A TRUE ACCOUNT AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINAL OF THE NAME AND ARMS OF TURNBULL

During our visit to Hawick, Scotland in 1981, John Turnbull, our late founder gave me a copy of the document which appears on page 4. It is very old and hard to read but a great keepsake. A faint outline of the arms can be seen.

With the aid of a magnifying glass and some patience I was able to decipher that which appears on page 5. There are a few missing pieces undoubtedly some errors and emissions and anything you members can add would be appreciated. It would be an addition to our files to have this document as complete as possible.

The question is often asked, “With three crests, why did the Turnbull Clan Association pick the Turnbull of Bedrule crest and motto?” The charter members did the choosing. They felt that the crest and motto which appears on the Scotland of Old map was more widely known. Also, since we are all supposedly descended from William (Roull) Turnbull of Bedrule, and most are not that sure which of the other lines they are related to, one had to be chosen to represent all.

On a personal basis, many of the members have mementos passed down thru the families which identify the line to which they specifically belong. When John Turnbull our late founder was consulted he thought the choice should be up to the members. The main purpose at the time was to get organized and get the basics attended to. To this date, no one has really voiced a word of total disagreement. There is no Clan chief from whom to get direction, perhaps that will change one day.