FOREW0RD
Every year the general interest in tartans increases and so does the number of tartans. Once the tartans were specifically associated with the Highland clans of Scotland, although for a long time a number of the great Lowland Houses, both in the north-east and southern Scotland have had tartans of their own. In addition to this there have been district and general tartans from the earliest times.A Highland clan is a special group of an aggregate of district families each professing descent from a common ancestor, all bound in loyalty to chief who is the genealogical represented of that common ancestor who founded or is said to have founded the clan. These clans had their land in the Highlands. The main distinction between the Highland clans and the great Lowland houses is that the Highlanders generally believed their chief was their kinsman. The sense of kinship to the chief and the chief's patriarchal rule were the hallmarks, and they are not generally noticeable in the Lowland houses. The border clans, however, did not wear tartan.
Few of the tartans of today bear any resemblance to the tartans prior to 1746 at the time of Proscription. The Act of Proscription after the last Jacobite rising banned the kilt and tartan in an attempt to stamp out the power base for the house of Stuart. Under the act, men and boys were forbidden to wear or put on Highland clothes including the kilt, plaid, and no tartan was to be used for any clothing. The only exception made, was for those individuals serving as soldiers in the Highland Regiments. The proscription lasted for 36 years before being repealed in 1782. It is no wonder then that during this time clan tartans were lost. Some clan chiefs were entitled to assume new tartans.
The earliest list of tartans which survives today is the Key Pattern Book of William Wilson and Sons, Bannockburn, compiled in 1819. In it fifty-five tartans are listed, thirty of them being Highland tartans. In another listing made in 1831, twenty-six more Highland clan tartans and twenty lowland and family tartans were added. The clergy tartan (the only tartan associated with a specific profession) and two more district tartans were added. By 1962 over 600 tartans were known by name. The number increased due to branches of clans having their own tartans and variation of tartans. ie. dress tartan, hunting tartan, ancient tartan, modern tartan and military tartans.
Tartans are described according to the purpose for which they are named.
CLAN TARTANS
are patterns for general use by clans-people. It is not uncommon to find a Clan tartan of recent origin described as "Ancient Clan tartan.-. The use of the word "ancient" is most misleading, as it is merely an indication that the tartan has been woven in lighter coloured shades.DRESS TARTANS
were originally worn by the ladies of the clan who preferred lighter coloured pattern. In recent years there has been a tendency to refer to Clan tartans woven in light-weight material as "Dress- tartan. This causes some confusion. Clans who do not possess a dress tartan usually wear the Clan pattern in light-weight material for evening wear, but this does not justify the description of a Clan tartan as a "Dress- tartan.MOURNING TARTANS
At one time were worn for the purpose for which they were named. They were generally black and white.HUNTING TARTANS
are worn for sport and outdoor activities. Brown or some other dark hue is the predominant colour. When a clan possessed a brightly coloured tartan it was unsuitable for hunting purposes, and hunting setts were devised to make the wearer less conspicuous. The colours were arranged so that, when concealed in the heather, the tartan blended with the surroundings.CHIEFS' TARTANS
are the personal tartans of the Chiefs' and should never be worn except for the Chief and his immediate family.DISTRICT TARTANS
are probably the oldest of our tartans from which the clan tartans may have developed. There are a number of District tartans which are nowadays, worn by the people residing in, or having their place of origin in, the district provided they are not entitled to wear a Clan tartan.ROYAL TARTANS
are for the use of the Royal family and should not be worn by anyone outside the Royal family.MILITARY TARTANS
are for military use only.THE HONOURED TARTAN
