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Clan Galbraith

Ab obice suavior (Gentler because of the obstruction)

Galbraith (Gaelic Mac a' Bhreatnaich, 'son of the Briton') is a Lennox family whose name marks descent from the Britons of Strathclyde rather than the Gaels. Its first recorded chief married a daughter of Alwyn Og and so connected the family to the Earls of Lennox; the Galbraiths held the island castle of Inchgalbraith in Loch Lomond and Culcreuch Castle in Stirlingshire, which was sold in 1630. The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists no Galbraith chief today.

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Clan Galbraith Crest

Clan Galbraith Crest

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Personalized Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration CC64

Personalized Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration CC64

Personalized Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Bagpiper Ornament

Galbraith · Modern

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration XC30

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration XC30

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Bagpiper Ornament

Galbraith · Ancient

Clan Galbraith Family Tartan 2D T-shirt CG14 Galbraith Tartan Clan Tartan T-Shirt Black S Galbraith Tartan ClanClan Galbraith Family Tartan 2D T-shirt CG14 Galbraith Tartan Clan Tartan T-Shirt

Clan Galbraith Family Tartan 2D T-shirt - Black

Galbraith Family Tartan Clan 2D T-shirt Product detail: This new 2D t-shirt features a relaxed fit for Men and Women, durable, breathable and soft Made from 100% cotton The High-resolution graphic artwork is printed on the entire shirt. Machine wash cold. The print on...
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Clan Galbraith Family Tartan 2D T-shirt

Galbraith

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Drummer Ornament

Galbraith · Ancient

Galbraith Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration LY78

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Bagpiper Ornament

Galbraith · Ancient

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater EL89 Galbraith Modern Tartan Tartan Ugly Sweater Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater EL89 Galbraith Modern Tartan Tartan Ugly Sweater

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater EL89 - Galbraith Modern Tartan

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Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater EL89

Galbraith · Modern

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style UD42 Galbraith Modern Tartan Tartan Ornament Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style UD42 Galbraith Modern Tartan Tartan Ornament

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style - Galbraith Modern Tartan

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style Product Detail:One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you an excuse to dress up your home with all of the lovely ornaments we associate with the holiday season. With so...
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Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Modern

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt QZ53 Galbraith Modern Tartan Tartan Hawaii Shirt Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt QZ53 Galbraith Modern Tartan Tartan Hawaii Shirt

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt - Galbraith Modern Tartan

Galbraith Modern Tartan Clan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt These Hawaiian shirts and shorts are suitable for hot summer days or beach trips with your friends, family, and loved ones. This is an excellent gift, vacation outfit, or simply revamp your summer wardrobe.- Material: 95%...
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Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Scottish Lion Hawaiian Shirt

Galbraith · Modern

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Leather BagClan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Leather Bag, view 2

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Leather Bag - Galbraith Ancient Tartan Clan

Galbraith Ancient Tartan Clan Leather Bag Product Details: PU leather material is luxurious - genuine - smooth Size 29cm x 20cm x 10.5cm helps girls to hold the whole world Above all, this is an indispensable fashion item with cool and personality The strap...
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  • Galbraith Ancient Tartan Clan

Tartan Bag

Galbraith

Clan Galbraith Tartan Crest KeychainClan Galbraith Tartan Crest Keychain, view 2

Clan Galbraith Tartan Crest Keychain - Galbraith Tartan Clan

Galbraith Tartan Clan Crest Keychain Product detail: This personalized keychain for pictures are the perfect choice for a fun gift idea, the choice is yours to come up with a surprise for someone you love. The keychain is made of PMMA, environmentally, friendly, pollution-free,...
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  • Galbraith Tartan Clan

Clan Galbraith Tartan Crest Keychain

Galbraith

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Crest Garden FlagClan Galbraith Modern Tartan Crest Garden Flag, view 2

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Crest Garden Flag - Celtic Thistle - Galbraith Modern Tartan Clan

