Scottish Clans
Munro Tartans & Clan
Sir Hugh Munro, 4th Baronet was a prolific mountaineer and the first person to create a scientific list of all the mountains in Scotland greater than 3,000 feet in height - there are 282 such peaks in Scotland. Munro-bagging is a very popular pass-time in Scotland whereby people try to reach the summit of all the listed Munros.
Who Wears Munro 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.
- Dingwall
- Foulis
- Fowlis
- Keddie
- Kiddie
- Macadie
- MacCulloch
- MacEddie
- MacKeddie
- MacLulich
- MacLullich
- Monro
- Monroe
- Munroe
- Vass
- Wass
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
Munro Tartans
7 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
Munro Clan Origins & History
Explore the history
How it all started
Territories
The Munros are a hardy Highland clan, hailing from ‘fearainn Domhnuill,’ or ‘Ferindonald,’ meaning ‘Donald’s land.’
It is believed that they made their way to Scotland from Ireland in the 11th century, under the rule of chief Donald Munro.
Donald was blessed with fearsome strength and vigour, which was recognised by Malcolm II of Scotland, who recruited him to defeat a gang of unruly Viking invaders.
The story goes that the Munro chief succeeded spectacularly in driving the Vikings away and was granted ‘Ferindonald’ by the King as a reward.
These lands ran for 8 miles along the northern shore of the Cromarty Firth and included most of the neighbouring parishes of Kiltearn and Alness.
The Munros set up home on the lush coastal strip beside the Firth, gradually making their way up the river valleys into the lands around Ben Wyvis.
Beyond Ferindonald, the Lairds of Foulis, from one powerful sect of the clan, also acquired territory on the west coast in Loch Broom, and northwards along the border in-between Ross and Sutherland.
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Munro is Hector William Munro of Foulis. He shows great pride in his position, and even lives at Foulis Castle, which has been the traditional seat of the clan for hundreds of years.
Hector comes from a long line of Munros and is the son of Captain Patrick Munro and Eva Marion Munro, the daughter of the 11th Baronet, Sir Hector Munro.
His family can trace their roots back to the great progenitor of the clan, Donald Munro of Foulis, who lived all the way back in the 11th century!
Where does the name Munro come from?
The name ‘Munro’ is thought to have come from the Gaelic word ‘Rothach,’ meaning ‘man from Ro.’ This most likely refers to the River Roe in County Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland, as popular tradition suggests that the clan progenitors were soldiers from this region who went on to settle in Scotland.
Foulis Castle
Foulis Castle is located just outside or Evanton in the North of Scotland and is the historic seat of Clan Munro. Clan Munro have held Foulis Castle since at least the 12th Century, however it is believed they may have held it even earlier as this is as far back as the records go for Foulis Castle. The first building constucted on the grounds dates back to the 11th Century and at this time it was known as the tower of Foulis. The Castle stood strong until the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when it was attacked, sacked and burned down by the Jacobites. The Chief of Clan Munro at this time re-built the Castle shortly after this, but had it designed in a Georgian style mansion rather than a defensive style fort. This version of Foulis Castle still stands today and is where the current Chief of Munro resides.
Do Clan Munro have a Plant Badge?
Clans would wear sprigs of their plant badge in their bonnet or lapel as a form of identification. It was a way of showing both which clan you belonged to, and your pride at being part of said clan.
Clan Munro’s badge is the common clubmoss; a striking plant whose abundant stems resemble small versions of coniferous trees.
This ‘common’ plant has a charmingly magical history! Its dried spores can be explosive when present at high density, so they were frequently used in early photography, and are still often used in magic acts to create the impression of a dazzling spark.
Clan Munro Allies
The Munros often made powerful allies. In 1562, early on in her reign, Mary, Queen of Scots made a trip to Inverness. However, she did not initially receive the warmest of welcomes, as when she arrived at the castle, which was owned by Clan Gordon, she found the doors shut against her. Clan Munro came out in her fierce support, sieging the castle for 3 days until it finally fell. The Queen was deeply grateful to the Munros and even stayed on to hunt on their nearby lands.
Do Clan Munro have a Crest?
Clan Munro's crest is described as 'An eagle perching Proper.' This means it shows an eagle in natural colours perched on a ledge; a simple but striking image!
Do Clan Munro have a War Cry?
Clan Munro’s war cry is ‘Caisteal Folais’n a Theine,’ which means ‘Castle Foulis ablaze.’
This refers to the enthralling scene that would have taken place whenever the chief wanted to call his men into battle.
When the occasion arose, the chief would have lit a signal fire at the family’s official seat, Castle Foulis, and all Munros who saw it would have known to gather at the meeting point immediately, ready to take instruction and eager to serve their clan.
We’re sure that smoke coming from Castle Foulis must have been a foreboding sight for any nearby enemies!
Do Clan Munro have a Society?
If you are a Munro, you’ll be happy to find out that there is a thriving and popular society dedicated to the interests of the clan! The Clan Munro Association was founded in 1937 by Captain Donald John Munro, R.N. and has been working to promote and support the family ever since.
Originally established in Scotland, there are now also branches in the United State of America, New Zealand, France, Canada, and Australia.
Among their many admirable aims, the Association lists, ‘the collection and preservation of the history and traditions of the clan, the promotion of the welfare of the Scottish Highlands; the preservation of its wildlife and the fostering of the Gaelic language, and the renewal of the family spirit of the Clan at home and abroad.’