MACMILLAN TARTAN
in honour of the late Rev. A.N. McMillan, Minister of Caledonia Presbyterian Church 1938 - 1977. MacMillans were believed to be celts closely connected to the celtic church and the name means "Son of one who bore the tonsure of St. John". The Celtic priests shaved their hair over the front of the head rather than the Roman manner of a ring around the crown. They were granted lands by the MacDonalds of the Isles around Knapdale, but also settled in Lochaber and Galloway. They left a fine Celtic Cross in the Church yard at Kilmory.MOTTO: "I Learn to Suyccour the Unfortunate"
BAIRD
Sponsored by Barbara Cruickshank History tells us King William the Lion was saved from being killed by a wild boar by one of his followers named Baird. To show his gratitude he made extensive grants of land to the Baird families in Lanrkshire. King Robert of Bruce granted the Barony of Cambusnethan to a Robert Baird. This family spread to Banffshire and later to Auchmeddan in Aberdeenshire. From the Auchmeddan Bairds came John Baird a High Court Judge and Lord of Newbyth. An old prophecy stated "There shall be an eagle in the Craig while there is a Baird in Auchmeddan." When the earls of Aberdeen took over the estate of Auchmeddan the eagles fled only to return when a Baird daughter married an Earl of Aberdeen. They fled once more when the estate of Auchmeddan passed to the Gordons and returned when Sir David Baird of Newbyth, a famous General who was a leading soldier in India, South Africa and the Napoleonic Wars returned to the estate. Another famous Baird was John Logie Baird who pioneered television transmission in 1926 and remained heavily involved in television development until his death in 1946.MOTTO: "The Lord has Done This"
BUCHANAN
Sponsored by Fern Peart The name is Gaelic, meaning "house of the Canon-. They supported Robert the Bruce and gained prominence and lands. They fought with the French against Henry V of England and amassed vast estates. Protestant reformer George Buchanan was appointed tutor to Mary Queen of Scots and James VI of Scotland. James Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States of America. The clan lost its lands in the 17th century and has no chief, but it has the oldest Clan Society in Scotland. Harpers, Yules, Gibsons and MacMasters are septs of this clan.MOTTO: "Brighter Hence the Honour"
THE TARTANS
CALEDONIA TARTAN
Sponsored by Ruth Zadanyi This tartan is for all those who do not have a surname of a clan or a sept of a clan. It is correct for those who cannot claim such a surname to use a "District" tartan or a "Jacobite" or "Caledonia" tartan. There are several variations of this tartan.CLERGY TARTAN
Sponsored by Rev. Thomas Vais Some of the early Presbyterian clergy often had very stormy times and it was not unknown for them to carry a sword with a servant carrying a bow and arrows. Some clergymen had to be removed to another congregation by Presbytery by force using a sword or pistol. It is believed the clergy adopted a separate tartan instead of wearing their own so as not to insult their new congregation who might be at odds with the preacher's own clansmen. Highland names such as Gilchrist, Gillespie and MacMillan are of ecclesiastical origin.MOTTO: "The Burning Bush- The Tree was not Consumed"
COMYN
Sponsored by Nathan Underwood Clan Comyn was of Norman origin and DeComines accompanied William the Conqueror to England. His grandson was given land in Roxburghshire and became chancellor of Scotland. They married well and soon became very powerful. There was a Black Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and his son the Red Comyn. They alternated supporting the English under King Edward I and also fighting against them. This angered Robert the Bruce and after an argument, Bruce and his lieutenants killed the Red Comyn and his son was killed at Bannockburn ending this powerful dynasty. However, other Comyns in Moray County continued the clan under the name of Cummings.MOTTO: "Courage"
DAVIDSON TARTAN
Sponsored by Lois B. (Davidson) Douglas Clan MacDhai or Davidson were members of clan Chattan, as were the MacPhersons with whom they frequently quarreled. Culminating at a combat on the North Inch of Perth, with 30 of each clan aside, only one Davidson survived and he moved to Tulloch in Cromarty from where they spread to Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. Another Davidson was a great favourite of Queen Victoria and a Scottish MP.MOTTO: "Wisely if Sincerely"
