Clan Gordon: The Mighty Earls of Huntly, Defenders of the Northeast, and One of Scotland’s Most Powerful Clans
Few clans in Scottish history command the influence, prestige, and sheer power of Clan Gordon. Rising from obscure medieval origins to become Earls—and later Marquesses and Dukes—of Huntly, the Gordons shaped the political, military, and religious landscape of Scotland for centuries. Dominating the Northeast Highlands and Lowlands from their stronghold at Huntly, they earned the nickname:
“The Cock o’ the North”
—symbolising unmatched power north of the Mounth.
Their motto, “Bydand” — “Remaining / Steadfast” — captures the enduring strength of a clan that stood unshaken during the fiercest storms of Scottish history.
Origins and Early History
1. Mysterious Beginnings
The origins of Clan Gordon are debated, with three primary theories:
Norman origin — possibly from a knight named Richard de Gordun, who received lands in the Borders during King David I’s reign.
Anglo-Saxon origin — from the English town of Gordon in Berwickshire.
Gaelic/Pictish influence — later branches absorbed into the Gaelic culture of the North.
Regardless of the exact lineage, the family quickly established itself as one of the most important noble houses in the Lowlands.
2. Early Seat in the Borders
The Gordons originally held lands around:
Gordon, Berwickshire
Greenlaw
Swinton
Their influence grew through political service and marriage alliances.
3. Move to the Northeast
The clan’s power transformed dramatically when:
Sir Adam Gordon (13th century)
was granted extensive land in Strathbogie, later known as Huntly.
This shift laid the foundation for the clan’s future dominance in the Highlands.
Territories and Clan Seats
1. Huntly Castle (Aberdeenshire)
The great fortress-palace of the Gordons.
One of Scotland’s most splendid noble residences, featuring:
Renaissance architecture
Grand halls
Lavish carvings
Strong defensive walls
This castle symbolised Gordon power for centuries.
2. Aboyne Castle
Seat of the Gordons of Aboyne.
3. Gordon Castle (Fochabers)
A later seat of the Dukes of Gordon, with expansive estates near the River Spey.
4. Strathbogie & Upper Deeside
The Gordon heartland throughout the Highlands.
5. Other Key Lands
Lochaber
Moray
Badenoch
Banffshire
Inverness-shire
The Gordons became one of the largest landowners in Scotland.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A stag's head, symbolising:
Nobility
Leadership
Strength
Motto:
“Bydand”
“Abiding / Steadfast.”
A succinct and iconic motto that embodies Gordon resilience.
Badge:
The clan’s plant badge is ivy, signifying:
Fidelity
Endurance
Loyalty
Arms:
The Gordon arms traditionally feature:
Three gold boars’ heads
Blue and gold colours
Striking heraldic symmetry
The boar’s heads represent courage and hunting prowess.
Gordon Tartans
Clan Gordon has several distinctive tartans:
Gordon (Ancient and Modern)
Green-based tartan with blue and yellow overchecks.
Black Watch Tartans
Although not exclusive to the Gordons, the regiment raised by the clan influenced these patterns.
Gordon Dress Tartan
Featuring a striking combination of white threads.
Weathered & Muted Variants
Offering an aged Highland look.
These tartans are among the most elegant and widely recognised in the world.
Branches of Clan Gordon
Major branches include:
Gordon of Huntly (chiefly line)
Gordon of Aboyne
Gordon of Lesmoir
Gordon of Gight
Gordon of Haddo
Gordon of Cluny
Gordon of Rothiemay
Gordon of Craig
Many cadet branches rose to significant prominence in government, the army, and church leadership.
Alliances and Clan Associations
Historically, Clan Gordon maintained alliances with:
Clan Seton
Clan Grant
Clan MacPherson
Clan Farquharson
House of Stewart (strong royalist ties)
Their political alliances often put them at the centre of major national conflicts.
Feuds and Conflicts
The Gordons were involved in some of the most dramatic clan wars and political upheavals in Scottish history.
1. Gordon–Forbes Feud
A bitter and violent feud lasting over 150 years.
Resulted in:
Skirmishes
Ambushes
Political murders
2. Gordon–Crichton Rivalry
Another deadly feud for control of territories in the North.
3. Gordon–Mackintosh & Clan Chattan Disputes
Clashes with Highland confederations over land and influence.
4. Religious & Civil War Conflicts
The Gordons were famously Catholic and Royalist, leading to conflicts with Protestant families:
Covenanters
Argyll Campbells
Forbes family
5. Jacobite Involvement
The Gordons played major roles in:
1715 Rising (led by the 2nd Duke)
1745 Rising (many Gordons fought under the Jacobite banner)
Their political influence was enormous during this period.
Gordons in Warfare & National Service
1. Medieval Era
The Gordons were prominent knights and royal supporters.
2. Royalists in the Civil Wars
The Marquess of Huntly was a leading Royalist commander.
3. Gordon Highlanders
One of the most famous regiments in Scottish military history:
Founded in 1794
Served in the Napoleonic Wars, WWI, WWII
Their motto: Bydand
Their uniform: iconic Gordon tartan kilt
4. British Empire & Global Influence
Gordons were:
Governors
Generals
Explorers
Diplomats
Writers and scholars
Notable Gordons in History
Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon
Key political figure and founder of the celebrated Gordon Highlanders.
George Gordon, Lord Byron (maternal line)
Poet and literary icon with Gordon blood through his mother.
Sir Robert Gordon
Historian of Sutherland and political writer.
Adam Gordon of Auchindoun
Famous for his role in the Marian civil war.
James Gordon Bennett
Founder of the New York Herald—symbol of the clan’s global success.
Lord Lewis Gordon
Important Jacobite commander during the 1745 Rising.
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Chiefship:
The Marquess of Huntly
(one of the premier noble titles in Scotland).
Clan Societies:
Active in:
Scotland
Canada
USA
Australia
New Zealand
Clan Heartlands:
Aberdeenshire
Moray
Banffshire
Upper Deeside
Modern Identity
Clan Gordon remains one of the most prestigious clans, combining noble lineage with Highland warrior tradition.
Gordon Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Gordon
Region: Northeast Highlands (Aberdeenshire)
Chief: Marquess of Huntly
Crest: Stag’s head
Motto: Bydand
Badge: Ivy
Tartans: Gordon Modern, Ancient, Dress
Feuds: Forbes, Crichton, Clan Chattan
Notable Figures: Dukes of Gordon, Byron (maternal), Adam Gordon
Status: One of Scotland’s most powerful and historically influential clans
Conclusion
Clan Gordon stands as a pillar of Scottish noble history—rich in tradition, military prestige, and political power. From the mighty Earls of Huntly to the heroic Gordon Highlanders, the clan’s story is woven deeply into the fabric of Scotland’s national identity. Their motto, “Bydand,” reflects a house renowned for steadfastness, courage, and unshakeable leadership.