These pages contain information on the tartans and badges of Clan MacNeil  as it is known or researched by the Webmaster.  Should you have information about Clan MacNeil tartans or badges, corrections or suggestions, please feel free to contact the Webmaster.

The tartans and badges referenced on these pages are those that may be worn  or displayed by members of Clan MacNeil.   Please do not confuse clansman's badges and "Coats of Arms."  In Scotland, unlike some other countries, arms can only belong to one person at a time.  Therefore, the "Arms of MacNeil" belong only to the Chief (i. e. they are his Personal arms).  In order to bear your own Scottish arms, you must have them granted, or matriculated to you by the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland.  If you use another's arms, you are "usurping arms," and if you make up your own, you are bearing "bogus arms."  Both are crimes under Scottish law. 

Citizens of Canada may petition the Chief Herald of Canada for a grant of arms under Canada's Heraldic Prerogative.  If you would like information on how to matriculate arms in Scotland, or how to receive a grant of arms from the Canadian Crown, please contact our Webmaster.

The Chief's Arms should only be displayed by a member of the Clan for informational purposes.  When so displayed, they should ALWAYS be identified as "The Arms of the Chief."

As a member of Clan MacNeil, you are entitled to wear the Crest of the Clan Chief as a "Badge."  The crest must be surrounded by a belt or "Garter".  On this belt is written the motto of the Clan.  In the case of Clan MacNeil of Barra, the motto in Latin is "Vincere Vel Mori"  or in Gaelic "Buaidh No Bas."  This is translated as "Victory or Death" or "Conquer or Die."

The badge, when displayed as an ornament, wall hanging, on stationery, on a tee shirt, etc. by a member of the Clan  should bear the Gaelic phrase "An Cirean Ceann Cinnidh."  This is closely translated as "The Crest of the Clan Chief."  This will indicate that you are a member of the Clan.