WHERE IN SCOTLAND WAS THE CLAN ORIGINALLY LOCATED?
Originally the Scotts were located in the Borders region of Scotland in the middle and eastern Marches areas of West Teviotdale, Ewesdale, Eskdale and Liddesdale, around the towns of Hawick, Selkirk and Melrose in the district of Roxburghshire.  The heart of the Clan area was at Bellendain.  There have been major migrations of Scotts from this area to areas throughout the former British Empire for centuries.

ARE THE SCOTTS HIGHLANDERS OR LOWLANDERS?
While the Borders Region is located in the Lowlands of Scotland, families from this particular area prefer the distinction of being known as Borderers rather than the term Lowlander.

ARE THE SCOTTS A CLAN OR A FAMILY?
The Scotts were one of the 6 major riding Clans of Scotland, and “one of the most powerful families in the entire Borders, active as both reivers and officers,” reaching their peak in the 16th century.  Border clans are more like loose family associations today than those from the Scottish highlands.  Nevertheless, our Chief stresses that feelings of kinsman ship and family ties are no less strong than those of the highland groups.

WHAT DOES THE NAME SCOTT MEAN?
There are many answers.  Early sources indicate a Gaelic origin; A geographic description designating one from Scotland;  The earlier race of 2nd century invaders from Ireland called Scoti;  Blue Men – One who colors the body blue (tattoos);  Another meaning is “one not from here.”  Early records spell only one t; use of a second t became common in the 17th century to distinguish a member of the Scott family from “one from Scotland.”  It is said that Clan Scott lent its name to the sovereign country.

WHO DID THE ORIGINAL SCOTTS SUPPORT AND WHO WERE THEIR ENEMIES?
The history of border warfare is very complex. They fought at Flodden with King James IV. Many families or clans shifted alliances to benefit their needs and our ancestors were no different. The most notable episodes for Scott feuds occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries with the Kerrs, Elliotts, Charltons and others. George MacDonald Fraser's book, The Steel Bonnets, describes this era and is a good source for life in the borders.

DOES THE CLAN HAVE SEPTS?
There are normally few septs (associated families) among border clans and families.  Clan Scott is a Border clan.  Historically, the Laidlaw, Langlands, Geddes, and Napier families, with varied spellings, have long standing relationships and are listed as septs of Clan Scott although Napier is clan in its own right.  Additionally, there are other family place names such as Harden, Balwearie, and, of course, Buccleuch which have been substituted for the Scott surname.  In Scotland, a person may have been known as William Scott of Harden (to distinguish him from William Scott of Buccleuch).  Once the individual left his homeland, he may have become known as William Harden.  We have several members with surnames such as Harden or Buckalew.

WHAT DOES THE CLAN BADGE MEAN?
This is not a coat of arms.  Coats of Arms in Scotland are registered to individuals, not families.  This badge signifies allegiance to the Chief.  The Scott clansman's badge bears the crest and motto of the clan chief's coat of arms:  a Stag Trippant, encircled in a leather strap inscribed with the chief's motto “Amo” meaning “I Love”; ironically a somewhat romantic motto for a strong feudal border clan.  Another interpretation is that “Amo” is a Scots word meaning among or  in the middle.  This theory is supported by the history of the Scott family's dominance of the Middle March of the Borders of Scotland.

WHO IS THE CHIEF OF CLAN SCOTT?
The Clan Chief of the name Scott as recognized by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms in Scotland, is his Grace, The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, who resides at his borders home, Bowhill, near Selkirk, Scotland.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A MEMBER AND HOW DO I JOIN?
Membership is open to anyone and their spouse affirming a reasonable presumption of descent in their paternal or maternal bloodline to Scott or one of the Septs. Associate membership is open to others. To join, simply complete the application form and submit it together with the appropriate dues to: Membership Secretary, Clan Scott Society, PO Box 13021, Austin, TX 78711-3021.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY FAMILY HISTORY?
The best sources are your own relatives. Question older members of your own family and start collecting information. Try to locate family bibles, obituaries, wills, birth, baptismal and death certificates. Visit local courthouses and search records in the clerk's offices, state and federal archives offices. Another source of information may be our own Clan Genealogist and Genealogy Committee.  The Clan Scott Society also sponsors email inquiry distribution lists for the surnames Scott, Laidlaw, Langlands, Harden, Buckalew, and Balwearie through the RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative. Please contact our list administrator for more information on how to subscribe to these free surname genealogy inquiry email distribution lists.

WHERE CAN I BUY CLAN SCOTT MERCHANDISE?
Most Scottish Games and Festivals throughout the country have vendor tents which contain merchandise for all clans.  Clan Scott's web site also lists some vendor's web sites.  Other vendors run advertisements in Scottish community publications.

IS THERE A CLAN SCOTT TARTAN?
Yes.  Actually there are at least 12 Scott tartans listed by The Scottish Tartans Society of Comrie Perthshire.  The most typical are “Green Scott,” “Red Scott,” and “Brown Scott.”  Most are actually the same sett or pattern, only different colors.  Please see our other literature for a more detailed explanation of the Scott tartans.  An excellent reference is the book “Tartan for Me.”  Members have online access to a complete description of all the registered Scott tartans.  Clan member have online access to a complete list of Scott and Scott related tartans complete with illustrations of each tartan.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF CLAN SCOTT?
The Clan Scott Society, formerly known as Clan Scott, USA, was organized in 1976 and includes members primarily in the United States and Canada, but there are members in other parts of the world, too.  The Society was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1981 later re-incorporated in Georgia in 1999 and is the oldest and largest recognized Scott surname organization.  Other local Clan Scott organizations exist in Australia and Scotland.  The titular head of these organizations is the Chief, His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, K.T.

IS THERE A CONNECTION TO SIR WALTER SCOTT?
Sir Walter, novelist and historian, born to the borders family Scott of Harden in 1771, did more to give Scots (one t) a national identity than any other person and is largely responsible for the survival and popularization of Scottish culture in modern times. His home was in the Borders at Abbottsford and he acclaimed the 5th Duke of Buccleuch as his Clan Chief and patron. Clan Scott is dedicated to elevating his recognition in the Scottish community.

ARE HIGHLAND GAMES HELD IN THE BORDERS?
Border festivals and gatherings are more commonly known as “Common Ridings” and more accurately portray the historical character of the local region.

WHAT ARE THE CLAN SLOGANS?
“A Bellendain” is the rallying or war cry of the Scotts.  Other associated sayings include: “There'll be moonlight again!”  The cry “The Scotts are Out!” struck terror in the hearts of Englishmen.

IS THERE A CLAN SONG?
Many famous border ballads have been set to popular music. Lady Buccleuch, wife of an earlier Chief, wrote the words to the most popular version of "Loch Lomond". The Clan Scott Society has adopted a version of "When the Scotts Come Marching In" as the unofficial Clan song.

DOES THE CLAN SCOTT SOCIETY HAVE A WEB SITE?
We sure do.  Pay us a visit at http://www.ClanScottSociety.org and find out the latest on our activities and find links to other sites in the Scottish community and resources for heritage and genealogical research.