Scottish Clans
MacIntosh Tartans & Clan
In 1263, during the Scottish–Norwegian War, Farquhar Mackintosh, the chief led his clan at the Battle of Largs against Haakon IV of Norway. He was later killed in a duel in 1265 leaving his infant son, Angus, as heir.
Qui port le MacIntosh tartan? - Noms associés
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.
- Adamson
- Ayson
- Cash
- Clark
- Clarke
- Clarkson
- Clerk
- Combe
- Combie
- Crearer
- Crerar
- Dallas
- Doles
- Eason
- Easson
- Eggie
- Eggo
- Elder
- Esson
- Glennie
- Glenny
- Hardie
- Hardy
- Heggie
- Higgison
- Hosick
- Hossack
- Leary
- MacAndrew
- MacArtney
- MacAy
- MacCaish
- MacCardney
- MacCartney
- MacCash
- MacCause
- MacChlery
- MacClair
- MacCleary
- MacColm
- MacComas
- MacCombe
- MacCombich
- MacCombie
- MacComie
- MacConchie
- MacFail
- MacFall
- MacFauld
- MacGlashan
- MacGlashen
- MacHardie
- MacHardy
- MacKeggie
- MacKieson
- MacKillican
- MacKintosh
- MacLear
- MacLeary
- MacLehose
- MacLerie
- MacNeven
- MacNiven
- MacOmie
- MacOmish
- MacPhail
- MacRitchitie
- MacTause
- MacTavish
- MacThomas
- MacVail
- Nairn
- Nairne
- Nevison
- Noble
- Paul
- Ripley
- Ritchie
- Sivewright
- Tarrell
- Taweson
- Tawse
- Thom
- Thoms
- Tosh
- Tosach
Macintosh Tartans
10 variationsLes couleurs d'un tartan peuvent être rendues suivant des nuances variées, ce qui conduit à des variations possibles dans le rendu d'un même tartan. qualifiées de ancien, modernes, weathered, hunting et dress.
Pour expliquer les variations de tartan
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- Dress
Ancient Tartan
Avant 1860, les tissus étaient colorés à l'aide de teintures animales et végétales. Cela permettait d'obtenir les couleurs plus douces typiques des tartans anciens (Ancient), des verts moussus et des bleus ciel, un rouge plus orangé et certains diraient que cela mettait en valeur le motif de manière beaucoup plus efficace, car les contrastes étaient beaucoup plus marqués que dans les tartans modernes (Modern). Le motif reste le même dans toutes les variations d'un même tartan, seules les nuances ou les tons varient.
Quelques constats
Après 1860, les teintures chimiques ont remplacé les teintures naturelles animales et végétales et les tartans modernes (Modern) sont nés avec leurs couleurs plus fortes et plus audacieuses. Les verts et bleus doux deviennent vert bouteille et bleu marine, les rouges sont écarlates.
Modern Tartan
Après 1860, les teintures chimiques ont remplacé les teintures naturelles animales et végétales et les tartans modernes sont nés avec leurs couleurs plus fortes et plus audacieuses. Les verts et bleus doux deviennent vert bouteille et bleu marine, les rouges sont écarlates.
Quelques constats
Les tartans modernes (Modern) sont souvent des combinaisons plus subtiles, comme le classique Black Watch Modern.
Weathered Tartan
Avant 1860, les tissus étaient colorés à l'aide de teintures animales et végétales. Cela donnait des couleurs plus douces et plus terreuses, typiques des tartans « Weathered », qui rappellent des couleurs plus audacieuses soumises au vent, à la pluie et au soleil, produisant de magnifiques tons délavés, des verts olive et des bruns, et des bleus très clairs avec des rouges qui sont plus roses que rouges.
Quelques constats
Certaines usines appellent les tartans altérés par les intempéries « Muted ».
Hunting Tartan
Les tartans de chasse (Hunting tartans) sont les tartans de camouflage et certains clans n'ont pas ces variations parce qu'ils sont déjà à dominante verte ou brune et n'ont pas besoin d'être modifiés pour se fondre dans les couleurs de la nature. Les tartans Black Watch ou Gunn en sont des exemples, tandis qu'un tartan comme le Fraser est à dominante rouge et n'offrirait pas une grande couverture aux hommes qui partent à la chasse.
Quelques constats
Si vous commandez un tartan assorti à un kilt ou à un accessoire existant, n'oubliez pas que, bien que le décor et les couleurs soient identiques, il peut y avoir une légère différence de couleur d'une usine à l'autre. Si vous avez besoin d'une correspondance exacte, nous vous conseillons de commander un échantillon pour vérifier.
Dress Tartan
Les tartans d'apparat (Dress Tartans) ont été conçus, comme leur nom l'indique, pour les célébrations et les danses des Highlands. Le motif du tartan reste le même, mais la couleur principale est remplacée par du blanc, ou du blanc supplémentaire est ajouté au motif pour lui donner un aspect plus brillant et plus « fantaisiste ». Les Écossais aiment contourner les règles et utilisent parfois du jaune au lieu du fil blanc. C'est de là que viennent les MacLeod Dress Modern et Barclay Dress Modern, qui sont plutôt extravagantes.
