A Deep Dive into Scottish Clans, Tartans, and the Mighty Sporran
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Aug 18
- 6 min read
Introduction to Clans and Tartans
Scotland’s clans are legendary family groups, each with their own tartan – a distinctive plaid pattern that serves as a badge of identity. These tartans, made up of coloured stripes (the sett), symbolise clan heritage and pride. Historically, tartans were regional in nature, but by the 19th century specific patterns had become firmly linked to individual clans. Alongside tartans, clans are often associated with mottos (usually in Latin, French, or Gaelic) and crests that encapsulate their ethos.
Below, we explore a directory of major Scottish clans, highlighting their tartans, mottos, crests, geographic origins, and historical notes.
Directory of Major Scottish Clans and Tartans
Clan Stewart (Royal House of Stuart)
Motto: “Nemo me impune lacessit” – “No one attacks me with impunity.”
Crest: A royal crown.
Origins & Home: The House of Stewart (later Stuart) provided Scotland’s monarchs. Their famous Royal Stewart tartan – bold red with blue, green, and yellow stripes – became known as the personal tartan of the monarch in the 19th century. It remains the best-known tartan in the world and is a widely recognised symbol of Scotland and the Crown.
Historical Context: The Stewarts’ royal status made their tartan a national emblem. King George IV helped popularise it in 1822 during his visit to Edinburgh, and it has been associated with Scottish regiments and national dress ever since.oday it adorns royal regiments’ uniforms and countless souvenirs.
Clan MacLeod
Motto: “Hold Fast” – a phrase recalling a legendary chief’s grip on a charging bull.
Crest: A bull’s head.
Origins & Territory: The MacLeods trace their lineage to Leod, a 13th-century Norse-Gaelic leader who gained control of Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Lewis. The clan later split into MacLeod of Harris (Dunvegan) and MacLeod of Lewis branches.
Tartans: The MacLeod of Lewis tartan, nicknamed “Loud MacLeod,” is a striking yellow and black pattern with red accents. The MacLeod of Harris tartan, in contrast, is a more muted blue and green design.
Historical Notes: The MacLeods managed to stay in royal favour through turbulent times, fought for the Crown at Worcester in 1651, and largely avoided entanglement in the Jacobite risings. Their chiefs still reside at Dunvegan Castle, which has been in continuous family hands for 800 years.
Clan MacDonald (Clan Donald)
Motto: “Per mare per terras” – “By sea and by land.”
Crest: An armoured hand grasping a cross.
Origins & Lands: Clan Donald, descended from the 12th-century Lord of the Isles Somerled, once dominated the western seaboard of Scotland, from Lewis to Islay.
Tartans: The MacDonald tartans vary by branch. A hunting-style tartan in green and blue is common, while red-based tartans with green and yellow lines are associated with branches such as Clanranald.
Historical Context: The MacDonalds were often rivals to the Crown and other clans. Their role in the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 and their strong involvement in the Jacobite risings cemented their place in history as one of Scotland’s most influential clans.
Clan MacKenzie
Motto: “Luceo Non Uro” – “I shine, not burn.”
Crest: A mountain in flames.
Homelands: The MacKenzies held Ross-shire and controlled Eilean Donan Castle in Kintail from the 1200s. Their reach extended across the Highlands and into the Isle of Lewis.
Tartan: The MacKenzie tartan is a combination of dark blue and green with red and white stripes. It is famously similar to the tartan later worn by the Black Watch regiment.
Historical Notes: Loyal to the Scottish kings, the MacKenzies became Earls of Seaforth, although their support for the Jacobite cause saw them lose titles. Their chiefs played key roles in resisting Viking incursions, and Castle Leod in Strathpeffer remains tied to their heritage.
Clan Campbell
Motto: “Ne Obliviscaris” – “Forget Not.”
Crest: A boar’s head.Origins: The Campbells rose from Argyll in the western Highlands to become one of Scotland’s most powerful clans. Their chiefs became Earls and later Dukes of Argyll, seated at Inveraray Castle.
