William Irvine , 1st Laird of Drum - Media
Clan Badge of the Irvines of Drum
Drum Castle. Hereditary home to the Irvines, Lairds of Drum
Irvine coat of arms at Drun Castle
Irvine coat of arms.
Motto: “Sub Sola Sub Umbra Virens”
(Flourishing in sunshine and shade) referring to the holly tree.
As the story goes, at one point King Robert the Bruce found himself put to flight by his enemies with only a few of his aides around him. Exhausted by the chase, the King was compelled to sleep under a holly tree while William stood guard over him. Holly leaves are now a prominent feature in all seven family crests which represent the major branches of the Irvine clan.