I am a descendant of the Scottish Bruce family. Is it true the chief Andrew Bruce "owns" my last name Bruce?

Question

Is it true the chief of Scottish clans has so much power? I cannot use the Bruce family coat of arms, only the chief can use them? But I am a Bruce too...and a descendant of Robert the Bruce too. How is it then that only Lord Elgin owns the coat of arms?

Jock · Accepted Answer

How do you work our that you are a descendant of Robert the Bruce?  You are an american I am afraid to say, whos might have had somebody with the surname Bruce in your family.  Doesn't make you a descendant of anyone famous like Sir Robert though.

Society&#39;s Secret · Answer

Despite popular belief, Coat of Arms were designated for specific people, not families or clans.  The Coat of Arms designated for Robert the Bruce belonged only to him....not his entire clan.  If he so chose, he could have passed this "legal property" to only one son *after his death* (this son could not use the same Coat during the lifetime of his father), who could pass it only to one son, and so forth.....but any other Bruce descendant wishing to use the arms had to make some significant change...i.e. different charges, different colors, etc.

In theory, yes.....but you would need to contact and apply with Scotland's heraldic body, the Court of the Lord Lyon.  Check out:

www.lyon-court.com

Just get it over with already!! · Answer

I have nooooo idea what you're talking about....but um....CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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I am a descendant of the Scottish Bruce family. Is it true the chief Andrew Bruce "owns" my last name Bruce?

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