Robertson Family Crest framed artprint

The Robertson 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 Robertson

Robertson (Clan Donnachaidh) is one of Scotland's oldest and most celebrated Highland clans, hailing from the wild lands of Atholl in Perthshire. Derived from the Gaelic MacDhonnchaidh ("son of Duncan"), the clan traces its royal lineage to Duncan the Stout (Donnchadh Reamhar), a Gaelic chief who fought alongside King Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The clan officially adopted the surname Robertson from Robert Riabhach ("Grizzled Robert"), the 4th Chief of Struan, who was granted royal charters by King James II in 1451 for capturing the assassins of King James I.

The symbolism of the Robertson coat of arms

The Robertson coat of arms features a vibrant gules (red) shield charged with three argent (silver) wolves' heads erased. In classical heraldry, gules represents warrior fortitude, magnanimity, and royal sacrifice, while argent signifies peace, sincerity, and moral purity.

The three wolves' heads erased—severed with jagged neck edges symbolizing decisive victory in battle—commemorate the ancient clan duty of clearing the Highland forests of predatory wild wolves. The crest features a hand holding aloft an imperial crown, granted by royal decree to honor the clan's defense of the Scottish Crown.

Surmounting the shield is a knightly tournament helmet draped with rich red and silver mantling, anchored by the ancient Gaelic motto Garg'n Uair Dhuisgear ("Fierce when roused") and the Latin Virtutis gloria merces ("Glory is the reward of valor"). Officially registered in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland (Court of the Lord Lyon).

Historical figures

Robert Riabhach Robertson (d. 1460): 4th Chief of Struan who personally tracked down and captured Sir Robert Graham, murderer of King James I of Scotland, earning the clan its royal crest charges.

Alexander Robertson of Struan (1670–1749): Known as the "Poet Chief," a legendary Highland Jacobite leader who uniquely led his clan in three major uprisings in 1689, 1715, and 1745.

William Robertson (1721–1793): Eminent Scottish Enlightenment historian, minister, Royal Historiographer, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh.

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.