Bartholomews Clan map "Scotland of old" by Sir Iain Moncreiffe Circa 1960

This impressive poster titled “Scotland of Old”, produced around circa 1960, is a richly detailed clan map celebrating the territorial, heraldic, and historical heritage of Scotland. Created for the renowned cartographic house John Bartholomew & Son, and associated with the heraldic scholarship of Sir Iain Moncreiffe, the map stands as both a decorative object and a serious historical synthesis.

At its center, Scotland is presented in soft, contrasting colors that divide the country into the traditional clan territories and regional domains. Highlands, Lowlands, and Islands are clearly distinguished, allowing the viewer to trace the historical geography of families and ancient lordships across the landscape. The subdued central palette provides a visual counterpoint to the extraordinary richness of the surrounding border.

Encircling the map is an elaborate heraldic frame composed of hundreds of clan and family coats of arms, meticulously rendered in vibrant colors. These armorial bearings form a continuous genealogical gallery, transforming the poster into a visual compendium of Scottish lineage and identity. At the top, larger royal and national arms reinforce the authority and historical scope of the composition.

Sir Iain Moncreiffe was one of the 20th century’s most respected Scottish genealogists and heralds. A former officer of arms and later Lord Lyon King of Arms, he devoted much of his life to the study of Scottish clans, titles, and heraldry. His involvement lends the map scholarly credibility, ensuring that its decorative splendor is supported by serious historical and genealogical research.

Produced during a period of renewed interest in national heritage and clan history, “Scotland of Old” reflects the mid-20th-century revival of pictorial and heraldic cartography. Today, this poster is highly sought after by collectors of maps, heraldry, and Scottish history. It remains a striking example of how cartography, art, and genealogy can merge into a single work that is at once educational, symbolic, and visually powerful.

Original Poster

Geography - Map - Scotland - United Kingdom

With the country's emblems

Printed by John Bartholomew & Son in Edinburgh

Good condition, creases, small tears