Clan MacAulay

Dulce Periculum - Danger is Sweet

Magnificent MacAulay Clan Wall Crest (as above), made by hand in solid cold cast bronze, is available for you and your family to enjoy today.

The name Clan MacAulay refers to two different and separate Clans - the MacAulays of Ardincaple and the MacAulays of Lewis.

The origins of both Clans of MacAulay are shrouded in uncertainty, although there are commonly believed versions of their history which are widely accepted by historians and Clansmen alike.

Clan MacAulay of Ardincaple, is believed to stem from the family Lennox. The most prominent evidence towards this thought is that in a charter granted by Maldowen, Earl of Lennox, to Sir Patrick Grahame, there is a mention of Aulay, the brother of the Earl. In a further charter, from the same Earl to William, son of Arthur Galbraith, the witnesses recorded are Duncan and Aulay, the Earl’s brothers. The name Sir Aulay MacAulay (Aulay, son of Aulay) first appears in the Ragman Rolls in 1296. In 1587 in the Rolls of the Landlords and Bailies in the Highlands and Isles, Sir Aulay MacAulay appears as one of the principal vassals of the Earl of Lennox.

By 1767, Clan MacAulay had fallen into misfortune and the family was forced to sell the last of their lands. The last of the Clan MacAulay land, Ardincaple, was sold of to Campbell of Argyl to settle their debt.

The Lewis branch of Clan MacAulay holds a history wholly different to that of the Ardincaple Clan MacAulay. The first record of a Lewis Clan MacAulay member is Donald Camm, reputed for his great strength in battle. He was captured in 1597. His son also suffered in battle, dieing at the Battle of Aldearn in 1645. Although following generations of Clan MacAulay sons did not follow their ancestors down this path. The following two generations featured Aulay MacAulay and his son John MacAulay, both of whom were Calvinist ministers.

The Lewis Clan MacAulay branch is said to have been the vassals to Clan Mackenzie. It is also believed that Lochbroom, an area of land, was originally in Clan MacAulay possession, but was personally gifted to Clan Mackenzie by the heiress of Duncan MacAulay.

If you’re one of the many people wanting to reconnect with your Clan MacAulay heritage, I recommend that you use this article as a starting point. You would also enjoy our range of Clan MacAulay jewelry, which includes :

Clan MacAulay Lady's Rings,
Clan MacAulay Man's Rings,
Clan MacAulay Wall Crests,
Clan MacAulay Pendants,
Clan MacAulay Bracelets,
Clan MacAulay Cufflinks,
Clan MacAulay Tiebars.