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Clan Sinclair

Clan Sinclair: A Legacy of Rosslyn, Caithness, Orkney and the Call to Commit Thy Work to God

Introduction

Clan Sinclair is one of Scotland’s great historic clans, rooted especially in Rosslyn, Caithness, Orkney, Shetland, Noss Head, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Roslin Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, Thurso, Keiss, Mey, Freswick, Dunbeath, and the wider northern world of Scotland.

The clan motto is:

“Commit Thy Work to God.”

The clan crest is:

A cock Proper, armed and beaked Or.

In simpler terms, this is a natural-coloured cockerel or rooster, with golden beak and claws. ScotlandShop describes the Sinclair crest as a cockerel and links the symbol to the family’s Norman-French origin and ideas of watchfulness. 

The clan plant badge is:

Whin, also known as gorse.

The clan slogan is:

“Girnigoe! Girnigoe!”

The current chief is:

Malcolm Ian Sinclair
20th Earl of Caithness
Chief of Clan Sinclair

He is widely listed as the hereditary chief of Clan Sinclair, and the UK Parliament’s biography identifies him as Malcolm Ian Sinclair, Earl of Caithness. 

Chapter I: Origins of Clan Sinclair

The surname Sinclair comes from the Norman-French place-name:

Saint-Clair

The name means:

Of Saint-Clair

or:

From Saint-Clair

The family came to Scotland through Norman influence and became one of the most powerful noble houses in the kingdom.

Historic spellings and forms include:

  • Sinclair

  • St Clair

  • Saint Clair

  • de Sancto Claro

  • Sinkler

  • Sinklar

  • Sincler

  • Sinclear

  • Sangster, in some broader surname contexts

  • Clan na Ceàrda / Mac na Ceardadh, in Gaelic-associated forms

Clan Sinclair became closely tied to three great regions:

Rosslyn / Roslin in Midlothian
Caithness in the far north
Orkney and Shetland, through the old Norse earldom tradition

The chiefs were originally connected with the Barons of Roslin, then rose to become Earls of Orkney and Earls of Caithness. Modern clan summaries describe Clan Sinclair as holding lands in Caithness, Orkney, and the Lothians, with chiefs who were Barons of Roslin and later Earls of Orkney and Caithness. 

Clan Sinclair is therefore a clan of Norman origin, Scottish power, Norse inheritance, northern castles, sacred architecture, maritime influence and noble continuity.

Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands

Clan Sinclair’s historic territories include:

  • Rosslyn / Roslin

  • Midlothian

  • Rosslyn Chapel

  • Roslin Castle

  • Caithness

  • Thurso

  • Noss Head

  • Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

  • Keiss

  • Freswick

  • Mey

  • Dunbeath

  • Orkney

  • Shetland

  • The wider Scottish diaspora

The historic seat most strongly associated with the northern chiefs is:

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, near Wick in Caithness.

Modern clan summaries list Castle Sinclair Girnigoe as the historic seat of Clan Sinclair. 

The clan’s older southern seat is:

Roslin Castle, Midlothian.

The most famous religious and cultural monument associated with the family is:

Rosslyn Chapel

Together, these sites give Clan Sinclair one of the richest geographies in Scottish clan history:

Rosslyn gives the clan mystery, architecture and Lowland noble identity.
Caithness gives the clan chiefly power, northern landholding and Highland identity.
Orkney gives the clan Norse memory and sea-king prestige.

Chapter III: Important People of Clan Sinclair

William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness

One of the most important figures in Sinclair history was:

William Sinclair
3rd Earl of Orkney
1st Earl of Caithness
Baron of Roslin

He became High Chancellor of Scotland and was granted the Earldom of Caithness in 1455. Modern clan summaries describe him as a leading Scottish noble who held Orkney, Roslin and Caithness influence before dividing family lands between different sons. 

He is central to the clan’s story because he links:

  • Rosslyn

  • Orkney

  • Caithness

  • Scottish royal government

  • The later chiefly line

The Sinclairs of Rosslyn

The Sinclairs of Rosslyn are one of the most famous branches of the family.

They are closely tied to Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most celebrated and mysterious buildings. Rosslyn’s carvings, legends and later Templar associations have made it world famous, though many popular claims should be treated carefully as legend rather than proven history.

The Earls of Orkney

Through the Orkney title, the Sinclairs became linked with the Norse and Norse-Gaelic world of northern Scotland.

This made the family more than a Lowland noble house. They became part of the northern sea-world that linked Scotland, Norway, Orkney, Shetland and the North Atlantic.

