Clan Wemyss
Wemyss takes its name from the sea caves of Fife, and the family has been linked with the area since the twelfth century. The chief is styled Wemyss of Wemyss and the seat is Wemyss Castle.
History
Wemyss derives from the Gaelic uaimh, meaning a cave. The reference is to the sea caves along the Fife shore of the Firth of Forth, which gave the family both its name and its lands. Historic Environment Scotland protects nine caves at East Wemyss as a scheduled monument, with a nationally important collection of rock carvings that includes Pictish symbols.
The family's own tradition is a proud one. It says the Wemyss line springs from a younger son of the MacDuff Earls of Fife, who is said to have received the lands in the twelfth century. Older accounts name an Earl of Fife called Gilmichael as the ancestor. That is family tradition rather than proven record, but it explains why the Wemyss arms are said to carry the red lion on gold borne by the MacDuffs.
Michael de Wemyss is the first of the name we can identify with confidence, and he came to support Robert the Bruce in the early fourteenth century. Sir David de Wemyss was one of the nobles who sealed the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. The family did well out of the Bruce cause and spread into cadet branches, among them Reres and Kilmany. Later generations kept the family prominent in Fife through the medieval and Tudor periods, and they built up the lands around the castle.
Wemyss Castle stands on the cliffs between East and West Wemyss. Historic Environment Scotland describes it as a late fifteenth-century house that may include older work, with later additions. The 2nd Earl added an extension in 1670, and the Victorian owners added more. It is also where Mary, Queen of Scots first met Lord Darnley, in February 1565.
Titles followed in the early seventeenth century: Sir John Wemyss became a baronet, then Lord Wemyss of Elcho, and finally Earl of Wemyss, Lord Elcho and Methil. The earldom and the chiefship are not the same thing, so the Earls are not the subject of this page.
Clan Wemyss is a Lowland clan whose chief is styled Wemyss of Wemyss and whose seat is Wemyss Castle. The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations has an entry for the clan. We have not found a current official source confirming who holds the title today, so we give the style only.
Clan Wemyss tartans
Names and reference numbers follow the Scottish Register of Tartans. Mills sell most setts in modern, ancient and weathered colourways. The pattern is the same; only the shades change.
Get the kilt
When you order a kilt, ask for the tartan by its full name — for example “Wemyss” — and say which colourway you want. “Modern” is dark and strong, “ancient” is lighter, “weathered” is muted. The sett is the same in each.
We are choosing retailers we trust and will list them here soon.
Wear the colours
Our own Wemyss range is on its way: the name, the tartan and the motto on a heavyweight tee, a hoodie and a mug. About the shop.
Lands and seats
- Wemyss Castle. On the cliffs between East and West Wemyss on the Fife coast; Historic Environment Scotland lists it as a late fifteenth-century house with later additions.
Surnames
The clan name and its spellings
- Wemyss
- De Wemyss
- Weams
- Weemes
- Weims
- Wemes
- Wemys
- Wymes
“Associated” means the name appears in published sept lists for this clan. It does not prove descent, and many names are linked to more than one clan. Where your family lived is often the better clue.
Questions people ask
What is the Wemyss tartan?
The Scottish Register of Tartans records one Wemyss clan tartan, in red, black, green, grey and white. It first appeared in the Vestiarium Scoticum and is dated 1842.
What is the Wemyss motto?
The motto is Je pense, French for 'I think'.
Where does the name Wemyss come from?
It comes from the Gaelic uaimh, meaning cave. The family took the name from the caves at Wemyss on the Fife coast.
Does Clan Wemyss have a chief?
Yes. The chief is styled Wemyss of Wemyss and the seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife. We do not name the present holder.
Sources
- Wemyss (ref. 4600) — Scottish Register of Tartans
- Wemyss — COSCA - Council of Scottish Clans & Associations
- Clan WEMYSS — Electric Scotland
- Wemyss (The Scottish Nation) — Electric Scotland
- Wemyss Castle (LB16709) — Historic Environment Scotland
- Wemyss Caves, East Wemyss (SM817) — Historic Environment Scotland
Clan histories are contested and sources disagree. If you can correct something here with a source, write to hello@tartanflag.com. Last updated 5 October 2026.