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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> Hay

Hay Clan Tattoos - This family descends from a member of the de La Haye, powerful Norman princes who followed William the Conqueror to England in 1066.

Gilbert was rewarded with the lands of Slains in Aberdeenshire, but more importantly with the office of Lord High Constable of Scotland. Hay was first created constable in 1309 and then, by charter dated 12 September 1314, the title was made hereditary. This dignity, which is still enjoyed by the present chief, gives the holder precedence in Scotland before every other hereditary honour, saving only the royal family itself. The Lord High Constable was responsible for the personal safety of the monarch, and was sword bearer at coronations. He maintained a ceremonial royal guard, called Durward of Partisans, and has theoretical jurisdiction over persons indicted for riot or crimes of bloodshed near the royal person.

Sir Thomas Hay, seventh Baron of Erroll, brought royal blood into the family when he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert II. The family who also descended from Celtic kings, through the marriage of David de La Hay to Ethna, daughter of the Earl of Strathearn, and Gilbert, third Baron of Erroll, to Idione, daughter of the Earl of Buchan. Another Sir Gilbert Hay fought for the cause of Joan of Arc and attended the coronation of Charles VII of France at Rheims. From this knight errant descend the Hays of Delgatie, whose castle at Turriff is now restored as the Clan Centre.

Clan Hay Motto: Serva Jugum ~ From Latin: Keep The Yoke

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