Scottish Clans
Farquharson Tartans & Clan
It is thought that the progenitor of the family was Farquhar, the 4th son of Alexander "Ciar" Mackintosh of Rothiemurchus (the 5th Chief of Clan Shaw), who settled in the Braes of Mar, near the source of the River Dee.
Who Wears Farquharson 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.
- Archer
- Barrie
- Bowman
- Brebner
- Bremner
- Bryant
- Carracher
- Christie
- Christison
- Christy
- Coates
- Coats
- Coutts
- Cromar
- Farquhar
- Ferries
- Findlay
- Findlayson
- Findlaison
- Findley
- Finlay
- Findlay
- Finlayson
- Finley
- Gracie
- Grassick
- Greusach
- Hardie
- Hardy
- Herald
- Kellas
- Kerracher
- Leys
- Lion
- Lyon
- MacArtney
- MacGaig
- MacCartney
- MacCraig
- MacCuaig
- MacEaracher
- MacErcher
- MacErracher
- MacFarquhar
- MacFerchar
- MacHardie
- MacHardy
- MacKerchar
- MacKerracher
- MacKindlay
- MacKinlay
- MacKinley
- MacWade
- McKinley
- Paterson
- Patterson
- Pattison
- Reaich
- Reoch
- Riach
- Souders
- Soutter
- Tawse
Farquharson Tartans
5 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
Farquharson Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Farquharson
How it all started
Territories
Clan Farquharson's main territories are Invercauld and Braemar, both in Aberdeenshire. It is thought that the progenitor of the family was Farquhar, the 4th son of Alexander "Ciar" Mackintosh of Rothiemurchus (the 5th Chief of Clan Shaw), who settled in the Braes of Mar, near the source of the River Dee in around 1450. He was soon appointed Baillie and Chamberlain of the Earldom and gained much admiration and respect.
Farquharson's son, Donald, advanced the family's prospects further by marrying Isobel Stewart, the heiress of Invercauld, and acquiring her vast estate in Upper Deeside.
The pair went on to have a son named Finlay Mor, who became the first official Chief of the Farquharson Clan. The Records of Invercauld describe Finlay as 'of gigantic size and great strength of body,' and say that he had 'remarkable bravery and fortitude.'
Finlay himself had 9 sons who succeeded in making Clan Farquharson ever more expansive, influential, and powerful.
Clan Chief
The current Chief of Clan Farquharson is Philip Farquharson, 17th of Invercauld. Philip grew up in London and showed a great passion for education, achieving an undergraduate degree and two master's degrees before going on to work as an archivist and researcher. He has travelled extensively and spent time working in both Yemen and Venezuela, learning both languages.
More recently, he has moved into a different professional sphere, and now works as a Parish Clerk and Financial Officer.
Clan Farquharson benefit greatly from Philip's dedication and intelligence; he serves as Acting Secretary and Archivist of Clan Farquharson UK, as well as regularly attending events and Highland games.
In his free time, he also enjoys painting, particularly the stunning Scottish landscapes of his ancestral territory!
Where does the name Farquharson come from?
The name Farquharson comes from the Gaelic MacFhearchair, meaning 'son of Farquhar,' referring to the clan's progenitor. Farquhar is derived from the Gaelic word Fearchar, or 'very dear one.' So, all together, the name means 'son of the very dear one.'
Do Clan Farquharson have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge was worn to signify belonging to a certain clan. In medieval society, men would wear a sprig of their clan's plant on their cap, while women would fasten foliage to their shoulder. It is also believed that men would wear their plant badge into battle, so their fellow clan members could identify them easily.
Clan Farquharson's plant badge is the Scots fir or pine, an evergreen conifer that can grow up to 35 meters tall and live for 700 years! It commonly symbolises endurance, hardiness, and strength, as depicted in the Gaelic proverb, 'Cruaidh mar am fraoch, buan mar an guithas,' or 'Hard as the heather, lasting as the pine.'
Clan Chattan Connections
Clan Farquharson have a knack for increasing their strength and influence by making good connections. In 1595, they made a deal with the Chief of Clan Mackintosh to join the Clan Chattan Confederation. This gave them the assurance of protection and support in battles, as well as a higher profile across Scotland.
Invercauld House
It is impossible to tell what the original settlement looked like at Invercauld however parts of the basements beneath the great tower do reveal walls up to 2 metres thick. Whatever did exist formed the base of Alexander Farquharson's build in 1679, and this house was extended further in the 19th century. John Farquharson of Invercauld fought for the Jacobites and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Preston in 1715. John was known as "the Black Colonel" due to his dark complexion and he, with Viscount Dundee's army, attacked and burned down neighbouring Braemar Castle.
Do Clan Farquharson have a Society?
If you are looking for a way to learn more about your heritage, there are several thriving Clan Farquharson Societies you could look into joining!
The Clan Farquharson UK Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture and history of the family and offers a wealth of benefits to its members, including a membership certificate signed by the Chief, a bi-yearly clan newsletter, the right to vote on clan society matters at the Annual General Meeting, and eligibility to be part of the Clan Chief's party at the Ballater Highland Games. You can find out more on their website here.
They also provide links to other, international Farquharson Societies, as there are a growing number of groups across the world, including in the USA, Canada, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Jamaica!
Do Clan Farquharson have a Clan Crest?
Wearing the clan crest is a highly revered and traditional way to show respect to the chief. The Farquharson's crest is described as 'On a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, a demi-lion Gules holding in his dexter paw a sword proper'. This means that it shows a red lion turned to the side rearing up and brandishing a sword.
Do Clan Farquharson have a War Cry?
