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Clan MacAulay

Dulce Periculum (Danger is sweet)

Clan MacAulay was centred on Ardincaple, near Helensburgh, where the clan settled in the 13th century and whose chief was designed 'of Ardincaple'. The MacAulays were counted among the Siol Alpin, and their own favourite tradition made them a branch of Clan Alpin. Extravagant living forced successive lairds to dispose of the estate piece by piece: Ardincaple was bought by John, 4th Duke of Argyll, and Aulay MacAulay, the twelfth and last chief, died about 1767. The Macaulays of Lewis are a separate family, followers of the MacLeods of Lewis, who trace their own descent.

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Clan MacAulay Crest

Clan MacAulay Crest

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Personalized Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration OC78

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

Personalized Clan MacAulay 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

MacAulay · Modern

Personalized Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration AR10

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

Personalized Clan MacAulay 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

MacAulay · Ancient

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater PW90 MacAulay Modern Tartan Tartan Sweater Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater PW90 MacAulay Modern Tartan Tartan Sweater

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater PW90 - MacAulay Modern Tartan

MacAulay Modern Tartan Clan Christmas Ugly Sweater Product Detail: Each sweater is constructed from a premium woven polyester that is ultra-soft and incredibly comfortable. Features a specialty high definition heat-dye application that ensures long lasting color vibrancy even after machine washing. Fabric is durable...
£37.00 GBP
£37.00 GBP
  • MacAulay Modern Tartan

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Ugly Sweater PW90

MacAulay · Modern

MacAulay of Lewis Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan MacAulay of Lewis Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan MacAulay of Lewis 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...
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Bagpiper Ornament

MacAulay · of Lewis Ancient

Personalized Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration TG86

Personalized Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan MacAulay Hunting 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...
From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

MacAulay · Hunting Ancient

MacAulay Ancient Clan Badge Tartan Wood Acrylic Ornament Santa PersonalizedMacAulay Ancient Clan Badge Tartan Wood Acrylic Ornament Santa Personalized

Personalized Clan MacAulay Ancient Clan Crest Tartan Santa Ornament – Custom Acrylic Christmas Decoration - MacAulay

Personalized Clan MacAulay Ancient Clan Badge Tartan Ornament – Custom Acrylic Christmas 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 as Christmas,...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Ancient

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat BM82 MacAulay Modern Tartan Tartan Santa Hat Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat BM82 MacAulay Modern Tartan Tartan Santa Hat

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat - MacAulay Modern Tartan

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat Product Detail: Material: Polyester Design Area: Single side full width printing Sizes:'S (26 x 38 cm); L (32.5 x 45 cm) Discover the Clan MacAulay heritage page, shop the full Clan MacAulay tartan collection or see...
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  • MacAulay Modern Tartan

Tartan Cap

MacAulay · Modern Tartan

Clan MacAulay Tartan Crest Classic Cap IL37 MacAulay Tartan Tartan Cap Clan MacAulay Tartan Crest Classic Cap IL37 MacAulay Tartan Tartan Cap

Clan MacAulay Tartan Crest Classic Cap - MacAulay Tartan

Clan MacAulay Tartan Crest Classic Cap All of our Classic Caps are custom-made-to-order and handcrafted to the highest quality standards. Add style and personality to your hat collection with a custom printed classic cap! Constructed with 100% premium polyester that’s lightweight for maximum comfort...
£26.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
  • MacAulay Tartan

Tartan Cap

MacAulay

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Premium Blanket Celtic Stag StyleClan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Premium Blanket Celtic Stag Style, view 2

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Premium Blanket Celtic Stag Style - MacAulay Modern Tartan Clan

MacAulay Modern Tartan Clan Crest Premium Blanket Celtic Stag Style Product detail: Each blanket features a premium suede polyester print for beautiful color vibrancy. Cozy underside is constructed from an ultra-soft micro fleece fabric to keep you warm and comfortable. Perfect for snuggling while...
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  • MacAulay Modern Tartan Clan

Tartan Blanket

MacAulay

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

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

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the MacAulay Modern tartan with the crest badge of Clan MacAulay 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
From £23.00 GBP
  • MacAulay Modern Tartan

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacAulay · Modern Tartan

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

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan

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

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacAulay · Hunting Ancient Tartan

