric of burgh life.
Their earliest appearances include:
John Paterson of Berwick (1296)
Who swore fealty to King Edward I during the Ragman Rolls — proving the surname’s early establishment in the Lowlands.
2. Highland Patersons
In the Highlands, the name MacPhadraig was associated with several communities linked to larger clans, sometimes as septs or allies of:
Clan MacLaren
Clan Graham
Clan MacDonald
Clan MacAlpine
These Highland Patersons were crofters, cattle drovers, pipers, and warriors.
Territories and Clan Seats
As an armigerous surname, the Patersons do not have a single clan seat.
However, several important families emerged:
1. Patersons of Bannockburn (Stirlingshire)
Prominent landowners near the famous battlefield, with influence during medieval and early modern times.
2. Patersons of Dalmeny & South Queensferry (Lothians)
Burgess families connected to trade on the Firth of Forth.
3. Patersons of Newmills (Aberdeenshire)
Successful agriculturists and minor lairds.
4. Highland Paterson settlements
Found in Perthshire, Balquhidder, Strathallan, and the Western Isles.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Although there is no single crest for all Patersons, historically registered Paterson arms share common motifs.
Crest:
A dexter hand grasping a dagger — symbol of readiness, honour, and self-defence.
Some Paterson arms also feature:
Unicorns
Eagles
Stars (mullets)
Motto:
“Huc Tendimus Omnes”
“We All Strive for This.”
Implying ambition, unity, and noble endeavour.
Badge:
Patersons may wear pine or Scots thistle, traditional Lowland and Highland symbols of resilience.
Arms:
Variations include:
Silver or gold shields
Red chevrons
Daggers or stars
These represent bravery, achievement, and intelligence.
Tartans
Several tartan patterns are associated with the Paterson name:
Paterson (Modern)
A vibrant tartan of:
Deep green
Navy blue
Scarlet red
Yellow pinstripes
Paterson (Ancient)
Lighter, herbal tones based on early natural dyes.
Paterson Hunting
A darker, woodland-toned tartan suited for outdoor wear.
These tartans are widely worn by Paterson descendants across the world.
Alliances and Feuds
Because the Paterson name spread across Scotland, the family’s loyalties depended on region.
Alliances:
MacLarens (Highland sept association)
MacDonalds (via Gaelic roots)
Grahams (Stirlingshire links)
Murrays (Perthshire ties)
Feuds:
Patersons seldom engaged in large-scale clan feuds. However, some were caught in territorial and political conflicts involving:
Clan Campbell (Highland region)
Border disputes between Lowland lairds
Town rivalries among burghs
Overall, the Paterson reputation is one of level-headedness and industrious character.
Patersons in Scottish Warfare
Wars of Scottish Independence
Patersons supported both national and regional causes; some fought for Robert the Bruce.
Border Conflicts
Lowland Patersons took part in skirmishes as retainers of powerful houses like the Douglases or Grahams.
Civil Wars (17th century)
Branches of the Paterson family fought on both Covenanter and Royalist sides.
Jacobite Risings (1715 & 1745)
Highland Patersons aligned with nearby clans supporting Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
British Army & Navy (18th–20th century)
Patersons served in:
Scots Greys
Black Watch
Cameron Highlanders
Royal Navy
Their skills as officers, engineers, and infantrymen became widely recognised.
Notable Paterson Figures
Robert Paterson (1715–1801)
Best known as “Old Mortality”, the wandering stonemason who preserved Covenanter graves.
His life inspired Sir Walter Scott’s novel Old Mortality.
William Paterson (1658–1719)
Founder of the Bank of England and architect of the Darien Scheme — one of Scotland’s most ambitious economic ventures.
Sir Alexander Paterson (1884–1947)
Reformer who modernised the British prison system with humane, progressive principles.
Samuel Paterson (1728–1802)
Noted bibliographer and antiquarian.
Modern Patersons
The surname is widespread among leaders in:
Academia
Law
Politics
Literature
Military service
Engineering
Clan Status and Diaspora
Clan Paterson is armigerous, meaning it lacks a single chief.
Despite this, Paterson societies thrive globally with members in:
Scotland
Canada
United States
Australia
New Zealand
South Africa
These associations promote genealogy, tartan heritage, Scottish culture, and ancestral preservation.
Clan Paterson Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Paterson / Patterson / MacPhadraig
Region: Lowlands (Fife, Stirlingshire, Lothians), Highlands (Perthshire)
Chief: None (armigerous)
Crest: Hand holding a dagger
Motto: Huc Tendimus Omnes — “We All Strive for This”
Badge: Pine or Thistle
Tartans: Paterson Modern, Ancient, Hunting
Allies: MacLaren, Graham, MacDonald
Notable Members: William Paterson, Old Mortality, Sir Alexander Paterson
Status: Recognised Scottish family without a chief
Conclusion
Clan Paterson represents a proud, widespread Scottish heritage built on integrity, resilience, and unity. Whether as Highland crofters or Lowland merchants, as soldiers or scholars, the Patersons have shaped Scotland’s cultural landscape for centuries.
Their motto, “We All Strive for This,” reflects a timeless commitment to family, work, and honour.
Today, the Paterson name continues to be celebrated across Scotland and the global diaspora as a symbol of tradition, perseverance, and Scottish pride.