It is believed that the name ARMSTRONG is due to the exploits of one of its most famous members, Fairbairn. He was an armour bearer to a Scottish king, whom he saved after the king’s horse was killed in battle. It is claimed that while dressed in full armour, he picked up the king and put him onto his own horse. This act of bravery led to the establishment of the name ‘armstrong’.
The Armstrong clan hails from the border regions and can be traced back to Liddesdale, where the clan seat was established. It was once one of the most influential and strong families in that area. From here they spread into the neighbouring areas of Annandale and Eskdale. It is thought, however, the clan actually originated much earlier in Cumberland, from where they repeatedly raided and plundered the north of England, causing widespread discontent.
As they grew in numbers, the clan became more disruptive. At length the clan was suppressed in 1529 by James V, in an expedition disguised as a hunting tour. Several border ballads recount the shock of “Johnnie Armstrong of Gilknockie” and other leaders as they prepared to meet their sovereign and met the hangman instead. However they continued in their lawless behaviour until their leaders were eventually executed in the early 17th century. Thereafter their lands passed into the hands of the Scotts, another influential borders clan.
That not all of the clan were alike is shown by Gilbert Armstrong who was High Steward to King David II and was his ambassador to England. In more recent times Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon with a piece of Armstrong tartan in his pocket.
