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Clan Bell

I Beir the Bel

The Bells were long established around Middlebie in Dumfriesshire, one of the surnames of the Anglo-Scottish Border riding families; Historic Environment Scotland traces their settlement near Middlebie to the early 15th century and records the tower of Blacket House above the Kirtle Water. No Bell chief is listed by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs: a Bell Family Convention at Gretna Green in June 2019 did not produce a commander the Lord Lyon would confirm.

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Clan Bell Crest

Clan Bell Crest

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Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration KM40

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration KM40

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders 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

Bell · of the Borders

Clan Bell Family Tartan 2D T-shirt FO96 Bell Tartan Clan Tartan T-Shirt Black S Bell Tartan ClanClan Bell Family Tartan 2D T-shirt FO96 Bell Tartan Clan Tartan T-Shirt

Clan Bell Family Tartan 2D T-shirt - Black

Bell 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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  • Navy
  • Storm Grey

Clan Bell Family Tartan 2D T-shirt

Bell

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest TumblerClan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Tumbler, view 2

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Tumbler - Bell of the Borders Tartan Clan

Bell of the Borders Tartan Clan Crest Tumbler Product Detail: Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Tumbler Introducing our Tartan Tumbler, a perfect companion for your daily hydration needs. This mobile tumbler comes with a slide lid and an ideal size, providing convenience as...
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  • Bell of the Borders Tartan Clan

Tartan Tumbler

Bell

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders 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...
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Drummer Ornament

Bell · of the Borders

Bell of the Borders Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration QH38

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders 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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From $19.99 USD
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Bagpiper Ornament

Bell · of the Borders

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Flat CapClan Bell of the Borders Tartan Flat Cap, view 2

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Flat Cap - Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Flat CapElevate Your Heritage: The Authentic Tartan Jeff Cap Step into a legacy of timeless style and comfort with our Authentic Tartan Flat Cap. Crafted for the discerning American who cherishes their Scottish roots and appreciates classic elegance, this...
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  • Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan

Tartan Cap

Bell · of the Borders Tartan

Bell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan Clan Crest Badge Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Tropical Old StyleBell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan Clan Crest Badge Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Tropical Old Style, view 2

Bell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan Clan Crest Badge Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Tropical Old Style - Bell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan

Bell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan Clan Crest Badge Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Tropical Old Style 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,...
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  • Bell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan

Bell Border (Bell Southern Bell) Modern Tartan Clan Crest Badge Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Tropical Old Style

Bell · Border ( Southern ) Modern

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament DZ14 Bell of the Borders Tartan Tartan Christmas Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament DZ14 Bell of the Borders Tartan Tartan Christmas

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament - Bell of the Borders Tartan

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament 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 many...
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  • Bell of the Borders Tartan

Tartan Ornament

Bell · of the Borders

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Blanket Wave StyleClan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Blanket Wave Style, view 2

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Blanket Wave Style - Bell of the Borders Tartan Clan

Bell of the Borders Tartan Clan Crest Blanket Wave 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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  • Bell of the Borders Tartan Clan

Tartan Blanket

Bell

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

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Bell of the Borders Tartan

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Bell of the Borders tartan with the crest badge of Clan Bell printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and...
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From $29.95 USD
  • Bell of the Borders Tartan

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Bell · of the Borders Tartan

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

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Bell of the Borders 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 Bell of the Borders tartan. The white fur band of...
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Tartan Ornament

Bell · of the Borders

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

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

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

Bell · of the Borders

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

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Bell of the Borders tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a...
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Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Bell · of the Borders

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

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Bell of the Borders 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 Bell of the Borders tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas...
From $29.99 USD
From $29.99 USD

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Bell · of the Borders

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

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A shaggy Highland cow, Scotland's favourite, wrapped up for winter in a scarf of the Bell of the Borders tartan, with a sprig of holly between its horns. The ribbon banner...
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From $19.99 USD

Tartan Ornament

Bell · of the Borders

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

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt - Bell of the Borders Tartan

Clan Bell of the Borders 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 Bell of the Borders tartan, framing a snowy Highland scene with a stone castle, a...
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From $44.95 USD
  • Bell of the Borders Tartan

Clan Bell of the Borders Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt

Bell · of the Borders Tartan

Personalized Bell of the Borders Clan Bagpipe Garden Gnome Caricature Plaque Custom Photo, Any Clan Tartan, Wood or Acrylic, Grandpa & Dad Gift, Scottish Highland Garden Decor MD19Personalized bagpiper garden gnome caricature plaque: custom photo, custom tartan and custom text options

Personalized Bell of the Borders Clan Bagpipe Garden Gnome Caricature Plaque Custom Photo, Any Clan Tartan, Wood or Acrylic, Grandpa & Dad Gift, Scottish Highland Garden Decor

Personalized Bell of the Borders Clan Bagpipe Garden Gnome Caricature Plaque Custom Photo, Any Clan Tartan, Wood or Acrylic, Grandpa & Dad Gift, Scottish Highland Garden DecorCelebrate your Scottish heritage with a one-of-a-kind Personalized Bagpipe Garden Gnome Caricature Plaque. Upload your favorite photo, choose...
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Personalized Bell of the Borders Clan Bagpipe Garden Gnome Caricature Plaque Custom Photo, Any Clan Tartan, Wood or Acrylic, Grandpa & Dad Gift, Scottish Highland Garden Decor

