Clan Mac Aulay - Clan Profile

Clan Profile

• Etymology of the name: The clan has been thought by some people to descend from the family of the earls of Lennox. Within the family, the personal name Amhlaibh was given to several individuals. In the mid 20th century, George Fraser Black stated that the clan's surname MacAulay (and its numerous variations) originated from the Gaelic patronymic name Mac Amhalghaidh (meaning "son of Amalghaidh / Amhalghadh"). The Old Gaelic personal name Amalghaidh / Amhalghadh, pronounced almost like "Aulay" or "Owley", is of uncertain meaning.
• Clan member's crest badge: In most cases, crest badges are made up of a clan chief's heraldic crest and heraldic motto. However, in the case of Clan MacAulay, no coat of arms of a chief of the clan has ever been matriculated by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of the heraldic authority in Scotland. The crest badge appropriate for a clan member contains the crest: a boot couped at the ankle and theron a spur proper; and the motto: dulce periculum (translation from Latin: "danger is sweet"). In 1608, Sir Aulay MacAulay of Ardincaple was a Shire Commissioner for Dumbartonshire (prior to the Acts of Union 1707, a Shire Commissioner was the equivalent of the English office of Member of Parliament). Sir Aulay was one of two commissioners who were tasked with regulating the price of boots and shoes.
• Clan badge: There have been two clan badges (or plant badges) attributed to Clan MacAulay: cranberry and scots pine. Both clans MacAulay and MacFarlane have been attributed with a badge of cranberry. Clan MacFarlane, also a west-Dumbartonshire clan, claims a descent from Alwyn II, Earl of Lennox. The badge of scots pine has been attributed to all seven clans of Siol Alpin: Clan Grant, Clan Gregor, Clan MacAulay, Clan Macfie, Clan Mackinnon, Clan Macnab, and Clan MacQuarrie.