Scottish Clans
Graham Tartans & Clan
The Grahams fought at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296 where Sir Patrick de Graham of Kincardine was the only man of all the Scots fighting not to retreat and instead he fought to the death.
Who Wears Graham 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.
- Airth
- Allardice
- Allardyce
- Blair
- Bonar
- Bonnar
- Bontein
- Bontine
- Buntain
- Bunten
- Buntine
- Bunting
- Graeme
- Grahame
- Grahym
- Grim
- Grymn
- Hadden
- Haldane
- MacGibbon
- MacGilvernock
- MacGrime
- Maharg
- Menteith
- Monteath
- Monteith
- Pitcairn
- Pye
- Pyott
Associated Regiments
Over the last 300 years, tartans have been a part of official dress for some of the most famous regiments throughout the military world! Their respective regimental tartans became undisputedly tied to the very core identity of the soldiers who wear it. Explore the associated regiments below:
- 205 Field Hospital (Scottish)
- Derajat Mountain Battery, 32nd (Punjab)
- First City Regiment (SA)
Graham Tartans
9 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
Graham Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Graham
How it all started
Territories
It is thought that the Grahams first acquired lands in Dalkeith, Midlothian. Then, by marrying into the prominent Strathearn family, they gained territory in Auchterarder, where they formed their principal seat. Their power and influence only continued to grow, with the industrious group managing to also claim the lands of Mugdock, north of Glasgow, where they built a grand castle in around 1370.
They were awarded even greater privileges in the 15th century, gaining the lands of Montrose, and even an impressive title, with Patrick Graham of Kincardine being named Lord Graham. Two generations later, they rose once again, and were promoted to Earls of Montrose.
Clan Chief
The current clan chief is James Graham, the 8th Duke of Montrose. He was born in Zimbabwe, and attended boarding school in Scotland, where he learnt traditional skills such as highland dancing and playing the bagpipes. As an adult, he has shown a great passion for the countryside, serving as Senior Peer in the House of Lords with roles in fishing, farming, forestry, and the environment.
Image source: Chris McAndrew
Where does the name Graham come from?
It is thought that the name Graham has geographical origins, and initially referred to a person from Grantham in Lincolnshire.
The first documented Graham in Scotland was William de Graham, who seemed to be a favourite of King David 1st, and was awarded lands in Abercorn and Dalkeith from the Monarch in 1127. He also served as a witness on the charter which founded the Abbey at Holyrood, so clearly held a high position in society!
William’s children continued this legacy, with his eldest son Peter founding the Grahams of Dalkeith and Eskdale, and his younger son Alan starting the Grahams of Montrose line.
Mugdock Castle
From 1372 to 1700 Mugdock Castle was the seat of Clan Graham. Protected on three sides by Mugdock Loch a ridge of volcanic rock kept the water level high and made an attack difficult. A grooved portcullis gate provided the entry to the south. The Campbells managed to gain ownership in 1647, however the 2nd Marquis of Montrose bought it back again for 50,000 pounds Scots and made it his home. In 1874 the Duke of Montrose gave the lease of the castle to John Guthrie Smith who demolished it in 1875 and built a huge baronial style mansion house in its place. The final occupant of the mansion was Hugh Fraser, Baron Fraser of Allander, who died in 1966, and following a terrible fire that gutted the building, the mansion was demolished in 1967. You can visit Mugdock Country Park today and see the remains of the buildings and one of the original towers.
The Clan's Pipe Music
Clan Graham’s pipe music is Killiecrankie, a song about an infamous Jacobite rebellion. The lyrics were partially written by the legendary Robbie Burns and it has been performed by countless talented musicians.
Do Clan Graham have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge was an important emblem for clan members. Wearing a sprig of the plant was a way to visually demonstrate loyalty to the family and chief, as well as to signal pride and belonging.
Interestingly, and somewhat unusually, Clan Graham have recently changed their choice of plant badge!
The Sparge Laurel was the Graham’s traditional plant, until the Clan Chief and the Lord Lyon discovered that it is not indigenous to Scotland and is poisonous.
Consequently, they decided to change the badge to the True Laurel, which is native to Scotland. Traditionally, the True Laurel represents victory, success, and prosperity, so we can see why the mighty Grahams chose it!
Powerful Connections
Even in their earliest days, the Grahams made powerful connections. Sir John de Graham was a companion in arms to the great Sir William Wallace. He became legendary for his daring and grit, winning the nickname ‘Graham with the bright sword.’