DOUGLAS TARTAN
Sponsored by Donald Douglas One of the most powerful families in Scotland's history, the earliest "Black Douglases" originated in Lanarkshire, Dumfresshire and Galloway in the 12th century. The "Red Douglases" from Dalkeith and Angus established a century later. They were almost as powerful as the kings themselves and 11 times married into royalty. From time to time the kings had to discipline them severely. Locally the Douglases pioneered in Onondaga Township, raising prize Scotch Shortcorn cattle and Leicester sheep as well as being prominent supporters of the Agricultural society.MOTTO: "Never Behind"
FORBES TARTAN
Sponsored by Tom Forbes The Forbes clan occupied much of the Aberdeenshire area and Castle Forbes built in 1815 stands today over looking the Don River. The clan has a charter for these lands dated 1271 and has been very faithful in service to their country from attempting to discourage the Jacobite rebellions, to a cabinet minister in the Harold MacMillan government in 1958-59. Constant feuds with the Gordons in the early years caused them much debt and resultant sales of some of their lands. The local Forbes families are from long time local farmers and one Dr. Forbes practiced in Caledonia for many years.MOTTO: "Grace be my Guide"
GORDON TARTAN
Sponsored by Robert Bruce and Helen Aitchinson Of Anglo-Norman descent the Gordons originally settled in Berwickshire but relocated to the forfeited lands of the Cummings of Aberdeenshire near Strathbogie and Huntly. From here they came to be very powerful. (Their chief being referred to as the "Cock of the North") Generally they supported the Royal government and were staunch Catholics who objected to the reformation as accepted by the Scottish Parliament. In 1777 and 1794, they founded the regiments know as the Gordon Highlanders.MOTTO: "Remaining"
GRANT TARTAN
Sponsored by Margaret (Earl) McConachie The Grants descend from Norman ancestry and the names come from the French word "Grand". They generally occupied lands around Inverness and Strathspey. They supported the reformation and generally supported the royalist cause against the Jocobite uprisings. The Lord of Strathspey is their chieftain and restoration is hoped to be done on Castle Grant.MOTTO: "Stand Fast"
HAMILTON TARTAN
Sponsored by Mary (Hamilton) Beveridge & family The Hamiltons were a Lowland family with large estates in the south in Renfrewshire. They were closely connected with the Scottish Royal family and produced two Dukedoms. They had a magnificent palace stocked with spectacular works of art. It had to be demolished due to mining subsidence. Their family seat is now at Lennoxville near Haddington.MOTTO: "Through"
HUNTER TARTAN
Sponsored by Tom Hunter Coming from Normandy in the 12th century, they acquired lands in Ayrshire known as Hunterston. They were hereditary keepers of the Royal Forest of Arran and Little Cumbrae. The Hunters claimed 2 renowned surgeons in the 1700s and a WWI war hero and M.P. in the 20th century. The local Hunters pioneered in Oneida Township in the early 1840s.MOTTO: "I Accomplish the Hunt"
HYSLOP TARTAN
(also spelled Hislop or Heslop) - Sponsored by Chester Hyslop The Hyslop family originally lived along the border of Scotland and England. Until the Kings of Scotland and England came together with James VI becoming James I of England and Scotland much plundering and looting tool place along the border communities with each side equally attempting to route out the other, stealing cattle and sheep and burning the homesteads. Although no Allegiance or Sept to any of the known Clans can be found, the Hyslops have had their own Tartan since 1992 registered with the Lord Lyon of Scotland and based on the Brodie Tartan. The Hyslop name was first noted in records around Edinburgh and Lanarkshire in the 15th Century. Other names in the Borders area that appear locally are Turnbulls, Elliots, Cranstons and Armstrongs. Those spelling their name Hislop came from the district around Hawick, while the Hysop spelling is known further west in Galloway and Southwest Scotland. The local Hysops originated from around Jedburgh in the early 1800s and settled first in Pickering and then moved to the Carluke area establishing a homestead, still occupied by Tom and Eleanor Hysop on Haldibrook Road, around the early 1850s and raised a family of 11 children.IRVINE