The Earls of Caithness

The chiefly line became especially tied to the Earls of Caithness.

The current chief, Malcolm Ian Sinclair, is the 20th Earl of Caithness, and is listed as the hereditary chief of Clan Sinclair. 

Malcolm Ian Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness

The current chief is:

Malcolm Ian Sinclair
20th Earl of Caithness
20th Lord Berriedale
15th Baronet of Canisbay
Chief of Clan Sinclair

He has also been involved with the Clan Sinclair Trust, connected with the preservation of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. 

Chapter IV: Castles, Chapels and Historic Sites

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is the great northern stronghold of Clan Sinclair.

It stands dramatically on the Caithness coast near Wick. Its ruins overlook the sea, making it one of the most atmospheric clan sites in Scotland.

For Clan Sinclair, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe represents:

  • Chiefship

  • Caithness power

  • Northern identity

  • Maritime strength

  • The Earls of Caithness

  • The slogan “Girnigoe! Girnigoe!”

Roslin Castle

Roslin Castle was the great seat of the Sinclairs of Rosslyn.

It represents the southern branch of Sinclair power: Midlothian, courtly influence, landholding, architecture and noble prestige.

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most famous buildings associated with any Scottish family.

It was founded by William Sinclair, and its elaborate carvings have inspired centuries of speculation, folklore and legend. It is often linked in popular culture with the Knights Templar and hidden mysteries, though professional history separates documented Sinclair patronage from later myth-making.

For Clan Sinclair, Rosslyn Chapel represents:

  • Faith

  • Patronage

  • Artistry

  • Stone-carving

  • Noble ambition

  • Global fascination with Scottish heritage

Noss Head

Noss Head is the coastal setting near Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

Its cliffs and sea views give the clan’s northern story its dramatic physical setting.

Mey, Keiss, Freswick and Dunbeath

Branches of the Sinclair family were associated with many places in Caithness, including:

  • Mey

  • Keiss

  • Freswick

  • Dunbeath

  • Murkle

  • Thurso

  • Barrock

  • Ulbster

These branches show the wide territorial spread of the Sinclair name across the far north.

Chapter V: Battles, Rivalries and Clan Events

Clan Sinclair history includes Norman settlement, Norse earldoms, Scottish royal service, Caithness lordship, northern rivalries and modern castle preservation.

Rise Through Rosslyn and Orkney

The Sinclairs rose from their Midlothian base at Rosslyn into the northern world through the Orkney earldom.

This made them one of the few Scottish noble houses with deep Lowland, Highland and Norse-North Atlantic associations.

Grant of the Earldom of Caithness — 1455

In 1455, William Sinclair was granted the Earldom of Caithness. This was one of the defining events in the clan’s northern history. 

Division of the Sinclair Lands

William Sinclair later divided his great inheritance, with Caithness passing to one line and Roslin to another. This produced several important branches and helped shape later Sinclair history. 

Rivalries in the North

Modern clan summaries list rivalries with:

  • Clan Gunn

  • Clan Sutherland

  • Murray of Aberscross

  • Clan Campbell

These rivalries reflect the hard politics of Caithness and the north, where land, title, kinship and royal favour could produce long disputes. 

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Preservation

In modern times, the clan has been strongly associated with efforts to preserve Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

Malcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness, helped found the Clan Sinclair Trust, whose aim included the preservation and conservation of the castle. 

This gives the clan a strong modern heritage mission: preserving the stones of its northern past.

Chapter VI: Clan Crest, Motto and Badge

Clan Crest

The Sinclair crest is:

A cock Proper, armed and beaked Or.

This means a natural-coloured cockerel with golden beak and claws.

The cockerel suggests:

  • Watchfulness

  • Dawn

  • Alertness

  • Courage

  • Justice

  • Norman religious symbolism

  • A heraldic reminder of French origin

ScotlandShop notes that the cockerel hints at the clan’s Norman-French origins and is associated with watchfulness. 

Clan Motto

The clan motto is:

“Commit Thy Work to God.”

Modern clan summaries list this as the chief’s motto. 

It means:

  • Work with faith

  • Act with duty

  • Trust divine judgement

  • Let honour guide action

  • Place labour and ambition under God

For Clan Sinclair, the motto fits a family associated with churches, chapels, noble service and long historical responsibility.

Clan Slogan

The clan slogan is:

“Girnigoe! Girnigoe!”

This refers to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, the clan’s great Caithness stronghold. 

Clan Badge

The plant badge is:

Whin, also known as gorse. 

