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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> Cunningham

Cunningham Clan Tattoos - A story states that Malcolm, a son of Friskin, obtained the lands of Cunningham from Malcom III by sheltering him in a barn and covering him with hay. This said to give rise to the shake-fork in the family arms and the motto 'Over fork over'.

This is a charming legend, but Sir George Mackenzie states that the arms are an allusion to the office of Master of the King's Stables. Another explanation runs that the Cunninghams were great allies of the Comyns, whose shield bore sheaves of corn. When that dynasty was overthrown by the Bruces, the Cunninghams adopted the shake-fork used to 'fork over' sheaves of corn. This is a charming legend, but Sir George Mackenzie states that the arms are an allusion to the office of Master of the King's Stables. Another explanation runs that the Cunninghams were great allies of the Comyns, whose shield bore sheaves of corn. When that dynasty was overthrown by the Bruces, the Cunninghams adopted the shake-fork used to 'fork over' sheaves of corn.

Bruce was generous to his supporters after his great victory, and the lands of Lamburgton were added to Kilmaurs by royal charter in 1319.Sir William Cunningham of Kilmaurs was one of the Scottish noblemen offered to David II's English captors as substitute hostages in 1354.

Clan Cunningham Motto: Over fork over

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests, Unicorn