Sponsored by Rev. Dr. Andrew Irvine and family First originated in Dumfries-Shire with links to the early Celtic Monarchs of Scotland. William De Irwin a neighbour of the Bruces became secretary to Robert the Bruce and for faithful service he was granted the Royal Forest of Drum in Aberdeenshire which became the family home. Twelve Irvines who successively bore the name Alexander over the years supported Charles I, served as Sheriff of Aberdeen, were knighted, and fought for the Jacobites at Sheriffmuir and Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden. In modern times Sir Robert Irvine was captain of the Queen Mary ocean liner.MOTTO: "I Flourishing both in Sunshine and Shade"
KERR TARTAN
Sponsored by Martha Wells &family The Kerrs settled mostly in Roxburgshire near the border. They were among some of the early sherriffs and were loyal to the Hanoverian side at Culloden. Many served in several wars with Sir Walter Talbor Kerr, admiral of the Royal Navy from 1899-1904.MOTTO: "Late but in Earnest"
MACALPINE
Sponsored by Betsy McBurney in Honour of her Late Father Bill Harrison This is the oldest and most purely Celtic of the Highland clans of Royal descent from the dynasty of Kenneth McAlpin who united the Picts and Scots into one kingdom from the year 850 and transferred his capital to Perthshire from Dun Add in Dalriada (beside Loch Crinan). The race is claimed to be a Royal one and descended from King Alpin. No Clan of this name survived into the heyday of the clan system, but individuals named McAlpine appear in the records, mostly then in Perthshire from the 13th century onward. Siol Alpine is a name given to a number of clans widely separated and having no apparent connections to each other. Clan MacGregor claims origins from that Royal McAlpine stock as also do MacAulay, MacDuff, MacFie, MacKinnon, MacNab, MacQuarrie and Grants.MOTTO: None is known although the war cry is "Remember the Death of Alpine"
MACDONALD OF CLAN RANALD
Sponsored by Ken and Joan McDonald The clan takes its name from Ranald the younger son of John 1st Lord of the Isles. Many feuds resulted among the various branches of Clan Donald. One battle in which the Frazers of Lovat who supported the 6th Ranald who was opposed to his own clan. Clan Ranald joined with the MacDonnells and the Camerons to defeat Ranald at the battle of Blar-Na-Leine (Field of Shirts) where the combatants removed their upper garments because of the heat to enable them to fight more fiercely. Possessing a warlike spirit, the clan fought at Killiecrankie, led by their young chieftain who was only 16 years old. They also supported the Jacobite uprisings in 1715 and 1745 and provided refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape to France.MOTTO: "My Hope is constant in Thee"
MACDONALD OF THE ISLES
Sponsored by Alistair & Diane McEachern The Macdonald clan is one of the oldest and most famous clan. They controlled much of western Scotland and the Isles. They made deals with the Crown, held their own parliament. After ravaging the lands of clan MacKenzie King James IV stripped the chief of his title. They fought loyally for the Jocobites and suffered the infamous "Massacre of Glencoe" at the hands of the Campbells, under King William III's orders. There are now 9 branches of the clan.MOTTO: "By Sea and by Land"
MACKINTOSH
Sponsored by Helen ParkerThe clan name comes from "Mac an Toisach- meaning son of the Chief. The founder of the clan was said to be a son of MacDuff, ancestor of the Earls of Fife whose lands were in Moray. The MacIntosh were the dominant clan in the Clan Chattan Confederation. They had frequent feuds with Earls of Moray and Huntly and the Clans of Cameron, MacDonnells of Keppoch and the Gordons. They supported Robert the Bruce in his battle for Scotland's independence and supported the Stewarts in the first Jacobite uprising in 1715. After defeat at the battle of Preston many clansmen were sent to the Americas. When Angus the 23rd Chief was with the black watch regiment, Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived to start the Jacobite uprising of 1745. While Angus was neutral or even pro English, his wife Anne (a Farquharson) called out to the clan and under her guidance a small group of MacIntosh, put over 1500 English soldiers to flight at the "Rout of Moy".MOTTO: "Touch not the Cat Bot a Glove (Touch not the Cat Without a Glove)"