Bell · of the Borders

Custom Bagpipe Bell of the Borders Tartan LED Night Light - Personalized Scottish Bagpiper Figurine with Wooden Stand

Custom Bagpipe Bell of the Borders Tartan LED Night Light - Personalized Scottish Bagpiper Figurine with Wooden Stand

Custom Bagpipe Bell of the Borders Tartan LED Night Light - Personalized Scottish Bagpiper Figurine with Wooden StandCreate a warm, relaxing, and magical atmosphere with our Personalized LED Night Light. Designed to elevate your bedroom, living room, or workspace, this custom acrylic lamp features a...
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LED Night Light

Bell · of the Borders

Bellspool Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

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

Personalized Clan Bellspool 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...
From $19.99 USD
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From $19.99 USD
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Bagpiper Ornament

Bell · spool Modern

Bell, R (Personal) Reproduction Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Bell, R (Personal) Reproduction Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell, R (Personal) Reproduction 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...
From $19.99 USD
$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
Save $6.00

Bagpiper Ornament

Bell

Bell, R (Personal) Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Bell, R (Personal) Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell, R (Personal) 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...
From $19.99 USD
$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
Save $6.00

Bagpiper Ornament

Bell

Bell, R (Personal) Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Bell, R (Personal) Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell, R (Personal) 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...
From $19.99 USD
$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
Save $6.00

Bagpiper Ornament

Bell

Bell of the Borders Reproduction Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Reproduction Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Reproduction 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...
From $19.99 USD
$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
Save $6.00

Bagpiper Ornament

Bell · of the Borders Reproduction

Bell of the Borders Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Bell of the Borders 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...
From $19.99 USD
$25.99 USD
From $19.99 USD
Save $6.00

Bagpiper Ornament

Bell · of the Borders Modern

Crest & Motto

Clan Bell Crest Badge & Motto

The motto of Clan Bell is I Beir the Bel. It appears on the Clan Bell 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 Bell’s Tartans

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Bell of the Borders tartan swatch

Bell of the Borders

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Discover the Full Bell Collection

Personalised gifts, apparel and heritage decor for Clan Bell.

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The Bell Story

  1. 1426

    King James I confirms a Douglas charter of Annandale lands to William Bell[4]

  2. 1517

    Clan Bell receives royal letters of warning to keep the peace[4]

  3. 1547

    The tower of Blackethouse (Blacket House) is destroyed in an English raid[4]

  4. 1583/4

    William 'Red-Cloak' Bell documented as being of 'Blacathous'[5]

  5. 1622 & 1624

    William 'Redcloak' Bell chosen as a Border Guard officer[4]

  6. c.1628

    William 'Redcloak' Bell, last widely recognised Bell chief, dies[4]

  7. 1984

    'Bell of the Borders' tartan designed by Col. William Bell of Clan Bell Descendants[7]

  8. 2019

    Bell Family Convention at Gretna Green; the Lord Lyon defers selection of a commander[3]

Visit the Bell Homeland

Map of Scotland with Bell places marked

Blacket House Tower, Middlebie, Dumfries and Galloway

Scheduled tower above the Kirtle Water; William 'Red-Cloak' Bell documented here in 1583/4; converted to a folly after Blacket House was built in 1835.[5]

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

Clan Bell Today

ChiefNo chief is listed by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. A Bell Family Convention was held at Gretna Green in June 2019 to select a candidate for commander, but the Lord Lyon found that insufficient canvassing had been performed and deferred the selection of a commander for the Name of Bell for three years. In a notice dated 11 February 2023, COSCA reported that the board of the Clan Bell Society was working toward a favourable outcome at the next Bell Family Convention.
Clan societyClan Bell Society

Surnames linked to Clan Bell

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

Spellings of the name

  • Beal
  • Biel
  • Bale
  • Beall
  • Bellasis

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Questions about Clan Bell

Does Clan Bell have a chief?

Not currently. The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists no Bell chief. A Bell Family Convention at Gretna Green in June 2019 set out to select a commander, but the Lord Lyon found that insufficient canvassing had been performed and deferred the selection for three years; in a notice of 11 February 2023 COSCA reported that the Clan Bell Society was working toward the next convention.

What is the Bell motto?

I Beir the Bel, as recorded by COSCA, which gives no translation for it.

Where was the Bell family based?

Middlebie in Dumfriesshire; COSCA gives Middlebie, Dumfries & Galloway as the historic seat. King James I confirmed a Douglas charter of Annandale lands to William Bell in 1426, and the family held the tower of Blacket House above the Kirtle Water.

Who was William 'Redcloak' Bell?

A Bell of Blacket House chosen as a Border Guard officer in 1622 and 1624, and the last widely recognised Bell chief; he died around 1628.

Is there a Bell tartan?

Yes. The Scottish Register of Tartans records "Bell of the Borders" (STA ref 1489) as a Corporate tartan with a design date of 1 January 1984, designed in early 1984 by Col. William Bell, then President of Clan Bell Descendants, and reworked into a thread count by the kilt maker Bob Martin. A separate "Bell (2015)" tartan is also registered.

Sources

  1. Find a clan: Bell, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  2. Members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
  3. Clan Bell Society has issued a call to action, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  4. Clan Bell, Electric Scotland
  5. Blacket House Tower (SM10431), Historic Environment Scotland
  6. Bell of the Borders tartan (ref 243), The Scottish Register of Tartans, National Records of Scotland
  7. Bell of the Borders tartan (STA ref 1489, record 243), The Scottish Register of Tartans, National Records of Scotland