Tartans of the Red Thistle Dancers
Here's to it!
The fighting sheen of it,
The yellow, the green of it,
The white, the blue of it,
The swing, the hue of it,
The dark, the red of it,
Every thread of it!
The fair have sighed for it,
The brave have died for it,
Foemen sought for it,
Heroes fought for it,
Honour the name of it,
Drink to the fame of it -
THE TARTAN!
A Toast to the Tartan
Many different tartans are worn for our performances -- in the kilts for the men, and in the sashes or kilts for the ladies. See if your own family name, clan affiliation, regional, or favorite tartan is represented below. Click on any tartan for more details.
The Gents:
A branch of the larger Clan Stewart, Stuart of Bute takes its name from the gift of Robert Robert Stewart, who reigned as Robert II of Scotland, and gave to his younger son, John, the Isle of Bute, the Isle of Arran and the Isle of Cumbrae. The king conferred these lands into a county and made his son the sheriff.
The surname of Crawford is believed to be of Norman origin. The name is taken from the barony of the same name in Lanarkshire. The early names of all of the principal Crawford families are all Norman, however some scholars have asserted an Anglo-Danish ancestry. The Crawfords appear in a legendary incident when the king's life was saved from a stag and this led to the foundation of Holyrood Abbey. Motto: Tutum te robore reddam (I will give you safety by strength)
In Scottish Gaelic the name Macpherson is Mac a' Phersein which means son of the parson. The Celtic church allowed priests to marry and the progenitor of the chiefs of Clan Macpherson is believed to have been a man named Muireach or Murdo Cattenach who was the priest of Kingussie in Badenoch. Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove. The motto serves as a warning that one should beware when the wildcat's claws are 'without a glove'.
As Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, the surname Anderson, which means Son of Andrew, is commonly found throughout most of the country. Motto: Stand sure
In Scottish Gaelic the name Macpherson is Mac a' Phersein which means son of the parson. Motto: Touch not the cat bot (without) a glove.
The pattern was devised for the Musselburgh Riding of the Marches celebrations of 1956. Musselburgh is the largest settlement in East Lothian, Scotland, on the coast of the Firth of Forth.
Clan Donnachaidh, also known as Clan Robertson, is one of the oldest of all Scottish clans. Motto: Virtutis gloria merces (Glory is the reward of valour), War cry: Garg 'nuair dhùisgear (Fierce when roused)
Clan Kerr is a Scottish clan whose origins lie in the Scottish Borders. The name stems from the Old Norse kjrr which means marsh dweller, and came to Scotland from Normandy, the French settlement of the Norsemen. Motto: Sero sed serio (Late but in earnest)
The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Formed from six "watch" companies to patrol the Highlands of Scotland, this force was to be "employed in disarming the Highlanders, preventing depredations, bringing criminals to justice, and hindering rebels and attainted persons from inhabiting that part of the kingdom." Motto: Nemo Me Impune Lacessit ("No One Provokes Me With Impunity")
The Lindsays are descended from Danes who had come to England between the 6th and 9th centuries and are a Scottish Lowlands Clan. Motto: Endure fort (strongly or bravely)
Clan Gunn is a Scottish clan associated with northeastern Scotland, including Caithness and Sutherland and, arguably, the Orkney Islands. The Clan Gunn is one of the oldest Scottish Clans descended from the Norse Jarls of Orkney and the Pictish Mormaers of Caithness. Motto: Aut pax aut bellum (Either peace or war)
The term 'Jacobite' became the name for those who supported James VII after his deposition. The most famous Jacobite rebellion took place in 1745 when Charles Edward Stewart (aka 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and the 'Young Pretender'), James VII's grandson, led his Jacobite army to ultimate disaster at the Battle of Culloden (near Inverness, in the North of Scotland) in 1746.