Galbraith Modern Tartan Clan Crest Garden Flag - Celtic Thistle Product Detail: Welcome guests to your home with this seasonal flag. Available in 2 sizes: Small size 12'x18' and Large size 28'x40' Material: 100% polyester, PU and carbon black. Weatherproof and fade resistant fabric...
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  • Galbraith Modern Tartan Clan

Tartan Flag

Galbraith

Galbraith Modern tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Galbraith crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Galbraith Modern tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Galbraith crest

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Galbraith Modern Tartan

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Galbraith Modern tartan with the crest badge of Clan Galbraith printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in the centre....
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Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Galbraith · Modern Tartan

Galbraith Ancient tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Galbraith crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Galbraith Ancient tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Galbraith crest

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Galbraith Ancient Tartan

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Galbraith Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan Galbraith printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in the centre....
From £23.00 GBP
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  • Galbraith Ancient Tartan

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Galbraith · Ancient Tartan

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Galbraith Ancient tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Galbraith" on the Santa hat

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Galbraith Ancient tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Ancient

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Galbraith Modern tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Galbraith" on the Santa hat

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Galbraith Modern tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Modern

Christmas piper ornament in the Galbraith Modern tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Galbraith Modern tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Galbraith Modern tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
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Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Modern

Christmas piper ornament in the Galbraith Ancient tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Galbraith Ancient tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Galbraith Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
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Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Ancient

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Galbraith Modern tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Galbraith Modern tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Galbraith Modern tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and our designers...
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Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Galbraith · Modern

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Galbraith Ancient tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Galbraith Ancient tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Galbraith Ancient tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and our designers...
From £20.00 GBP
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From £20.00 GBP
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Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Galbraith · Ancient

Clan Galbraith crest in the centre of a stained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with the Galbraith Modern tartan behind the thistleStained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with a gold bagpipe emblem and the Galbraith Modern tartan behind the thistle

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper A stained-glass style tree topper: Scotland's thistle, framed in gold, standing in front of a round window of the Galbraith Modern tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose your design:...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Galbraith · Modern

Clan Galbraith crest in the centre of a stained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with the Galbraith Ancient tartan behind the thistleStained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with a gold bagpipe emblem and the Galbraith Ancient tartan behind the thistle

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper A stained-glass style tree topper: Scotland's thistle, framed in gold, standing in front of a round window of the Galbraith Ancient tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose your design:...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Galbraith · Ancient

Wooden Highland cow Christmas ornament wearing a Galbraith Modern tartan scarf, with a ribbon banner for a custom nameExample of the personalized Highland cow ornament with the name "The Galbraith Family" on the ribbon banner

Personalized Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A shaggy Highland cow, Scotland's favourite, wrapped up for winter in a scarf of the Galbraith Modern tartan, with a sprig of holly between its horns. The ribbon banner below carries the name...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Modern

Wooden Highland cow Christmas ornament wearing a Galbraith Ancient tartan scarf, with a ribbon banner for a custom nameExample of the personalized Highland cow ornament with the name "The Galbraith Family" on the ribbon banner

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Galbraith Ancient Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A shaggy Highland cow, Scotland's favourite, wrapped up for winter in a scarf of the Galbraith Ancient tartan, with a sprig of holly between its horns. The ribbon banner below carries the name...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Galbraith · Ancient

Galbraith Modern tartan Christmas tree skirt with a Scottish Highland scene, stag, Highland cow and thistles under a Christmas treeClose-up of the Galbraith Modern tartan border with Celtic knots, thistles and a sleigh on the printed tree skirt

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt - Galbraith Modern Tartan

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt Bring your family's Scottish heritage to the foot of your tree. The border of this tree skirt carries the Galbraith Modern tartan, framing a snowy Highland scene with a stone castle, a red stag, a Highland...
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  • Galbraith Modern Tartan

Clan Galbraith Modern Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt

Galbraith · Modern Tartan

Crest & Motto

Clan Galbraith Crest Badge & Motto

The motto of Clan Galbraith is Ab obice suavior (Gentler because of the obstruction). It appears on the Clan Galbraith crest badge: the chief’s heraldic crest set inside a strap and buckle that carries the motto.

