Clan Boyd

Clan Boyd (Boyd Tartan)

Gaelic Name: Buidhe
Crest: A dexter hand erect and pale having the outer fingers bowed inwards
Motto: Confido (I trust)
Origin of Name: Gaelic, Buidhe (Fair)
Badge: Laurel leaves
Lands: Bute, Ayrshire
Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon Lord Kilmarnock

1. Clan Boyd History

Let's dive into the fascinating history of the Boyd clan, a name deeply rooted in Scottish lore and heritage!

The origins of the name Boyd are shrouded in the mists of time, but one thing's for sure: it's as Scottish as a dram of whisky! Some say it's linked to the Gaelic word 'buidhe,' meaning 'fair' or 'yellow,' while others reckon it's tied to the island of Bute, known as 'Bod' in Gaelic.

Back in the mists of the 13th century, a certain Dominus Robertus de Boyd was making waves in southwest Scotland. He popped up witnessing contracts and rubbing elbows with the bigwigs of his day.

Fast forward to the days of Scottish independence, and we find Duncan Boyd laying down his life for the cause at the hands of the English in 1306.

But the Boyds weren't ones to back down. Sir Robert Boyd, a true champion of the Bruce cause, fought valiantly at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His bravery earned him not just glory, but swathes of land in Ayrshire.

Things really heated up when the Boyds nabbed the title 'Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock' from James II.

With their newfound status, they made a bold move: a coup d'état. Led by Robert Boyd, they swooped in and took charge of the realm, with Robert even becoming a regent to young James III.

But that wasn't the end of their tale. Robert's brother, Thomas Boyd, became a trusted mentor to the young king, while Robert himself became the Great Chamberlain.

Talk about influence! Their power reached new heights when Thomas married Princess Mary, earning him the lofty title 'Earl of Arran and Kilmarnock.'

And so, the Boyds left an indelible mark on Scottish history, their legacy woven into the very fabric of our nation's story.

It all started with Robert Boyd, newly minted as the Earl of Arran, and his brother Alexander Boyd. Their rise to power stirred up a hornet's nest of conspiracy, with whispers of threats to the throne echoing through the courts. Summoned before the King and Parliament in Edinburgh, they faced grave charges of ambition gone awry.

Sadly, fate dealt a cruel blow. Sir Alexander, already ailing, met his end at the executioner's hands, branded a traitor to the crown. Meanwhile, Lord Boyd hightailed it to England, seeking refuge from the storm brewing in Scotland.

As for Thomas Boyd, the Earl of Arran, he chose exile over the hangman's noose, settling in Europe to escape the turmoil back home. Even the presence of his wife, Princess Mary, couldn't sway his resolve. Her return to Scotland, promised forgiveness in tow, ended in disappointment as her marriage was dissolved and she found herself in her brother's custody.

But the Boyds weren't done yet. Standing firm in their loyalty to the crown, they rallied behind the King during the Civil War. Their loyalty paid off when William, Lord Boyd, was rewarded with the title of Earl of Kilmarnock following the Restoration.

Yet, the twists and turns didn't end there. The fourth earl, swayed by the allure of the Young Pretender, joined Prince Charles Edward Stewart's cause. His allegiance led him to the front lines at the Battle of Culloden, but ultimately, it sealed his fate. Captured and beheaded on Tower Hill, he met a tragic end on August 18th, 1746.

Thus, the saga of the Boyds, a tale of ambition, loyalty, and ultimately, tragic downfall, became etched into the annals of Scottish history.

2. Clan Boyd Tartans

The Boyd tartan was designed for the Earl of Kilmarnock in 1948 and recorded with the Lord Lyon's office in 1957. As the Earls of Kilmarnock are descended from both the Hays and the Stewarts, they have incorporated elements from the Hay-Leith tartan and the hunting Stewart tartan.

The term ‘modern’ refers to the dye shades, which are usually dark

Threadcount Y/10 G44 K4 B4 K4 B4 K20 R78 G10 R8 K8 W/10

Boyd Modern

Boyd Ancient

3. Clan Boyd Crest & Coats of Arms

3.1 Clan Boyd Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

Crest Description:
A dexter hand erect and pale having the outer fingers bowed inwards

3.2 Clan Boyd Coat 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 such thing as a ‘family coat of arms’. The arms represented below are personal arms (with the above exceptions). Only the individual granted these arms has the right to use them.

Boyds of Ballymacool

Arms of (the late) Dr. Frederick Tilghman Boyd

1) BOYD
Lord Boyd
&
2) BOYD
Earl Kilmarnock
Azure a fess chequy Argent and Gules

BOYD OF PINKELL
Azure a fess chequy Argent and Gules and in base a cross Moline Or

BOYD OF PITCON
Azure a fess chequy Argent and Gules within a bordure Or

4. Clan Boyd Places & People

4.1 Clan Boyd Places

4.1.1 Dean Castle

Dean Castle, nestled in the picturesque Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. This magnificent fortress served as the stronghold for the illustrious Boyd clan, with its foundations laid by none other than Sir Thomas Boyd around 1350.

For centuries, the castle stood as a symbol of the Boyd family's power and influence, witnessing the ebb and flow of Scottish history. But all good things must come to an end, and in 1746, the castle changed hands when James Boyd made the difficult decision to sell it.

Though no longer in the possession of the Boyds, Dean Castle remains a testament to their legacy, attracting visitors from far and wide to explore its ancient walls and uncover the stories of Scotland's past.

4.1.2 Portencross Castle

Portencross Castle, a historic gem nestled along the rugged shores of Strathclyde. Legend has it that King Bruce bestowed this mighty fortress upon Robert Boyd as a token of his unwavering loyalty.

From around 1385 until 1785, Portencross Castle stood as a steadfast sentinel, proudly belonging to the Boyd family for over four centuries. Its sturdy walls echoed with tales of valor and heritage, bearing witness to the rich tapestry of Scottish history.

4.1.3 Law Castle

Law Castle, a splendid edifice steeped in Scottish lore. Constructed in 1468, this majestic fortress was commissioned for Princess Mary, daughter of James II, as part of her wedding to Thomas, Master of Boyd, who would later ascend to become the Earl of Arran.

Law Castle, also known as the Tower of Kilbride, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Scotland's noble families and their enduring ties to the land.

4.1.4 Penkill Castle

The castle was last in the possession of the Boyd family when it was sold in the 1960s.

5. Associated Names

The following names are recognized as septs or associated names of Clan Boyd: 

Air, Aird, Assloss, Auchinloss , Ayr, Ayrd, Bankhead, Blair, Bod, Boddagh, Bodha, Boid, Boit, Boite, Borland, Bowie, Boy, Boyd, Boyde, Boydston, Boyman, Boyte, Braland, Bribane, Brown, Buidhe, Buie, Burn, Bute, Cassy, Chrystal, Conn, Coon, Coonie, Corshill, Cosh, Crawford, Crystal, Dick, Faerie, Faery, Fairlie, Fairly, Farie, Farnly, Faul, Faulds, Fauls, Fenwick, Foulterton, Fullarton, Fullerton, Fullton, Gammell, Gemmill, George, Gorman, Gurman, Haire, Hare, Harshaw, Langmoore, Lines, Longmuir, Lynn, MacCosh, MacGillabuidhe, MacGiollabuidhe, MacLorg, MacLurg, Moore, Muir, O’Boyd, Parris, Pitco, Raeburn, Rayburn, Reburn, Rigg, Riggs, Speirs, Spiers, Spires, Starret, Steen, Stein, Stiret, Tannahill, Tannock, Templeton, Underwood, Vasser, Woodbourne, and Woodburn