Scottish Clans
Wilson Tartans & Clan
Wilson is the the third most frequently registered name in Scotland. The Wilsons of Caithness are believed to be a sept of Clan Gunn, whereas the Wilsons of Banffshire, a historic Scottish county that has since been split into Moray and Aberdeenshire, are said to descend from the Innes Clan.
Who Wears Wilson 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.
- Willson
- Will
- William
- MacWilliams
- Wylie
- Wyllie
- Wylson
- Wylsone
- Willison
- Vylsone
- Wilsone
- Wulson
- Wilsoun
Wilson 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
Wilson Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Wilson
How it all started
Territories
‘Wilson’ is the third most common name in Scotland and its popularity makes it difficult to identify specific clan territories.
Wilsons spread throughout the country and built communities in innumerable towns, villages, and counties, though there are a few stand-out areas.
The Willison and Wilsone families had made names for themselves in Stirling by the 18th century, while equally industrious sets of Wilsons set up in Ayrshire, Dumfries, and Galloway.
Two further sects of the family are linked to other Clans; the Wilsons of Caithness are believed to be a sept of Clan Gunn, whereas the Wilsons of Banffshire, a historic Scottish county that has since been split into Moray and Aberdeenshire, are said to descend from the Innes Clan.
Large numbers of Wilsons can also be found in the Angus and Fife areas.
It's safe to say that this mighty clan were fans of travel!
Clan Chief
As the Wilsons are technically a grand family made up of numerous lines and sects, they do not have one singular 'Clan Chief.'
Where does the name Wilson come from?
The name ‘Wilson’ means ‘son of William.’ William itself came from the Old German ‘Wilhelm’ or ‘Willihelm,’ the meaning of which points to the family’s valiant nature. ‘Will’ refers to an unshakeable determination and dedication to achieving one’s goals, while ‘helm’ is a type of defensive helmet, which alludes to the clan's abundance of warriors ready to enter battle whenever the need arose.
Do Clan Wilson have a Clan Crest?
The Clan Crest was a deeply important symbol for noble Scottish families; by wearing or displaying it, members could visually show their loyalty and allegiance to each other.
The Wilsons have many different family lines, so they also have more than one crest.
One popular version features a clenched fist raising a sword, circled by a leather belt, displaying a Wilson saying, ‘Aut Pax Aut Bellum,’ meaning ‘Either Peace or War.’
Another widespread crest shows a red lion shown in the act of rearing up, baring its teeth and claws. It is surrounded by a leather belt inscribed with one of the family mottos ‘Semper Vigilans,’ which means ‘Always Watchful.
Wigtown Bay
Wigtown Bay is the site of the tragic death of Margaret Wilson, which you can learn more about in the battles section of this webpage.
The Bay is a large expanse of water in Dumfries and Galloway, which is fed by multiple different sources, including the Irish Sea, the River Cree, and the River Bladnoch.
The area of the bay closest to the town is filled with numerous salt marshes and mudflats, where the notorious executions took place.
Young Margaret Wilson and the elderly Margaret McLachlan had been arrested as traitors to the Crown due to their Presbyterianism and were sentenced to death.
They were tied to stakes on the mudflats and left to drown in the rising waters of the River Bladnoch.
The King’s men hoped that the women would denounce their faith as the river got higher and swear loyalty to the monarchy instead, but both remained devoted to their religion until the very end, showing an immense amount of bravery.
Today, you can find a memorial stone at the spot where they died, built to look like the stakes they were tied to, which serves as both a chilling reminder of their fate and a touching tribute to their courage.
Image Source: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
Clan Wilson Mottos
The Wilson family have several different mottos, though three stand out as the most popular.
Firstly, we have ‘Semper Vigilans,’ which means ‘Always Watchful.’ It can also be translated as always vigilant, or always ready, reflecting the Wilson’s quick wit and willingness to arise to any occasion, whether it be defending their beliefs in battle, or coming to the aid of their allies.
The second most common Wilson motto is ‘Vincit Qui Se Vincit,’ or ‘He conquers, who conquers himself.’ This also seems like a deeply fitting choice, as the family have frequently demonstrated their admirable self-discipline and control throughout history.
Finally, as Wilson is a sept of Clan Gunn, a third popular motto is 'Aut Pax Aut Bellum' meaning Either Peace or War.
The Clan Wilson Society
There is not currently a society for the Wilson family specifically, but Wilsons descended from the Clan Gunn sect are welcome to join the Clan Gunn Society!
Formed in 1960, it now boasts a following of over 350 members from across the globe, and works to ‘promote a spirit of kinship amongst members of the clan worldwide.’
The society helps members to connect with their ancestry in a variety of fun and creative ways; they publish a magazine called ‘the Gunn Herald’ three times a year, host international clan gatherings, and organise trips to sites rich with clan history!
If you are interested in joining, meeting fellow Wilsons/Gunns, and learning more about your heritage, check out their webpage here.
