Clan Baird (Baird Tartan)

1. About Clan Baird (Baird Tartan)

2. Clan Baird History (Baird Tartan)

The Baird clan also has its roots in the mythological theme of a strongman protecting the King, which is present in the histories of other clans like the Turnbull and Baird families.

The first Baird reportedly saved William the Lion from a wild boar; the death of a wild boar is said to have been related to the founding of Clan Campbell.

The Baird surname appears to have been derived from the site of the family's holdings in Lanarkshire, close to the settlement of Biggar, in the thirteenth century.

Richard Baird received the lands at Meikle and Little Kyp, both in Lanarkshire, early in the fourteenth century from King Robert the Bruce.

According to legend, the Kyp branch of the family was represented by Fergus Debard, John Bard, and Robert Bard, who took the oath of allegiance to Edward I of England.

However, as the family grew, the main Baird family began to take land in Auchmedden, Aberdeenshire.

Their authority grew thanks to a marriage to the nearby Keith family, Earls Marischal of Scotland.

There will be an eagle in the craig while there is a Baird in Auchmedden, according to an old prophecy made by Thomas the Rhymer and intended to apply to the Bairds of Auchmedden.

Local legend holds that when the estates of Auchmedden passed into the control of the Earls of Aberdeen, a pair of eagles that had frequently nested on the crags close to Auchmedden abandoned the region.

Through the union of a younger daughter of William Baird of Newbyth and Lord Haddow, the eldest son of the Earl of Aberdeen, the eagles returned as the Bairds returned to the country.

As the estate was transferred to a different Gordon family branch, the prophecy continued to come true.

THE MYSTERY OF THE BAIRD CLAN CREST

Baird is a difficult one.

Several Scotland Baird families have the wild boar shown on their crests and coats of arms. I believe that there is some confusion around this, though, as it wasn't until more than 450 years after the incident that a Baird coat of arms was found to contain a boar.

There were no Bairds documented when the armorial records were established in 1330. The Bairds of Auchmedden registered their arms at this time later in the 1670s.

According to the Act of 1672, Sir James Baird of Auchmedden, who lived from 1620 to 1691, had lawfully registered those Arms.

Those Arms would have been passed down through the generations to his great-grandson William Baird of Auchmedden, who lived from 1701 to 1775.

Locally, William Baird of Auchmedden was considered as the Chief, although the Lyon Court does not acknowledge him as such.

Since William Baird 7th of Auchmedden passed away in 1775–1777, no one has matriculated the undifferenced Arms of Auchmedden. The chiefly line appears to be rather indistinct and was never continued.

The sign is thought to have originated from two legends: one claimed a boar endangered the king, while the other claimed a bear did so. However, there is no concrete proof of this.

The majority of Baird crests feature the heads of a griffin, an eagle, or a boar. Although the Clan Baird Society Worldwide's website depicts an eagle's head, the Auchmedden Baird's crest is believed to feature a griffin's head.

That's probably due to the eagle tale connected to Auchmedden Bairds.

Therefore, the answer is that Baird may have three different clan crests. The one that was registered, "gryphon's head erased, Proper," is the one that is the most often accepted.

From what I can see, the boar's head appears to be primarily a myth.

3. Clan Baird Tartans

Johnston's paper from 1906 contains the earliest mention of the Baird Tartan, and the sample from the Highland Society of London most likely comes from around the same time.

The triple stripes are depicted in red rather than purple as they are today in both of these references.

Baird Ancient

Baird Modern

4. Clan Baird Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Baird Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

4.2 Clan Baird Coat of Arms

Note on Coats of Arms: A coat of arms is given to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms).

A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exclusions listed above, the weapons depicted below are personal weapons. The only person authorized to use these weapons is that individual.

BAIRD of Auchmedden
Gules, a boar passant, Or.

5. Clan Baird Places & People

5.1 Clan Baird People

5.1.1 John Baird (d. 1689)

Lord Newbyth, a judge in the post-revolutionary government, also held a baronetcy. This was handed down to William Baird, whose second son, David, rose to prominence as a key figure in the Napoleonic Wars.

5.1.2 John Logie Baird (1888-1946)

the television pioneer. He attended Glasgow University and was educated. He was born in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire.

His pioneering efforts included the first transatlantic transmission in 1926, which he aired from an attic. He carried on until his death in 1946.

7. The Clan Baird Society Worldwide: Preserving Heritage and Fostering Fellowship

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide, originally known as the Baird Family Society, is a global non-profit organization that was established in 1972 with the approval of the Honourable Lord Lyon King of Arms.

This society was formed in the late 1960s by Frances and Byron Baird of Florida, along with James Ian Baird of Ury and Lochwood, who later became the 12th Earl of Kintore and Chief of Clan Keith.

The Society has had the continued support of the Earl of Kintore and his children over the years.

The primary mission of the Clan Baird Society Worldwide is to unite Clan Baird members and promote all things Baird, both in Scotland and around the world. The organization is dedicated to charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes.

Its goals include supporting the Baird family as a whole, preserving Scottish culture and heritage, acquiring and preserving Scottish historical records and heirlooms, and assisting members in need.

Additionally, the Society aims to educate others about Scottish life, encourage family members to explore their heritage, and foster fellowship within the clan.

Membership in the Clan Baird Society Worldwide is open to individuals who have a connection to the Baird family or feel a strong bond with it.

