Clan Primary Image Burnett

Scottish Clans

Burnett Tartans & Clan

The Burnett family is an illustrious Scottish family, with history going back to before the Norman Conquest, an ancient coat-of-arms and a record of many distinguished members in the church, in letters, in the law and in the military.

Clan Motto Virescit Vulnere Virtus (Courage Flourishes at a Wound)

Who Wears Burnett 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.

  • Birnett
  • Birnet
  • Blackhall
  • Bornat
  • Bornet
  • Burnaitt
  • Burnap
  • Burnat
  • Burnett
  • Burnate
  • MacBurnet

Shop Burnett Tartans & Clan From Curtains to Clothing, use the filters below to navigate through everything we offer in Burnett Tartans

Burnett Tartans

3 variations

Each 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.

Clan Origin Primary Image Burnett

From the start

Burnett Clan Origins & History

Burnettchief

Explore the history of Burnett

How it all started

Territories

Crathes Castle is the historical seat of the Burnetts, and is part of the Leys Estate.

Clan Chief

In the 12th century, the Burnards, an earlier iteration of Clan Burnett, were given the large barony of Farningdoun / Farnington in Roxburghshire, under a new system of landholding instigated by King David I.

As they became established in the area, they came to be known as ‘the Burnetts of Barns’ and the family became associated with the lands of Burnetland and Barns.
However, the adventurous Burnetts were not content to stay in just one area; they took the first opportunity they could to expand their territory and explore new lands.

Alexander Burnett travelled Scotland supporting Robert the Bruce in battle and was richly rewarded with land on the banks of the River Dee, in the parish of Banchory Ternan, west of Aberdeen. He was also given the prestigious title of forester of the royal Forest of Drum.
As his badge of office, he received the "Horn of Leys", a carved ivory horn, decorated with medal badges and precious stones. To this day, the Horn belongs to the Burnetts and can be seen at the clan seat, Crathes Castles!

Where does the name Burnett come from?

There is some debate around the origin of the name ‘Burnett,’ but it seems probable that it originated as a variant of ‘Burnard’ or ‘Bernard’ which itself came from the Old English name ‘Beornheard,’ meaning ‘bear hand’ or ‘brave warrior.’

The Bernards came to Scotland from England in the 12th century and settled in the south, where some remained and became known as the Burnett’s of Barns.
However, an adventurous spirit prompted some of the clan to travel further afield to Kincardineshire, in the northeast of Scotland, where they established themselves as the Burnett’s of Leys.

Kemnay House Clan Burnett

Home to the Burnett family for over 300 years

If you have been lucky enough to attend one of the Burnett Gatherings over the years you may well have visited Kemnay House. Characterised by beautiful twisting turretts this fine example of Scottish architecture is full of historical information and artefacts gathered by the Burnett's and private tours can be arranged. The estate itself is testament to a tree loving Burnett, George, who planted quite a collection in the 18th century.

Burnards (the name later evolved to Burnett) were given the large barony of Farningdoun / Farnington in Roxburghshire, not far from the ScotlandShop HQ, under a new system of land-holding instigated by King David I, and in this area the name evolved to Burnet with the family associated with the lands of Burnetland and Barns.

Clan Origin Location Image Burnett

Crathes Castle

The Burnett ancestral home is at Crathes Castle, on the north of the Dee in Kincardineshire. Legend has it that the Castle is haunted by the vengeful ghost of Bertha de Bernard. The story goes that Bertha visited the Castle and fell in love at first sight with one of her cousins. Unfortunately, however, the man was already betrothed to a daughter of the Duke of Hamilton, chief of Clan Hamilton. His mother, Lady Agnes Burnett would not allow a marriage into such a powerful Scottish family to be jeopardised, so she sent her son away to England. Bertha died in suspicious circumstances soon after; it was suspected that Lady Agnes had poisoned her. When Bertha's father returned to hear of his daughter's death, he cursed the family and since then, a 'White Lady' has haunted Crathes, seeking revenge, or perhaps searching for her long-lost love.

The Burnett family is an illustrious Scottish family, with history going back to before the Norman Conquest, an ancient coat-of-arms and a record of many distinguished members in the church, in letters, in the law and in the military. The Coat of Arms of the Burnetts of Leys contains a Hunting Horn and three Holly Leaves.

Holly

Do Clan Burnett have a plant badge?

The Burnett family plant is holly, which has an illustrious history in symbolism and mythology!
The holly tree is highly sacred in Celtic mythology and was said to represent peace and protection. Its protective qualities were believed to be so strong that it was even planted outside of homes to protect the inhabitants against lightning strikes!
Clan Chiefs often wore crowns of holly in the hopes that it would bring them luck, and that the plant would shield them from harm.