Quelques constats
Si vous commandez un tartan assorti à un kilt ou à un accessoire existant, n'oubliez pas que, bien que le décor et les couleurs soient identiques, il peut y avoir une légère différence de couleur d'une usine à l'autre. Si vous souhaitez une correspondance exacte, nous vous conseillons de commander un tartan de la même couleur que celui de votre kilt.
Dès le début
MacIntosh Clan Histoire & Origines
Découvrir l'histoire de Clan MacIntosh
L'Écosse ne manque pas d'histoires à raconter
Territories
It is thought that the very first chief of Clan Mackintosh was Shaw Macduff, the son of Duncan, Earl of Fife. He was instrumental in building the Mackintosh’s lands and reputation, as he was a much-respected favourite of King Malcolm the 4th.
In fact, in 1160, the King even took Shaw with him to supress an uprising in Morayshire. He quelled the revolt so impressively that his Highness rewarded him with lands in the valley of the Findhorn River and named him constable of Inverness Castle.
From here, the family only increased their influence, acquiring castles in Rothiemurchus and Nairn.
Clan Mackintosh also continued to show a knack for making valuable connections as they advanced their name and grew their territories. In 1291, the 6th Chief, Angus, married Eva, the daughter of Dougal Dal, Chief of Clan Chattan. This alliance provided the Mackintoshes with lands along Glenloy and Loch Arkaig, stretching all the way down the south side of Loch Ness to Lochaber, nestled by the base of Ben Nevis.
Clan Chief
The present-day Mackintosh Chief is John Lachlan Mackintosh and has held the position since 1995. He has a few more responsibilities than your average clan Chief, as the Mackintosh leader historically also serves as the President of the Clan Chattan Association!
D'où vient le nom MacIntosh?
The name Mackintosh comes from the Anglicised version of the Gaelic, Mac an Toisich. It is a patronymic surname, which means the prefix ‘mac’ means ‘the son of.’ This is often used to refer to a family’s hereditary name, but this grand clan went down a slightly more original, and some may say, showy, route! Mac an Toisich can be translated as son of the chief, or leader, reflecting the Mackintoshes’ deep rooted faith in their own power, strength, and right to rule!
Does Clan Mackintosh have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge is another significant emblem for clan members. In medieval society, men would attach a sprig of their clan’s plant to their cap, while women would fasten foliage to their sashes at the shoulder.
It is also theorised that warriors would wear their plant badge during battle as an easy way to signify their identity and make it easier to distinguish friend from foe in the chaos of combat.
Clan Mackintosh’s plant badge is the Red Whortleberry, which grows richly across Scotland in forests, on moorlands, and over hills.
It flowers from May to August, and then from October onwards, it produces an eye-catching red berry.
This striking plant has long held an important spot in Celtic symbolism and is said to represent endurance and resilience. Perfect for such a strong clan!
Do Clan Mackintosh have a Society?
If you are lucky enough to have Mackintosh blood and are looking for a way to connect with your clan kin, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several thriving societies you could join!
Clan Mackintosh of North America aim to preserve heritage and unite kinship by providing education about the family, offering regular updates on the latest Mackintosh news, and helping members to unite and socialise at clan events.
Find out more, including how to join, here.
As a Mackintosh, you are also eligible to join the Clan Chattan Association.
The Association aims to ‘encourage and maintain interest in history and traditions of the clan’ and ‘extend knowledge of the clan throughout the world,’ and they certainly seem to be succeeding!
They also produce an annual magazine full of clan news and history, and regularly attend significant clan events, including the Annual Culloden Memorial Service and the Inverness Highland Games.
Visit their website to learn more here.
Moy Castle
Moy Castle is the historic seat of Clan Mackintosh and it was located on an island in the middle of Loch Moy. The Moy lands were in the Mackintosh's possession for years, Moy Hall is currently the seat of the clan. Moy Castle was where Charles Edward Stuart was protected by the Mackintosh family when government troops came to capture him, this event is known as the Rout of Moy.
Do Clan Mackintosh have a Clan Crest?
The crest is an extremely important symbol for all clans. Members wear or display their crest as a way to visually demonstrate their loyalty and dedication to the family.
The Mackintosh crest is simple but striking! It is described as ‘a cat salient, proper’ meaning it shows a cat leaping up with its forelegs in the air, in the centre of a belt which is emblazoned with one of the clan mottos, ‘Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove.’
‘Bot means ‘without’, and the ‘glove’ refers to the padded paw of a wildcat. The motto means to evoke the image of a cat without its’ soft paw or ‘glove,’ and instead with its sharp, fearsome claws unsheathed and ready to attack.
