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Clan Scott

Clan Scott: A Legacy of Buccleuch, Branxholme and the Border Cry “The Scotts Are Out!”

Introduction

Clan Scott is one of the great historic clans of the Scottish Borders, rooted especially in Ettrick Forest, Teviotdale, Buccleuch, Branxholme, Harden, Dryhope, Aikwood, Bowhill, Dalkeith, and the wider reiver country between Scotland and England.

The clan motto is:

“Amo”
“I love.”

The clan crest is:

A stag trippant Proper, attired and unguled Or.

In simpler terms, this is a stag walking naturally, with golden antlers and hooves.

The clan war cries are:

“A Bellendaine!”
and
“The Scotts are out!”

The clan plant badge is:

Blaeberry.

The current chief is:

Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott
10th Duke of Buccleuch
12th Duke of Queensberry
Chief of Clan Scott

Clan Scott is recognised by the Lord Lyon, and the Duke of Buccleuch is widely listed as the clan chief. The clan’s modern seat is Bowhill House, while Dalkeith Palace is the historic ducal seat. 

Chapter I: Origins of Clan Scott

The surname Scott began as a national or ethnic name.

It originally meant:

A Scot
or
a Gaelic-speaking person from Scotland or Ireland

In medieval records, the name appears as a way to identify someone by national or cultural origin. Over time, it became a hereditary surname.

Historic spellings and forms include:

  • Scott

  • Scot

  • Scotte

  • Scotach

  • Scotus

  • de Scott

  • Scott of Buccleuch

  • Scott of Harden

  • Scott of Synton

  • Scott of Dryhope

  • Scott of Thirlestane

  • Scott of Gala

  • Scott of Raeburn

The Gaelic form is often given as:

Scotach

meaning:

Scottish person
or
Scot

Clan Scott became one of the dominant names of the Scottish Borders. Their power grew through landholding, kinship, reiving, military service, political skill and strategic marriage.

The clan’s history is not a Highland story of island galleys and mountain chiefs.

It is a Border story: towers, horses, raids, ballads, feuds, royal service, rough justice and survival in one of the most dangerous frontier zones in Europe.

Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands

Clan Scott’s historic territory includes:

  • The Scottish Borders

  • Ettrick Forest

  • Teviotdale

  • Selkirkshire

  • Roxburghshire

  • Peeblesshire

  • Buccleuch

  • Branxholme

  • Harden

  • Dryhope

  • Aikwood

  • Bowhill

  • Dalkeith

  • Branxholme Castle

  • Hermitage Castle area

  • The wider Scottish diaspora

The clan’s historic and modern seats include:

Bowhill House
Dalkeith Palace
Branxholme Castle

Bowhill House remains strongly associated with the Duke of Buccleuch and Clan Scott, while Dalkeith Palace is the former seat of the Duke of Buccleuch. Branxholme Castle has been owned by the Scotts since the 15th century and is one of the great historic Scott strongholds. 

The Scott heartland is the Borders, especially the country of Ettrick, Teviotdale and Buccleuch.

This was Border Reiver country — a land where identity was forged through kinship, riding, raiding, retaliation, local law, survival and loyalty to name.

Chapter III: Important People of Clan Scott

The Early Scotts of Buccleuch

The Scotts of Buccleuch became the chiefly line of Clan Scott.

Their influence grew in the Borders through land, service and local power. Over time, they became one of the most important families in southern Scotland.

Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch — “Bold Buccleuch”

One of the most famous early Scotts was:

Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch
known as
Bold Buccleuch

He was knighted by King James VI in 1590 and became one of the most memorable Border figures of the 16th century. Bowhill House history notes that he and Watt Scott of Harden famously rescued Kinmont Willie Armstrong from Carlisle Castle, provoking both the anger and admiration of Queen Elizabeth I. 

Watt Scott of Harden

Walter “Watt” Scott of Harden was another famous Border Scott.

He belonged to the Harden branch and is remembered in Border tradition as a major reiver figure. His name is inseparable from the rough and romantic world of the Scottish Borders.

Mary Scott, “The Flower of Yarrow”

Mary Scott of Dryhope, known as The Flower of Yarrow, married Watt Scott of Harden.

She became one of the most famous women in Scott Border tradition, remembered through ballad, romance and family legend.

Sir Walter Scott, the Novelist

The most famous literary figure of the name is:

Sir Walter Scott
author of Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe, The Heart of Midlothian and many other works.

He lived at Abbotsford House near Melrose and became one of the most influential historical novelists in world literature. Abbotsford remains one of the most important Scott-associated places in Scotland. 