Tartan: The Campbell tartan is mainly dark blue and green. While the Black Watch sett is often associated with the clan, their own tartans feature additional yellow and white stripes.
Historical Highlights: The Campbells supported the Scottish Crown and often found themselves opposed to the MacDonalds. Their siding with the Government during the Jacobite uprisings secured their power but also deepened clan rivalries.
Clan Gordon
Motto: “Bydand” – “Abiding” or “Steadfast.”
Crest: A stag’s head with antlers.
Territory: Originally from the Lowlands, the Gordons were granted land in Aberdeenshire and became Marquises and Dukes of Huntly.
Tartan: The Gordon tartan is dark green and blue with bright yellow over-stripes. A hunting version without yellow is also common.
History in Brief: The Gordons were a dominant Highland dynasty, at times rebelling against the Crown, yet also serving it loyally. Their influence extended to the Gordon Highlanders regiment, where the tartan and motto were proudly worn.
Clan Buchanan
Motto: “Clarior Hinc Honos” – “Brighter hence the honour.”
Crest: A hand holding up a ducal cap within laurel branches.
Locale: The Buchanans settled in Stirlingshire around Loch Lomond, with lands dating back to the 11th century.
Tartan: The Buchanan tartan is famous for its bright yellow base with red, green, blue, and black, and an unusual asymmetric pattern. It is widely regarded as the most colourful tartan in Scotland.
Notable History: The clan supported Robert the Bruce and prospered after Bannockburn. The male line of chiefs ended in 1681, and the clan was without a chief until 2018, when a new one was appointed after 337 years.
Clan Douglas
Motto: “Jamais Arrière” – “Never behind.”
Crest: A green salamander in flames.
Seat & Influence: Clan Douglas was one of the most powerful Lowland families, based at Douglas Castle in Lanarkshire and Tantallon Castle in East Lothian.
Tartan: The Douglas tartan is subdued, with tones of black, white, grey, and sometimes green or blue – a dignified design reflecting the clan’s Lowland roots.
Historic Highlights: The Douglases were major players in medieval politics, often referred to as “Kingmakers.” Their power rivalled that of the Crown, leading to violent feuds and the downfall of their Black Douglas branch in the 15th century. The Red Douglas line fared better and retained influence into later centuries.
The Sporran: A Highland Essential
No discussion of kilts and tartans is complete without the sporran – that pouch worn at the front of the kilt. The word sporran comes from the Gaelic for “purse,” and its purpose is practical: traditional kilts have no pockets, so the sporran serves as a pouch for carrying essentials.
Early sporrans were simple leather bags, often closed with a drawstring. Over time, they evolved into highly decorative items of Highland dress. Today, there are several types:
Day sporrans – plain leather, practical for everyday wear.
Semi-dress sporrans – combining leather with some ornamentation.
Full-dress sporrans – larger, often covered in fur with silver cantles and long tassels, used for formal occasions.
The large “hairy” versions, often seen with pipers, are horsehair sporrans developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. They look dramatic and provide balance to the kilted outfit. Despite humorous comparisons, the sporran is worn at the front because it is both accessible and practical. Historically, Highland soldiers even carried oats in their sporrans as field rations.
In short, the sporran is not just decorative – it is both a functional accessory and a proud piece of Highland tradition.
From the bold reds of the Stewarts and MacDonalds to the vivid yellows of the Buchanans and the dark greens of the Gordons, Scottish tartans weave together centuries of history, geography, and identity. Each pattern tells a story of land, values, and allegiance. Along with clan mottos and crests, tartans remain a living legacy of Scotland’s past.
Whether worn at a Highland wedding, a clan gathering, or simply admired in design, these patterns continue to embody pride, tradition, and resilience. And should you don a kilt, remember the sporran – not only as a practical purse, but as a vital part of Scotland’s cultural heritage.
Comments