Scottish Clans
MacKinnon Tartans & Clan
Who Wears MacKinnon 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.
- Love
- MacInnon
- MacKenning
- MacKinven
- MacMoran
- MacSherrie
- Sherrie
- Sherry
- Kinnon
- MacKinney
- MacKinning
Mackinnon Tartans
6 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.
Explore the history
How it all started
Territories
The heartland of the Clan can be found in the Inner Hebrides. At their medieval peak, when the clan enjoyed the support of the Lordship of the Isles, the MacKinnons held the lands of Strath on Skye, a farm called Sliddery on the island of Arran, and areas in the north of Mull including Tobermory. However, they suffered in the aftermath of the Jacobite risings and were reduced to poverty. The last of the clan lands were sold in 1791.
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan MacKinnon is Anne Gunhild MacKinnon of MacKinnon. She is the 38th chief and the first female MacKinnon of MacKinnon, and took up the position in 1980. Chief Anne Gunhild MacKinnon has appointed a Chief Representative, who is seen with his family in this photo.
Caisteal Mol
Ciasteal Mol is a ruined castle on the Isle of Skye and is the historic seat of Clan MacKinnon. The Castle is also known under a number of different names such as; Castle Moil, Castle Maol, Dun Akyn, Dunakin Castle, Dun Haakon and Castle Dunakin. The current castle ruins were constructed in the 15th Century, but there was a castle on the grounds many years before this. In the 10th Century the 4th Chief of Clan MacKinnon married a Norweigan princess who was known as 'Saucy Mary' and it is said that she built the castle that stood before the current Castle. It is said that is buried underneath the ruins and that he face is pointed in the direction of Norway. The last person to occupy the castle was the nephew of the 26th Chief of Clan MacKinnon, Neill MacKinnon, in the 17th Century, the castle has been abondoned ever since.
Do MacKinnon have a plant badge?
The MacKinnon Plant Badge is Scots Pine. This badge is shared with the six other clans who also claim descent from Alpin, the first King of Scots. These other clans are Grant, Gregor, Macaulay, Macfie, Macnab and MacQuarrie.
What is featured on the MacKinnon clan crest?
The MacKinnon clan crest is made up of the clan motto 'Audentes Fortuna Juvat' (Fortune assists the daring) and features a boar's head with a shin bone in it's mouth. It is sometimes described as 'A boar's head erased and holding in its mouth the shank of a deer all Proper.'
Do clan MacKinnon have a society?
The Clan MacKinnon Society was founded in Scotland in 1891 and existed there until 1975, at which point it was dissolved due to dwindling membership. In 1980, a petition was made to then-Chief Neil MacKinnon to re-establish the Society. Since then, it has been headquartered in the United States. The society aims to promote and foster the spirit of the clan and help members maintain connections with each other and with the clan heritage. You don't need to be a MacKinnon by blood nor ancestry to join, you just need to have an interest in the Clan and its history!
Are clan MacKinnon associated with a Loch?
The loch most closely linked to the MacKinnons is Loch Alsh. The historic watchtower at Caisteal Maol which was once owned by the clan is located on the edge of the loch. A legend says that in the 10th century a Norse princess with links to the MacKinnons ran a heavy chain across the entrance to the loch, using it to levy a toll on all ships entering and leaving the sea inlet.
Do you know what the MacKinnon Coat of Arms is?
The arms of MacKinnon of MacKinnon are: Quarterly, 1st, Vert, a boar’s head, couped, holding in the mouth a shin-bone of a deer, Argent; 2nd, Azure, a tower, triple-towered, Argent; 3rd, Or, a lymphad, Gules; 4th, Argent, a man’s arm, couped below the wrist, from the sinister, Proper, grasping a cross crosslet fitchée, Sable.
Do MacKinnon have their own tartan?
An original Mackinnon tartan features in the controversial Vestiarium Scoticum of 1842 (which claimed to be a copy of a 15th century book recounting the tartans of leading Scottish families, but in fact was likely a 19th century forgery!). A newer Mackinnon hunting tartan was registered with the Lyon Court in 1960, and is based on the colours of the earlier tartan. Today, there are also MacKinnon Red Ancient and Modern tartans available.
Clan MacKinnnon
Famous Faces
We are showcasing the famous faces on Clan MacKinnon in our latest blog post – from politicians and diplomats to eccentric clergymen and comedians, MacKinnons have made their mark throughout time and across the world!
Discover more notable members of Clan MacKinnon on our blog.
Clan MacKinnon
Tartan Poll
There are 4 variants available for the MacKinnon Clan, featuring gorgeous browns, greens and reds, this clan have some great options. But which is your favourite MacKinnon Clan tartan? Vote Now!
