Clan Ewing

Welcome back to "A Clan A Day Podcast", brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we delve into the rich and fascinating history of Clan Ewing, a Highland clan that has boldly left its mark across centuries of Scottish history. Known for their motto “Audaciter”, meaning “Boldly,” and their badge featuring a demi-lion rampant holding a star, the Ewings are a family defined by courage, loyalty, and resilience.

Clan Ewing’s origins lie in the medieval Clan Ewen of Otter, descended from the Irish prince Anrothan O’Neill. This connection ties the Ewings to an ancient Gaelic lineage, and modern genetic studies have intriguingly supported this claim. The story begins in Argyll, where the clan’s namesake, Ewen mac Duncan, lived in the 13th century. Ewen was the grandson of Farquhar mac Dunsleve, making the Ewings kin to other prominent clans like the Lamonts and MacLachlans. Their ancestral lands stretched across Cowal, but when the barony of Otter passed to Clan Campbell in the 15th century, many Ewings relocated to Dumbartonshire and Stirlingshire. Despite this move, their ties to Cowal remained strong.

By the 16th century, the Ewings had gained significant prominence. In 1566, William Ewin was summoned to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Ewing coat of arms was recorded in the Workman Armorial that same year. Unique among Scottish heraldry, the Ewing arms are adorned with the Red Ensign of Scotland. According to tradition, this symbol marks William’s role as Bearer of the Ensign, and it is said he carried one of Queen Mary’s banners at the Battle of Langside in 1568. Another tale claims that the Ewings fought under a new clan banner reflecting William’s recent grant of arms.

The Ewings navigated the religious and political turbulence of 17th-century Scotland with characteristic boldness. They aligned with the Covenanters and the Campbell cause during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Patrick Ewing, a notable figure in Dumbartonshire, rose to prominence during this period but faced repercussions for his defiance of royal authority, fined £600 by King Charles II after the Restoration. In 1685, Clan Ewing supported the Earl of Argyll’s rebellion against King James VII. This uprising ended in disaster, leading to the forfeiture of Ewing lands in Cowal. Many Ewings were forced to seek new opportunities abroad, settling in Ulster and beyond.

The chiefship of Clan Ewing passed through turbulent times as well. When the line of the Ewings of Craigtoun became extinct in the 18th century, the clan was left without a recognized leader. By the 19th century, many Ewings in Scotland had moved away from their ancient clan loyalties, and confusion about the clan’s status persisted. Yet, the spirit of the Ewings endured, both in Scotland and across the diaspora.

In 2014, the long-standing question of Clan Ewing’s leadership was resolved at a joint Derbhfine with Clan MacEwen. John Thor Ewing was appointed as Commander of Clan Ewing, marking a new chapter in the clan’s history. This recognition reaffirmed the Ewings as a Highland clan with a storied heritage.

Unlike some of their kin, such as the MacLachlans and Lamonts, the Ewings chose not to support the Jacobite risings of the 18th century. Their steadfast loyalty to Williamite and Covenanter causes helped distinguish their legacy, shaping a unique identity that endured through the centuries. Today, many Ewings continue to live in their ancestral heartlands of Argyll and the Lennox, while others have carried their heritage to distant lands, including the Americas and Australia.

Clan Ewing’s history is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. From their ancient Gaelic origins to their contributions in Scotland’s defining moments, the Ewings have consistently lived up to their motto, facing challenges with boldness and determination. Their legacy endures not only in the pages of history but in the lives of their descendants around the globe.

Thank you for joining us as we explored the rich history of Clan Ewing. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another episode of "A Clan A Day Podcast." I'm Colin MacDonald, and as always, Go n-éirí an bóthar leat.