M OTTO

This Latin motto translates as "NEVER UNPREPARED"

Sometimes stated as

NEVER UNPREPARED, AWAYS READY, AYE READY

In 1307 the King of England, Edward the II, sent an ultimatum to the Scottish clans through their King, John Baliol. It demanded that the Scots acknowledge themselves to be the subjects of England. Proud Edward knew that the Scots would never submit to English rule, and was already preparing to penetrate the border when he sent his challenge. King Baliol had just returned from the hunt, and was dismounting from his horse when he received the message. He required to alert his military leader, Robert Bruce, a Johnston ancestor, in order to ready the armies in time for the coming battle. To carry this important message he chose one of his aids, a man of Clan Johnston. He did not want to write the message on account of English spies, so he picked up a pair of grouse wings – a symbol of swiftness - and tied them to his own spur – the symbol of battle. When Baliol asked if the Johnston was ready to deliver it, his response was, "Ready, aye ready."

The Johnston rode all night long, arriving at the encampment at dawn. He delivered the emblems to Bruce without a word. Bruce immediately recognized the significance of the spur and attached wings – make swift readiness for war. With the message delivered, Bruce was able to call together his armies, and save the independence of Scotland.

Later, when Bruce became the King of Scotland, he rewarded the Johnston by conferring knighthood upon him. This is the most noted of all the family lore. It was certainly fitting that the golden Winged Spur became the crest for the Johnston armor. The Johnston's response to the King became the Johnston clan motto, Nunquam Non Paratus.