Clan Dunlop

Clan Dunlop is considered an Armigerous Clan because although James Stuart Wallace Dunlop holds the title of Chief within the family and is considered to be the current head of the clan — Clan Dunlop is lacking a recognized chief in the formal heraldic sense (officially recognized by the Court of the Lord Lyon — the official heraldic authority in Scotland). However, the family has a distinct heritage and history hailing from the Kingdom of Strathclyde, as well as an established tartan, coat of arms, badge, and a coat of arms which IS acknowledged by the Court of the Lord Lyon.

The surname Dunlop is believed to be of Gaelic origin, derived from the place name Dun Lobb, meaning "fort (or strong place) of the hill or bend," or Dun Lòb, referring to a fortified hill in the area. This etymology reflects the geographical features of the area where the clan was established.{{cite journal | last1=Battistella | first1=Edwin | last2=Hanks | first2=Patricia | last3=Hodges | first3=Flavia | last4=Gold | first4=David L. | title=A Dictionary of Surnames | journal=Language | publisher=JSTOR | volume=66 | issue=3 | year=1990 | issn=0097-8507 | doi=10.2307/414647 | page=638| jstor=414647 }}

The Dunlop family is thought to have originated from the area around Dunlop, North Ayrshire, where the Dunlop Castle once stood. The clan is believed to have been one of the early settlers in the region, and over time it became associated with the powerful and influential families in the area.

The family played a role in the early political developments of Scotland. The Dunlops were initially part of the larger network of Scottish Gaelic tribes that held lands in the Kingdom of Strathclyde before the Scots consolidated their power. The Dunlop family was connected with the surrounding noble houses, and its members were involved in various land transactions and feudal duties.{{cite book | last1=Adam | first1=Frank | last2=Learney | first2=Sir Thomas Innes of | title=The Clans, Septs, and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands | publisher=Edinburgh : Johnston & Bacon | publication-place=Edinburgh | date=1970 | isbn=978-0-7179-4500-9 | page=}}

The earliest known recorded mention of Clan Dunlop likely dates back to the 1200s where the Dunlap name was recorded on government documents. About this same time there are several additional findings of the surname on other documents relevant to the Dunlop family history.{{cite web | last=Moffet | first=Rodger | title=Dunlop Clan History | website=ScotClans | date=2021-10-23 | url=https://www.scotclans.com/blogs/clans-de/dunlop-clan-history | access-date=2024-12-25}}

Dunlop Castle, (aka Hunthall) located near the village of Dunlop, is considered the traditional seat of the clan. The castle was built in the 13th century by the Dunlop family and was strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the surrounding land.Coventry, Martin (1997) The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead. {{ISBN|1-899874-10-0}} p.146

This structure was described as an important fortification in the region, though it no longer stands today. The Dunlop family was responsible for much of the area's local governance and played an important role in the region’s medieval politics.

There seem to be several variations of the Dunlop Coat of Arms, however, the predominant theme features a two-headed eagle. The family's heraldic blazon for their coat of arms is generally described by Burke's Peerage in the following categories and styles:{{cite web | title=Burke's Peerage | website=Burke’s Peerage | url=https://www.burkespeerage.com/record_to_view.php?book=Burke%27s%20Peerage%20107th%20Edition&ref=107th&page=1367&totalPages=4689&bref=4147%20154%204571%20226 | access-date=2024-12-17}}

The Clan Dunlop's primary motto is "Merito" which means "Deservedly"; and E spinis which translates to "From the thorns." This reflects the clan's resilient warrior spirit and the tenacity of its members throughout history.

The clan's tartan is distinctive, and characterized by a pattern of blue and black that signify their Scottish heritage.{{cite book | last=Maclean | first=Charles | title=Scottish Clans and Tartans | publisher=Appletree Press Limited | publication-place=Belfast | date=2008 | isbn=978-1-84758-066-5 | page=}}

The first Dunlop Tartan was based upon the red and black tartan of our family's allied clan — the Cunninghams, however with minor details altered. Later, two additional tartans for "Dunlop Dress" (STA Ref/STWR Ref 1784) and "Dunlop Hunting" (STA Ref/STWR Ref 1205) were successfully approved.

