Scottish Clan Book - MacArthur

With the proud clan motto of ‘Faith and works’ and crest of two laurel wreaths, the MacArthurs of today can lay claim to a truly ancient heritage.

One colourful theory is that the name may have originated in honour of the legendary sixth century King Arthur, whom some sources assert had strong associations with Scotland.

But although the origins of the name may remain in doubt, what is known with certainty is that the MacArthurs thrived from an early time, particularly through their territorial holdings in Argyll.

Among their most famous sons is Douglas MacArthur, the American general of Scottish roots who fought a rear-guard action against advancing Japanese troops in the Philippines during the Second World War and who, at the end of the conflict, was charged with the re-building of a devastated Japanese nation.