Clan Gregor is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan's most famous member is the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. James VI of Scotland issued an edict in April 1603 that proclaimed the name of MacGregor as "altogidder abolisheed." This meant that anyone who bore the name must renounce it or suffer death. Motto: S rioghal mo dhream (Royal is my race), War Cry: "Ard Choille" (High Wood)
Clan Donald is a Highland Scottish clan and one of the largest Scottish clans. Gaelic tradition gives a major ancestor, Somerled, a Celtic descent in the male line, as the medieval Seanachies (Irish storytellers/historians) traced his lineage through a long line of ancestors back to the High Kings of Ireland, namely Colla Uais and Conn of the Hundred Battles. Motto: per mare per terras (by sea and land)
Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross, leaders of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly. Motto: Spem Successus Alit (Success Nourishes Hope)
Clan Fergusson, known as the Sons of Fergus, have spread across Scotland from as far as Ross-shire in the north to Dumfriesshire in the south. The Scottish Gaelic patronymic of Fergusson is MacFhaerghuis which can also be translated as son of the angry. Motto: Dulcius ex asperis (Sweeter after difficulties) War cry: "Clann Fhearghuis gu brath!" (Clan Fergus forever!)
The Holyrood tartan was designed to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century, and is a setting for state occasions and official entertaining.
Clan Carmichael is a Scottish clan which takes its name from the upper ward of the area with same name in Lanarkshire in which the Carmichaels have settled for almost eight hundred years. The lands of Carmichael were originally part of the Dougsdale territory that was granted to the Clan Douglas in 1321 by Robert the Bruce. Motto: Motto Toujour prest (Always ready)
East Kilbride is the largest town in South Lanarkshire in Scotland. It is also designated as Scotland's first new town on 6 May 1947. East Kilbride takes its name from an Irish saint, St Bride (or Brigit). The original parish church was located on the site of a pre-Christian sacred well, which is possibly the origin of the association with St. Brigit, since the well was dedicated to the Celtic goddess whose traditions the reverence of St. Brigit continued.
Clan Donald is a Highland Scottish clan and one of the largest Scottish clans. Gaelic tradition gives a major ancestor, Somerled, a Celtic descent in the male line, as the medieval Seanachies (Irish storytellers/historians) traced his lineage through a long line of ancestors back to the High Kings of Ireland, namely Colla Uais and Conn of the Hundred Battles. Motto: per mare per terras (by sea and land)
Clan Ramsay is a Lowland Scottish clan. In the eleventh century a ram in the sea is believed to have been an emblem on the seal of an abbey in Huntingdon. In 1124, David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon was accompanied by many young Norman noblemen, amongst whom may have been Symon de Ramesie, who was granted lands in Midlothian. Motto: Ora et labora (Pray and work)
Clan MacNeacail, sometimes known as Clan MacNicol, is a Scottish clan long associated with the Isle of Skye. Traditions states that, early in its history, the clan held the Isle of Lewis, as well as mainland lands. Further traditions, however, state that the clan lost its lands to the MacLeods of Lewis through the marriage of a MacNeacail heiress. Motto: Generositate (By generosity)
Designed by William Roeger & Hamish Bicknell. Hamish Bicknell has collected and worn kilts since 1949. With 99 kilts in his collection, and with the help of some friends, he had a special tartan designed for his 'centennial' kilt. Hamish is particularly fond of 'muted' and 'weathered' colour schemes, so the tartan was designed to reflect those tastes.
A modern tartan designed using Scotweb's online tartan designer by a gentleman in Chicago, Illionois, who was inspired by the memory of his mother's collection of African Violets. To date there are only two kilts in the world made from this tartan (both made by Barbara Tewksbury, author of "The Art of Kiltmaking").
Clan Cumming, also known as Clan Comyn, is a Scottish clan from the central Highlands. The Clan Comyn were once the most powerful family in Scotland until they were defeated in civil war by their rival to the Scottish throne, Robert the Bruce. Motto: Courage, Slogan An Cuimeanach! An Cuimeanach! (A Cumming! A Cumming!), War cry: Chad's bhios maide anns a' choill cha bhi foill an Cuimeanach ("So long as there is a stick in the wood, there will be no treachery in a Cumming.")
