Clan Bain
Clan Bain (Bain Tartan)
Gaelic Name: Mac a’ Ghille Bhàin
Motto: Et Marte Et Arte (By strength and art).
Origin of Name:' Ban’ (Gaelic) ‘Fair’
Lands: Tulloch Castle, Dingwall
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Bain History
Different from the MacBain or MacBean clans, the Clan Bain has carved out a unique place for itself in Scottish history. Tucked away in the remote regions of the Northwest, it has strong connections to Clan MacKay.
Conflict erupted within the MacKay clan in 1427, causing the clan to fall apart. The revered chief Angus Du Mackay was at odds with his own family, with his second son supporting him.
His cousins Morgan Neilson and Niel Neilson MacKay, who were fierce rivals of the MacKays, supported the opposing side.
At the infamous Battle of Drumnacoub, which took place close to the Kyle of Tongue, the conflict came to a head. Tragically, in the midst of the mayhem, the chief Angus fell with Niel and Morgan.
Nearly all 3,000 men involved in the battle lost their lives in the unrelenting conflict. Nevertheless, in defiance of the odds, Angus's group triumphed, guaranteeing the survival of his ancestry as legitimate chief.
Following the intense struggle, John Bain MacKay, the son of Niel Deilson McKay, chose to renounce his last name and become just John Bain, creating the Bain family.
He moved from Sutherland to Caithness with his family and supporters in search of safety, where his mother was sheltered.
John married in 1436, and they had four sons who were scattered throughout the country: the first son, John, became the Bains of Caithness and Haddingtonshire; the second son, William, became the Bains of Clyth; the third son, Alexander, became the head of the Bains of Tulloch and Dingwall; and the fourth son, Donald, traveled to Galloway.
Over time, the name changed spellings: it started out as Bane but eventually became Bain, and the Tulloch branch adopted the variant Bayne. All, however, can be traced back to the same ancestor.
About 1673, the Bain of Tulloch lineage gained recognition when their arms were registered in the Court of the Lord Lyon's Register of All Arms and Bearings.
Their stronghold, Tulloch Castle near Dingwall, was held by them for more than 200 years until Kenneth Bayne sold it to his cousin Henry Davidson in 1762, giving up ownership of the castle and estate.
The surname is still common in Caithness today and even further north into the counties of Orkney and Shetland.
2. Clan Bain Tartans
The Bain tartan is more of a custom weave, referred to as a Special Weave, than your typical woven pattern. You will need to get in contact with us directly if you would like to wear this tartan.
Those bearing the Bain name can wear this tartan with pride, being a sept of Clan MacKay. Remarkably, Bain also acts as a formalized pseudonym for MacGregor throughout the Proscription era, permitting individuals with ties to the MacGregor family to don their tartan as well.
Wick-born Trudi Mann created a custom tartan pattern for Robert Bain of Lybster, Caithness. Regardless of how their surname was spelled, this tartan was meant to represent the Bains of Caithness as a family symbol.
The thread count and the fine details were supplied by Trudi Mann in March 2004. The tartan had not yet been woven in August 2004, although Elliots of Selkirk was rumored to be producing it.
Under BW's guidance, the tartan's original name, "Bains of Caithness," was changed in November 2007.
MacKay Modern
MacGregor Modern
3. Clan Bain Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Bain Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest:
A dexter arm in armour embowed, proper, garnished or, grasping a dagger proper.
3.2 Clan Bain Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
A person is granted a coat of arms under Scottish heraldic law; civic or corporate arms are not granted. This law does not recognize the idea of a "family coat of arms."
With the exceptions mentioned above, the weapons displayed below are personal to the person who received them. The only person authorized to use these weapons is that person.
Bain Arms
4. Clan Bain Places & People
4.1 Clan Bain Places
Rough map depicting the Highland lands of Clan Bain.
Scotland's northern and western Highlands comprised the majority of the lands that Clan Bain was historically associated with. Parts of Sutherland, Ross, and Inverness shires are among these areas. Particular places could be places along the northern coast, like Tain and Dornoch, or areas inland close to the Highlands' mountainous terrain.
4.2 Clan Bain People
4.2.1 Alexander Bain (11 June 1818 – 18 September 1903)
Alexander was a charming Scottish philosopher and teacher who was a member of the British empiricism movement. His extensive research in the fields of psychology, linguistics, logic, moral philosophy, and educational reform made him a true trailblazer.
From his brain emerged Mind, the first journal of psychology and analytical philosophy. Alexander really ignited the heather by leading the charge to apply the scientific method to psychology.
He was even appointed as the first Regius Chair in Logic's holder and held the position of Professor of Logic at Aberdeen University. In addition, he held professorships in both English literature and moral philosophy, so he wore many hats. Understandably, he was chosen twice to be Lord Rector!
4.2.2 Thomas Charles John Bain (29 September 1830, Graaff-Reinet – 29 September 1893)
Thomas was a superb road engineer from South Africa. He had some experience in building roads and cutting through mountains. Yes, you heard me correctly—Bairn constructed over 900 km of roads and mountain passes!
Furthermore, a lot of the routes he designed are still in use today. His influence is far-reaching, extending from 1848 to 1888.
The passes he constructed? They connect the coastal plain to the center of the Cape Colony by cutting straight through the mountain ranges. That piece of his? It made South Africa's bucolic hinterland accessible.
4.2.3 Alexander Bain (12 October 1810 – 2 January 1877)
Scottish engineer and inventor Alexander Bain is renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering. He is credited with creating and patenting the electric clock, a key development in the field of timekeeping.
In addition, Bain was instrumental in the construction of the railway telegraph lines that connected Glasgow and Edinburgh, which advanced Scotland's telecommunications network. His contributions to the domains of telecommunications and horology were long-lasting.
5. Associated Names
Bain can also be spelt Bayne.
The name Bain is a sept of Clan MacKay