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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> Craig

Craig Clan Tattoos - This surname derived from the Scottish word for steep or rocky cliff, found as a prefix to place names throughout the realm. It is, therefore, impossible to identify any particular point of origin. Black states that in the 15th century there were three families of that name styling themselves 'of that Ilk'. Whatever the origin, the Craigs of Riccarton were to become the most noted family of this name.

Sir Thomas Craig of Riccarton was a great institutional writer on feudal law in Scotland. Born around 1538, he studied at the University of St. Andrews before proceeding to Paris where he studied both civil and canon law. His great work, Jus Feudale, is still referred to by Scottish lawyers today.

Anderson records that he was admired by James VI and was present at the royal entry into London and the coronation of James as king of England. The name of Craig continued to be associated with the law, and William Craig was raised to the Supreme Court Bench in with the title, 'Lord Craig'. He retired from the Bench in 1812.

His descendent, James Craig of County Down was the son of a self-made whisky millionaire and was a main organizer of the Ulster Volunteer Force in the struggle for Home Rule in Ireland in the 1920's. He became the first Prime Minister of Ireland in 1921 and was elevated to the peerage, taking the title, 'Viscount Craigavon'. The new town of Craigavon in County Armagh was named after him. He died in 1940.

Clan Craig Motto: Vive Deco et Vives
From French: Live for God and You Shall Have Life

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests,