Scottish Clans

Logan Tartans & Clan

Clan Logan is an armigerous clan which means it does not have a Chief recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Clan Motto Hoc majorum virtus (This isthe valour of my ancestors)

Who Wears Logan 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.

Lagan
Laggan
Loban
Lobban
Loben
Logane
Logen
Loggan
Loggane
Loggans
Loghane
Loggins
Loghyn
Login
Logyn
Lohan
Lopan
Lowgan
Loggon
Loughan

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Logan Tartans

5 variations

Each tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress

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Logan and Maclennan Modern

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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From the start

Logan Clan Logan Clan Origins & History

Explore the history of Clan Logan

How it all started

Territories

The Logan name is found to have been used by two distinct families, one in the Highlands and one in the Lowlands. Each has their own fascinating history and represents different areas within Scotland. The Lowland Logans are descended from Robert Logan of Restalrig, which is today a suburb of Edinburgh. It is also just east of Lochend, which the Logans of Restalrig were also connected to. Lochend Park is famous for its Loch and 16th century doocot.

Clan Chief

Today, Clan Logan is considered an armigerous clan, which means that they do not have a chief recognized by the Lord Lyon Court. The last Clan Chief was Hugh Logan who passed away in 1802. The Clan Logan Society International and Clan Logan Canada are currently working on a chief restoration project in order to locate the ancestor of Hugh Logan who would be the rightful Clan Chief today.

Where does the name Logan come from?

Translated into Gaelic and back again the “Logans of the North” became “Siol Ghill’'nnein” which translates to MacLennan. This is one example of where we can see a solid connection between the two clans.

Clan Crest

The Logan Clan Crest reads Hoc majorum virtus, which translates to “This is the valour of my ancestors”. It features a pierced heart and represents the clan’s connection to Robert the Bruce. The Logans were known to have been loyal King Robert and in 1330, Sir Robert Logan and his brother Sir Walter Logan joined the company of Sir James Douglas to deliver the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land. Unfortunately, the brothers were captured and slain, but the clan still honors this quest through their motto and crest.

Sir Robert Logan

There have been many notable Robert Logans throughout history. In fact, the first record of the last name Logan in the early 13th century belonged to a Robert Logan. We also know of a Sir Robert Logan of the 14th century who quested to take the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land.

The Lowland Logans of the medieval period are said to be descended from Sir Robert Logan of Restalrig. Sir Robert was also the son-in-law of Robert II (r. 1371–1390) and, as such, was appointed the Lord High Admiral of Scotland in 1400. It is this Sir Robert’s grandson who is perhaps the most well known Robert Logan. Robert Logan of Restalrig, who held Lochend Castle, was involved in the Gowrie Conspiracy to kidnap King James VI. Following this event, the Logans were forced to forfeit their lands, including Lochend, which makes this Sir Robert a bit of an infamous figure. Sir Walter Scott even referred to him as, “one of the darkest characters of that dark age”.

Do Clan Logan have a Society?

Originally founded in 1913, the Clan Logan Society International has been a long-standing source of community for members of Clan Logan. In 2002, the society was renewed following post WWI hardships and has been going strong ever since. With an aim of historical preservation and the contemporary celebration of Scottish heritage, the Clan Logan Society International offers clanship and connection to the Logan's traditional past.

Visit the Clan Logan Society International website here.

In 2024 Clan Logan Canada was set up, which operates across Canada and in both languages. Its aims and values are the same as the former Clan Logan Society of Canada to unite all Logans and assist in finding the new Clan Chief.

Visit the Clan Logan Canada website here.

Lochend House

Lochend House can also be referred to as Lochend Castle or Restalrig Castle and it is located just outside of Edinburgh. Clan Logan does not have an official Clan seat today, but Lochend Castle and its grounds belonged to the Lowland branch of the clan during the 14th Century. The family occupied the grounds until the 17th Century when they were forced to leave due to Sir Robert Logan’s involvement in the Gowrie Conspiracy. The property was briefly owned by Arthur Elphinstone, 6th Lord Balmerino, but he was executed after the Battle of Culloden due to his involvement in the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. The castle itself was burned and later rebuilt as a house, with the gable end of the tower remaining. The Lochend House that stands today was built in 1820 and was used as a Children's Centre until 2016 when the roof caught fire. Today, it is privately owned, but one can still experience the grounds of Lochend at Lochend Park, which is open to the public.

Image credit: By kim traynor, CC BY-SA 2.0

Logan and MacLennan

While the connection between the two clans has never been directly clarified, they have undoubtedly been linked. The Lowland Logans are connected to Scottish royalty, but Clan MacLennan is believed by some to have originated from the Highland Logans. In addition, the two clans actually share a tartan and plant badge. The MacLennan and Logan names are also considered associated by each, however, it was made clear in a letter from Lord Lyon to The Clan Logan Society of Canada that while the clans shared a close relationship, they are still separate clans in their own right.

Are Clan Logan connected to a Loch?

Lochend Loch is connected to the Logans of Restalrig and their medieval castle, known today as Lochend House. Both are situated within Lochend Park located in Restalrig, a suburb of Edinburgh. The loch serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife and is particularly known for its wide range of waterfowl - a beautiful spot for a walk if you are in the area!

Discover Clan Logan

Join Kalyn and Anna as they explore the exciting history of Clan Logan. This Clan is well known for their connections with Clan MacLennan, as well as their infamous relationship with Robert The Bruce. From the Clan origins to its tartans, seats and societies, we'll explore it all as part of our Clan of the Month celebration.

Clan Logan

Famous Faces

Clan Logan is full of impressive actors, writers, academics, and more! Keep reading to find out who made our list of famous Logans.

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Clan Logan

Tartan Poll

There are 4 tartan variations to vote for! Which is your favourite Logan Clan Tartan? Vote now!

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The Castles of Clan Logan

Fast Castle

Fast Castle was inherited from the Home family by Sir Robert Logan or Restalrig at the end of the 16th Century. You can even visit the Castle ruins off the Berwickshire Coast. Find out more about Fast Castle and the other Logan Castles on the Tartan Blog.

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