Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Scottish Tattoo Designs >> Fletcher

Fletcher Clan Tattoos - The name Fletcher is derived from the French flechier - an arrow maker. The word was such a common trade name that it became used in Gaelic as fleis-dear. In the 18th century , some families went full circle and anglicized the name Mac-an-leistear back into Fletcher. One band of Mac-an-leistear settled in Glen- orchy in Argyll sometime before the 11th century and became arrow makers to the MacGregors. Small groups of Mac-an-leistears settled in glens belonging to other clans, for whom they presumably made arrows. The earliest recorded chief was Angus Mac-an-leistears, who was born around 1450. Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy coveted the Mac-an-leistears lands, and he was high in favour of James VI, he had royal authority to maintain a large band of armed retainers, which he employed in a campaign of violence and intimidation. He deliberately provoked a dispute with the chief of the Mac-an-leistears and trumped up a charge of murder against him. Mac-an-leistear was compelled to sign a deed ceding his family lands to the Campbells and thereafter were only tenants in Glenorchy.

Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun, 'the Patriot', was one of the fiercest opponents of the political union with England. Born in 1653, he became MP for Haddington in 1678. He was forced to flee to Holland after joining Monmouth's rebellion against James VII. He became leader of the Anti-Union Country Party in the last Scottish Parliament, predicting that England would ruin Scotland's economy.

Clan Fletcher Motto: Dieu Pour nous ~ From French: God for us

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