Munro Family Crest Framed Artprint

The Munro Family Crest Framed Artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the name Munro

Munro (Clan Munro) is an ancient Scottish Highland clan hailing from Ross-shire and Cromarty along the northern shores of the Cromarty Firth. Derived from the Gaelic Mac an Rothaich ("man from the River Roe" in County Derry, Ireland), tradition holds that the clan ancestors arrived in Scotland in the 11th century to assist King Malcolm II against Danish invaders. The clan chiefs established their historic stronghold at Foulis Castle in the 12th century, serving as hereditary military guardians of northern Scotland for centuries.

The symbolism of the Munro coat of arms

The Munro coat of arms features a bright or (gold) shield charged with a prominent eagle’s head erased gules (red). In classical heraldry, gold symbolizes supreme elevation of mind, generosity, and noble intellect, while red represents warrior courage and magnanimity.

The red eagle's head erased (severed with jagged neck edges) represents swift vigilance, elevated vision, martial valor, and unyielding protection of clan territories.

Surmounting the shield on a gold and red torse, the crest displays a golden eagle with raised wings ready for flight. Framed by rich red and gold mantling, the shield rests above a gold motto ribbon declaring: Beware the Wrath of God. Officially registered in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland (Court of the Lord Lyon).

Historical Origins & Legacy

This iconic Munro armorial design—featuring a striking red eagle's head set against a golden shield—ranks among the oldest and most historically documented clan crests in Scottish heraldry. The earliest physical representations of these arms survive on 15th-century red wax seals attached to Ross-shire land charters executed by George and Hector Munro, Barons of Foulis. The arms were first illustrated in official state manuscripts in 1542 within Sir David Lindsay’s armorial register for King James V, and were later formally recorded in the 1672 Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland under the legal authority of the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh.

Beyond official government archives, this centuries-old insignia is carved directly into the stone architecture of Highland history. Physical representations remain preserved on 16th-century tomb slabs at Kiltearn Parish Church as well as across the stone gateways and courtyard masonry of Foulis Castle, the ancestral seat of Clan Munro. Officially recognizsed under Scots Heraldic Law for over five centuries, this emblem stands as an authentic symbol of Highland nobility, vigilance, and unbroken family heritage.

Historical figures

Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis (d. 1588): Highland chief who loyally supported Mary, Queen of Scots during her northern campaign.

Major-General Sir Robert Munro (d. 1680): Celebrated Scottish Covenanter officer and author of the famous 1637 military memoir Munro His Expedition.

Sir Thomas Munro, 1st Baronet (1761–1827): Scottish colonial administrator, statesman, and legendary Governor of Madras.

Product details

Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
Paper weight: 189 g/m²
Lightweight & acrylite front protector
Hanging hardware included

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.

About the artist

Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.