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

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

Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the MacAulay Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan MacAulay 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
From £23.00 GBP
  • MacAulay Ancient Tartan

Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

MacAulay · Ancient Tartan

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacAulay 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 "MacAulay" on the Santa hat

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay Modern tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Modern

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacAulay Hunting 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 "MacAulay" on the Santa hat

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacAulay Hunting 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 MacAulay Hunting Ancient tartan. The white fur band of the hat...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Hunting Ancient

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a MacAulay 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 "MacAulay" on the Santa hat

Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay Ancient tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Ancient

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

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay Modern tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Modern

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

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan MacAulay Hunting 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 MacAulay Hunting Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper,...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £5.00

Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Hunting Ancient

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

Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
From £20.00 GBP
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From £20.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

MacAulay · Ancient

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

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

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the MacAulay 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...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

MacAulay · Modern

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

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the MacAulay Hunting Ancient tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £6.00

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

MacAulay · Hunting Ancient

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

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

Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the MacAulay 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
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £6.00

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

MacAulay · Ancient

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

Clan MacAulay Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay 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 MacAulay Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

MacAulay · Modern

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

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan MacAulay Hunting 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 MacAulay Hunting Ancient tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan MacAulay Hunting Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

MacAulay · Hunting Ancient

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

Clan MacAulay Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay 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 MacAulay Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

MacAulay · Ancient

Crest & Motto

Clan MacAulay Crest Badge & Motto

The motto of Clan MacAulay is Dulce Periculum (Danger is sweet). It appears on the Clan MacAulay 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 MacAulay’s Tartans

MacAulay tartan swatch

MacAulay

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MacAulay of Lewis

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Discover the Full MacAulay Collection

Personalised gifts, apparel and heritage decor for Clan MacAulay.

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The MacAulay Story

  1. 1296

    Maurice, son of Aulay, swears fealty to Edward I in the Ragman Roll[5]

  2. 27 May 1591

    MacAulay of Ardincaple bonds with MacGregor of Glenstrae, acknowledging himself a cadet[5]

  3. c.1765

    Ardencaple Castle is purchased by John, 4th Duke of Argyll[4][5]

  4. c.1767

    Aulay MacAulay, the twelfth and last chief, dies with the estate sold[5]

Clan MacAulay Crest & Plant Badge

Plant badgeScots pine (Giuthas)

Visit the MacAulay Homeland

Map of Scotland with MacAulay places marked

Ardencaple Castle, near Helensburgh

MacAulay seat from the 13th century; bought by the 4th Duke of Argyll c.1765; demolished 1957 apart from one corner tower. Category B listed.[4][5]

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

Clan MacAulay Today

ChiefNo chief is listed by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, and COSCA's entry leaves the chief field blank. The twelfth and last chief of Ardincaple died about 1767.
Clan societyClan MacAulay Association

Surnames linked to Clan MacAulay

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

Listed by the clan society or COSCA

  • Howie
  • Cowley
  • MacPhedron

Not your surname? Find your clan by surname →

Questions about Clan MacAulay

Are all Macaulays part of Clan MacAulay of Ardincaple?

No. The Macaulays of Lewis are a separate family, settled at Uig, who were followers of the MacLeods of Lewis and trace their own descent from Olave the Black.

Does Clan MacAulay have a chief?

No. The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs does not list a MacAulay chief and COSCA's entry leaves the chief blank; the twelfth and last chief of Ardincaple died about 1767.

What is the MacAulay motto?

Dulce Periculum, Latin for 'Danger is sweet'.

Where was the MacAulay seat?

Ardincaple, near Helensburgh. The main castle was demolished in 1957 and one battlemented corner tower still stands.

Is Clan MacAulay part of Siol Alpin?

Traditionally yes: the MacAulays were counted among the Siol Alpin, and their own favourite tradition made them a branch of Clan Alpin. In a bond of manrent dated 27 May 1591, MacAulay of Ardincaple acknowledged himself a cadet of MacGregor of Glenstrae.

Sources

  1. Find a clan: MacAulay, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  2. Members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
  3. Clan MacAulay Association (homepage), Clan MacAulay Association
  4. Ardencaple Castle (LB34703), Historic Environment Scotland
  5. Clan MacAulay, Electric Scotland