Scottish Clans
Boyd Tartans & Clan
The original Boyd is said to have been Robert, the Nephew of Walter Allan, the first High Steward of Scotland. This story has been challenged however, as the High Stewards of Scotland are of Norman origin and it's thought that it would be unlikely for someone of Norman origin to pick a Celtic nickname for their family.
Who Wears Boyd 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.
- Air
- Assloss
- Auchinloss
- Ayr
- Ayrd
- Bankhead
- Blair
- Boddagh
- Bodha
- Boid
- Boit
- Boite
- Borland
- Bowie
- Boy
- Boyd
- Boyde
- Boydston
- Boyman
- Boyte
- Braland
- Bribane
- Brown
- Buidhe
- Buie
- Burn
- Bute
- Cassy
- Chrystal
- Conn
- Coon
- Coonie
- Corshill
- Cosh
- Crawford
- Crystal
- Cunningham
- Cunninghame
- Dick
- Faerie
- Faery
- Fairlie
- Fairly
- Farie
- Farnly
- Faul
- Faulds
- Fauls
- Fenwick
- Foulterton
- Fullarton
- Fullerton
- Fullton
- Gammell
- Gemmill
- George
- Gorman
- Gurman
- Haire
- Hare
- Harshaw
- Langmoore
- Lines
- Longmuir
- Lynn
- MacCosh
- MacGillabuidhe
- MacGiollabuidhe
- MacLorg
- MacLurg
- Moore
- Muir
- O'Boyd
- Parris
- Pitcon
- Raeburn
- Rayburn
- Reburn
- Rigg
- Riggs
- Ross
- Speirs
- Spiers
- Spires
- Starret
- Steen
- Stein
- Stiret
- Tannahill
- Tannock
- Templeton
- Underwood
- Vasser
- Woodbourne
- Woodburn
Boyd Tartans
2 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
- Dress
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.
Dress 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
Boyd Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Boyd
How it all started
Territories
Clan Boyd have long held lands in Irvine.
In 1205, Dominus Robertus de Boyd witnessed a contract between the Lord of Eglinton and the burgh of Irvine, and the Boyd name was commonly found in south-west Scotland from this point on. The family’s valour helped them to expand their territories.
In 1314, Sir Robert Boyd served bravely as a commander at the Battle of Bannockburn, and was rewarded with lands in Kilmarnock, Bodington, and elsewhere in Ayrshire.
Clan Chief
The last registered Chief of Clan Boyd was Alastair Boyd, 7th Baron of Kilmarnock. Alistair died in 2009, and the chiefship passed to his brother, Dr Robin Boyd. Robin has not yet claimed the title, meaning that the Boyds are currently an armigerous clan.
However, the House of Boyd Society has elected Hon. Simon John Boyd, nephew of Chief Alastair, as their tanist. Simon is dedicated to this role, and though he was born in London, has great love for Scotland. He is a talented artist, blending realism and abstraction, and is currently based in Argentina.
Where does the name Boyd come from?
There are several theories about the origins of the Boyd name.
One popular idea is that it is a descriptive name, derived from the Gaelic word ‘buidhe,’ meaning ‘fair’ or ‘yellow.’ Some believe that this is meant to commemorate Robert, nephew of Walter, the first High Steward of Scotland.
Other historians challenge this however, pointing out that the High Stewards were of Norman origin, so would have been unlikely to use a Celtic nickname.
One alternate theory is that the name originates from the Gaelic ‘boid,’ meaning ‘from Bute.’
Do Clan Boyd have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge was an important symbol for clans, as it represented kinship with fellow clan members, and loyalty to the chief. Men would often wear a sprig of the plant attached to their hat, while women would wear it attached to the shoulder of their sash.
Clan Boyd’s plant badge is laurel, a particularly interesting pick. Throughout history, laurel has been used as decoration, but also as an ingredient in herbal medicine, massage therapy, and aromatherapy. One folk remedy claims that boiled laurel leaves can cure rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, or stinging nettles.
It is also a highly symbolic plant, which has long been associated with victory, honour, and endurance. This seems perfect for Clan Boyd, who have weathered many turbulent periods, always managing to triumph in the end!
Do Clan Boyd have a Crest?