Sir Walter Scott did more than write stories. He helped shape the modern romantic image of Scotland itself.

Anne Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch

Anne Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch, became one of the great heiresses of Scotland.

She married James, Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of King Charles II. Although Monmouth was executed after rebellion, Anne’s Buccleuch titles remained intact, preserving the Scott noble line. 

Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch

The current chief is:

Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott
10th Duke of Buccleuch
12th Duke of Queensberry
Chief of Clan Scott

He represents the modern chiefly line of the Scotts of Buccleuch. 

Chapter IV: Castles, Houses and Historic Sites

Branxholme Castle

Branxholme Castle is one of the great historic seats of Clan Scott.

It has been owned by the Scotts since around 1420 and is strongly associated with the Buccleuch line. 

For Clan Scott, Branxholme represents:

  • Border power

  • Buccleuch identity

  • Reiver history

  • Tower-house strength

  • Family continuity

  • The martial world of Teviotdale

Bowhill House

Bowhill House is the modern Borders seat of the Duke of Buccleuch.

It was purchased in 1747 by Francis Scott, 2nd Duke of Buccleuch, for his son Lord Charles Scott, and remains one of the key houses of the Buccleuch family. 

Dalkeith Palace

Dalkeith Palace is the former ducal seat of the Duke of Buccleuch.

It represents the later aristocratic and political power of the Scott chiefly line. 

Dryhope Tower

Dryhope Tower belonged to the Scotts of Dryhope.

It is strongly associated with Mary Scott, the Flower of Yarrow, and the romantic Border world of the Scott kindred. 

Aikwood Tower

Aikwood Tower was built in 1535 and is another important Scott-associated Border tower. It was later restored as a residence in the late 20th century.

Abbotsford House

Abbotsford House, near Melrose, was the home of Sir Walter Scott.

It is not the chiefly seat of the clan, but it is one of the most important cultural sites connected with the Scott name. 

Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway is owned by the Duke of Buccleuch and forms part of the wider Buccleuch and Queensberry estate world.

Chapter V: Battles, Raids and Border Reiver Identity

Clan Scott is one of the defining clans of the Border Reiver tradition.

The Scotts lived in a region where warfare between Scotland and England, local feuds, cattle raids and clan retaliation shaped daily life for centuries.

The Border Reiver World

The Scott country was a land of:

  • Peel towers

  • Riding surnames

  • Armed kinship

  • Cattle raids

  • March wardens

  • Night riding

  • Feuds with neighbouring clans

  • Shifting loyalties

  • Royal attempts to control the frontier

This was not lawless in the simple sense. It had its own hard code — kinship, revenge, obligation, speed and survival.

The Rescue of Kinmont Willie — 1596

One of the most famous events in Scott history was the rescue of Kinmont Willie Armstrong from Carlisle Castle in 1596.

Bold Buccleuch and Watt Scott of Harden led the daring raid. The rescue became one of the legendary episodes of Border history, showing courage, audacity and loyalty to fellow Border kin. 

Rivalries with Kerr, Douglas and Elliot

Clan Scott had rivalries with several Border and Lowland powers, including:

  • Clan Kerr

  • Clan Douglas

  • Clan Elliot

Modern clan summaries list Kerr, Douglas and Elliot among rival clans. 

These rivalries reflect the constant tension of Border politics: neighbours could be allies one year and enemies the next.

Battle of Philiphaugh — 1645

Clan Scott played a role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

Scott cavalry fought against the royalist forces of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, at the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645. 

Jacobite Rising of 1745

Several Scotts fought on the government side during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Captain John Scott of the Royal Scots was defeated and captured at the Highbridge Skirmish in August 1745, while Captain Caroline Frederick Scott commanded the defence of Fort William in 1746. 

This shows that by the 18th century, members of the Scott name were woven into the military and political structure of Britain, not only the old Border world.

Chapter VI: Clan Crest, Motto and Badge

Clan Crest

The Scott crest is:

A stag trippant Proper, attired and unguled Or.

This means a stag walking naturally, with golden antlers and hooves.

ScotlandShop describes the Clan Scott crest as a stag in the act of walking, with gold horns and hooves, surrounded by a belt bearing the motto Amo. 

The stag suggests:

  • Nobility

  • Grace

  • Alertness

  • Speed

  • Forest identity

  • Border hunting culture

  • Strength without heaviness

Clan Motto

The clan motto is:

“Amo”

This means:

“I love.”

It is one of the shortest and most elegant Scottish clan mottoes. 

It suggests:

  • Loyalty

  • Affection

  • Kinship

  • Devotion to family

  • Love of homeland

  • Attachment to clan and country

For a clan so often associated with raids, towers and hard Border warfare, the motto is strikingly human.

War Cries

The clan war cries are:

“A Bellendaine!”
and
“The Scotts are out!”

Modern clan summaries list both cries. 

These are classic Border-style calls: direct, urgent and tied to place and kin.

Clan Badge

The clan plant badge is:

Blaeberry.

Modern clan summaries list blaeberry as the plant badge of Clan Scott. 

Blaeberry is fitting for the Borders and upland country:

  • Hardy

  • Native

  • Moorland-grown

  • Small but resilient

  • Rooted in rough ground

Chapter VII: Clan Scott Tartans

Clan Scott has several recognised tartans.

Scott Tartan

The Scott tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 3688.

The register notes that tartan scholar Jamie Scarlett pointed out that the Scott tartan appears to owe its origins to the Clan Gregor tartan of 1819. 

Scott Dress Tartans

The Scottish Register of Tartans also records Scott Dress #2, giving the clan a dress tartan option for formal or decorative use. 

Scott Ancient, Modern and Weathered Tartans

Modern suppliers commonly offer Scott tartans in:

  • Modern

  • Ancient

  • Weathered

  • Muted

  • Dress

  • Hunting or variant forms where available

The usual distinction is dye tone:

  • Modern colours are deeper and stronger.

  • Ancient colours are softer and lighter.

  • Weathered colours are muted and aged.

  • Dress tartans are often brighter or more formal.

The Meaning of Scott Tartan Today

For modern Scott descendants, tartan represents:

  • Border roots

  • Buccleuch identity

  • Branxholme Castle

  • Harden and Dryhope traditions

  • The motto “I love”

  • The stag crest

  • The war cry “The Scotts are out!”

  • Family pride and diaspora heritage

The Scott tartans give one of the great Border clans a visible and wearable Scottish identity.

Chapter VIII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions

Clan Scott represents one of the strongest Border identities in Scottish history.

Its story includes:

  • Buccleuch

  • Branxholme

  • Harden

  • Dryhope

  • Bowhill

  • Dalkeith

  • Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch

  • Watt Scott of Harden

  • Mary Scott, the Flower of Yarrow

  • Sir Walter Scott the novelist

  • The rescue of Kinmont Willie

  • Border Reiver culture

  • Rivalries with Kerr, Douglas and Elliot

  • The stag crest

  • The motto “Amo”

  • Blaeberry plant badge

  • Scott tartans

  • A living recognised chief

Associated names and septs include:

  • Buccleuch

  • Geddes

  • Laidlaw

  • Langlands

Modern clan summaries list these among septs or associated names of Clan Scott. 

Clan Scott is not only a surname. It is one of the great historical identities of the Borders.

Chapter IX: Clan Scott Today

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

The current chief is:

Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott
10th Duke of Buccleuch
12th Duke of Queensberry
Chief of Clan Scott

The current seat is:

Bowhill House

The historic ducal seat is:

Dalkeith Palace 

Modern Clan Scott identity can be found through:

  • Clan Scott societies and gatherings

  • Family history research

  • Tartan wearing

  • Visits to Bowhill, Branxholme, Dryhope and Abbotsford

  • Border Reiver history

  • Scottish heritage events

  • Genealogy projects

  • Diaspora family networks

The clan stands today as a symbol of Border courage, kinship, literary genius, noble continuity and Scottish family pride.

Chapter X: Legacy of Clan Scott

The story of Clan Scott begins in the Borders, among riders, towers, forests and dangerous marches.

From Buccleuch came chiefly power.

From Harden came reiver legend.

From Dryhope came romance.

From Abbotsford came literature that changed the world.

Its crest, the stag, speaks of grace, movement and noble alertness.

Its badge, blaeberry, speaks of hard Border ground and quiet resilience.

Its war cry rings from the hills:

The Scotts are out!

Its motto gives the clan its voice:

Amo — I love.

That phrase captures the Scott spirit: fierce loyalty, deep kinship, love of place and devotion to name.

From Branxholme to Bowhill, from Kinmont Willie’s rescue to Sir Walter Scott’s novels, from the Border valleys to descendants across the world, Clan Scott continues to carry its history forward.

Its legacy is written in tartan, stags, towers, ballads, books, reiver roads, 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 Scott is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Buccleuch, Branxholme, Harden, Dryhope, Border Reivers, stag crests, blaeberry badges, tartans, Sir Walter Scott and the simple, powerful motto: I love.

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

www.tartantimemachine.com