Clan MacLaren Symbols: Secrets of Scotland’s Brave Clan

Every Scottish clan has its own story — a tale told not just in words but through symbols that have survived centuries. For Clan MacLaren, these emblems are the heartbeat of its identity. From the MacLaren clan crest with its crowned lion to the timeless Clan MacLaren tartan, each element captures the clan’s strength, honor, and history.

But what do these ancient designs really mean? Let’s uncover the story behind each of the Clan MacLaren symbols and see how they came to represent one of Scotland’s most enduring Highland families.

The MacLaren clan crest is one of Scotland’s most distinctive. It shows a lion’s head erased Sable, crowned with an antique crown and framed by two laurel branches.

In Scottish heraldry, the lion stands for bravery and leadership — qualities the MacLarens were known for. The antique crown atop the lion’s head signifies authority and nobility, a mark of high standing and honor. The laurel branches surrounding the lion symbolize victory and honor, echoing the clan's triumphs throughout history.

Together, they form a perfect picture of strength and endurance. The symbolic meaning behind the MacLaren crest reminds every descendant of their clan’s courage and unbroken spirit through the centuries.

If the crest is the symbol of leadership, the MacLaren clan badge is the mark of unity. Every clan member may wear it — a belt and buckle surrounding the crest and the proud motto “Creag an Tuirc,” meaning “ The Boar’s Rock”.

According to Historic Environment Scotland, Creag an Tuirc — meaning “The Boar’s Rock” — is a prominent hill in Balquhidder. Historically, it was the rallying point where Clan MacLaren gathered before battle. The badge’s circular design reflects loyalty and belonging — a constant reminder that clan identity was never just personal, but shared.

Even today, the Clan MacLaren crest badge connects modern Scots around the world to their ancestral pride, a tradition carried through Highland gatherings and family heritage. And at the heart of it all lies another timeless motto: “Ab Origine Fidus” — Faithful from the Beginning. It’s more than a phrase; it’s a declaration of loyalty passed down through the centuries.

Among Scottish clan symbols, few are as simple yet meaningful as the plant badge. For the MacLarens, that symbol is the laurel branch. Evergreen and resilient, it represents triumph and honor — a fitting emblem for a clan known for its endurance.

The Clan MacLaren tartan tells its story in color. Deep greens, blues, reds, and yellows come together to reflect the Highland landscape — the hills of Balquhidder, the waters of Loch Voil, and the fire of clan spirit.

There are several variations, from the softer tones of the Ancient MacLaren Tartan to the vivid colors of the Modern MacLaren Tartan, and even the Weathered and Dress versions for different occasions. Each represents continuity — a thread linking past to present.

But what truly sets this tartan apart is its global legacy. When William de Bois Maclaren donated Gilwell Park to the Scout movement in 1919, the Scouts adopted the Clan MacLaren tartan as their own. To this day, Scouts around the world wear it proudly as a symbol of service and fellowship — proof that Highland heritage still inspires people far beyond Scotland’s borders.

One of the most fascinating emblems in the Clan MacLaren coat of arms is the mermaid — a symbol rooted in ancient Pictish tradition. Long before written history, the Picts carved mermaids on stones across what is now Perthshire, the MacLarens’ homeland.

The symbols of Clan MacLaren are more than marks of heritage — they are living expressions of identity. The lion’s head shows courage; the laurel branch speaks of triumph; the tartan ties the clan to both homeland and global community; and the mermaid whispers of ancient origins.

Together, these Clan MacLaren symbols preserve a story that began in the Highlands and continues wherever descendants gather today. They remind us that history is not just remembered — it’s proudly carried in every crest, color, and motto that bears the name MacLaren.