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Origin / History of the Clunes Name

Clunes is of Scottish Gaelic origin and means ‘a resting place or meadow’ or 'a pleasant place'.  Although it is said that all Clunes in the Sutherland area descend from Clunes of Neilston near Cromarty, a connection to this family line is still to be confirmed.  Another meaning found is that The ancient and regional family name of Clunie derives from Clunie in the District of Stormont, Perthshire, although the name is often associated in Scotland with the Clan MacPherson, the Clan Chief being the Clunie-MacPherson.  Historical records also show that in the 13th Century, William de Cluny of Perthshire rendered homage to his King, John Balliol in 1296, and that Sir William de Clunie was Chaplain to the Bishop of Brechin in 1305. The Clunies were supporters of the Jacobite cause in 1745.  Alternative spellings: Clunie/s, Clunnies, Clunias, Clunas.

Coat of Arms / Crest
A Coat of Arms is bestowed upon individuals, not families.  They are not transferable, but may be handed down and derived by family members. 

The Arms of Clunie are Argent with chief azure with the crest of a collared wolf, holding in the dexter paw, a trefoil. The chief zzure represents fidelity and veracity, the argent nobility, while the wolf, associated with the lands of Badenoch, is said to denote hard enterprise. The trefoil signifies ‘Perpetuity’ confirming ‘the just man shall never wither’.  The motto is 'Amo Honests', which translated means "I admire honest deeds'.

Tartan

The colours in the Clunie Tartan repeat the argent and azure from the Arms, the 'or' from the coat of the wolf and the ermine to denote valour and leadership.  The Clunie tartan is available to all persons who bear the surname ‘Clunie’, Cluny, ‘Clooney’, ‘Clunes’, or any other recognised derivation, and by any other person, company or association who show good cause, and as approved by John Clunie of Aberdeen and Ben Clunie of Edinburgh, joint keepers of the tartan.

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