Scotland is a country of rich history. For instance, there are well over 2000 castles on what is a relatively small area of land. We have ancient historical sites dating back 5,000 years and a long recorded history of tribes, battles, rebellions, kings, queens and, of course, clans.

Throughout the latter part of our history Scots have travelled far and wide, often looking for more opportunity while escaping hardship at home. There are a few points where Scots left the island en masse, specifically during the highland clearances (a time when crofters and tenants were evicted from there land to give way to more profitable tenants - sheep), as well as during the Great Depression when even more Scots left looking for another home.

The amazing part is how the clan names have proliferated across the world as a result of this fleeing the homeland. People all over the world can celebrate their Scottish heritage as a result. With the rise of DNA testing more and more people are aware of their Scottish ancestry and actively looking to connect to that history. As a tour company that’s had visitors from the world over, we realise the importance of Scottish ancestry to many and we’ve often created Scotland trip itineraries based around discovering more about a client’s Scottish ancestors and what their clan name represents.

If you are interested in a private tour with an itinerary created around your Scottish ancestry, that get in touch with us here and we can started! You’ll find links to information on specific clans on our Private Scottish Clan Tour Page.

Map of Scottish Clans in Scotland — Scottish Clan Origins

Scottish clans, rooted in Gaelic heritage that’s over a thousand years old, offer a strong sense of kinship and shared history among the Scottish people. Recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon, these clans have official structures and often unique tartan patterns dating back to the 19th century.
It was Sir Walter Scott who played a significant role in popularising the idea of clans, each associated with a distinct tartan and specific territory. Tartan designs historically reflected the weaving traditions of Lowland and Highland regions, leading to clans adopting their district's tartan, creating a strong sense of community identification.
From the map you can see a distribution of clan names throughout Scotland. Of course, over the years clans have fought with each other, taken land, immigrated, been beaten back and otherwise displaced from their origins many, many times.

Big Scottish Clan Misconception

Many clans boast a clan chief, although those without are referred to as armigerous clans. These groups often associate with the geographical areas initially governed by their founders, sometimes with ancestral castles and clan gatherings as part of their social life. One of the most notable clan events in recent history was The Gathering 2009 in Edinburgh, attracting over 47,000 participants from around the globe. A common misconception is that everyone bearing a clan's name is a direct descendant of the chiefs. In reality, many clansmen who lacked blood ties to the chief adopted the chief's surname for reasons like solidarity, protection, or sustenance.

The ordinary clansmen's relationship with clan chiefs rarely involved blood kinship, but the use of the chief's surname became more common when surnames gained prominence in the 16th and 17th centuries. This eventually gave rise to the myth that an entire clan descended from one ancestor, likely stemming from the original Gaelic meaning of 'clann' as 'children' or 'offspring.' Approximately 30% of Scottish families maintain affiliations with clans, strengthening the cultural ties that have endured through generations.

Scottish Clan Crests

Wearing a crest badge is a symbolic display of allegiance to the clan chief. A clansman or clanswoman's crest badge features the chief's heraldic crest enclosed within a strap and buckle, which also bears the chief's heraldic motto or slogan. It's essential to clarify that while the term "clan crests" is often used, such a concept doesn't exist. In the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, heraldic coats of arms are granted to individuals, not clans. Only the chief possesses the rights to the heraldic crest and motto, making these badges unique to them. Although clansmen and clanswomen can acquire and wear crest badges to express their loyalty to their clan, they should ideally seek the clan chief's permission.

The tradition of Scottish crest badges, much like clan-specific tartans, is relatively modern and is strongly influenced by the romanticism of the Victorian era. These badges have been worn on bonnets since the 19th century. While the historical origins of clan badges or forms of identification are less clear, it is often mentioned that the original markers were specific plants worn in bonnets or attached to a pole or spear.

History of Clan Tartans

Historically, tartans held strong associations with Highland Clans. After the Dress Act of 1746, which banned the wearing of tartans by men and boys, the concept of "district then clan tartans" became a significant aspect of Scottish clans. Most Scottish clans are linked to multiple tartans associated with their surname. While there are no strict regulations regarding who can wear a specific tartan, and anyone can create and name a tartan, the authority to designate a clan's tartan as "official" lies with the clan chief.

Initially, tartans had no direct links to specific clans. Local weavers in the Highlands created various tartan designs, and the identification was primarily regional. However, the notion of clan-specific tartans gained prominence in the late 18th century. In 1815, the Highland Society of London initiated the naming of clan-specific tartans. Many clan tartans trace their origins to a 19th-century deception known as the Vestiarium Scoticum. This work was authored by the "Sobieski Stuarts" and falsely presented as a reproduction of an ancient manuscript containing clan tartans. Although it was later revealed as a forgery, the designs it introduced are still highly esteemed and effectively serve their purpose of identifying specific clans.

Regardless, they are worn and celebrated today as representations of Scottish clan history and pride. You’ll find many shops on the high street of Edinburgh selling various family tartans to Scots and visitors alike. And, why not? Meaning and significance change over time and clan tartans and crests are now well established representations of Scottish heritage, worn the world over.

If you’r interesting in learning the history behind your Scottish Clan heritage then you can check out the pages dedicated to specific clans or, if you’re planning a trip to Scotland, get in touch with us to start planning your personalised Scotland tour! Just click the picture below.