Clan MacEwen
Clan MacEwen
Clan MacEwen, also known as Clan Ewen of Otter, is a Scottish clan. The name MacEwen means “son of Ewan.” The clan has connections to several regions: Cowal, Galloway, Lennox, and Perthshire.
Current status: The clan no longer has an officially recognized chief. It is considered armigerous (without a chief recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms). The last chief, Swene MacEwen, died in 1493, and the barony then passed to Campbell overlordship.
Origins and different lines: Over the centuries there have been several MacEwen groups and septs. Some trace back to Otter, while others come from Galloway, Perthshire, or are linked to the MacDougall and Campbell clans. The name MacEwen has many spellings and possible origins, and some families may have taken the name independently.
MacEwens in Galloway and elsewhere: MacEwens have been in Galloway since at least 1331. Tradition speaks of allied action with the Agnews of Lochnaw in feuds over the Sheriffdom of Galloway in the 15th century. Some MacEwens also claim descent from the MacDougalls; MacEwan of Muckley was the first armiger with the MacEwen name. In Perthshire and around Loch Tay, MacEwens were considered part of Clan MacDougall.
Other connections: In the 16th century a group of Camerons were known as “Clan Ewyne,” led by Donald MacEwen Vic Ewen Cameron of Erracht. The Moyness Raid of 1598 included MacEwens. The MacEwan bardic family—learned poets who served MacDougalls and later Campbells—may have Irish origins; some MacEwens were harpers and learned men.
Crests and tartan: Today many MacEwens wear a crest badge featuring an oak stump with the motto REVIRESCO, meaning “I grow strong again.” This crest and motto are used by the McEwen Baronets of Marchmont and Bardrochat, who once held lands at Bardrochat in Carrick. The MacEwen tartan resembles the patterns of Farquharson and MacLeod of Harris, and is similar to Campbell of Loudon and Colquhoun tartans in various ways.
Modern developments: In 2012 the Lord Lyon announced plans to appoint a Supervising Officer to organize a Family Convention for the MacEwen name, with a view to recognizing a Commander. Adam Bruce was named Supervising Officer later that year.
As of 2020, the Clan MacEwen Society, UK elected Sir John R. H. McEwen, 5th Baronet, as Commander, a step toward restoring a potential chief for the clan. He descends from the McEwen Baronets of Marchmont and Bardrochat, a title created in 1953 for Sir John McEwen, a prominent politician. These modern baronets may not have a direct historical link to Clan MacEwen of Otter.
Note: Clan Ewing operates its own separate organization today.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:33 (CET).