Clan Blair
Clan Blair (Blair Tartan)
Crest: A stag lodged, Proper
Motto: Amo Probos (Love the Virtuou
Historic Seat: Blair, Ayrshire
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Blair History
The moniker Blair, hailing from the Gaelic 'Blar,' paints a vivid picture of open spaces or fields, mirroring Scotland's sprawling landscapes. This name adorns numerous locales across the country. Initially penned as 'Blare,' this rendition has faded into obscurity with time.
While many individuals bear the surname Blair, it's widely acknowledged that the clan name encompasses two distinct lineages. One traces its roots to Ayrshire—the Blairs of Blair—and the other to Perthshire—the Blairs of Balthayock.
1.1 THE BLAIRS OF BLAIR
In 1608, Timothy Pont delves into the annals of the Monastery of Kilwinning, uncovering records that bestow the title Barony of Blair upon Jean Francois (John Francis) of Normandy by the decree of King William I of Scots (1165 – 1214).
This title wouldn't come alone; land accompanied it, gifting the family substantial sway. Legend has it that John Francis de Blair’s grandson, William de Blair, tied the knot with one of King John of England's daughters.
His heir, Sir Bryce de Blair, stood staunchly by Sir William Wallace's side but met his demise during the harrowing Barns of Ayr massacre in 1296.
Sir Bryce’s kin, Roger de Blair, earned knighthood from Robert the Bruce for his valor at Bannockburn in 1314. Henceforth, the clan basked in prominence, sealing many advantageous and affluent unions until 1732, when the primary line of succession was severed with the passing of William Blair of Blair.
Nestled in the northern expanse of Ayrshire, Blair Castle (now christened Blair House) served as the Blairs of Blair's stronghold.
Its roots trace back to a wooden edifice at the dusk of the 12th century, later replaced by a stately stone Norman Keep with a moat and drawbridge by 1201. Remarkably, this Norman relic endures within Blair House to this day.
1.2 THE BLAIRS OF BALTHAYOCK
The Blairs of Balthayock trace their lineage back to Stephen de Blair in the 12th century, when he claimed dominion over lands in what we now call Blairgowrie. This very Stephen de Blare/Blair is noted as a witness to a land charter at Balgillo (in Angus) by an Abbot of the Arbroath monastery.
Another notable figure among the Blairs of Balthayock was Alexander de Blair, likely Stephen's progeny, who witnessed a charter around 1214. He tied the knot with Ela, daughter of Hugh de Nyden, thus acquiring the lands of Cults in Fife, which remained in Blair possession for generations.
William de Blair, Alexander’s son, received knighthood from King Alexander II of Scots, earning the title of Steward of Fife in 1235.
For a deeper dive into the annals of the Blairs of Balthayock, Jack Blair’s book, ‘The Blairs of Balthayock and Their Cadets’, serves as an invaluable resource.
The rivalry between the two families persisted for years, each vying for the coveted Chiefship. However, King James VI settled the score in 1658, decreeing that “The eldest male of either of the two Families would have precedency over the younger to the Chieftainship.”
Though this pronouncement hints at a connection between the families, there's no documentation of matrimonial unions between Ayrshire and Perthshire. Considering the divergence in their coats of arms, it's plausible that the two clans boast distinct origins.
2. Clan Blair Tartans
The Blair tartan is a sleek and contemporary family tartan, striking in its simplicity. The threadcount for this tartan was meticulously recorded by the Scottish Tartan Society, drawing from a hand-colored tartan strip found in James Mackinlay’s collection, crafted during the 1920s – 30s.
When we say ‘modern’, we're talking about the hues used, typically leaning towards darker shades.
Threadcount G/12 R6 G48 K36 B48 R6 B/12
Blair Modern
3. Clan Blair Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Blair Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A stag lodged, Proper
3.2 Clan Blair Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is awarded to an individual, with the exception of civic or corporate arms. There is no concept of a "family coat of arms." The arms represented below are personal arms, with the exceptions noted above. Only the individual granted these arms has the right to use them.
BLAIR of Blair
Argent, on a saltire, Sable, nine mascles, of the first
BLAIR of Balthayock
Argent, a chevron, Sable, between three torteaux.
Robin Orr Blair, LVO, WS. Lord Lyon King of Arms
Arms: On a silver shield, a gold saltire between two black maunches, with the sinister facing inward, bearing five gold mascles.
Crest: A golden robin with a red breast.
Motto: DIGNE FERO (I carry with dignity).
Supporters: On the right, a silver sea unicorn with black horns, mane, and tail, and silver fins; on the left, a natural-colored zebra.
4. Clan Blair Places & People
4.1 Clan Blair People
4.1.1 John Blair (c1300)
John Blair, a Benedictine Monk, transitioned to become Chaplain and Comrade in Arms to Sir William Wallace during his tenure as governor of Scotland. He also authored works detailing the life of Wallace.
4.1.2 John Blair (died – 1782)
John was born and raised in Edinburgh, soaking in the rich culture of the city. But as he grew up, he ventured beyond Scotland's borders, finding himself as an usher at a school in Hedge Lane, London.
In 1754, he penned down 'The Chronology and History of the World, from the Creation to the Year of Christ 1753', a significant work that gained widespread attention. Its popularity led to reprints in 1756, 1768, and 1814.
Later, it underwent revisions and expansions by Willoughby Rosse in Bohn’s ‘Scientific Library’ in 1856. The depth of his knowledge earned him a fellowship at the Royal Society in 1755.
His intellectual prowess caught the eye of royalty, and in 1757, he was appointed as the chaplain to Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha and as the mathematical tutor to the Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany.
His contributions to academia were further recognized when he was elected as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1761.
4.1.3 Robert Blair (1748–1828)
Robert Blair holds a special place in the annals of Scottish academia as the inaugural Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, a prestigious title he assumed in 1785.
His contributions to the field of optics were groundbreaking; he not only invented the aplanatic lens but also coined the term itself. This innovation marked a pivotal moment in the quest to minimize aberrations in optical systems.
Additionally, Blair delved into experimentation with hollow lenses, exploring various solutions with fervor and curiosity.
5. Associated Names
Variants such as de Blare, Blare, and Blayr are associated with the Blair surname, although the most prevalent form is Blair.
Additionally, Blair is recognized as a sept of Clan Graham.