Whin is fitting for Clan Sinclair:

  • Hardy

  • Thorned

  • Bright

  • Coastal and upland

  • Able to survive poor ground

  • Golden-flowered and defensive

It suits the northern landscape of Caithness well.

Chapter VII: Clan Sinclair Tartans

Clan Sinclair has several recognised tartans.

Sinclair Tartan

The Sinclair tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 3792. 

This is one of the principal tartans associated with the clan.

Sinclair Red Tartan

The Sinclair tartan tradition is especially famous for its red forms, often known as Sinclair Red or Sinclair Red Modern / Ancient in modern tartan retail and clan usage.

Sinclair Hunting Tartan

Modern suppliers also commonly offer Sinclair Hunting tartan, a darker and more subdued style suited to outdoor wear.

Sinclair Ancient, Modern and Weathered Tartans

Modern tartan options often include:

  • Sinclair Modern

  • Sinclair Ancient

  • Sinclair Red

  • Sinclair Hunting

  • Sinclair Weathered

  • Dress or variant forms where available

The usual difference is dye tone:

  • Modern colours are deeper and stronger.

  • Ancient colours are softer and lighter.

  • Weathered colours are muted and aged.

  • Hunting tartans are usually darker and more practical.

  • Red variants carry a bold and highly recognisable Sinclair identity.

The Meaning of Sinclair Tartan Today

For modern Sinclair descendants, tartan represents:

  • Rosslyn roots

  • Caithness power

  • Orkney inheritance

  • Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

  • The motto “Commit Thy Work to God”

  • The cockerel crest

  • Whin plant badge

  • Family pride and diaspora identity

The Sinclair tartans give this great northern clan a visible and wearable Scottish identity.

Chapter VIII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions

Clan Sinclair represents a Scottish identity built on Norman origin, royal service, Norse inheritance, northern lordship and enduring spiritual symbolism.

Its story includes:

  • Saint-Clair origins

  • Rosslyn and Roslin Castle

  • Rosslyn Chapel

  • William Sinclair, Earl of Orkney and Earl of Caithness

  • Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

  • Caithness power

  • Orkney and Shetland associations

  • The Earls of Caithness

  • The cockerel crest

  • The motto “Commit Thy Work to God”

  • Whin plant badge

  • Sinclair tartans

  • A living recognised chief

Associated names and septs include:

  • Budge

  • Caird

  • Clouston

  • Cline

  • Clyne

  • Groat

  • Laird

  • Linklater

  • Lyall

  • Mason

  • Purdie

  • Purdy

  • Snoddy

  • Peace

  • Wares

Modern clan summaries list these as associated names or septs of Clan Sinclair. 

The Sinclair story is one of Scotland’s most layered clan histories: French-Norman in origin, Scottish in power, Norse in northern inheritance, and global in modern fascination.

Chapter IX: Clan Sinclair Today

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

The current chief is:

Malcolm Ian Sinclair
20th Earl of Caithness
Chief of Clan Sinclair

Modern Clan Sinclair identity can be found through:

  • Clan Sinclair associations

  • Clan Sinclair Trust

  • Family history research

  • Tartan wearing

  • Visits to Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin Castle

  • Visits to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

  • Study of Caithness, Orkney and Shetland heritage

  • Scottish heritage events

  • Highland games

  • Diaspora family networks

The clan stands today as a symbol of faith, watchfulness, northern strength, Rosslyn mystery, Caithness endurance and Scottish family pride.

Chapter X: Legacy of Clan Sinclair

The story of Clan Sinclair begins in Saint-Clair, rises through Rosslyn, crosses into Orkney and becomes rooted in Caithness.

From Rosslyn came chapel, castle and mystery.

From Orkney came Norse inheritance and sea-world power.

From Caithness came the chiefly line and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

Its crest, the cockerel, speaks of watchfulness and dawn.

Its plant badge, whin, speaks of hard northern endurance.

Its slogan calls from the coast:

Girnigoe! Girnigoe!

Its motto gives the clan its voice:

Commit Thy Work to God.

That phrase captures the Sinclair spirit: faithful, watchful, ambitious and enduring.

From Rosslyn Chapel to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, from Orkney earls to descendants across the world, Clan Sinclair continues to carry its history forward.

Its legacy is written in tartan, cockerels, whin, chapel stone, northern castles, sea winds, noble 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 Sinclair is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Rosslyn Chapel, Caithness castles, Orkney earls, cockerel crests, whin badges, tartans, Girnigoe and the faithful motto: Commit Thy Work to God.

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

www.tartantimemachine.com