Burnett Family in the Military

The family has a long history of great military tradition. The 7th Baronet served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers in the American Revolutionary War, and was taken prisoner following the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.

Burnett Clan Crest

Do Clan Burnett have a Clan Crest?

The Burnett crest features an arm reaching up with the hand holding a pruning knife. The knife is being used to prune a vine tree, with bunches of grapes hanging from the branches. The crest is surrounded by the Burnett motto ‘‘Virescit Vulnere Virtus.’

Crannog at Loch of Leys

What happened to Loch Leys?

To the north of the village of Banchory, you could once find the Loch of Leys. In the centre of the loch was a crannog, or artificial island, which had been a place of refuge for centuries. For the first 200 years of the Burnetts’ residence in the area, starting in the early 1300s, this crannog was the site of the family’s main stronghold.
The loch was drained in 1850, but there is some surviving walling from one of the early Burnett homes left on the crannog. There is also an abundance of vegetation and wildlife at the site, so while the loch itself is sadly long gone, there is nonetheless plenty to see and enjoy even today!

Burnett Family Disputes

The family had no trouble fighting their own personal battles! In a land dispute between the Burnetts and a nearby Laird, the Burnetts asked their local priest, Father Ambrose, to assist with negotiations. However, Ambrose refused, incensing the Burnett family. In retaliation, they denied the monks fishing rights in the Loch of Leys, prompting the monks to curse the family. This caused even more bad blood between the two parties, and the Burnetts attempted to drain the loch, to ensure that their adversaries could not benefit from use of their land at all. However, a truce was reached, and the two sides reconciled before this mammoth task could be completed!

Burnetts at the Battle of Bannockburn

Burnetts at the Battle of Bannockburn

It is clear to see that the Burnetts have a true fighting spirit.Many Burnett men fought alongside Robert the Bruce, helping to free Scotland from English rule, most notably in the legendary Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Burnettt society

Do Clan Burnett have a Society?

If you would like to connect with your heritage, you’ll be happy to hear that there is an international Burnett society, ‘The House of Burnett,’ which is extremely active in engaging members and promoting Scottish culture and history!
The society hosts Burnett gatherings, assists with genealogical research, performs charity work, and invests in property across the world that has links to the Burnett family.

To find out more, visit the US website.

Major Burnett

Major General Sir James Burnett of Leys

Major General Sir James Burnett of Leys, thirteenth Baronet, commanded a brigade of Gordon Highlanders in World War One. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order twice, as well as the French Legion of Honour.

Burnett Swatches

Do Clan Burnett have a Tartan?

The Burnett tartan is mainly red and green, intercut with orange and blue lines. We stock the modern, ancient, and weathered varieties, so there’s something to suit everyone! The modern is perfect if you like a bold, vibrant look, whereas the ancient and weathered feature beautiful, faded tones, evocative of a much loved and worn piece.

Burnett of Leys clan crest

Do Clan Burnett have a Coat of Arms?

The Burnett arms are described as ‘argent, three holly leaves in chief Vert, a hunting horn in base Sable, garnished Or, stringed Gules.’
This means that the arms are white, and feature three green holly leaves at the top and a gold trimmed hunting horn at the bottom, held by a red ribbon.

This eye catching design combines various symbols that hold significance to the family. As holly is the Burnett’s traditional plant, this was probably intended to bring protection and good fortune, while the hunting horn calls back to the great honour Alexander Burnett was granted when he was named Forester of the royal Forest of Drum by Robert the Bruce.

Mark burnett 2023 08 01 090738 lrxe

Clan Burnett

Famous Faces

Mark Burnett is a TV producer, famous for creating and producing a number of extremely popular reality shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice, and The Voice.

He was born on the 17th of July 1960 in London and was raised in Dagenham, Essex. At the age of 17, he followed a long-standing Burnett custom, and enlisted in the British Army. He quickly became a Section Commander in the Parachute Regiment.

Find out more about Mark and some more famous Burnetts on our tartan blog.

Burnett Tartan Poll 2

Clan Burnett

Tartan Poll

With 3 tartan variants to choose from, the Burnett Clan have a great variation of choice . But which is your favourite Burnett Clan Tartan? Vote now!

Top 5 Facts

We have collected 5 interesting facts about Clan Burnett! Learn where the Burnett name came from, their plant badge and the grand Crathes Castle. Find out the link between the clans motto and Mary Queen of Scots.

Clan Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus (Courage Flourishes at a Wound) but is perhaps better translated as ‘virtue flourishes with misfortune.’

It is thought to have originated with Mary Queen of Scots, who embroidered the phrase onto some material as an act of small yet striking rebellion during her imprisonment by Elizabeth I of England.


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