Scottish Clans
Chattan Tartans & Clan
Clan Chattan are unique in history in that they were a community or confederation of twelve separate clans, each clan had their own clan chief but were united and are bound to a superior chief of the confederation.
Who Wears Chattan 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.
- Cameron
- Cattanach
- Clark
- Davidson
- Farquharson
- Gillespie
- Keith
- MacBean
- MacClurg
- MacClurgs
- MacGillivray
- MacGlashan
- MacHardie
- MacIntyres in Badenoch
- Mackintosh
- Maclean of Dochgarroch
- MacPhail
- Macpherson
- MacQueens of Strathdearn
- MacThomas
- Noble
- Shaw
- Smith
Chattan Tartans
1 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
Chattan Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Chattan
How it all started
TERRITORIES
The earliest known Clan Chattan records suggest that they claimed territory in the lands of Glen Loy and Loch Arkaig in Lochaber during the reign of King Malcolm II of Scotland, all the way back in the 11th century!
It seems that the family remained in this area for hundreds of years, establishing their clan seat at Tor Castle, and gaining a feared yet respected reputation.
Their bravery and drive also helped them to acquire a number of other territories. For example, Angus the 6th Chief of Clan Chattan fought alongside the famous Robert of Bruce and was rewarded for his service in 1319 with lands at Badenoch.
The family continued to expand across Scotland using a mixture of brute strength, charm, and cunning, until their territory stretched from Laggan in Inverness-shire to the Upper Spey Valley!
Clan Chief
Hundreds of years ago, the Lord Lyon pronounced that the Chief of Clan Mackintosh would also act as the Chief of Clan Chattan, an arrangement that endures to this day. John Lachlan Mackintosh has been the current chief since 1995. He lives in Singapore and works as a history teacher, perhaps inspired by his own fascinating heritage!
Where does the name Chattan come from?
There are a number of fascinating theories on how the great Clan Chattan gained their name. One of the most popular suggests that they inherited it from the Catti, a tribe of displaced Gauls who had been exiled by the Romans. Another poses that they took the name from the lands of Catav in Sutherland. The most widely accepted, however, is that the family descended from the legendary Gillichattan Mor, esteemed servant of St Cattan.
Tor Castle
In the 11th century Tor Castle became the seat of the chiefs of Clan Chattan, with the early keep most likely built by Alasdair Carrach, from the Keppoch branch of the Macdonalds. From then on the Castle was the bounty fought over by the Camerons and Chattans (Mackintosh) with the fight for ownership of the lands of Glenloy and Loch Arkaig lasting 350 years! It was deemed worth fighting for due to its strong position above the river Lochy. Finally in 1528 James V granted the Camerons legal possession through a charter of land.
A Clan Confederation
Clan Chattan is technically more of a confederation or alliance of families than a singular clan. Up until the 14th century, it seems that the Chattans had a more conventional set-up, although this early history is quite murky and mysterious.
After this however, they forged links with numerous fellow clans: the Davidsons, Farquharsons, MacBeans, MacGillivrays, MacIntyres in Badenoch, Mackintoshes, Macleans of Dochgarroch, MacPhails, Macphersons, MacQueens of Strathdearn, Shaws and MacThomases. They stood in solidarity with each other and used their great strength in numbers to garner a massive amount of power.
It seems that great effort was put into maintaining the success of the confederation of 12 clans. When it became clear that cracks were starting to show, and the MacPhersons in particular were feeling restless and dissatisfied, William Mackintosh of Benchar was quick to take action. In 1609, he called a gathering of all the families, and the leader of each group swore a renewed oath of union and loyalty to the Chattan alliance.
Do Clan Chattan have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge is extremely significant for clan members as it is worn to show loyalty and belonging within the family.
In medieval society, men would attach a sprig of their clan’s plant to their cap, while women would fasten foliage to their sashes at the shoulder.
Clan Chattan’s plant badge is the Red Whortleberry, which grows abundantly in forests, on moorlands, and across the hills of the clan’s territory.
It flowers from May to August, then from October onwards, it produces a striking red berry.
This eye-catching plant has long held an important spot in Celtic symbolism, and is said to represent endurance, resilience, and an impressive ability to thrive in harsh climates. Perfect for the hardy Clan Chattan!
Fighting for their Beliefs
Clan Chattan have always been willing to fight for their beliefs, even when it brings harm their way. In the 1715 and 1745 uprisings, the Chattans sided with the Stuarts, and consequently suffered greatly. Many Chattan men were captured or killed at the Battle of Preston and even the Mackintosh chief was imprisoned.
Do Clan Chattan have a Clan Crest?
Clan members wear or display their clan crest as a way to proclaim their loyalty and dedication to the family. The Chattan crest is a simple but striking one! It is described as ‘a cat salient, proper’ meaning it shows a cat leaping up with its forelegs in the air, in the centre of a belt which is emblazoned with the clan motto ‘Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove.’
Do Clan Chattan have a Society?
If you would like to connect with your fellow Chattans across the globe, you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a thriving Clan Chattan Association!
