History of the Scott Surname

Links to Learn about the Scotts

Surname Origin:  

The very first record of the family name SCOTT was found in Roxburghshire, which is located in Border Country of Scotland and England.  The SCOTT family traces their ancestral roots back to Boernician origin before the year 1100.

    SCOTT (British). "From over the border or tattooed".

    SCOTT (British). Nationality name for Scots

• 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 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 using 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. 
• IS THERE A CLAN SCOTT TARTAN?
  Yes. Actually there are at least 11 Scott tartans listed by The Scottish Tartans Society of Comrie Perthshire. The most common referenced is a "Green Scott", also "Red Scott" (which is visible on the background of this webpage) and "Brown Scott." 

Clan Scott
Scott badge, tartans, motto slogan

Clan Scott Society
This site provides information about the Clan Scott Society, benefits of membership, activities sponsored by the Society, the heritage of the Scott surname, general and Scott specific genealogy information, affiliate organizations, and online resources pertaining to things Scottish.

Unofficial Clan Scott
Origins and history of Clan Scott

Scott Webring
Surf other Scott family websites

Scott Blue Tartan:

Scott Red Tartan

Scott Hunting Tartan

Scott Coat of Arms

Photos