This threatening warning seems very apt for the notoriously fierce Clan Mackintosh!
Ferquhar Mackintosh
Clan Mackintosh have never been scared to face powerful opponents. In 1263, Ferquhar Mackintosh, the 5th chief, led his men at the Battle of Largs against the army of King Haakon IV of Norway. He survived this fearsome battle but was sadly killed in a duel 2 years later, leaving his infant son, Angus, as his heir.
Clan Battles
The Mackintoshes have always been a fierce bunch, not afraid to fight for their family, reputation, and honour.
They have had extended clashes with a number of neighbouring clans, though perhaps one of the most infamous is their feud with Clan Comyn.
In 1424, the Comyns invaded and took over swathes of Mackintosh land at Meikle Geddes and Rait. Malcolm, the Mackintosh Chief, was enraged by this, and retaliated by killing several Comyns.
This in turn triggered Clan Comyn to invade Moy and attempt to drown the Mackintoshes in the loch. Luckily for Clan Mackintosh, they were unsuccessful!
Around this time, Clan Comyn came up with an idea to end the feud once and for all; they invited the Mackintoshes to a ‘feast of reconciliation’ at the Castle of Rait, with a devious hidden agenda.
Clan Mackintosh, however, uncovered their secret plan. A popular legend says that a pair of star-crossed lovers conspired to save the Mackintoshes' lives. Supposedly, a young Comyn girl was in love with a boy from the Mackintosh clan and told him that the Comyns had planned to slaughter the Mackintoshes at the feast. The idea was that as soon as a black bull’s head was brought to the table, the Comyns would launch a fearsome attack against their ‘guests.’ The boy passed this on to his family, who quickly formed a cunning counter plan.
They arrived at the castle pretending to be happy and eager to smooth things over with the rival Comyn clan but were actually harbouring secret fury.
As the bull’s head appeared, the Mackintoshes leapt up and set against Clan Comyn, killing many of them, foiling their murderous plot, and escaping with their lives.
Image credit: Rait Castle by Jean Aldridge, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Mackintosh have a War Cry?
Clan Mackintosh has a short and snappy war cry: Loch Moigh!
This refers to their homeland and reflects their passionate dedication to defending their territory. We can imagine it would have had a spine-tingling effect on any enemies that came up against them!
Is Clan Mackintosh connected to a Loch?
Loch Moy, near Inverness, was the home of Clan Mackintosh’s first ancestral seat. The family’s grand castle must have made a striking sight, stood on a small island that rose from the centre of the water. Sadly, nowadays only ruins remain, but luckily you can still see other signs of the clan’s affinity with the loch on the island!
A 70’ tall granite obelisk was erected by Dame Margaret Mackintosh in 1824, in memory of her husband, Sir Aeneas Mackintosh, and still stands proudly to this day!
It is clear that the loch and the island hold a very special place for the Mackintoshes, and they have worked tirelessly and fearlessly over the years to protect it.
One particularly impressive example took place in 1746, when Lady Anne Farquharson-MacKintosh was hosting Prince Charles Edward Stuart at Moy Hall, when she learned that government troops were fast advancing on the land, wanting to capture the young royal.
Lady Anne was appalled that anyone would dare to enter her territory in this way, so she immediately came up with a cunning plan to stop them. She ordered some of her men to hide themselves in the bushes along the roadside, then set off their pistols when they saw the government troops approaching.
They performed this task with such ferocity that the attacking forces quickly turned on their heels and ran, convinced that they had come up against the entire Jacobite Army.
The event is now remembered as ‘the Route of Moy,’ and excellently shows the Mackintoshes' cunning, bravery, and protectiveness over their land!
Image credit: Dave Fergusson, CC BY-SA 2.0
Bonnie Prince Charlie
The modern-day clan seat, Moy Hall, contains a bed once slept in by Prince Charles Edward Stuart, or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie!’
Do Clan Mackintosh have a Tartan?
Clan Mackintosh’s tartan features a striking mix of reds, greens, oranges, and yellows. We stock 10 different variations here at ScotlandShop, so you shouldn’t struggle to find one to suit you!
Owning your own clan tartan is a great way to connect with your heritage and your fellow clan members, and we have plenty of options to offer! Why not treat yourself to a stylish new dress, a beautiful reel of ribbon, or even some stunning wool fabric to fashion your own home furnishings with!
Renewing An Oath
Clan Mackintosh plays a leading role in the Clan Chattan Association, a group of clans who came together in the middle-ages for mutual benefit and protection.
The Mackintoshes have always put a great deal of effort into maintaining the Chattan’s success. For example, in the 17th century, it became clear that cracks were starting to show, and the MacPhersons in particular were feeling restless and frustrated. William Mackintosh of Benchar was quick to take action. In 1609, he called a gathering of all the families, and instructed the leader of each group to swear a renewed oath of union and loyalty to the Chattan alliance.
Clan Motto: Touch Not The Cat Bot A Glove.
