Scottish Clans
Armstrong Tartans & Clan
Who Wears Armstrong Tartan? - Associated Names
First of all to explain why there are so many tartans, way over 2000 in fact. There are an awful lot of Scottish clans to start with and on top of this each clan can have many different tartans and names associated with it.
- Armstrang
- Armestrang
- Armystrang
- Crosar
- Crosier
- Crozier
- Crozer
- Fairbairn
- Fortenbras
- Grozier
- Harmestrange
- Nixon
- Kinmont
Armstrong Tartans
2 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
Helpful Advice
Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Helpful Advice
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
Helpful Advice
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the start
Armstrong Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Armstrong
How it all started
Territories
The Armstrong Clan were border reivers, residing in communities along the Anglo-Scottish border. They were accustomed to near-constant turmoil as both sides battled for control in an almost 300-year long war, spanning from the late 13th century up until the early 17th century.
More specifically, The Parishes of Canobie and Kirk Andrews changed hands frequently between the Scottish and the English, forming a 7,400-acre area that came to be known as the ‘Debatable Land.’ The Armstrong's lived in and around the Debatable Land, situated around 80 miles south of Edinburgh, and 10 miles north of Carlisle. They were known to be fearsome warriors and used this formidable strength to gain power, not only over the English, but also opposing Scottish Clans. They ruled the greater part of Liddesdale and later also took over Eskdale and Annandale.
Clan Chief
Clan Armstrong is an Armigerous Clan, which means that they are registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon, but do not currently have a chief. The last known chief was Archibald Armstrong of Mangerton, who was hanged around 1610 on the order of King James VI.
Where does the name Armstrong come from?
The name Armstrong is a variation of the Norman name Fortinbras. Legend has it that it originates with a tale worthy of the clan’s formidable reputation.
The story goes that a Fairbairn, an armour bearer to the King of Scotland, was riding into battle when the King was suddenly unseated and thrown from his horse. The Fairburn is said to have then heroically lifted the King back onto his horse using just one arm. Supposedly, the King was so impressed that he thanked him by granting lands in Liddesdale and bestowing on him the name of Armstrong, to honour the great strength he had shown in combat.
Gilnockie Tower
Home to the notorious Border Reiver, Johnie Armstrang of Gilnockie, this fine example of a Scottish peel tower is over 500 years old and boasts that the stone in the entrance hall is 2000 years old. Hanged by a Scottish King, King James V in 1530, Johnie's story is told by Walter Scott in "the Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border".
Do Clan Armstrong's have any Royal Connections?
Clan Armstrong has some impressive royal connections; the family is said to be related by marriage to both Duncan, King of Scots, and William the Conqueror!
Do Armstrong have a Clan Society?
If you are a descendant of Clan Armstrong, you are lucky enough to have a thriving and well-established society you can join to learn more about your heritage and connect with other members. The Armstrong Clan Association was formed by Ted and Judy Armstrong on the 21st of July 1969, the night of the first moon landing. The Association hold extensive genealogical records and collaborate with genetic specialists and historic researchers to build a deeper understanding of the Clan’s origins. They also help members discover their Armstrong roots.
Are Armstrong a fighting clan?
Fighting was a skill instilled and nurtured from birth for Armstrong children. When a baby boy was christened, his right hand would be left out of the ceremony so he could grow up to ‘strike unhallowed blows’ on anyone who crossed him.
What is featured on the Armstrong Clan Crest?
The Armstrong crest functioned as a symbol of allegiance used by clan members to show loyalty to their chief and to each other. It features an arm from the shoulder, set against a strap and buckle. The hand forms a fist raised in a sign of pride, strength, and perhaps warning to opponents – an effective visual reminder of the Armstrong's fearsome reputation. The crest is framed by the clan’s motto, ‘Invictus maneo’, which is Latin for ‘I remain unvanquished.’
Lunar links
Clan Armstrong were the first clan on the moon thanks to Neil Armstrong. In March 1974, this famous astronaut returned to his roots, was declared a Freeman of Langholm and climbed to the top of Gilnockie Tower for a view over his ancestors lands. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing and also the restoration of Gilnockie Tower.
Do Armstrong have a plant badge?
The Armstrong Clan’s plant badge is thought to be wild thyme. The word thyme derives from the Greek for ‘strength’ or ‘courage,’ and the plant itself had a key role to play in combat, as it was used as a natural antiseptic to soothe wounds suffered on the battlefield. A fitting choice for a clan of such powerful and notorious warriors!
Do Armstrong have a coat of Arms?
A coat of arms is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to a certain family or clan. The Armstrong Arms is described as argent three pallets azure, meaning three blue vertical stripes against a white shield.
Do Clan Armstrong have any links to land in Scotland?