The society has a long and winding history, with the first group being established all the way back in 1727! The second was founded in 1893 in Glasgow, but sadly shut down around 1900. The third variation was launched in 1933 and continues to flourish to this day, having attracted members from countless different countries.
The Association aims to ‘encourage and maintain interest in the history and traditions of the Clan’ and ‘extend knowledge of the Clan throughout the world,’ and they certainly seem to be succeeding.
A group of talented council members produce an annual magazine called ‘Touch Not’ which is packed full with Chattan news and history and helps to connect members with their clan peers.
The group also regularly attends significant clan events, including the Annual Culloden Memorial service and the Inverness Highland Games.
If you have any Chattan heritage, or a special interest in the family, please visit the Association’s website to learn more, including how to join!
Are Clan Chattan connected to a Loch?
Clan Chattan set up home by the shores of Loch Arkaig all the way back in the 11th century. Situated between Fort William and Inverness, Arkaig is bordered by mountains and woodlands. In fact, the loch is blessed with one of the last remaining areas of native Caledonian pinewood in the UK!
The area is also rich with animals and wildlife, with pine martens, badgers, red deer, red squirrel, and wild boar often being spotted. Bird watchers have even reported seeing golden eagles swooping over the water!
There may also be a slightly more mysterious resident lurking in the depths of this idyllic beauty spot. Locals have long sworn by the existence of a mythical ‘water horse’ - perhaps a distant cousin of Nessie’s!
Image credit: Angela Mudge, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Chattan have a War Cry?
Clan Chattan has one of the best, and most intimidating, mottos we have come across so far!
The enigmatic saying goes ‘Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove.’ ‘Bot’ means without and the ‘glove’ references the padded paw of a wildcat.
The motto means to evoke the image of a cat without its' soft paw or ‘glove’, and instead with its sharp, fearsome claws unsheathed and ready to attack.
This threatening warning is very fitting for the notoriously bloodthirsty Clan Chattan.
It’s also impressive to see their commitment to theme, as cats feature heavily and repeatedly in their symbolism, from this menacing war cry, to their arresting crest!
Clan Battles
Clan Chattan was notoriously fierce, never missing an opportunity to defend their name, territory, and values.
One such instance was the infamous Battle of Invernahavon, fought between Clan Chattan and Clan Cameron in the late 1300s.
These 2 families had been in heavy dispute for years over the lands of Loch Arkaig when the Camerons made a decisive move raiding the Chattan territory of Badenoch with an army of over 400 men.
The Chattans were incensed and intercepted the Camerons at Invernahavon on their way home. Unfortunately, however, a clash within the group meant the battle did not start well for them.
Supposedly, the MacPhersons were offended that the Davidsons had been chosen to command the right wing of the force instead of themselves, so they stormed away from the field in anger. This left the Chattans outnumbered and struggling to keep up with the Camerons.
Fortunately, one wise Chattan pursued the MacPhersons and persuaded them to come back by invoking the clan code of conduct, suggesting that it would be unacceptable cowardice to abandon a battle.
With their return, the Chattans immediately gained ground on the Camerons, managing to take back their stolen goods, and force the army to retreat westwards towards the River Treig.
The dispute between the Chattans and Camerons would continue to rage for many years, but Clan Chattan had won this time!
Image credit: © Stanley Howe (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Do Clan Chattan have a Tartan?
Clan Chattan’s tartan features a beautiful mix of oranges, greens, yellows, and reds, and is perfect if you like a traditional, muted look.
Here at ScotlandShop, we stock the ‘Chattan Clan Ancient’ variety, and offer it in a wide range of different clothes, accessories, and fabrics!
Owning your very own Chattan tartan is a great way to connect with your heritage, as well as your clan kin, and we have plenty of options to offer you. Perhaps you have a big event coming up and could do with a new dress? Or maybe you are looking to do some interior design and could make use of some trendy tartan curtains! We’re sure you’ll find the perfection option for you.
Clan chattan
Famous Faces
Clan Chattan have always been known for their fearsome drive and power, and many of their descendants seem to have inherited these traits by the bucket load.
Read our blog to find out more about some of the Famous Faces of Clan Chattan!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Chattan
Learn about some theories about the clan’s name origin, their plant badge, when they date back to and more.
The Castles of Clan Chattan
Clan Chattan and its branches have owned many grand castles and buildings over the years, each complete with ghost stories, clan feuds, and fascinating histories befitting of their noble owners. Read the blog to find out more!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan Chattan
This month we are delving into all things Clan Chattan!
Join John and Carrie as they explore the clan’s origins, the history of the clan’s hereditary seat and the youngest ever Hollywood director.
Clan chattan
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Chattan? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Chattan Clan Knowledge now!
Mobile Phone Backgrounds
Swipe to view
As part of our Clan of the Month celebrations, we produce different mobile phone wallpapers so you can celebrate your Chattan heritage every time you pick up a call.
- Select your preferred image from the four above. Press on the image and a pop up will appear. Select download image.
- Open the image in the photos app on your phone and set as your new background.
- Ta-da, you have a bright and shiny new Scottish wallpaper for your phone!
Clan Motto: Touch not the cat bot a glove.
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