Scottish Headstone Inscriptions and Symbols

Scottish heritage runs deep in Nova Scotia, Ontario, the Carolinas and beyond. Families often honour it with a Gaelic phrase, a line of Burns or a clan crest.

Gaelic and English phrases

Nova Scotia still has a living Gaelic community; local Gaelic speakers can help with wording.

Robert Burns

Burns's poems are long in the public domain and much loved:

• My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here.
• Should auld acquaintance be forgot.

A short Burns line suits anyone who loved Scotland's poet. See classic poems.

Symbols

• Thistle — see thistle meaning.
• Clan crest and motto — see family crest on a headstone.
• Saltire — St Andrew's cross.
• Celtic cross — see Celtic cross meaning.
• Tartan colours in paint.

Engraving tips

Gaelic uses grave accents such as à, è, ì, ò, ù. Always have a fluent speaker check the proof, and confirm your monument company's font supports every character. See multilingual inscriptions.

Recording origins

Many Scottish-Canadian and Scottish-American stones record where the family came from: "Native of the Isle of Skye" or "Born in Paisley". These details are treasured by genealogists and descendants. If you know your ancestors' parish or clan lands, consider adding a short line about them. See how to research ancestors in a cemetery.

Key Takeaways

• "Cadal sàmhach" means sleep peacefully.
• Burns lines are public domain and much loved.
• Thistles, clan crests and the Saltire honour Scotland.
• Gaelic accents must be engraved correctly.

Next Step

See Irish blessings and symbols and Welsh inscriptions.