Clan Boyd’s crest is ‘a dexter hand erect in pale having the two outer fingers bowed inwards,’ often framed by the clan motto, ‘confido,’ or ‘I trust.’
The image of the hand is meant to commemorate a gesture King Alexander III of Scotland made to Sir Robert Boyd during the battle of Largs, indicating that he believed in Boyd’s skill on the battlefield. This belief was well-placed as, with Boyd’s help, Scotland came out victorious!
View our Clan Boyd crested items.
"The Dean" or wooded valley
Robert the Bruce gave the lands to the Boyds and Dean Castle was the home and stronghold of the Boyd family for 400 years, with the keep dating back to around 1350. The Palace was added 110 years later and today you can visit by appointment, explore the castle and discover the stories of the Boyd family and medieval life.Do Clan Boyd have a Society?
If you are looking for a way to connect with your Clan Boyd heritage, you’ll be glad to know that the House of Boyd Society is always looking to welcome new members!
Founded during the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Georgia in 1988, the society has been a proud steward of Boyd family history and Scottish heritage for over 3 decades now. They have members from all over the world, and are dedicated to celebrating and preserving the clan’s legacy.
They help members trace their genealogical roots, as well as fostering a vibrant community by organising regular gatherings of Boyd descendants and friends. Their mission is to ‘promote Scottish customs, traditions, and heritage,’ and membership is open to all Boyds, their descendants, related families, and anyone with a passion for Scotland’s rich cultural history.
To find out more, including how to join them on this noble mission, visit their website.
Are Clan Boyd connected to a Firth?
One of Clan Boyd’s most significant victories, the Battle of Largs of 1263, took place on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. The battle was a geopolitical turning point, and to a large extent marked the end of Norse ambitions in Britain.
The Firth’s location made it a highly significant spot, as it was the gateway to many prosperous sea routes. It lies between West Dumbartonshire in the north, Argyll and Bute in the west, and Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire in the east. It has some of the deepest coastal waters of the British Isles, and is sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre Peninsula.
From the start of the 16th century, the Firth of Clyde served as a conduit for commercial and industrial products, such as herring, timber, wine, tobacco, iron and steel, coal, and much more. This defined the area for years, until the mid 19th century, when the sport of yachting became increasingly popular, and began to take over the waters. The Firth became famous worldwide for its contribution to yachtbuilding, and a large proportion of the world’s ship construction took place around the upper Firth well into the 20th century.
The advent of tourism in Victorian times again changed the Firth, with it becoming a popular spot for Glaswegians and those living in nearby towns to travel ‘doon the watter’ on Clyde steamers, to enjoy the picturesque countryside. Wealthy families even began building holiday homes, and many towns became well-known as resorts, with hotels, attractions, and even golf–courses popping up rapidly.
Today, the Firth of Clyde continues to attract numerous visitors from across the world, who enjoy boat trips on the water, exploring the many nearby castles, and relaxing against the idyllic rural backdrop.
Image credit: Thomas Nugent, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Boyd have a War Cry?
Both Clan Boyd’s motto and war cry can be traced back to one iconic battle which took place in the 13th century.
The Battle of Largs was fought in 1263, and saw King Alexander III of Scotland successfully drive back the invading Norse forces of King Haakon IV. During the battle, Sir Robert Boyd was ordered to lead a detachment to clear a group of Vikings from a strategic spot of high ground known as Goldberry Hill.
As Boyd bravely ventured out to complete this task, the King is said to have raised his right hand, with his thumb and his first 2 fingers extended, and shouted ‘Confido,’ which translates to ‘I trust.’
He was right to trust, as Boyd successfully routed the Norsemen, ultimately helping to secure Scotland’s victory. To commemorate this triumph, Clan Boyd adopted ‘Confido’ as their motto, and ‘Goldberry’ as their war cry.
Clan Battles
The Battle of Craignaught Hill, also known as the Battle of Boyd’s Hill, took place on the 9th of July 1439, and was fought between Clan Boyd of Kilmarnock and Clan Stewart of Darnley.
The story goes that Alan Stewart and Thomas Boyd, Chief of Clan Boyd, had long been feuding, and that one day, Boyd had killed Stewart in a fit of rage. