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Clan Shaw

Clan Shaw: A Legacy of Rothiemurchus, Tordarroch and Fidelity with Fortitude

Introduction

Clan Shaw is a historic Highland Scottish clan rooted especially in Rothiemurchus, Strathspey, Tordarroch, Strathnairn, Inverness-shire, Badenoch, Deeside, Glenshee, and the wider lands of the Clan Chattan Confederation.

The clan motto is:

“Fide et Fortitudine”
“By fidelity and fortitude.”

The clan crest is:

A dexter arm, the hand holding a dagger, pale, proper.

In simpler terms, this is a right arm holding an upright dagger.

The clan plant badge is:

Red whortleberry, with boxwood and, by older tradition, a sprig of fir also associated with the clan. The official Clan Shaw site lists red whortleberry, boxwood, and the older fir tradition.

The historic seat is:

Doune of Rothiemurchus

The chiefly line is:

Shaw of Tordarroch

Modern clan references identify the clan as part of the Clan Chattan Confederation, with Shaw of Tordarroch as the chiefly line and Rothiemurchus as one of the clan’s great historic centres. 

Chapter I: Origins of Clan Shaw

The surname Shaw has more than one possible origin in Scotland, but the Highland clan tradition is especially tied to the Gaelic name:

Mac Ghille Sheathanaich

This is often interpreted as meaning:

Son of the servant of Saint Seachnall / Saint Seathanach

The Highland Shaws are closely connected with Clan Chattan, the powerful confederation of Highland families associated with Mackintosh, MacPherson, MacBean, MacGillivray, Davidson, Farquharson, MacQueen and others.

Historic forms and associated names include:

  • Shaw

  • Schaw

  • Schawe

  • Shay

  • Shawe

  • Shiach

  • Sheach

  • Seath

  • Seth

  • Scaith

  • MacAy

  • Ayson

  • Esson

  • Adamson

  • Tordarroch

The name Shaw can also appear in Lowland Scotland as a topographical surname meaning someone who lived near a small wood or thicket. However, Clan Shaw of Tordarroch belongs firmly to the Highland world of Rothiemurchus, Strathspey, Strathnairn and Clan Chattan.

This makes Clan Shaw a clan of Highland kinship, confederate loyalty, dagger symbolism, battle memory, Jacobite involvement and enduring fidelity.

Its motto gives the clan its moral character:

By fidelity and fortitude.

Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands

Clan Shaw’s historic territories include:

  • Rothiemurchus

  • Strathspey

  • Tordarroch

  • Strathnairn

  • Upper Glengairn

  • Deeside

  • Crathie

  • Glenshee

  • Glenisla

  • Badenoch

  • Inverness-shire

  • Clan Chattan country

  • Harris and Jura, through later family movements

  • The wider Scottish diaspora

The historic seat listed for the clan is:

Doune of Rothiemurchus 

The chiefly line is associated with:

Tordarroch, near the River Nairn.

The Clan Chattan Association describes Clan Shaw as connected with Rothiemurchus and Tordarroch, with the chief styled Shaw of Tordarroch. 

Clan Shaw’s geography is therefore strongly Highland:

Rothiemurchus gives the clan its forested Strathspey heart.
Tordarroch gives the clan its later chiefly seat.
Clan Chattan gives the clan its wider confederate identity.

Chapter III: Important People of Clan Shaw

Shaw “Bucktooth” MacDuff

A traditional early figure connected with Clan Shaw is often remembered as Shaw Mor, sometimes called Shaw Bucktooth.

In clan tradition, he was a powerful warrior connected with Clan Chattan and the Mackintosh chiefly line. His descendants became associated with Rothiemurchus and later Tordarroch.

James Shaw of Rothiemurchus

James Shaw of Rothiemurchus was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. This places the Shaws within one of the great Highland-Lowland confrontations of medieval Scotland.

Harlaw was not merely a battle. It was a clash between the forces of the Lord of the Isles and the north-eastern Lowland nobility. The death of James Shaw at Harlaw became part of the clan’s martial memory.

Aedh Shaw of Tordarroch

The grandson of Shaw Bucktooth was Aedh, who settled at Tordarroch in 1468. He occupied a strategic site near the River Nairn, and his followers became known as Clan Ay. 

This is one of the defining events in the movement from Rothiemurchus to the Tordarroch line.

Angus MacRobert of Tordarroch

On 22 May 1543, Angus MacRobert of Tordarroch signed a band of union and manrent of Clan Chattan at Inverness. 

This shows the Shaws’ formal role within the Clan Chattan Confederation.

Shaw of Tordarroch and the 1609 Clan Chattan Band

On 4 April 1609, Shaw of Tordarroch again signed the great Clan Chattan band of union and manrent at Termit, on behalf of Clan Ay and the Rothiemurchus Shaws. 

This confirms the clan’s recognised place within Clan Chattan’s political and military structure.