The clan have links to parts of the 'Debatable lands'. Above the Debatable Land, to the west of Liddesdale, is a wild and largely uninhabited stretch of moorland called Tarras Moss. This desolate common may look uninviting and bleak, but it served the Armstrong clan well, functioning as an unlikely place of refuge. When disgruntled authorities grew tired of the reivers constant plundering and sought to punish them, the Armstrong's would retreat into Tarras Moss, confident that their knowledge of the land far outweighed that of the king’s men who had been sent to find them.
On one such occasion, the Armstrong's wickedly outsmarted Sir Richard Carey, the Warden of the English West March. Carey was determined to subdue the clan and rode into Liddesdale with many men and a great deal of force. On his arrival, the Armstrong's withdrew into Tarras Moss, bringing their families and belongings with them. Carey, however, was resolved to win this battle, so he stationed his men at all known exits to the Moss, convinced that nobody would be able to leave without him knowing. As the days wore on, Carey’s supplies grew lower and lower, and he found it impossible to buy meat locally as all the livestock had very recently mysteriously disappeared…Eventually, some friendly locals approached him and offered to sell him some high-quality beef.
He accepted their offer gladly, pleased to be able to carry on the siege for a while longer. Little did he know, he had just been tricked into purchasing his own livestock! A group of Armstrong's had easily escaped the Moss without detection, slipping past Carey’s men completely unnoticed. They made their way to Carey’s home in England, and found his cattle unguarded, an easy target and the perfect revenge!
What is Clan Armstrong's Pipe Music?
Clan Armstrong and their fearsome bunch of border reivers have long captured the imagination of writers, composers and musicians. Their exploits have been immortalised in countless songs, poems and ballads, although perhaps one of the most famous is the Ballad of Johnnie Armstrong, which was revived by Sir Walter Scott. It tells the tale of the murder of a notorious reiver at the hands of King James the 5th. The ballad relays that the King invited Johnnie Armstrong to court, promising him safety, but betrayed him once he arrived, attacking and killing him and all his men. It is a testament to the power of Clan Armstrong that even the King himself felt threatened by their influence.
Clan Armstrong Conflicts
The Armstrong Clan were notorious warriors, who at one time could put 3000 men in the saddle. They frequently plundered and pillaged, exerting control over both their English opponents, and other Scottish clans. Most notably, however, they were fiercely loyal to one another, often riding into battle to support their fellow clan members. A great example of this is the tale of Kinmont Willie of Stark.
Willie was a widely respected and feared reiver, who was infamous for crossing the border into England and raiding thousands of sheep and cattle at a time, bringing them home to feed his family and clan. One day however, luck failed him, and he was unfairly caught by the English and imprisoned in Carlisle Castle, on what was supposed to be a day of truce. A fellow reiver and Armstrong, Scott of Buccleuch was outraged to hear this, and immediately swore to rescue Willie. He led a daring and fearless mission and succeeded in breaking Willie free from the Castle and bringing him back home to Scotland.
Armstrong's Cavalry
It is said that in 1528, the Armstrong's could assemble 3000 armed horsemen ready for combat at very short notice.
Do Clan Armstrong have a tartan?
Yes, the Armstrong tartan is mostly green and navy, striped with red and black lines. We have many items you can choose from, from flat caps to kilts to brogues, so you’re sure to find the perfect piece to help you connect with your reiver ancestors! We stock Armstrong tartans in both the modern and the ancient variation.
Armstrong's Fighting Skills
Fighting was a skill instilled and nurtured from birth for Armstrong children. When a baby boy was christened, his right hand would be left out of the ceremony so he could grow up to ‘strike unhallowed blows’ on anyone who crossed him.
Clan Armstrong
Tartan Poll
With 2 great tartan variants to choose from, the Armstrong Clan have a tricky choice to make. But which is your favourite Armstrong Clan Tartan? Vote now!
Clan Armstrong
Famous Faces
What do a medieval king, the first man on the moon, and an OBE winning Five Nations champion have in common? Find out in our latest blog, the Famous Faces of Clan Armstrong.
The Castles of Clan Armstrong
Clan Armstrong once controlled much of the 'Debatable Lands' along the Anglo-Scottish Borders, and a number of their strongholds are still standing to this day.
One that really caught our attention is Hermitage Castle near Newcastleton in Roxburghshire. Nestled in a lonely spot in the hills above Langholme , it makes for an eerie sight, fitting of it's grisly past! Read our blog to discover the haunting tale of an evil Norman knight, a kidnapped Armstrong maid, and a thrilling revenge plot.
Top 5 Facts on Clan Armstrong
Learn about the origin of the Armstrong name, the clan plant badge and the link between the clan and the moon. Find out about their fighting nature and their brave battle skills. This is a great Border Reiver clan!
Clan Armstrong
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Armstrong? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Armstrong Clan Knowledge now!
Clan Motto: Invictus Maneo (I remain unvanquished)
Explore More...
