Kilt pins and clan badges

[macwilkin]

I have a kilt pin with a ram and the Russell family motto "Che sara sara."
I have also come across the Russell clan badge/kilt pin showing a hand holding a scale with the motto "virtus sine macula." Does anyone know why this is? I have done some research but have not been able to find anything conclusive.
Any help to solve this little mystery would be greatly appreciated

Interesting...The Russells are traditionally considered to be a sept of my clan, the Cummings/Comyns. I've found examples of both crest badges you mentioned -- I'm wondering if the two are badges for different branches of the Russells, since there was a Northern branch, of Aden and Montcoffer, who held property in the shires of Aberdeen and Banff, and a Borders branch, the Russells of of Ashiestiel.

The "clan badge", or more properly, "chief's crest badge", is just that -- the crest of the Chief, encircled in a buckle and strap with the motto inscribed on that.

Just my twa bob's worth...Matt, any insights on this one?

Cheers,

Todd

[auld argonian]

Virtus = courage or honor or manhood or virtue

sine = without

macula = stain or blemish

...I suppose that you could arrange it anyway you wish unless there's a preference hanging aroound from previous generations...

Virtue without blemish?


Best

AA

[Rusty]

I have read that Russell is a sept of Clan Cumming although I have also read that Russell is a clan in its own right. I understand there is no clan chief either.

[Ruanaidh]

Virtus = courage or honor or manhood or virtue

sine = without

macula = stain or blemish

...I suppose that you could arrange it anyway you wish unless there's a preference hanging aroound from previous generations...

Virtue without blemish?


Best

AA

Maybe "Unblemished Honor".