File:Illustration of Dunlop Tartans.png

Several dedicated Dunlop descendants worked diligently to help create the Dunlop Tartans. Richard Dunlop (hailing from Washington D.C.), was the second President of the Dunlop/Dunlap Family Society, and he was instrumental in undertaking the complicated and lengthy process of researching existing tartans, and then finding the path forward for designing, seeking approval, and registering the proposed tartans.

The Scottish Register of Tartans (SRT) for the "Dunlop" tartan is as follows:

In 1974, Richard Dunlop, of Washington DC, the second President of the Dunlop Family Clan Society set out to establish a clan tartan for Dunlop. This was achieved in 1982 and #1197 (original Scottish Tartans Authority reference) was unveiled at Grandfather Mountain Games in that year. Two years later the hunting and dress were finalised. The design appears to have been a joint effort between Richard Dunlop and Charles Thompson. Samples in Scottish Tartans Authority Dalgety Collection. Woven by House of Edgar & Lochcarron. Count changed in March 2005 to accord with Scottish Tartans Society documentation of Nov. 1983.{{cite web | last=Scotland | first=National Records of | title=The Scottish Register of Tartans | website=Tartan Details | date=2024-12-17 | url=https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=1045 | access-date=2024-12-17}}

Note: Where tartans were recorded before the establishment of the Scottish Register of Tartans (SRT) on 5 February 2009, the original Scottish Tartans Authority (STA) and the Scottish Tartans World Register (SRT) reference numbers have been retained.

The tartan is often worn during formal events, gatherings, and Highland games, symbolizing both pride and continuity of the Dunlop legacy.{{cite web | title=The Scottish Tartans Authority is a registered charity and the only organisation dedicated to the preservation, promotion and protection of Tartan. | website=Scottish Tartans Authority | date=2024-12-17 | url=https://www.scottishtartansauthority.com/ | access-date=2024-12-17}}

The Dunlop family has produced several notable figures throughout Scottish history, including military leaders, scholars, and religious figures.

One well-known member of Clan Dunlop was Lieutenant General James Wallace Dunlop 21st of that Ilk (1759 – 1832), who was a Scottish land owner and key military officer during the Napoleonic Wars, where he distinguished himself as a commander. He also served in the American Revolutionary War and in India.{{cite book | last=Heathcote | first=T. A. | title=Wellington's Peninsular War Generals and Their Battles | publisher=Pen & Sword | publication-place=Barnsley, South Yorkshire | date=2010 | isbn=978-1-84884-061-4 | page=}}

John Boyd Dunlop was a 19th-century inventor and entrepreneur from Scotland who is credited with the invention of the pneumatic tire, which revolutionized the automotive industry. His work has had a lasting impact on both transportation and engineering.{{cite web | title=National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee John Dunlop Invented Dunlop Tires | website=National Inventors Hall of Fame® | date=1921-10-23 | url=https://www.invent.org/inductees/john-boyd-dunlop | access-date=2024-12-26}}

Colonel Weary Dunlop was an Australian surgeon who gained notoriety for his exceptional leadership after his stint as a POW held by Japanese captors during World War II.{{cite web | title=Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Edward 'Weary' Dunlop | website= awm.gov.au | url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10676281 | access-date=2024-12-26}}

There are various clan societies and associations around the world, particularly in regions with large Scottish diasporas such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. These societies focus on preserving the history and traditions of the clan, organizing events like clan gatherings, Highland games, and social functions to foster a sense of community among Dunlops worldwide.

• List of Scottish Clans
• Dunlop Baronets
• DunlOp (Surname)
• DunlAp (Surname)
• Of that Ilk

{{reflist}}

{{Scottish clans|state=expanded}}

Category:Scottish clans