Clan Bisset
Clan Bisset (Bisset Tartan)
Crest: Crest Description: The trunk of an oak tree sprouting afresh, Proper
Motto: Abscissa Virescit (That torn down re-grows)
Region: Lowlands
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Bisset History
The earliest known record of this surname in Scotland dates back to Henricus Byset, who witnessed a charter of William the Lion before 1198. His son, John Byset, witnessed a charter by Henry de Graham in 1204 and received a grant of lands in the north from the king.
Thomas de Bessat left his mark on history, bearing witness to a Paisley charter back in 1204. Then, in 1224, William Bisseth stood witness as Alexander II confirmed a yar super Leven.
Walter Biset played a crucial role in Alexander II's era, witnessing charters that shaped the landscape of Shettlestone and Brechin in 1226 and 1232 respectively. But fortune took a bitter turn for the Bissets in 1242.
During a fateful Tournament in Haddington, Walter Byset, the lord of Aboyne, faced defeat at the hands of the spirited Earl of Atholl.
Seeking retribution, Walter orchestrated a dire deed, ending the Earl's life as he slumbered. Such acts bore grave consequences—both Walter and his kin, including his nephew John Byset, faced exile and the wrath of the bishop of Aberdeen.
By 1251, Walter Biset breathed his last, leaving behind his legacy entwined with the manor of Ulvington.
The subsequent year brought a sliver of reprieve, with a pardon granted to Alan, Earl of Atholl, for the skirmishes that claimed the lives of some of John Biset's kin in Ireland.
Fast forward to 1364, and Walter Buset of Lessendrum wielded authority as sheriff substitute of Banff, presiding over a landmark court case involving the bishop of Moray and his property.
The pages of history reveal more Bissets making their mark. Jacobus Besat graced the annals as prior of St Andrews in 1395, while Thomas Byssate held a tenement in Glasgow in 1486.
Today, echoes of the Bisset legacy resonate in Aberdeenshire and Moray, where descendants uphold ancestral ties.
For centuries, the Lessendrum estate in Aberdeenshire stood as the family's bastion, a testament to their enduring presence from the 13th century until the turning of the modern era in 1981.
2. Clan Bisset Tartans
The Bisset tartan holds a special place in Scottish heritage, being among the earliest creations of the Scottish Tartans Society. Its inception traces back to a request from Mrs. E Bisset herself. The design aimed to encapsulate key elements:
Blue and White, reminiscent of the Bisset shield's hues,
Yellow, symbolizing the woodchips of the axe,
Black, embodying the essence of the motto,
Red, representing the enduring flame,
And Green, signifying the promise of new growth.
Threadcount R/18 G36 K12 G12 K6 Y6 G12 A6 W/6
Bisset Tartan
As the Bisset tartan is not commonly woven, members of the Bisset clan can choose to wear the tartans of the following clans, as Bisset is considered a sept of these clans:
Fraser Modern
Grant Modern
MacDonald Modern
3. Clan Bisset Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Bisset Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
Crest Description: The trunk of an oak tree sprouting afresh, Proper
3.2 Clan Bisset Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, with the exception of civic or corporate arms. There is no concept of a 'family coat of arms'. The arms depicted below are personal arms and can only be used by the individual who has been granted them.
BISSETT of Lovat
Azure, a bend, Argent
4. Clan Bisset Places & People
4.1 Clan Bisset People
4.1.1 Charles Bisset (1717-1791)
Charles Bisset's journey encompassed both medicine and military prowess. He delved into medicine at Edinburgh University, later serving as a surgeon at the Military Hospital in Jamaica under Admiral Vernon’s fleet in 1740.
Upon his return to England in 1745, he donned the tartan as an Ensign in the 42nd Highlanders.
During his tenure, he meticulously chronicled the siege of Bergen-op-Zoom, a historic event marred by tragedy as the French besieged the town during the wars of Austrian Succession, resulting in the tragic massacre of the garrison.
Embracing his knack for engineering, Charles ascended to the esteemed title of ‘Engineer Extraordinary’ within the Engineer Brigade.
Subsequently, he transitioned to medical practice in Skelton, Yorkshire, where his expertise found expression in numerous publications, spanning topics from fortifications to medical advancements.
4.1.2 James Bisset (1762 – 1832)
James Bisset's story is a quintessential tale of resilience and success amidst adversity, rooted in the heart of Perth. Born to a merchant family facing financial hardships, he embarked on a journey that would redefine his destiny.
Initially schooled at Perth Academy, he ventured to Birmingham at the tender age of 13, joining his elder brother in pursuit of better fortunes.
There, he found his calling as an apprentice japanner, mastering the intricate art of ornate painting on enamel surfaces, and later honing his skills as a painter of miniatures.
With determination and talent as his guides, Bisset ascended the social ladder, eventually winning the hand of a local landowner's daughter. His business acumen flourished, expanding into medal making and art dealing.
This success paved the way for him to establish Birmingham's inaugural art gallery on New Street, a hub of creativity and patronage graced by luminaries such as Lord Nelson.
Not content with resting on his laurels, Bisset's ambitions led him to Leamington Spa after a significant art deal involving prized Canaletto paintings.
In Birmingham, he became a cultural icon, actively involved in the esteemed Birmingham Book Club and renowned for his poetic compositions.
Among his literary endeavors, his 1800 magnum opus, "Poetic Survey Round Birmingham," stands as a testament to his poetic prowess and keen observation of the burgeoning industrial landscape, offering a vivid portrayal of Birmingham's trades during its revolutionary industrial expansion, rendered in heroic verse.
5. Associated Names
Bisset is recognized as a sept of Clan Grant and Clan Fraser. Those hailing from Antrim or the West Highlands & Islands are considered a sept of Clan Donald (MacDonald).