Robert and Angus Shaw of Tordarroch

During the Jacobite Rising of 1715, the Shaw contingent was led by Robert, younger of Tordarroch, and his brother Angus. The clan’s men were noted for discipline, equipment and bravery. After the rising collapsed, both brothers were imprisoned; Robert died soon after release in 1718, and Angus was transported to Virginia before being pardoned in 1722. 

This is one of the clan’s most powerful Jacobite chapters.

James Shaw of Crathienaird

During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, many Shaws supported the Stuart cause, including James Shaw of Crathienaird, who served as one of the trusted lieutenants of Lady Anne Farquharson-Mackintosh, known as Colonel Anne. 

Shaw of Tordarroch Today

The Clan Chattan Association lists Iain Shaw of Tordarroch as chief, noting that he became the 23rd Chief after the death of his father, John Shaw of Tordarroch, in 2017. 

Some modern references list Landon Shaw of Tordarroch as chief, so current public listings are not fully consistent. The safest wording is:

The chiefly line is Shaw of Tordarroch, recognised within the Clan Chattan tradition, with modern references naming the Tordarroch chiefship line as the head of Clan Shaw.

Chapter IV: Castles, Houses and Historic Sites

Doune of Rothiemurchus

Doune of Rothiemurchus is the historic seat associated with Clan Shaw.

For Clan Shaw, Rothiemurchus represents:

  • Early clan identity

  • Clan Chattan roots

  • Strathspey power

  • Highland forest landscape

  • The old Shaw heartland

  • The memory of James Shaw of Rothiemurchus

Tordarroch

Tordarroch became the later chiefly centre of Clan Shaw.

Aedh Shaw settled there in 1468, and the Shaws of Tordarroch became the principal line of the clan. 

For Clan Shaw, Tordarroch represents:

  • Chiefship

  • Strathnairn identity

  • Clan Ay tradition

  • Clan Chattan leadership

  • Later family continuity

Strathspey

Strathspey is one of the great Highland landscapes of the clan.

It connects the Shaws to Rothiemurchus, Badenoch, the Cairngorm fringe and the wider Clan Chattan world.

Strathnairn

Strathnairn became important through the Tordarroch line.

The River Nairn landscape gave the Shaws a strategic position and helped define the later clan identity.

Clan Chattan Country

Clan Shaw cannot be fully understood without Clan Chattan.

Its history belongs to the wider confederation of Highland kindreds linked through allegiance, kinship and mutual defence.

Chapter V: Battles, Bands and Clan Events

Clan Shaw’s history is shaped by Clan Chattan politics, Harlaw, bands of manrent, Jacobite service and Highland endurance.

Battle of Harlaw — 1411

James Shaw of Rothiemurchus was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. 

This battle gave Clan Shaw a place in one of the defining conflicts of medieval Highland history.

Settlement at Tordarroch — 1468

The settlement of Aedh Shaw at Tordarroch in 1468 created the later chiefly line and gave rise to the Clan Ay identity. 

Clan Chattan Band — 1543

On 22 May 1543, Angus MacRobert of Tordarroch signed the Clan Chattan band of union and manrent at Inverness. 

This was a formal declaration of confederate loyalty and mutual obligation.

Clan Chattan Band — 1609

On 4 April 1609, Shaw of Tordarroch signed another Clan Chattan band, again confirming Shaw participation in the confederation. 

Jacobite Rising of 1715

In 1715, Clan Chattan was called out for the Jacobite cause. The Shaw contingent was led by Robert and Angus Shaw of Tordarroch and was noted for bravery and discipline. Their imprisonment after the failure of the rising became a major tragedy in Shaw history. 

Jacobite Rising of 1745

Although Angus Shaw refused to call out the clan officially in 1745, many Shaws still supported the Jacobite cause, including James Shaw of Crathienaird. 

This gave Clan Shaw a divided but significant place in the final Jacobite rising.

Chapter VI: Clan Crest, Motto and Badge

Clan Crest

The Shaw crest is:

A dexter arm, the hand holding the dagger, pale, proper.

This means a right arm holding an upright dagger. The official Clan Shaw site gives this crest badge description. 

The symbols suggest:

  • Readiness

  • Defence

  • Courage

  • Highland honour

  • Armed loyalty

  • Direct action

  • Clan Chattan martial tradition

The dagger is a perfect Shaw symbol: sharp, close, practical and Highland.

Clan Motto

The clan motto is:

“Fide et Fortitudine”

This means:

“By fidelity and fortitude.”

The Clan Chattan Association and Clan.com both give this motto and translation for Clan Shaw. 

It means:

  • Loyalty and strength

  • Faithfulness under pressure

  • Courage joined with duty

  • Endurance through hardship

  • A clan that stands by its bonds

For Clan Shaw, this motto fits the Clan Chattan world perfectly. A confederation only survives through fidelity and fortitude.

Clan Badge

The main plant badge is:

Red whortleberry

The Clan Chattan Association lists red whortleberry as the clan badge, while the official Clan Shaw site also gives boxwood and, by old tradition, a sprig of fir. 

