Scottish Clans
MacEwen Tartans & Clan
Who Wears MacEwen 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.
- MacEuan
- McEuan
- McEwan
Macewen Tartans
2 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
MacEwen Clan Origins & History
Explore the history
How it all started
Territories
The history of Clan MacEwen is exceptionally long, winding, and complex! The original branch of the family is generally thought to be Clan MacEwen of Otter, who held lands on the scenic shores of Loch Fyne. The clan chiefs lived in the imposing MacEwan Castle, which perched on the rocky shores of the loch, near Kilfinan.
This early iteration of the Clan supposedly has links to a royal Irish dynasty. A 15th century pedigree known as MS 1467 seems to consider Eoghan, a descendant of the noble Donnsleibhe, to be the progenitor of Clan MacEwen, affording them an impressive pedigree!
Despite this enviable lineage, the family suffered a sore loss when the Barony of Otter was taken from them by King James I in 1423 and passed over to Clan Campbell.
Luckily, the MacEwens showed immense resourcefulness and grit, splitting into many different sects to continue their line. A number of men survived as fearsome Highland warriors, arming themselves heavily and living by robbery. Another group moved to Lennox, where they adopted the name ‘Ewing,’ while another branch of the family became the hereditary bards of the Campbells and the Macdougalls. Another group yet settled in Galloway!
It is clear that the MacEwens can not be easily worn down!
Clan Chief
The last official chief of Clan MacEwen recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms was Swene MacEwen, who died in 1493.
In 2014, the Clan MacEwen Society decided to take action and seek a new chief. They elected Sir John McEwen as their Clan Commander, and this position was subsequently verified by Lord Lyon. Sir John, born in 1965, is an actor and writer who lives in Berwickshire. He is the 5th Baronet of Marchmont and Bardrochat. His grandfather was appointed to the baronetcy in 1953 in recognition of his service to Scottish public life as a poet and politician.
Where does the name MacEwen come from?
Clan MacEwen display their noble background in their name. The name ‘MacEwen’ is one of many anglicised spellings of the Gaelic ‘MacEoghainn,’ which means ‘son of Eoghann.’ This could refer to the Clan’s probable progenitor, Eoghan – descendant of the Irish royal Donnsleibhe.
However, as with all things clan history, the story is likely not that simple! The Lord Lyon, defender of the ancient court of Scottish heraldic matters, has argued that MacEoghainn actually means ‘born of the yew-tree,’ while others have suggested that Ewen can mean ‘well born’ or ‘young warrior.’
Do Clan MacEwen have a Plant Badge?
Plant badges are worn as a way of visually demonstrating your allegiance to a particular clan. Historically, Clan MacEwen are not known to have had an official plant badge, but in 2019, the MacEwen society decided to change that!
At the International Gathering and Annual General Meeting, the clan members present debated which plant would best suit this mighty family.
They settled on the Irish yew, inspired by its nod to the family’s Irish heritage and its presence in the clan’s ancestral homeland.
The Irish yew is also meant to symbolise respect for one’s ancestors, which fits the bill perfectly, as the society works so tirelessly to keep the MacEwen name alive.
Interesting Facts
Clan MacEwen managed to maintain a strong reputation even after losing their homeland and chieftain. In 1602, the family appeared in an Act of Parliament along with other ‘broken clans’ as subjects of the Earl of Argyll, who promised to vouch for their code of honour.
One branch of MacEwens seemed to have the royal stamp of approval. The Clan MacEwen Society explain how a group of MacEwens set up in the earldom of Lennox ‘under a chieftain of their own’ in the 15th century. Supposedly they brought with them a new set of arms granted by Mary Queen of Scots herself!
The family had a reputation for great and extraordinary strength. One popular old legend tells how a MacEwen clansman carried a stone coffin under one arm and the lid under the other from towns at the side of Loch Lomond all the way to the old churchyard at Luss, never breaking a sweat!
Cairn Ewen
The historic seat of Clan MacEwen was originally Caisteal Mhic Eoghain or otherwise known as MacEwen's Castle. In 1432 Clan MacEwen surrendered the castle to Clan Campbell and it was after this that the castle was destroyed, however the exact date is unknown as records were never kept.
In 1990 the Clan MacEwen Society erected a Cairn in amongst what was left of the castle remains to commemorate the clans historic seat.
Barony of Otter
In 1432 the Barony of Otter was granted to Sween MacEwen by James I, with the remainder to the heir of Duncan Campbell of Loch Aure.
Is there a Loch related to Clan MacEwen?
The earliest iterations of Clan MacEwen settled besides the picturesque Loch Fyne, nestled in between the lands of the Lamonts to the south, and the lands of the MacLachlans to the north.
Loch Fyne, located on the west coast of Argyll and Bute, is a sea loch that extends 40 miles inland from the South of Bute, which makes it the longest sea loch in Scotland! It is surrounded by a variety of stunning landscapes, including striking mountains such as the Arrochar Alps to the north, and the famous Loch Lomond only a short distance away.
It's also a nature hotspot, having been declared a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area in 2014. If you visit, you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals, otters, or even a basking shark!
As well as animal lovers, the loch draws many history buffs each year, as its shores house the remains of the MacEwen Castle, as well as a Scottish Traveller’s historic monument known as the ‘Tinker’s Heart.’
