Winged Spur Consulting

Eventually, everyone asks, "Why is the company named, 'WINGED SPUR' CONSULTING?"  The answer is found in the story of our Founder's family history.

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In 1307 the King of England, Edward the II, sent an ultimatum to the Scottish clans through their King, John Balliol. It demanded that the Scots acknowledge themselves to be the subjects of England. Edward knew that the Scots would never submit to English rule, and was supposedly already preparing to penetrate the border when the ultimatum was sent.

King Balliol had just returned from the hunt, and was dismounting from his horse when he got this message. He had to alert his military leader, Robert Bruce (believed to be 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 the Johnston clan. He did not want to write the message on account of English spies, so he picked up a pair of grouse wings (a bird know for swiftness) and tied them to his own spur (a traditional symbol of battle). When Balliol 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 "message" to Bruce with out a word. Bruce immediately recognized the significance of the spur and attached wings; "Swiftly prepare for battle". 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 "Paul Revere" story of Scotland, and probably 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 or Never Unprepared.

The Johnston family has a tradition of service that has lasted nearly 700 years.