The Castles of Clan MacKinnon
Dun Ringill (in English, “fort at the point of the ravine”) was the first MacKinnon home on Skye and is considered the clan’s ancestral home. It is located east of Kirkibost on the west shore of Loch Slapin. The original structure on the site was an Iron Age broch constructed over 2000 years ago, however the site was occupied and modified up until the 19th century.
Clan MacKinnon
Discover our 5 interesting facts about Clan MacKinnon! Learn about their family tree, reaching all the way to King Alpin and their connection to the mysterious “Saucy Mary”. Find out about their battles with the neighbouring Scott Clan, and the story behind how they came to own Caisteal Maol.
The Story of Clan MacKinnon
Discover the fascinating history of Clan MacKinnon in this episode of ScotlandShop on the Sofa. From mediaeval princes to historic battles, dramatic ruins, and famous clan members, we delve into the stories and traditions behind this Scottish clan. Join us on this captivating journey through the MacKinnon heritage!
Clan MacKinnon
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan MacKinnon? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your MacKinnon Clan Knowledge now!
Clan Motto: Audentes Fortuna Juvat (Fortune Favours the Bold)
From the start
MacKinnon Clan Origins & History
Where does the MacKinnon name come from?
The name MacKinnon is an anglicisation of the Gaelic "Mac Fhionghuin," which derives from a personal name meaning "fair born" or "fair son." According to the Clan MacKinnon Society, the bearer of this name was the Clan's fourth chief, Finguine or Findanus, a prominent 12th century Scottish warrior and a great grandson of Alpin. The English version of the name was not widely used by the clan until as late as the 18th century.
What is the MacKinnon pipe music?
In June 1916, a renowned Pipe Major named John Grant wrote in to The Oban Times expressing his surprise that there was no great pipe music associated with the historic Clan MacKinnon. He did however name some "lighter music" linked to the clan, including "MacKinnon’s Strathspey,” “MacKinnon’s March,” “Allan MacKinnon’s Reel,” and the “Ronald MacKinnon’s Jig.”
MacKinnon support of Robert the Bruce
The MacKinnons on the Isle of Arran gave shelter to Robert the Bruce during his time as a fugitive, helping him escape to Carrick. As a reward, the Clan was granted lands on the Isle of Skye in the aftermath of Bruce’s victory at Bannockburn.
The MacKinnons on the Isle of Arran gave shelter to Robert the Bruce during his time as a fugitive, helping him escape to Carrick. As a reward, the Clan was granted lands on the Isle of Skye in the aftermath of Bruce’s victory at Bannockburn.
What is the MacKinnon war cry?
The MacKinnon war cry is "Cuimhnich bas Alpan" which translates as "Remember the death of Alpin." "Alpin" is linked to the family of Kenneth MacAlpin, the first king of Scots. His 12th century descendant Fingon is hailed as the progenitor of Clan MacKinnon.
MacKinnon Lineage
The original direct line of the MacKinnon chiefs died out in 1808. In 1811, William Mackinnon, MP for the English constituency of Dunwich, claimed arms from the Lord Lyon by showing his descent from Daniel, second son of Sir Lachlan Mor who had emigrated to Antigua after an argument with his father. The “Antigua Mackinnons” continue to hold the chiefdom today.
MacKinnon links to Saint Columba
The Clan has a close link to Saint Columba – the MacKinnon Arms bears the hand of the saint holding the cross, and members of the clan held the position of hereditary abbots of Iona, whose monastery was founded by the Saint. The final MacKinnon to hold this position was John, also the ninth clan chief, who died around 1500
Clan MacKinnon Conflicts
The Mackinnons were involved in a long-running feud with the Macleans. The feud perhaps originated with the latter’s association with the Macdonald Lords of the Isles. One more humorous episode in this conflict came during an incident when the Macleans seized some Mackinnon lands on Mull while the chief was away visiting Skye. Upon learning what had happened, the Mackinnon chief gathered his men and discovered that the Macleans were celebrating with a great feast at Ledaig, and were in a drunken stupor. Rather than attacking them, the Mackinnons asked his men to each cut down a fir tree and plant them around the Macleans’ hall. He placed one in front of the door along with a sword. The next morning when the Macleans woke up they found themselves surrounded by the Mackinnon plant badge – realising that they could all have been slaughtered, they promptly withdrew from the Mackinnon lands!
After the forfeiture of the Lordship of the Isles at the end of the 15th century, the Mackinnons are said to have occasionally sided with the MacLeans of Duart, as well as sometimes supporting the MacDonalds of Skye in their battles against the MacLeods.
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