Clan Farquharson's war cry is 'Carn na Cuimhne,' or 'Remember the cairn.'
Cairns served as rallying places for clans before a battle; on hearing the call from the chief, men would hurriedly make their way to the spot to prepare for the upcoming fight. Each would place a stone on the ground, with the intention to remove it after returning. The number of stones left after the battle was used to confirm how many members the clan had lost.
Clan Farquharson's cairn is located in a scenic spot on the north side of the River Dee, about half a mile west of Balmoral Castle. It is the perfect place to visit to enjoy a reflective moment and pay your respects to your ancestors.
Clan Battles
Clan Farquharson were among the most loyal and steadfast supporters of the House of Stewart and rode into countless battles to fight for their beliefs. While they were renowned for their strength and skill on the battlefield, some of their most impressive victories were thanks to wit, intelligence, and quick thinking, rather than physical force. One of the best examples of this is known as the Rout of Moy.
When Prince Charles Edward Stuart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie, landed in Scotland in 1745, the daughter of Clan Farquharson's Chief was keen to show her support. Anne set to work immediately, raising an army of between 200 and 400 men to join the prince. Due to this, she gained the affectionate nickname 'Colonel Anne'.
This was just the start of Anne's role in Prince Charles' fight.
Just a few weeks later, she was hosting him at her home, Moy Hall, when she received word that 1,500 of Lord Loudon's men were planning a night raid to capture and imprison Charles. Unprepared, they had too few men with them to face the oncoming group as usual, so Anne knew she had to think out of the box.
She sent five of her staff to position themselves by the road and instructed them to make as much noise as possible, shout out to 'regiments' that in fact were not there, and run up and down clashing their weapons together to make it sound as if they had an entire army.
As Lord Loudon's men approached, they heard this racket and began to panic. Believing that they were hopelessly outnumbered, they made a hasty retreat, allowing the prince to escape to safety.
Image: Rout of Moy memorial cairn by Dorothy Carse, CC BY-SA 2.0
A Renowned Harp Player
The wife of the very first Chief of Clan Farquharson, Beatrix Garden, was a renowned harp player, much admired for her abundant talent. She even caught the attention of royalty, and Queen Mary gifted her a beautiful and ornate instrument, which is now displayed at the National Museum of Antiquities.
Do Clan Farquharson have a Tartan?
Clan members would traditionally wear their clan tartan to show their loyalty to their chief and kin. We find that even today, owning your family tartan is a great way to feel connected to both your ancestors and your peers. Here at ScotlandShop, we stock five variations of Farquharson tartan: modern, ancient, ancient 1842, weathered, and muted. Each offers a different tone and depth of colour, so you are sure to find one that suits you!
Are Clan Farquharson connected to a River?
Clan Farquharson made their home on the banks of the River Dee many centuries ago.
The river, renowned for its natural beauty, flows through the heart of Aberdeenshire, starting in the stunning Cairngorm Mountains, and winding eastwards towards the North Sea. It spans almost 87 miles and is beloved by locals and tourists alike, many of whom are drawn in by the area's great ecological significance.
The Dee has been named as a 'Special Area of Conservation,' due to its thriving population of salmon, otters, and freshwater pearl mussels, while the southern side of the river is classified as a 'Special Protection Area', due to the enchanting golden eagles who live by the water.
It is also home to large swathes of Caledonian pine forest, birch woods, and heather moors, which add to the strikingly scenic atmosphere.
This beauty has attracted some extremely prestigious visitors over the years! Since the reign of Queen Victoria, the British Royal Family have enjoyed spending summers at the nearby Balmoral Castle, attending the Braemar Highland Gathering, and other local events. Due to this, the area around the river is often colloquially referred to as the 'Royal Deeside.'
Image credit: River Dee in Banchory in Autumn cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Nigel Corby
Battle Skills
Clan Farquharson were so well known for their prowess on the battlefield that they became commonly known as 'The Fighting Farquharsons!'
Clan Farquharson
Tartan Poll
There are five Clan Farquharson tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Clan Farquharson
Famous Faces
Clan Farquharson are notable for their ability to break down barriers, with many members having achieved great things in challenging situations where all the odds seemed stacked against them. This drive and grit has helped countless Farquharsons to gain a wide variety of accolades, from military accomplishments to scientific advances, and artistic honours. Read our blog to discover more!
Image credit: National Library of Scotland
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Farquharson
Learn about their nickname, powerful connections, plant badge, and more!
The Castles of Clan Farquharson
Clan Farquharson have held an impressive number of grand homes and vast estates. Get to know this powerful family a bit better by exploring just a few of these stunning territories with us.
Image credit: Monster4711
An Interview with Clan Farquharson, USA
For our Clan of the Month celebrations we have a very special interview to share with you!
We were thrilled to speak with the President of Clan Farquharson, USA, Colin Wolf Farquharson Bowman, Read our wonderful blog to find out more about his personal connection to the clan, how he got involved with Clan Farquharson, USA and his hopes for the future of the clan and society. Discover a few fun Farquharson facts and how you can join as a member.
A must read for anyone connected to Clan Farquharson!
Clan Farquharson
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Farquharson? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Farquharson Clan Knowledge now!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan Farquharson
This month we are delving into all things Clan Farquharson!
Join John and Lauren as they explore the clan’s origins, their notable historic sites, and Farquharsons who have impressed us with their achievements.
Clan Farquharson
Tartan Tales
We called upon the valued Clan members to share their Farquharson stories and we had a lovely response; read the blog to find out more!
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 Farquharson 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: Fide Et Fortitudine (By Fidelity and Fortitude).
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