In Scotland a crest belongs to the chief, not to everyone with the surname. Clan members may wear the crest badge, with the crest inside the strap and buckle, to show that they belong to the clan. The plain crest without the strap remains the chief’s own.

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Tartan Identity

Clan Galbraith’s Tartans

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Galbraith

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Discover the Full Galbraith Collection

Personalised gifts, apparel and heritage decor for Clan Galbraith.

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The Galbraith Story

  1. 12th c.

    First recorded Galbraith chief marries into the family of the Earls of Lennox[2]

  2. 1238

    Maldoven, 3rd Earl of Lennox, grants Buthernock and Kyncaith lands[3]

  3. 1255

    Sir William Galbraith, 4th chief, serves as Co-Regent of Scotland[2]

  4. 1489

    Thomas Galbraith of Culcreuch taken at Talla Moss and hanged after a rising[3]

  5. 1630

    Robert Galbraith sells Culcreuch to Alexander Seton of Gargunnock and goes to Ireland[3]

Clan Galbraith Crest & Plant Badge

CrestA bear wearing a muzzle.

Visit the Galbraith Homeland

Map of Scotland with Galbraith places marked

Culcreuch Castle, Fintry, Stirlingshire

Category A listed late-medieval tower with an 18th-century mansion house integrated; the Galbraith seat until it was sold in 1630.[5][3]

Inchgalbraith, Loch Lomond

Category C listed island castle of the 15th century in Luss parish, now partial remains of a tower wall; a Galbraith stronghold.[7]

Map outline: Natural Earth (public domain). Pins use official Historic Environment Scotland grid references.

Clan Galbraith Today

ChiefNo chief is listed by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. The Clan Galbraith Association's own history records that Robert Galbraith had to part with his estates in 1630, sold Culcreuch to Alexander Seton of Gargunnock and is said to have gone to Ireland, where he died. The Association is looking for a chief and runs a DNA project towards that.
Clan societyClan Galbraith Association, 1980

Surnames linked to Clan Galbraith

These family names are connected with Clan Galbraith. Each list says who records the link.

Spellings of the name

  • Calbreath
  • Colbath
  • Colbreath
  • Culbreath
  • Galberth
  • Galbreath
  • Galbreth
  • Gilbraith
  • Gilbreath
  • Gilbreth
  • Gilreath
  • Kilbreath
  • Kilbreth
  • Kulbeth

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Questions about Clan Galbraith

Does Clan Galbraith have a chief?

No chief is listed by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, and the Clan Galbraith Association is seeking to identify one, including through its DNA project. In 1981 the Court of the Lord Lyon confirmed the family of Galbraith as a separate family, not a sept of MacDonald or MacFarlane.

What is the Galbraith motto and crest?

The crest is a bear wearing a muzzle. The motto is usually given as Ab obice suavior, 'Gentler because of the obstruction'; the Clan Galbraith Association's own official version is Ab obice saevior, 'Fiercer because of the obstruction'.

Where was the Galbraith seat?

Culcreuch Castle in Stirlingshire, which was sold in 1630; the family also held the island castle of Inchgalbraith in Loch Lomond.

Why does Clan Galbraith have no chief today?

The Clan Galbraith Association's history records that Robert Galbraith had to part with his estates in 1630 and sold Culcreuch to Alexander Seton of Gargunnock, and is said to have gone to Ireland, where he died. The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists no Galbraith chief today.

What does the Galbraith name mean?

In Gaelic the name is Mac a' Bhreatnaich, 'son of the Briton', associating the family with the old British kingdom of Strathclyde rather than with the Gaels.

Sources

  1. Find a clan: Galbraith, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  2. Galbraith Origins, Clan Galbraith Association
  3. Galbraiths of the Lennox, Clan Galbraith Association
  4. Chiefs (list of chiefs), Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
  5. Culcreuch Castle (LB10467), Historic Environment Scotland
  6. Clan Galbraith Association (home page: founded 1980, "Clan Chief Wanted!", DNA project), Clan Galbraith Association
  7. Inchgalbraith, Galbraith Castle (LB43970), Historic Environment Scotland