Colquhoun Tartans

Although now one of the most recognizable symbols of Scotland,

clan tartans are a relatively recent development. Historically, tartans were associated more closely with particular regions than with clans themselves. It was during the late 18th and early 19th centuries — and later through the influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — that tartans became formalised and widely adopted as clan identifiers.

The tartan of Clan Colquhoun is exceptionally well documented. It appears in early tartan collections and was formally certified by the Chief of Clan Colquhoun, bearing his seal and signature, in the archives of the Highland Society of London around 1816. The recognised sett was woven by Wilsons of Bannockburn at the beginning of the 19th century and is recorded in the firm’s pattern books dated 1819, placing it among the oldest recorded clan tartans.

Clan Colquhoun formally recognises only two official tartans:

• Ancient Colquhoun, the lighter-coloured version

• Modern Colquhoun

These are the only tartans formally associated with the Clan and recognised by the Chief.

While a weathered variation of the Colquhoun tartan does exist, it is a much more recent development, dating from the late 20th century. Although attractive — and worn by some, including the Chief himself — it is not currently recognised as an official Clan Colquhoun tartan.

Any other variations should be understood as modern interpretations and do not hold official or historical status within Clan Colquhoun.  See The Clan Chief Statement here