Family

The Clouston family name is rooted in Scottish history, primarily found in the Orkney Islands, where it is a name of considerable antiquity. The name is believed to be of Norse origin, reflecting the extensive Viking influence on the Orkneys from the 8th to the 15th centuries. The name Clouston is thought to derive from the Old Norse ‘Klostathr’, meaning a ‘cloister’ or ‘enclosed place’, which indicates a possible connection to early religious or monastic sites in the region.

Historically, the Cloustons were not a clan in the traditional Highland sense but were a notable family in the Orkneys. They often held significant local positions and were influential in the administrative and social structures of the islands. Over the centuries, members of the Clouston family spread across Scotland and further afield, contributing to various professional fields and integrating into different communities. The family’s legacy in Orkney remains prominent, with their name still attached to various landmarks and historical sites, reflecting their enduring connection to the region.