Scottish Clans
Grant Tartans & Clan
In 1715, Ludovick Grant was captured at the siege of Preston. From there he was transported to South Carolina where he married a Cherokee woman. The Chief of the Clan invited members of the Cherokee Nation to participate in 130th Abernathy Highland Games.
Who Wears Grant 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.
- Allan
- Allen
- Bisset
- Bissett
- Bowie
- Buie
- Gilroy
- MacAllan
- McGilroy
- MacGilroy
- McIlroy
- MacIlroy
- MacKerran
- McKiaran
- MacKiaran
- McKessock
- MacKessock
- Pratt
- Suttie
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:
- Black Watch
Grant 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
Grant Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Grant
How it all started
Territories
Clan Grant descended from the great Olav Hemmingson, himself hailing from Norwegian, Danish, and Irish Viking royalty!
He arrived in Scotland in around 1057 and quickly gathered lands from Kingussie to Granton in Strathspey and around Freuchie in Strathbraan. Subsequent generations of the family continued to use their influence to win more territory, obtaining the lease of Boleskin from the Bishop of Moray in the 1150s, and later gaining ownership of Stratherick through marriage to Mary Bisset, granddaughter of William the Lyon.
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Grant is Sir Michael Grant of Grant, Lord Strathspey, 34th Chief of Clan Grant.
Born in Edinburgh in 1953, he spent the early years of his childhood in Scotland, before attending school in England, then going on to study at the University of Oxford, graduating with an MA in Modern History in 1974.
He pursued a long and successful career in Project Development, Asset Management, and Sales and Lettings, working all over the world, from Europe, to the USA, Asia, and Africa!
Now retired, he takes great pride in his position as Chief of Clan Grant, championing a 'Think Global' vision for the group, aiming to build on the family's international community. He is also passionate about preserving the clan's history, and has even reintroduced the Grant 1714 tartan, one of the earliest Grant tartans on record!
Where does the name Grant come from?
The family seems to have adopted 'Grant' as their surname in 1174, and as is common with such long and winding histories, there are various theories on its origin and meaning.
One of the most popular is that it was introduced to mean 'showing true grit,' which would certainly fit the clan's steely attitude and determination!
It is also thought the name could have been influenced by the Old Norse word 'Gran,' meaning 'fir tree,' - a nod to the clan's plant badge.
Castle Grant
This is the historic seat of Clan Grant and it is located in Grantown-On-Spey. It was originally called Freuchie Castle but in 1694 the name was changed to Castle Grant. The Castle has been in the hands of Clan Grant since the 15th Century, but was originally owned by Clan Comyn.
Clan Battles - Jacobite Uprisings
Clan Grant played an important role in the infamous Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century, though that role was not always clearly defined!
The Grants of Strathspey were initially solidly on the government's side during the uprising of 1715. However, after the event, the government went back on their promise to repay the Grant Laird for all the money he gave in support of the cause.
Because of this, he refused to support them again in the 1745 uprising, staying mostly neutral.
Interestingly, the Grants of Glenmoriston were committed Jacobite supporters, and many pledged their service in battles including the infamous Battle of Culloden.
Do Clan Grant have a Plant Badge?
Clans would wear their plant badge to signify loyalty to their peers and chief, as well as to make their identity clear on chaotic battlefields.
Clan Grant's plant badge is the Scots pine, one of 3 conifers native to Scotland, and the only native pine! It is famous for its evergreen needle-like leaves which thrive all year-round, and its impressive size and lifespan. They can grow up to 35 metres tall and live for up to 700 years, the perfect choice for the mighty and enduring Grants!
Image credit: Chris - The shadows lengthen, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Grant have a Society?
If you are of Grant heritage and would like to connect with your fellow clans people, you'll be happy to hear that there are 3 thriving clan societies!
The Clan Grant Society of the UK aims to promote the family's history amongst this generation of Grants and the next, teach members about their lineage, and share the legends of the clan. Members enjoy 2 editions of the society's magazine 'Standfast' a year, invitations to the annual clan gathering and other events, and support with genealogical research.
The Clan Grant Society USA was formed all the way back in 1978 and is still very popular today! Membership is open to anyone who is descended from the surname 'Grant, a recognised Clan Grant sept name, or anyone in sympathy with the purposes of the Society.
Membership provides the opportunity to develop bonds with other Grants and help to preserve clan traditions and heritage. Joining would be the perfect way to honour your ancestors!
The Clan Grant Society Australia similarly aims to cultivate a spirit of friendship amongst the Clan and provide a way for members to keep in touch within Australia and across the world. Their work is strongly based in appreciating, exploring, and embracing the Grant's ancestry.