Members can meet up at regular Clan gatherings held in traditional Munro country, as well as elsewhere, and keep in touch with frequent newsletters, and the Clan Munro Magazine.
If you’d like to find out more about joining, check out their website!
Do Clan Munro have any Pipe Music?
Clan Munro’s official pipe song is ‘Beleach na Broige,’ a solemn recalling of the 15th century Battle of Bealach nam Broig, in which the Munros lost their chief while defending Clan Ross from invaders.
The Brains of Clan Munro
Clan Munro is blessed with brains as well as brawn! Four direct generations of the family all served as professors of anatomy at Edinburgh University: John Munro, Alexander Monro (primus), Alexander Monro (Secundus), and Alexander Monro (tertius).
Clan Munro Battles
Clan Munro is popularly believed to have taken part in the infamous 1501 Battle of Drumchatt. Although the history is slightly murky, as no records detailing the event remain, the story is undeniably fascinating.
In 1501, William Munro of Foulis was knighted by James IV of Scotland, having been recruited to assist the monarch in keeping the peace in the Highlands, essentially upholding the king’s authority.
The chief of Clan Mackenzie, Hector Roy Mackenzie, was seen as a particular threat to his power, so Munro made a plan. He gathered a force of nearly 900 men, including members of Clan Dingwall and Clan MacCulloch, and lead a devastating attack on the Mackenzies, seizing their cattle, and destroying large swathes of their land.
The Mackenzie chief was unsurprisingly furious and quickly planned his revenge. He managed to gather around 180 men, a much smaller number than Clan Munro. Knowing that he would have to employ some sneaky tactics to defeat the Munro’s much larger army, Hector Roy ordered his men to ambush the Munros as they were returning to their own land.
The Mackenzies waited for their enemies at Knockfarrel hill, charging at exactly the right moment, managing to take them completely by surprise. The Munros, tired from their earlier battle, panicked and began to scatter. One legend says that the Mackenzies cut off so many heads that they began to roll down the hill and fill the well at the bottom, which subsequently became known as ‘tober ni kean,’ or ‘fountain of heads.’
However, there was eventually a peaceful end to this story, when the feud was brought to a close with the marriage of Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis, and the daughter of Kenneth Mackenzie, 7th of Kintail, chief of Clan Mackenzie. The union served as a powerful symbol of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Image: Knockfarrel hill also known as the 'cat's back' at Drumchatt where the clan battle is said to have taken place.
Image Credit: Anna and Goetz Gerhardt
Are Clan Munro connected to a Coastal Location?
Clan Munro set up home along the northern banks of Cromarty Firth long ago. This is an arm of the Moray Firth which is flanked by 2 striking headlands with a whimsical name! The cliffs, one 151 metres high and the other 141 metres high, are called ‘the sutors,’ as they resemble a pair of shoemakers hunched over their work.
The firth has often been used as a safe haven during turbulent times due to its sheltered position making it easy to defend. During World War II, the Navy used it as a base for a large training and operational centre for Catalina Amphibious aircrafts and Sunderland seaplanes.
Nowadays, the firth is better known for its abundance of wildlife and is a designated special protection area for wildlife conservation. Visitors can often spot bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, grey seals, and harbour seals.
Larger animals such as minke whales, humpback whales, long-finned pilot whales, and even basking sharks are also occasional residents of the firth!
Image Credit: Julien Paren
Do Clan Munro have a Tartan?
Owning your very own Munro tartan would be a great way to feel closer to your mighty ancestors.
Luckily, we have plenty to choose from! We stock 7 different variations, each offering a different depth, tone, and colour, and you can choose from a wide range of products. From kilts, to dresses, to ribbons and fabric, we're sure we can help you find what you need.
Clan Munro
Tartan Poll
There are seven Clan Munro tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Clan Munro
Famous Faces
Clan Munro are well known for their admirable perseverance, bravery, and creativity. From battling the elements to tackle magnificent hikes, fighting fiercely for equality, and winning over all of Hollywood, the Munros have certainly stacked up some stunning achievements!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Munro
Learn about their plant badge, name origin, pipe song and more.
The Castles of Clan Munro
Clan Munro is an old and powerful family with the grand homes to match. Come with us to explore a few of the Munros’ most impressive strongholds, and discover the fascinating stories held within their walls.
Image credit: Drone view of Foulis Castle by 笃行之 - Own work, CC0
Anna Gillies MacDonald Munro
Scotland’s Forgotten Suffragette
While exploring all things Clan Munro, we found ourselves fascinated by the life of Anna Munro, a woman truly ahead of her time. Find out more about her inspiring life!
The infamous Battle of Drumchatt
Clan Munro vs Clan Mackenzie
Clan Munro and Clan Mackenzie are believed to have clashed in the infamous 1501 Battle of Drumchatt. Although the history is slightly murky, because no records detailing the event remain, the story is undeniably fascinating. Find out more in our video!
Clan Munro
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Munro? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Munro Clan Knowledge now!
An Interview with The Clan Munro Associations
We were delighted to have the opportunity to interview members from different branches of the Clan Munro Associations during our Clan of the Month celebrations.
Read our blog to find out more about Allan Munro from Clan Munro Association Australia and New Zealand, and John Munro of Clan Munro Association of Canada, who both share what it means to be a Munro, how you can get involved with their associations, and what their hopes are for future generations of Munros.
Photo courtesy of Clan Munro Association of Canada
Clan Motto: Dread God
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