MACKINNON
To honour Ranald McKinnon, Caledonia's founder The name came from the Gaelic :MacFhionwghain" or Son of Fingon a Great Grandson of the original Scottish King Kenneth McAlpine. They held lands in Mull and Skye and are closely connected to the Ecclesiastical history of Iona with John MacKinnon being the last abbot of the holy island in 1550, in the days when the Roman Catholic clergy could marry and raise a family. The MacKinnons strongly supported the Stewart Kings, fighting alongside Montrose at Inverlocky and Charles II at Worchester. They also supported the Stewards in 1715 at Sheriffmiur and again at Culloden in 1746. After the disaster at Culloden, the aging Chief Iain Og of the MacKinnons sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie after Flora MacDonald disguised Charlie as her maid and landed him in Skye. The MacKinnon Chief helped Charlie escape to Maillag on his gally and eventually to France. The name MacKinnon is prominent in Caledonia with Ranald McKinnon being credited with founding the village and serving as its first Reeve. He was also a prominent industrialist and developer in the 1800s in Halidmand. Ranald was a prominent supporter of the building of the first Presbyterian Church in 1849.MOTTO: "I Fortune Assists the Daring"
MACLAREN
Sponsored by Ann Laviolette The clan takes its name from Labhran a medieval Abbot of Achton where the family is still farming in the shadow of "The Boar's Rock". The clan established links to Loarn, son and successor to the Scots Kingdom of Dalriada. Unfortunately the powerful Campbell clan also stemmed from the same Loarn and manipulated the MacGregors to massacre the MacLarens at Balquhidder, so they could pick up their lands and possessions and dominate the MacLarens. Many MacLarens sought better luck serving in the French and Swedish armies becoming Barons in Sweden. The MacLarens supported the Jacobite cause in 1715 and 1745.MOTTO: "The Boar's Rock"
MACMILLAN
Sponsored by the Caledonia Presbyterian Women's Fellowship in honour of Ida MacMillan and the late Rev. A.N. McMillan, Minister of Caledonia Presbyterian Church. MacMillans's were believed to be Celts closely connected to the Celtic church and the name means "Son of One of who bore the tonsure of St. John." The Celtic priests shaved their hair over the front of the head rather than the roman manner of a ring around the crown. They were granted lands by the MacDonalds of the Isles around Knapdale. They also settled in Lochaber and in Galloway. They left lasting memories in the Round Tower Castle of Sween and a fine Celtic cross in the Church yard at Kilmory. The present seat of the Chief is Langbank or Finlaystone House in Renfrewshire.MOTTO: "I Learn to Succour the Unfortunate"
MACQUEEN
Sponsored by Chester Hyslop Originally from the West Highlands and Skye this clan appears to be a small sept of the MacDonalds. Also know as MacSween, they remained in Argyllshire at Castle Sween for many years. They later settled in MacIntosh country under Revan MacQueen and fought under the MacIntosh banner. They then settled in Strathdern and came into possession of lands in Corrybrough as septs of Clan Chattan.MOTTO: "Constant and Faithful"
MATHESON
Sponsored by John Eddy and Hazel The name is an anglicized version of either the Gaelic "MicMhathghamhuin","Son of the Bear", or MacMhathain, "Son of the Heroes" or "the Lowlands" derivation on "Son of Matthew". They were related to the larger MacKenzie clan and fought the Norsemen in the 13th century at the battle of Largs, assisting the Earl of Ross. They had lands around Lochalse in Ross and Cromarty and also around Shiness in Sutherland. The two families came together with the marriage of John of Lochalse and Margaret of Shiness. Their son Alexander made a fortune in the far east and returned to Scotland and purchased over 220,000 acres in Ross-Shire, while a relative James Matheson founded the mighty Hong Kong company of Jardine and Matheson with his fortune and Baronetcy from this, purchased all of the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides.MOTTO: "Do and Hope"
