The first mention of Carnoustie was in the mid-1700s, although it is generally accepted that the first resident, Tammas Lousen bought his feu in 1797.
The truth seems to be that there are many competing legends and stories about how Carnoustie got its name. A plausible explanation is that the name derives from two Scandinavian nouns, ‘Kar’ meaning rock and ‘noust’ meaning ‘bay’.
However, there is another explanation that many local inhabitants prefer. The legend is that the town got its name from the Battle of Barry in 1010 in which the Scottish King, Malcolm II, repulsed a band of Danish invaders led by their general, Camus. History suggests that the Battle of Barry was a bloody affair that raged for hours until Camus was put to the sword.
Legend has it that the Norse Gods were so incensed by the loss of their favourite warrior that they put a curse on the neighbourhood, letting thousands of crows loose on Barry Sands. Soon, the crows colonised the woodland on what is now Buddon Ness, their numbers growing to such an extent that the area became known as Craw’s Nestie, later corrupted to become Carnoustie.
The village was elevated to burgh status in 1889 and at that time local officials adopted a crest featuring crows flying over a leafy tree.