These plants suggest:

  • Highland terrain

  • Hardiness

  • Recognition of kin

  • Old clan custom

  • Forest and moorland identity

Chapter VII: Clan Shaw Tartans

Clan Shaw has several recognised tartans.

Shaw Tartan

The Shaw tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 3775.

The register lists it as a Clan/Family tartan, designed by McIan, with a tartan date of 1 January 1845. 

Shaw of Tordarroch Red Dress Tartan

The Shaw of Tordarroch Red Dress tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 3779.

The registration notes state that it was designed in 1969 by D. C. Stewart for Major C. J. Shaw of Tordarroch MBE as a proposed replacement for the existing Shaw tartan, which was derived from an erroneous sett portrayed by R. R. McIan of Farquhar Shaw, the Black Watch mutineer. By permission of the Colonel of the Black Watch, the older sett was retained for clan use in memory of Corporal Farquhar Shaw. 

Shaw of Carolina Tartan

The Shaw of Carolina tartan is also recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans.

It is based on a cloth fragment or description of a tartan blanket worn by Mary Irvine for her husband John Shaw around 1800, reflecting close Shaw and Irvine family links in North and South Carolina. 

Shaw Ancient and Modern Tartans

Modern suppliers commonly offer Shaw tartans in:

  • Ancient

  • Modern

  • Dress

  • Muted

  • Weathered

  • Tordarroch variants where available

The usual distinction is dye tone:

  • Ancient colours are softer and lighter.

  • Modern colours are deeper and stronger.

  • Dress tartans are often brighter and more formal.

  • Weathered colours are muted and aged.

The Meaning of Shaw Tartan Today

For modern Shaw descendants, tartan represents:

  • Rothiemurchus roots

  • Tordarroch chiefship

  • Clan Chattan loyalty

  • The motto “By fidelity and fortitude”

  • The dagger-arm crest

  • Red whortleberry badge

  • Jacobite memory

  • Family pride and diaspora identity

The Shaw tartans give this Highland clan a visible and wearable Scottish identity.

Chapter VIII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions

Clan Shaw represents a Highland identity built on loyalty, courage, confederate kinship and endurance.

Its story includes:

  • Rothiemurchus

  • Tordarroch

  • Clan Chattan

  • Shaw Bucktooth

  • James Shaw of Rothiemurchus

  • Battle of Harlaw

  • Aedh Shaw and Clan Ay

  • The 1543 and 1609 Clan Chattan bands

  • The Jacobite Rising of 1715

  • Shaw support in 1745

  • The dagger-arm crest

  • The motto “Fide et Fortitudine”

  • Red whortleberry plant badge

  • Shaw tartans

  • The Tordarroch chiefly line

Associated names include:

  • Shaw

  • Schaw

  • Schawe

  • Shawe

  • Shay

  • Shiach

  • Sheach

  • Seath

  • Seth

  • Scaith

  • MacAy

  • Ayson

  • Esson

  • Adamson

  • Tordarroch

Clan Shaw is not only a surname. It is one of the important kindreds of the Clan Chattan Confederation.

Chapter IX: Clan Shaw Today

Today, Clan Shaw remains a recognised Highland clan within the wider history of Clan Chattan.

Modern Clan Shaw identity can be found through:

  • Clan Shaw organisations

  • Clan Chattan Association

  • Family history research

  • Tartan wearing

  • Study of Rothiemurchus and Tordarroch

  • Scottish heritage events

  • Highland games

  • Genealogy projects

  • Diaspora family networks

For Shaw descendants, the best first step is to trace the family’s region:

Rothiemurchus?
Tordarroch?
Strathnairn?
Strathspey?
Badenoch?
Deeside?
The Black Isle?
Harris or Jura?
Canada?
Australia?
New Zealand?
The United States?

That will determine the strongest historical path.

Chapter X: Legacy of Clan Shaw

The story of Clan Shaw begins in the Highland world of Clan Chattan, Rothiemurchus and Strathspey.

From Rothiemurchus came the early clan power.

From Tordarroch came the chiefly line.

From Harlaw came sacrifice.

From the Clan Chattan bands came sworn loyalty.

From the Jacobite risings came courage, imprisonment and exile.

Its crest, the hand holding the dagger, speaks of readiness and Highland resolve.

Its badge, red whortleberry, speaks of mountain and moorland identity.

Its motto gives the clan its voice:

Fide et Fortitudine — By fidelity and fortitude.

That phrase captures the Shaw spirit: faithful in alliance, strong in danger, and enduring through hardship.

From Rothiemurchus to Tordarroch, from Clan Chattan to descendants across the world, Clan Shaw continues to carry its history forward.

Its legacy is written in tartan, daggers, red whortleberry, old bands of manrent, Highland records, Jacobite memory 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 Shaw is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Rothiemurchus, Tordarroch, Clan Chattan loyalty, dagger crests, red whortleberry badges, tartans, Harlaw, Jacobite courage and the noble motto: By fidelity and fortitude.

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

www.tartantimemachine.com