The Clan MacEwen Society
In 1977 the Clan Ewen Society was formed, and in 2019 the name was changed to the Clan MacEwen Society. They are based in the UK, but anyone descended from the clan who is living anywhere in the world is eligible to join.
They outline their main objective as to ‘promote the identity of Clan MacEwen and the heritage of the Scots Clans System’, and do so by holding social and cultural meetings, collating family records, and producing a regular MacEwen newsletter.
The Society are also currently in the process of seeking official clan chief status in the Court of Lord Lyon.
If you are interested in joining the Society, you can find out more on their website here.
Do Clan MacEwen have a Clan Crest?
The clan crest is a deeply sacred symbol, as by wearing it, clan members can show their loyalty to one another and their pride for their heritage.
The most common MacEwen crest is ‘the trunk of an oak tree sprouting proper,’ or a large oak stump that is growing new branches, despite having evidently been cut down previously.
This seems highly fitting for such a resilient and persevering family!
As is tradition, the image is surrounded by a belt displaying the clan’s motto, in this case, ‘Reviresco.’
Do Clan MacEwen have a War Cry?
Clan MacEwen’s motto is ‘Reviresco’, alternately translated as ‘I grow strong again,’ ‘I grow green again,’ or most poetically as ‘I flourish again.’
This certainly reflects the family’s ability to revive themselves time after time, from creating countless new sects after losing their homeland in the 1400s, to fighting at the Court of Lord Lyon to appointing a new chief in modern day!
In the 21st century, the MacEwens adopted the war cry ‘Cómhla!’ meaning ‘together!’ to further cement their dedication to their fellow clansmen.
Do Clan MacEwen have a Plaid?
Clan MacEwen’s plaid features green as its main colour, interspersed with grey, gold, and red lines.
We stock two variations: MacEwen Ancient and MacEwen Modern. The ancient version showcases softer colours, including a muted green, an orangey red, and a yellowy gold, while the modern option is darker and bolder, made up of a deep green, striking red, and bright gold.
Owning your own MacEwen plaid is the perfect way to connect with your clan ancestors, and with our extensive options you won’t struggle for choice! If you are feeling traditional, how about a dapper kilt? Or perhaps some decorative ribbon would suit you more? Alternatively, if you prefer a bespoke piece, why not treat yourself to a cutting of 100% wool fabric and create your own, unique MacEwen furnishings or clothes.
Clan Battles
One branch of MacEwens played a perhaps unexpected but nonetheless vital role in numerous clan battles!
After Clan Campbell were granted the MacEwen’s hereditary lands by King James I of Scotland in 1423, the two families showed an unusual amount of respect for each other, deciding to form a collaborative bond, rather than feud over the territory.
The MacEwens became the official Bard-Seanachies for the Campbells, a very lofty and well-respected position in the medieval Celtic world, as bards were commonly recognised as the most intelligent and educated members of society. They were responsible for recording clan history, often in lyrical poems and songs, that would become extremely well-known and well-loved, often being passed down for generations.
However, these verses were not only intended to conserve thrilling clan stories for the future, they also worked to motivate and embolden clansmen in the present moment.
The bards would often accompany clans to war, rousing and driving them on by ferociously chanting their heroic poems.
This shows the MacEwen family’s great versatility in strength and skill, as they were blessed with both the creative talent to write such affecting poetry, but also the bravery to perform with absolute valour on the battlefield!
Elspeth McEwen
Elspeth McEwen, a clever and creative healer, was the last woman in Galloway, and one of the last in Scotland, to be put to death as a ‘witch.’ She was tragically killed in 1698.
Clan MacEwen
Famous Faces
Clan MacEwen are one of the most talented and well-respected families we have come across so far!
From holding the highly prestigious position of hereditary bards in medieval society, to launching internationally famous companies, and writing best-selling novels, the MacEwens are an impressive bunch!
Image credit:
Ian McEwan By Fronteiras do Pensamento - Ian McEwan no Fronteiras do Pensamento São Paulo 2016, CC BY-SA 2.0
Clan MacEwen
Tartan Poll
There are two Clan MacEwen tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite of the two!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan MacEwen
Learn about the clan’s links to a royal dynasty, a creative healer with a grisly end and their connection with Clan Campbell.
The Castles of Clan MacEwen
Come with us to discover the mother lands of the earliest iteration of Clan MacEwen, complete with stunning scenery, an ancient church, and, of course, a classic Scottish castle!
Clan. Heritage & Heraldry: An Interview with Ross M. McEwen
Our MacEwen Clan of the Month celebrations continue this month with a very special interview!
We are thrilled to share we spoke with Ross M. McEwen, Vice Chair of the Clan MacEwen Society and Trustee of the Heraldry Society of Scotland about clans, heritage and heraldry.
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan MacEwen
This month we are delving into all things Clan MacEwen!
Join John and Carrie as they explore the clan’s history and territories including MacEwen’s Castle, as well as famous faces like acclaimed author Ian McEwan.
Clan MacEwen
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan MacEwen? Enough to get all 12 questions correct?
Test your MacEwen Clan Knowledge now!
Clan MacEwen
Tartan Tales
We called upon the valued Clan members to share their MacEwen stories and we had a fantastic 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 MacEwen 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: Reviresco (I grow strong again)
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