Who Was The First Recorded Wilson?
The first Wilson recorded in Scotland was a man named Michael, who appeared in records in Ayr in 1418.
Clan Battles
The Wilsons were a noble and courageous family who followed their beliefs, no matter the risk. This determination was particularly evident in the way they continued to practice the Presbyterian religion even when it caused real threat to their lives.
One young Wilson sadly even gave their life for the cause; 16-year-old Margaret was one of many Scots who refused to sign the ‘abjuration oath’ denouncing the Covenant religion, and instead continued to attend services and worship as she had always done.
King Charles II saw this as a denial of his ‘divine rights,’ as he was attempting to steer the country towards Catholicism, so ordered that Margaret be executed by drowning.
The reaction to the young girl’s death was swift and strong, and she quickly became known as the virgin martyr.
Margaret’s brother was so outraged that he joined the covenanting army, waging countless battles against the King, Cromwell, and those who sought to stamp out Presbyterianism.
He fought valiantly but was eventually forced to flee to Ireland, and subsequently America, to escape religious persecution.
If this story has touched you, you’ll be glad to know that there are several poignant monuments dedicated to Margaret and other ‘Covenanter Martyrs’ in Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway, that still stand today.
One of the most affecting memorials can be found on the Eastern side of the town, where there is an old kirkyard which contains the gravestones of Margaret and 4 other murdered covenanters. The stones are inscribed with details of their killings, and the names of those responsible for the deaths, portraying the deep sorrow and indignance the community felt after their executions.
We hope you’ll find it as incredible as we do to see your ancestor’s bravery commemorated so passionately.
An Infamous Murder
One devious Wilson helped to orchestrate the infamous murder of Lord Henry Darnley, Mary Queen of Scots' second husband. Patrick Wilson worked as a tailor for the ambitious and striving Earl of Bothwell, James Hepburn, but found himself drawn into a grisly murder plot at the command of his boss – surely not part of his initial job description!
Hepburn wished to marry the Queen himself, so called on the help of his employees to get Lord Darnley out of the way.
On the 9th of February 1567, Wilson snuck into Kirk O’Field, the house where Darnley was staying, and packed it full of gunpowder, causing it to explode spectacularly a short while later.
Interestingly however, Darnley clearly realised he was in danger and tried to escape, as his body was found in the garden, and examination showed that he had been killed by strangulation, not the blast.
Incriminating letters between Bothwell and the Queen show that at least Bothwell certainly had a hand in the murder, and the Queen herself likely contributed to the planning, but the pair’s power and status kept them from receiving any blame. Instead, Bothwell’s servants, including Wilson, took the fall and were charged and executed.
Do Clan Wilson have a tartan?
The Wilson’s tartan has an unusually endearing origin story!
It was created by William Wilson, who worked as a weaver in Bannockburn, as a wedding gift to his son and his son's new wife Janet in 1780.
It made such a great impression at the ceremony that it was adopted as the family tartan soon after.
We stock three variations here at ScotlandShop: ancient, modern and muted.
The ancient fabric features muted grassy green colours and a soft orangey red, whereas the modern is bolder, boasting a deep, dark green and a striking, vibrant red. The muted variation is an Old & Rare fabric in a darker red and green with hints of blue and white.
If you are looking to purchase the tartan to connect with your noble ancestors, you won’t struggle for options! You can choose from flat caps to kilts to brogues, or even treat yourself to a cutting of 100% wool fabric and use it to make your own bespoke, Wilson furnishings!
A Noble Danish Family
It it thought that certain sects of the clan are descendants of an ancient and royal Danish tribe!
The story goes that in the 9th century, deep in the scenic countryside of Denmark, there lived a noble family who worshiped a prince called ‘Wolf.’ Supposedly, this group went by the name ‘Wolf’s son’ or ‘Wilf’s son,’ which eventually evolved into a line of Wilsons.
Clan Wilson
Tartan Poll
There are three colourful Clan Wilson tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite of the three!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Wilson
Learn about the origins of the Wilson name, ancient royal connections and their mottos!
Clan Wilson
Famous Faces
Many Wilsons have made enduring names for themselves in fields ranging from fashion to politics to literature and music. Read our blog to discover more about the family’s innumerable achievements!
The Castles of Clan Wilson
We have explored some of the Wilson sites in our blog, from the ruins of Sanquhar Castle to a ghostly tale, a monument to a mysterious castle, we are sure you'll discover some interesting information about each of them!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan Wilson
This month we are delving into all things Clan Wilson!
Join John and Carrie as they explore the clan’s history.
Listen to tales of ghosts and martyrs, famous singers and authors, monuments and mysterious castles!
Clan Wilson
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Wilson? Enough to get all 12 questions correct?
Test your Wilson Clan Knowledge now!
Clan Motto: Aut Pax Aut Bellum (Either Peace or War)
