Scottish Clans
MacFie Tartans & Clan
Who Wears MacFie 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.
- ATHEY
- ATHIE
- CATHEY
- Cathie
- COFFEE
- COFFEY
- DUFFEE
- DUFFIE
- DUFFEY
- DUFFY
- FEE
- GUFFEY
- GUFFIE
- HAFFEY
- HAFFIE
- MacAFEE
- MacAFIE
- MacCAFFER
- MacCAFFREY
- MacCAFFIE
- MacCATHEY
- MacCATHIE
- MacCooish
- MacCUISH
- MacDUFFEE
- MacDUFFIE
- MacDUFFEY
- MacDUFFY
- MacDUFFIN
- MacFEE
- MacFIE
- MacGUFFEY
- MacGUFFIE
- MacGUFFIN
- MacHAFFIE
- MacHAFFY
- MacPHEE
- MacPHIE
- MacVEE
- MacVIE
- MAHAFFEY
- MEHAFFEY
- MacNicol
- PHEE
- PHIE
Macfie Tartans
3 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
MacFie Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan MacFie
How it all started
Territories
The clan's history can be found primarily on the islands of Colonsay and Oronsay in the Hebrides. Clan Macfie was historically quite involved with the Lords of Isles and continued to serve significant members of Clan MacDonald after the lordship was lost. After the death of their last chief, the clan followed the MacDonalds of Islay for a time, but eventually became scattered, with some going on to follow Clan Cameron into other lands, such as Lochaber.
Clan Chief
Though the clan doesn't currently have a chief, Dr. Earle Douglas MacPhee deserves honorable mention. In 1968, Dr. MacPhee initiated a worldwide movement to have Clan Macfie recognized once again as an active clan and to have a new Chief appointed. His efforts were highly successful with Clan Macfie being formally recognized by the Lord Lyon as an active clan on 27th May 1981.
What's in the Clan MacFie name?
The original Gaelic for Macfie is Macdubhsith. The literal translation means “dark man of peace”. Sithe is the Gaelic term used for the supernatural beings that are thought to have populated the highlands and the term dubh, or dark, was also associated with the supernatural.
Dùn Eibhinn
The historic seat of Clan MacFie is Dùn Eibhinn, also referred to as Dun Evan, Dun Eivan or Fort of Eyvind. It was first built in the 11th century, but Clan MacFie did not own the land until the 13th Century. However, in 1623 the Clan MacFie Chief died during a feud with the MacDonalds, therefore the lands of Dùn Eibhinn were left unoccupied. The site has since become ruinous. The Clan MacFie Society erected a Cairn within the site of the ruins in 1977, dedicated to the Clan MacFie and the last Clan Chief.
The story of MacPhee
Ewan MacPhee was a 19th century army deserter who went on to become Scotland's last outlaw. MacPhee fled the army and went to live on a small island in Loch Quoich where he married a fourteen year-old girl. As the years passed, MacPhee began to gain a reputation as an oracle of sorts and he believed himself to have supernatural powers. All this time, MacPhee was stealing cattle from his neighbours who got fed up and sent the sheriff after him. MacPhee's wife saw the Sheriff coming and so started shooting at him, prompting the Sheriff to turn and flee. Later an armed mob came and took MacPhee away to prison where he would eventually die.
Macfie Clan Crest
The design of the Clan Macfie crest comes from the coat of arms of Macfie of Dreghorn. This is because Macfie of Dreghorn was one of the first Macfies to register a coat of arms in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland. The crest features a lion rampant, which traditionally symbolizes strength, courage, and valor. The Macfie motto encircles the crest and translates to "For the King".
Macfie Plant Badge
Clan Macfie actually has three plant badges! This is due to their close association with other clans. The plant badges are oak (also associated with Clan Cameron), Crowberry (also associated with Clan Maclean and Cameron), and Scots Pine (associated with all of the clans of Siol Alpin---a family of seven clans traditionally claiming descent from the first King of Scots).
Clan Macfie Day
Every year on May 27th, we celebrate Clan Macfie Day to mark the date in 1981 when the clan was formally recognized as an "active" clan by the Lord Lyon. This was after a widespread, international rallying of Macfies begun by Dr. Earle Douglas MacPhee for the clan to be officially reinstated. Late in1993, members of Clan Macfie met in Parliament on the island of Colonsay, the clan's ancestral land, for the first time in 370 years. The Macfie stone was erected in memorial of the last official chief and the clan's camaraderie and commitment to the growth of the clan has continued on. Get in touch to tell us how you celebrate!
Loch Quoich
Loch Quoich is an important loch for Clan Macfie because of it's connection to famous outlaw (and famous clan member), Ewen McPhee. During his time on the run, he managed to settle for a time on an island on the loch. Having built a small shelter on the island, the area came to be called after him---Eilen Mhic Phee, which means "MacPhee's island".
The Two Macfie Pipers
A member of clan Macfie was one of the two pipers at Glenfinnan when Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his banner in 1745! The pipers were of great significance to this event because it was the sounds of the pipes that alerted Charles Stuart to the arrival of the majority of the clansmen who were to fight for him.
Macfie War Cry
Clan Macfie's war cry is Cuimhnich bas Alpein, which translates to "Remember the death of King Alpin." It is actually the Alpin war cry, but was adopted by the Macfies as they are a Siol Alpin clan. Siol Apin clans are a family of seven clans traditionally claiming descent from the first King of Scots
Story of Clan Macfie
Anna and Emily are diving into the history and heritage of the Macfie Clan! They explore the clan origins, gruesome battles, famous faces and of course the modern day Clan as well. Emily guides us through Macfie's beautiful tartans and Anna shares a couple of beautiful customer stories of Clan heritage and celebrations.
Macfie Arms
These are the Arms of Macfie of Dreghorn. In 1864 Grants of Arms were made to Robert Macfie of Langhouse and Airds and to Robert Andrew Macfie of Dreghorn, who were the very first clan members to be honored with Arms in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland.
Clan MacFie
Tartan Poll
There are 3 variants available for the MacFie Clan, from Modern to Ancient, with gorgeous red and green tartans, this Clan is truly spoilt for choice. But which is your favourite MacFie Clan tartan? Vote Now!
Top 5 Clan Facts
We have collected 5 interesting facts about the Macfie's that you need to know! This ancient Clan has a long standing history in Scotland and you might be surprised to discover the many surnames that can be traced back to the Macfie's legendary family. What is your favourite Macfie fact?
Clan Macfie Society
If you want to learn more about the clan or discover how to get involved, visit the official clan society website. The society is committed to upholding the history of the clan, hosting clan gatherings, and more! The site also offers links to various international clan sites, so you're sure to find a society close to home, no matter where you are.
Clan Macfie
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Macfie? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Macfie Clan Knowledge now!
Interview with Sarah MacPhee
Have you ever wondered how Scottish people preserve their heritage, when living in a foreign land? Then you will love our interview with Sarah MacPhee from the Macfie Clan, who despite moving to the USA as a child, maintained the connection to her beloved homeland while growing up. Sarah tells us about her role in the US Scottish community and her contribution to supporting foreign businesses in the United States of America. She was delighted to find out about our new store now open in Albany, NY too!
Clan Motto: Pro Rege (For the King)
