Skene Clan

Skene Clan Crest: A dexter arm, from the shoulder, issuing from a cloud, holding forth a triumphal crown. Proper

Skene Clan Motto: Virtutis Regia Merces (A palace the reward of bravery).

History of Clan Skene:
The Clan tradition states that a younger son of Robertson of Struan saved the life of Malcolm III, killing a vicious wolf with his knife or 'sgian.' As a reward, he was offered as much territory as might be covered by a hawk's flight, and the land he acquired was thereafter called after his weapon.

The lands of Skene are to be found in the Gordon district of Aberdeenshire. However, the first recorded of the name is Johans de Skene of the County of Edinburgh and County of Aberdeen who rendered homage to Edward I of England in 1296. As with the majority of those who signed the Ragman Roll, he subsequently supported Robert the Bruce and was suitably rewarded after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Adam de Skene was killed at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411, and Alexander de Skene fell at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.  For supporting the Royalist Cause, the Chief was forced into exile in Sweden and served with the armies of Gustavus Adolphus. The direct line died out in 1827, and  the Aberdeenshire estates passed to the earls of Fife.

At this stage, the Chiefship passed to the Skenes of Hallyards who descended from Andrew of Auchorrie, 2nd son of James Skene, 12th Chief of that Ilk, who died in 1605. Other branches of the family include the Skenes of Dyce, Carriston, Pitlour, Rubislaw and Preraw, the latter  having removed themselves to Austria.

In 1944, Danus George Moncreiffe Skene of Hallyards was recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as Chief of the Name and Arms of Skene.

Gilbert Skene (c.1522-99) was Physician to James VI.  Sir John Skene, Lord Curriehill (1543-1617), became Clerk Register in 1594  and accompanied James VI to Denmark to collect his bride.  James Skene of Rubislaw (1775-1864) was Secretary of the Board of Trustees for Manufacturers, and provided illustrations for his friend Sir Walter Scots' novels. William Forbes Skene (1809-92) wrote The Highlanders of Scotland (1837). He became Historiographer Royal.

Surname distribution in Scotland: The Skene name is most commonly found in The N.E. of the country with Aberdeenshire (includes historic Kincardineshire and part of Banffshire), Aberdeen City and Moray (includes large parts of the historic county of Banffshire), having the largest occurances of the surname.

Places of Interest: Provost Skene's House, Aberdeen. Home of Sir George Skene (1619-1707), Provost of Aberdeen. It was acquired by the City and is now a museum.

Skene, Aberdeenshire. Ancestral territory of Clan Skene.

Associated family names (Septs): Dyas, Dyce, Skeen.

Skene Clan membership display certificates.