Whether their last name is Bards, Beards, Beardens, Beairds, Barrs, or any other variation, or they have become a Baird through marriage or through a parent or grandparent, they are already considered part of the clan and are encouraged to join.

Additionally, individuals with surnames such as Naesmyths, MacWard, Wards, Bayards, Bayrds, Beirds, Bardes, and other similar variations are also welcomed as part of the extended clan, considering the historical connections between these names and Clan Baird.

By joining the Clan Baird Society Worldwide, members have the opportunity to delve into the rich history and heritage of Clan Baird.

They can connect with fellow clan members from around the world, trace their genealogy, and share their family stories online.

The Society also organizes events, tours, and gatherings for members to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

Commander Baird extends an invitation to all individuals associated with the Baird family to join the Clan Baird Society Worldwide.

Whether already part of the clan or interested in discovering their connection, individuals will find a supportive community and opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate their shared heritage.

The Society is committed to bringing the global Clan Baird back together as a united family, fostering a sense of kinship and pride among its members.

8. The History and Formation of the Clan Baird Society Worldwide

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide traces its roots back to the late 1960s when Frances and Byron Baird of Florida, along with James Ian Baird of Ury and Lochwood, initiated the formation of the society.

James Ian Baird later became the 12th Earl of Kintore and Chief of Clan Keith. With the support of the Earl of Kintore and his children, the society was officially established in 1972, receiving approval from the Honourable Lord Lyon King of Arms.

9. Uniting Clan Baird Members

The primary mission of the Clan Baird Society Worldwide is to unite Clan Baird members from around the world.

This includes individuals with the last name Baird, as well as those with variations of the name such as Bards, Beards, Beardens, Beairds, Barrs, and more.

Additionally, individuals with surnames connected to Clan Baird, such as Naesmyths, MacWard, Wards, Bayards, Bayrds, Beirds, Bardes, and others, are welcomed as part of the extended clan.

9.1 Creating a Supportive Community

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide offers members a supportive community where they can connect with fellow clan members.

9.2 Opportunities for Learning and Connecting

Members have the opportunity to learn about their heritage, trace their genealogy, and share family stories online.

9.3 Events and Gatherings

The Society organizes events, tours, and gatherings for members to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

10. Promoting All Things Baird

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide is dedicated to promoting all things Baird, both in Scotland and around the world.

10.1 Preserving Scottish Culture and Heritage

One of the goals of the Society is to preserve Scottish culture and heritage. This includes acquiring and preserving Scottish historical records and heirlooms.

10.2 Educational Initiatives

The Society aims to educate others about Scottish life and the significance of the Baird family. They encourage Baird family members to explore their heritage and learn more about their roots.

10.3 Charitable and Scientific Pursuits

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide is involved in charitable and scientific pursuits. They support charitable causes and contribute to scientific research related to Scottish history and heritage.

11. Assisting Members in Need

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide is committed to assisting members who are in need of support.

12. Membership in the Clan Baird Society Worldwide

Membership in the Clan Baird Society Worldwide is open to individuals who have a connection to the Baird family or feel a strong bond with it.

Whether their last name is Baird or a variation thereof, or they have become a Baird through marriage or through a parent or grandparent, they are already considered part of the clan and are encouraged to join.

Commander Baird extends an invitation to all individuals associated with the Baird family to join the Clan Baird Society Worldwide.

The Society offers a supportive community, opportunities to learn and connect, and the chance to celebrate shared heritage.

13. FAQs

13.1 How can I join the Clan Baird Society Worldwide?

To join the Clan Baird Society Worldwide, you can visit their official website and follow the membership registration process.

13.2 What are the benefits of joining the Society?

By joining the Clan Baird Society Worldwide, you have the opportunity to connect with fellow clan members, learn about your heritage, trace your genealogy, and share family stories online.

The Society also organizes events, tours, and gatherings for members to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

13.3 Can individuals with variations of the Baird name join?

Yes, individuals with variations of the Baird name, such as Bards, Beards, Beardens, Beairds, Barrs, and others, are welcomed as part of the Clan Baird Society Worldwide.

Additionally, individuals with surnames connected to Clan Baird, such as Naesmyths, MacWard, Wards, Bayards, Bayrds, Beirds, Bardes, and others, are also part of the extended clan and encouraged to join.

13.4 What activities does the Clan Baird Society Worldwide organize?

The Society organizes a variety of activities, including events, tours, and gatherings for members to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

They also offer educational initiatives and support charitable and scientific pursuits.

13.5 How can I learn more about my heritage and genealogy as a member?

As a member of the Clan Baird Society Worldwide, you have access to resources that can help you learn more about your heritage and genealogy.

The Society offers opportunities to trace your family history and connect with other clan members who may have additional information.

14. Conclusion: Celebrating Shared Heritage with the Clan Baird Society Worldwide

The Clan Baird Society Worldwide is a global non-profit organization dedicated to uniting Clan Baird members and promoting all things Baird.

With its mission to preserve Scottish culture and heritage, assist members in need, and foster fellowship within the clan, the Society offers a supportive community where individuals can explore their heritage, connect with fellow clan members, and celebrate their shared heritage.

Whether already part of the clan or interested in discovering their connection, joining the Clan Baird Society Worldwide provides a gateway to the rich history and heritage of Clan Baird and offers opportunities for learning, connecting, and celebrating shared heritage.