Do Clan Grant have a Clan Crest?
Clan Grant's crest is 'A burning hill Proper,' a simple yet striking image. It represents a rugged hilltop at the back of Aviemore known as Craigellachie, which has sweeping views over Upper Strathspey, and used to serve as the clan's rallying spot.
The family would have lit fires on the hill to signify large gatherings, whether to celebrate, warn of danger, or prepare for battle.
Tartan
Clan Grant has the earliest record of a standard tartan, dating back to 1704!
Are Clan Grant connected to a River?
The River Spey flows through the heartland of Clan Grant territory. It is one of Scotland's longest rivers, reaching 107 miles long, and passing through Newtonmore, Kingussie, and Aviemore, as well as giving its name to Strathspey.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the river played a key role in protecting Ballindalloch Castle, one of Clan Grant's strongholds, as it formed a natural moat around the castle's grounds. It is notorious for its extremely fast flowing waters, in places even flowing faster than 50 feet per second! This means that it is prone to flash foods but, on the plus side, it also creates the perfect conditions for salmon to thrive, making it a world-famous fishing spot.
It has historically supported various other industries including shipbuilding and distilling. Speyside distilleries produce more whisky than any other region, and the river's banks host the wildly popular 'Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail,' which allows tourists to explore the iconic whisky-making business.
Fiercely Loyal Clan
The Grants were fiercely loyal, sometimes to their own detriment. In 1613, King James VI of Scotland wrote to John Grant of Freuchie, the Chief of Clan Grant, to complain that he was providing shelter to outlaws from Clan MacGregor.
In response, Grant warned Alistair MacAllister MacGregor to flee to Edinburgh. This annoyed the King further, and in 1615 he fined Grant for disobeying his wishes and protecting the MacGregors.
Are Clan Grant connected to Pipe Music?
Pipe music has always played an important role in clan life, and the Grants often hired official pipers. One such man, William Cumming, was imortalised in a famous painting called 'Piper to the Laird of Grant,' by esteemed artist Richard Waitt in 1714.
Cumming belonged to a family of Strathspey musicians who served the Grant family for over 170 years!
Image: Piper to the Laird of Grant painting by Richard Waitt (1714)
The Highland King
Ludovic Grant, the 8th Laird of Freuchie was so rich and powerful that he was commonly known as 'the Highland King.' In 1694, the Barony of Freuchie was granted a royal status, making Grant officially 'King' over his lands, meaning he had the power to punish wrongdoers and to regulate commercial matters.
Do Clan Grant have a Tartan?
Wearing or displaying your clan tartan is the perfect way to show respect for your ancestors and camaraderie with your peers. Here at ScotlandShop, we have 9 different variations of Grant tartan, each with a different colour palette, depth and tone, so you're sure to find one that suits you!
Do Clan Grant have a Motto?
Clan Grant's motto is 'Stand Fast,' which serves as a reminder to the family to persevere and believe in their strength, endurance, and power - which they have proved innumerable times over the centuries.
It is often extended to 'Stand Fast Craig Elachie,' referencing the clan's rallying point on Aviemore, appealing to a sense of territorial pride.
Clan Grant
Tartan Poll
There are nine Clan Grant tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Clan Grant
Famous Faces
The members of Clan Grant are talented, creative, and highly esteemed, having achieved great things in fields ranging from business, to journalism, to cinema. Read our blog to find out more!
The Castles of Clan Grant
Clan Grant is a powerful family who have always exercised great influence over their territories. Over the years, they have acquired multiple striking castles suited to their grand status! Come with us to explore a few of these strongholds and their fascinating histories.
Image credit: Ballindalloch Castle, Banffshire, Scotland by RedSonje - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Grant
Learn about their motto, name origins, pipers and more.
Clan Grant
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Grant? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Grant Clan Knowledge now!
Clan Battles, Jacobites, and Ghosts
The Fascinating History of Castle Grant
Take a few minutes to explore Clan Grant’s striking ancestral seat with us, and dive into its twisting and turning history.
A Great Whisky Invention
Clan Grant
Are you a fan of whisky? Join us to learn about Clan Grant’s role in producing one of the world’s most popular whisky businesses – and feel free to grab a wee dram while you listen!
An Interview with The Clan Grant Societies
What does being part of a clan society mean?
We spoke with Charles Grant, Vice-Chair of the Clan Grant Society UK, and Fred Grant, President Elect of Clan Grant Society USA. From Highland Games parades to international gatherings in Scotland, they share how Clan Grant traditions continue to bring people together across the globe.
Read the blog to find out more!
Clan Motto: Stand Fast.
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