Clans and Tartans, by Charles Maclean, is a small but insightful introduction to the Scottish clans and the tartan’s they wore. In just a few short pages, the reader is introduced to “Scotland’s most enduring symbols.” This book introduces the origins of the clans and the importance and meaning tartans. The author also adds a couple of pages on tracing one’s ancestors.
According to the cover of the book: “The Highland clans were defiantly independent: they spoke a different language, were loyal to their own chiefs, and fiercely proud of their Name. Most distinctively, they wore, and have kept, their own traditional costume.” This book examines the leading clans.
For each clan there is a history along with an illustration for a swatch of the clans tartan colors. Illustrations were provided by David McAllister. Each name is given two pages. Each begins with the same three elements: the clan’s lands, the clan slogan, and plant badges.
Contents of the book:
The Origins of Clans and Tartans
Tracing Your Ancestors
family names and their tartans:
- Buchanan
- Cameron
- Campbell
- Fraser
- Gordon
- Grant
- Lamont
- Macdonald
- Macdougall
- Macgregor
- Macinnes
- Mackay
- Mackenzie
- Mackinnon
- Mackintosh
- Maclachlan
- Maclean
- Macleod
- Macnab
- Macneil
- Macpherson
- MacRae
- Munro
- Robertson
- Ross
- Stewart
For those with a Scottish heritage or who have a simple curiosity about clan history, Clans and Tartans can be obtained from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: PP916, Price: $9.75.