Though he fought with characteristic fervour, he sadly died at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. If you’d like to honour this mighty Graham ancestor, you can still find his gravestone and effigy in Falkirk’s Old Parish Church.
Do Clan Graham have a Crest?
Clan Graham’s crest is ‘A falcon Proper, beaked and armed Or, killing a stork Argent, armed Gules.’ This means it depicts a powerful falcon killing a stork – a compelling visual representation of the Graham’s fearsome reputation.
Do Clan Graham have a Society?
If you have any Graham heritage, you will be glad to know that there is a thriving and passionate clan society you could join!
The Clan Graham Society list their aims as ‘striving to preserve the culture, genealogy, and history of the historic Graham Clan.’
They regularly donate to the Mugdock Foundation, helping to maintain Mugdock Castle, and even fund a scholarship to encourage the study of Scottish arts and culture.
Find out more about the society, including how to join here.
Clan Battles
The Grahams had a long-lasting feud with their border reiving neighbours, Clan Armstrong.
The tension seems to have begun when King James V pushed the Armstrongs off their land in 1530, forcing the family to encroach on the Graham’s territory.
The proud Clan Graham did not take kindly to this and planned a series of violent protests, including a group of clansmen murdering three Armstrong brothers.
This caught the attention of the Scottish West March Warden, Lord Maxwell, who requested that the Grahams apologize for the attack.
The Grahams, however, were not willing to stand down, and continued their campaign of chaos, burning down multiple Armstrong strongholds and committing countless raids against the rival family.
The Armstrongs also had their own victories, winning one bloody battle on the banks of the River Esk, and driving the Grahams over the border into England.
The feud raged on intermittently until the English took control of the border lands, and the two families put aside their differences to form an alliance. They solidified the truce with a number of marriages, combining their strengths to become even more influential and powerful.
Do Clan Graham have a War Cry?
Clan Graham’s motto is the enigmatic ‘ne oublie,’ or ‘do not forget.’ It is not clear exactly what we are being urged to remember - perhaps the Graham’s great strength and reputation, or maybe it is meant to function as a chilling threat that the family will never forget those who have gone against them!
Are Clan Graham connected to a Loch?
The 3rd Marquess of Montrose purchased expansive estates on the banks of Loch Lomond in 1682, and the ruins of the family’s once grand home, Buchanan Castle, still lay by the water today.
Loch Lomond is one of the largest and most well-known freshwater lochs in Scotland. Stretching over 24 miles in length, it is surrounded by sweeping hills and stunning woodlands, making it a popular destination for hikers, tourists, and nature lovers!
The loch contains more than 30 islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest fresh-water island in Britain. Many argue that the islands are an integral part of Loch Lomond’s charm, with the travel writer H. V. Morton expressing ‘a large part of Loch Lomond’s beauty is due to its islands, those beautiful green tangled islands, that lie like jewels upon its surface.’
It seems that many agree, as in 2005, the Radio Times voted Loch Lomond as the 6th greatest natural wonder in Britain!
It also holds a significant place in Scottish culture and history, featuring in numerous songs, poems, and legends. One of the most famous songs, ‘the Bonnie Banks o’Loch Lomond,’ narrates the story of a soldier in the Jacobite rising, and has become a beloved hit!
Highland Dress Can Be Worn Again
The 3rd Duke of Montrose served in parliament and created one particularly interesting law! In 1782, he passed an Act which repealed the prohibition on wearing Highland dress, allowing Scots to express their clan identity through their clothes once again.
Do Clan Graham have a Tartan?
Owning your clan tartan is a great way to connect with both your ancestors and your current day fellow clans people. We stock 8 different variations of Graham tartan, so whether you like mossy greens, rustic browns, or striking reds, you are sure to find something that suits you here at ScotlandShop!
The Battle of Dunbar
Clan Graham are well known for their grit and bravery. One particularly memorable example of this valour took place at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296, where Sir Patrick de Graham of Kincardine was the only Scot who did not retreat, and instead stayed, fighting to the death.
Clan Graham
Famous Faces
Clan Graham are one of Scotland’s most prestigious families, so unsurprisingly, they have many extremely talented members. Come along with us to meet just a few of these fascinating and inspirational characters, and hopefully feel inspired by their great achievements.
Read our blog to find out more!
Image credit: blu-news.org
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Graham
Learn about their powerful connections, plant badge, pipe music and more!
Clan Graham
Tartan Poll
There are nine Clan Graham tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Clan Motto: Ne Oublie (Do Not Forget).
