Our Identity
Our Heritage
Heraldry
The Glen Crest
The Glen Crest bears the motto “Alta Pete” — Aim High — embodying the aspiration and resilience of the Glen family across eight centuries of Scottish history.
The second motto associated with the family, “Touch not the cat but a glove,” reflects the values of caution and respect in the face of danger — a wisdom passed down through generations of Highland life.
"Touch not the cat but a glove."
Traditional Motto of the Glen Family
Arms & Lineage
The Glen Coat of Arms
The full armorial bearings of Clan Glen represent the family’s ancient standing among the landholders and tenants of the Kingdom of Scotland — a heritage stretching back to the 13th century.
In 1329, the Chief of the family, Colban, received his lands of Quilte in a legacy from the Queen, which was later confirmed by Robert the Bruce — a royal confirmation of the family’s place in Scottish history.
Confirmed By
Robert the Bruce
Year
1329
Home Region
Peebles-shire
Parish
Traquair
The Weave of the Valley
The Glenn Tartan
Held within The Scottish Register of Tartans — a symbol that may be worn by
all who carry the name and its spelling variations.
The Weave of the Valley
5930
Designer
Dr. Philip D. Smith Jr.
Designed For
The David Glen Family
Recorded
01 January 2000
Registry
The Scottish Register of Tartans
Worn By
All of the name & spelling variations
The tartan was recorded prior to the formal launch of The Scottish Register of Tartans, making it one of the earliest entries in that authoritative record.
Scottish Clan Connections
The Name Across Scotland
The Glen and Glenn names are found across the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, particularly in Perthshire, Stirlingshire, and Argyll — regions where glens are prominent features of the landscape, giving rise to the name itself.
Etymology
From "Glean"
The surname is derived from the ancient Gaelic word “glean” meaning a small valley — a topographic name arising independently across Scotland.
Two Origins
Two Distinct Families
One originating from the parish of Traquair in Peebles-shire; another from estates of Glen in Renfrewshire — two separate roots, one proud name.