Clan Drummond is a Highland Scottish clan. East of Stirling is the parish of Drymen and its name appears to have been derived from the Scottish Gaelic, dromainn which means a ridge or high ground.[3] There is a traditional legend that states that the first nobleman to settle in Drymen was a Hungarian who accompanied Edgar Ætheling, heir to the English throne, on his escape from William the Conqueror and the Norman conquest of England. Motto: Vitutem coronat honos (Honour crowns vitue)
The Ladies:
Clan MacMillan supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence, but later supported the Lord of the Isles in opposition to the Scottish Crown. During the Jacobite rising of 1745 the clan was divided. The chiefs of Clan MacMillan descended from an ancient royal house as well as from the orders of the Celtic church.
Clan Stewart is a Lowland Scottish clan. The Stewarts who became monarchs of Scotland were descended from a family who were seneschals of Dol in Brittany, France. After the Norman conquest of England the Stewarts acquired estates in England. Walter Flaad or Walter fitz Alan, the Steward came to Scotland when David I of Scotland claimed his throne. It is from their office as Stewards that the surname Stewart came from. Motto: Virescit vulnere virtus (Courage grows strong at a wound)
The family is named from the district of the same name in southwest Scotland. A family of this name settled in Dunbartonshire in the early 16th century, while others appear on the east coast. The inhabitants of the area of Galloway were probably descendants of Englishmen, and apparently allied themselves with the invading Norsemen of the period, rather than with their fellow Scots in central and northern Scotland. Motto: Higher
Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. The surname Mackenzie in Scottish Gaelic is MacCoinneach which means son of the fair bright one. Motto: Luceo non uro (I shine not burn), Slogan: Tulach Àrd (The high hillock)
Clan Stewart of Appin (also known as "The Loyal Clan") is the West Highland branch of the Clan Stewart and have been a distinct clan since their establishment in the 15th century. The Stewarts of Appin are cousins to the Royal Stewart Monarchy. Motto: Quihidder Wil Zie (Whither will ye), War cry: Creag an Sgairbh ("The Cormorant's Rock")
Clan Stewart of Appin (also known as "The Loyal Clan") is the West Highland branch of the Clan Stewart and have been a distinct clan since their establishment in the 15th century. The Stewarts of Appin are cousins to the Royal Stewart Monarchy. Motto: Quihidder Wil Zie (Whither will ye), War cry: Creag an Sgairbh ("The Cormorant's Rock")
A place name tartan, the Isle of Skye tartan represents refers to the largest and most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Its history includes a time of Norse rule and a long period of domination by Clan MacLeod and Clan Donald.
The Cooper tartan is predominantly green, blue and pink. The Cooper or Couper name occurs in many guises in nearly every English-speaking county of Scotland and it is also common throughout England and elsewhere for its origin is largely derived from the occupation of barrel maker. In Scotland it may equally be of local origin in that some originated in or near the town of Cupar in Fife, or from the ancient settlement around the Abbey of Coupar in Angus.
The Cooper tartan is predominantly green, blue and pink. The Cooper or Couper name occurs in many guises in nearly every English-speaking county of Scotland and it is also common throughout England and elsewhere for its origin is largely derived from the occupation of barrel maker. In Scotland it may equally be of local origin in that some originated in or near the town of Cupar in Fife, or from the ancient settlement around the Abbey of Coupar in Angus.
Clan Donald is a Highland Scottish clan and one of the largest Scottish clans. Gaelic tradition gives a major ancestor, Somerled, a Celtic descent in the male line, as the medieval Seanachies (Irish storytellers/historians) traced his lineage through a long line of ancestors back to the High Kings of Ireland, namely Colla Uais and Conn of the Hundred Battles. Motto: per mare per terras (by sea and land)
The first Gordon on record is Richard of Gordon, said to have been the grandson of a famous knight who slew some monstrous animal in the Merse (marshland in the Scottish Borders, north of the Tweed River), during the time of King Malcolm III of Scotland. Motto Bydand (abiding, steadfast,or a contraction of the Scots phrase 'Bide and Fecht,' meaning to stand and fight), War Cry: An Gordonach ("A Gordon! A Gordon")
A place name tartan, which was designed by Roy Sheard to pay homage to the Somerset District, a county in South West England. Blue is the river at Chatworthy, Brown is the withies at Rhines, Black is the peat on Sedgemoor, Grey shows the colour of Glastonbury Abbey and Wells Cathedral, Pink represents the Cheddar Pinks which grow in the Cheddar Gorge, a favorite of Victorian visitors, and Green portrays the Quantock hills and the wilderness of Exmoor.
Clan Gunn is a Scottish clan associated with northeastern Scotland, including Caithness and Sutherland and, arguably, the Orkney Islands. The Clan Gunn is one of the oldest Scottish Clans descended from the Norse Jarls of Orkney and the Pictish Mormaers of Caithness. Motto: Aut pax aut bellum (Either peace or war)
The Clan MacLellan is a Lowland Scottish clan. It is derived from MacGille Fholain which means son of the servant of St Fillan. St Fillan was a missionary of the old church of Celtic Christianity. There is also a village in Perthshire named after him and the name Fillan is derived from faelchu which means wolf in the Celtic language. Motto: Think On
Clan Sutherland is a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional territory is the shire of Sutherland in the far north of Scotland. The progenitor of the Clan Sutherland was a Flemish nobleman by the name of Freskin, one of a ruthless group of warlords who were employed by the Norman kings to pacify their new realm after the Norman conquest of England. Motto: Sans Peur (Without Fear), Slogan: Ceann na Drochaide Bige! ("The Head of the Little Bridge"
The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Formed from six "watch" companies to patrol the Highlands of Scotland, this force was to be "employed in disarming the Highlanders, preventing depredations, bringing criminals to justice, and hindering rebels and attainted persons from inhabiting that part of the kingdom." Motto: Nemo Me Impune Lacessit ("No One Provokes Me With Impunity")
The Pride of Scotland is a tartan created to meet the demand for people across the globe that do not have their own tartan but have a desire to wear tartan. The original Modern Pride of Scotland tartan was designed to reflect the ‘Pride’ within the heart of the nation. The colors are indicative of all things Scottish. The blue and white represent the saltire - the national flag, the green and purple the splendor of the hills and glens.
Clan Stewart is a Lowland Scottish clan. The Stewarts who became monarchs of Scotland were descended from a family who were seneschals of Dol in Brittany, France. After the Norman conquest of England the Stewarts acquired estates in England. Walter Flaad or Walter fitz Alan, the Steward came to Scotland when David I of Scotland claimed his throne. It is from their office as Stewards that the surname Stewart came from. Motto: Virescit vulnere virtus (Courage grows strong at a wound)
Clan Stewart is a Lowland Scottish clan. The Stewarts who became monarchs of Scotland were descended from a family who were seneschals of Dol in Brittany, France. After the Norman conquest of England the Stewarts acquired estates in England. Walter Flaad or Walter fitz Alan, the Steward came to Scotland when David I of Scotland claimed his throne. It is from their office as Stewards that the surname Stewart came from. Motto: Virescit vulnere virtus (Courage grows strong at a wound)
The Douglases are an ancient clan or noble house from the Scottish Lowlands. Taking their name from Douglas in Lanarkshire, their leaders gained vast territories throughout the Borders, Angus, Lothian, Moray, and also in France and Sweden. Motto: Jamais arrière (Never behind), Tender and true, Forwards, Slogan: "A Douglas! A Douglas!"
Clan Gregor is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan's most famous member is the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. James VI of Scotland issued an edict in April 1603 that proclaimed the name of MacGregor as "altogidder abolisheed." This meant that anyone who bore the name must renounce it or suffer death. Motto: S rioghal mo dhream (Royal is my race), War Cry: "Ard Choille" (High Wood)