MURRAY OF ATHOLL
Sponsored by Allan and Jane Murray The clan takes its name from the ancient Pictish Kingdom of Moray and its members were designated as "Demoravia", from their Flemish ancestry, which in Lowland Scottish became Murray. The earliest branches were from Sutherland and Bothwell as well as an important Perthshire section which includes the Duke of Atholl as Chief of the Tullibardine branch. They acquired this title when Sir John Murray of Tullibardine's son married Dorothea Stewart, the last descendant of the Stewart Earls of Atholl and took over her estate of over 200,000 acres. Over the centuries they supported Wallace and Robert the Bruce in the fight for Scotland's independence from England. They strongly supported the Jacobite uprising of 1745 and Lord George Murray was the General in charge of Bonnie Prince Charlie's early successes. The Battle of Culloden was the last time the Atholl Highlanders went to war, but their ceremonial guard still has the unique honour of being the last private army in Europe.MOTTO: "Tout Pret (Quite Ready)"
ROBERTSON (Hunting)
Sponsored by John Reid & family The clan takes its name through "Stout" Duncan from the Earls of Atholl and his son Robert Riach, hence the Robertson name. They were loyal to the Stewart kings and fought at Culloden. In 1854, they moved to Jamaica for many years, but have since returned to Britain. Locally they pioneered in Oneida Township in the 1840s.MOTTO: "Glory is the Reward of Valour"
ROBERTSON (Dress)
Sponsored by Earl McConachie The clan takes its name through "Stout" Duncan, descended through the Earls of Atholl and his son Robert Riach (The Grizzled One) hence the Robertson name. This first Robertson won fame by capturing the murderers of King James I (including Sir Robert Graham) and was rewarded as the Baron of the lands of Struan in Tayside. They were always loyal to the Stewart Kings even supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden in 1746. After selling their estate in 1854 the chiefs lived in Jamaica for many years but have since returned to Britain. Septs of the Robertson clan include the Reids, Starks and McConachie's all early residents of Oneida Township.MOTTO: "I Glory is the Reward of Valour"
SINCLAIR TARTAN
Sponsored by Arthur Lyall The Sinclairs originated from Normandy as Saint Clairs and received a charter to lands of Hermanston near Haddington in 1162. The chiefs descended from Sir Wm. Sinclair, a sheriff of Edinburgh, who was granted the Barony of Rosslyn. A grandson and great-grandson were Earls of Orkney and Caithness. They lost the Earldom of Orkney when they had to sell the land to the Campbells to pay their debts. Later generations regained the land by an order of parliament.MOTTO: "Commit Thy Works to God"
STEWARTS OF ATHOLL TARTAN
Sponsored by Harold Cruickshank &family The Stewarts (also called Steward, Stuart and Steuart) descended from an Anglo-Norman Baron who came to be in charge of the lands and riches of the King; hence being known as the "Steward". The 6th Steward married Robert the Bruce's daughter and thus began the royal line. The Stewarts of Atholl descended from a son of Alexander Stewart. At one point, there being no male heirs, a daughter married into the Murray family and the Murray of Atholl began. There are a least 58 Stewart tartans. The pioneer Stewarts of Caledonia had several farms in Oneida Township and were involved in the building of Caledonia Presbyterian Church. One of their farms is now "Sundrim Golf Course".MOTTO: "Furth Fortune and Fill the Fetters"
STIRLING and BANNOCKBURN
Sponsored by George Stirling &family The Stirling family takes its name from the Town of Strivelin. Their great castle on the ridge to the north of the town of Keir is home to the Stirlings of Keir. Stirling Castle is famous as shown in the movie "Braveheart" and also for its proximity to the great battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Colonel David Stirling was knighted for his founding of the renowned Special Air Service in the Western Dessert in WWII. The Stirlings use a tartan created by the Stirling and Bannockburn Caledonia Society.MOTTO: "Gang Forward"