Clan Craig
Clan Craig (Craig Tartan)
Crest: A chevalier on horseback in full charge grasping a broken lance in bend, Proper
Motto: Vive Deco et Vives (Live for God and You Shall Have Life)
Region: Lowlands
Historic Seat: Riccarton
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Craig Clan History
The surname Craig holds deep roots in Scottish history, often associated with Gaelic terms signifying cliffs or rocky outcrops, reminiscent of iconic landmarks like Ailsa Craig or Craigellachie.
Its origins trace back to the enigmatic era of the Picts, an indigenous people of Northeast Scotland, shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that as Scots migrated into Pictish territories, a pact was struck, permitting the Picts to remain under the condition that future monarchs marry Irish princesses.
Earliest mentions of the Craig surname date back to the 12th century, notably in Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, with appearances on the historic Ragman Roll of 1296.
However, the enduring lineage of the clan is firmly rooted in Aberdeenshire, particularly associated with Craigfintray Castle in Kildrumie, which has long-standing ties to the esteemed Gordon Clan.
Atop the landscape stands the memorial to the Battle of Culblean, a testament to the valor of John Craig and his clansmen. Leading 300 stalwart warriors into the fray against Edward Balliol's faction, they secured a decisive victory for King David II.
The clash at Culblean on November 30, 1335, saw John Craig's indomitable leadership.
Around 1440, a new offshoot of the clan flourished near Berwick, their stronghold granted at Estircrag.
During the religious tumult of the 1550s, Richarde de Crag served as vicar at St. Mary’s in Dundee, while John Craig faced persecution for embracing Protestantism, later joining forces with John Knox after a daring escape.
Sir Thomas Craig of Riccarton rose as a prominent authority on Scottish Feudal Law, earning the esteem of James VI for his seminal work 'Jus Feudale', still influential in Scottish legal circles.
His son, Sir James Craig, ventured into the Ulster Plantation in 1610, pioneering a legacy that led to James Craig of County Down, scion of a whiskey fortune, who assumed leadership as the inaugural Prime Minister of Northern Ireland in 1921, subsequently honored as Viscount Craigavon.
The architectural genius of James Craig shaped Edinburgh's New Town, its majestic Georgian avenues enduring through time.
The iconic Craig tartan, crafted by McGregor-Hastie in 1957, mirrors the earthy hues symbolic of the rugged terrain from which the clan takes its name.
Emblazoned with the crest of a chevalier astride a horse, lance broken, the Craig insignia pays homage to the "broken men" from other clans sheltered under its protective banner.
2. Craig Clan Tartans
John MacGregor Hastie, the creative mind behind the Craig tartan, unveiled his masterpiece in 1957, sharing his inspiration:
"I crafted this tartan to fill a void long felt. With numerous inquiries about a tartan for the Craig family, despite its lack of affiliation with a Highland clan, I saw an opportunity. Drawing from the natural hues of crags and rocks, the design captures the essence of the surname."
Threadcount Y/4 K8 G8 K8 N8 K4 N8 K4 N8 Y8 K4 G56 K4 N68 LG4 G4 N8 K8 Y/4
Craig Ancient
3. Craig Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Craig Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A knight on horseback charging forward with a broken lance held diagonally, depicted in natural colors.
3.2 Clan Craig Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
According to Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, except for civic or corporate entities. There isn't a concept of a "family coat of arms." The arms displayed below are personal and unique to the individual granted them, except for those exceptions mentioned above.
CRAIG of Riccarton
Ermine, on a fesse, Sable, three crescents, Argent
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Castle Craig Coat of Arms
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Dr David Craig
Arms: Per Fess Ermine and Argent on a fess Sable between in chief two millrinds and in base a garb Gules three crescents of the Second.
Crest: A tower Sable window and port Gules within a chaplet of hazel leaves Vert.
Motto: VIVITUR INGENIO
Grant: The Court of the Lord Lyon, 10th August 1982. Register, volume 66, folio 24.
The coat of arms holds a special significance, honoring the memory of the armiger's late grandfather, David Craig, who was a farmer at Tregallon in Troqueer, Kircudbright. His father, William Craig, played dual roles as a miller at Duncow Mill and a farmer at West Duncow in Kirkmahoe, Dumfries.
The traditional arms of Craig feature a metallic background with a black horizontal band adorned with three crescents. Symbolizing the family's heritage, the millrinds and garb pay homage to the armiger's great-grandfather's involvement in milling and farming. The choice of colors for these elements was made by the armiger himself.
The crest, recommended by Lord Lyon, traces its roots to "Duncow," derived from "Dun-choll," meaning a fort of hazels.
The motto "VIVITUR INGENIO" (he lives by skill) was carefully selected to reflect not only the armiger's own skills but also those of his ancestors in their respective occupations.
4. Clan Craig Places & People
4.1 Clan Craig People
Thomas Craig
Thomas Craig of Riccarton, born in 1538 and passing in 1608, was not just a lawyer but also a notable writer. His lineage traced back to William Craig of Craigfintry (later known as Craigston) in Aberdeenshire, who came into the world in the latter part of the 15th century.
William Craig's second son, also named William Craig of Craigfintry, bravely fought against the English forces at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, where he met his fate. The lineage of the Craigs of Riccarton came to an end with Robert Craig of Riccarton, who passed away in 1823 without leaving any heirs.
Consequently, the Riccarton estate transitioned to Mr. James Gibson, who not only inherited the estate but also adopted the name and arms of Craig, hence becoming James Gibson-Craig.
5.Associated Names
Craig is a sept of Clan Gordon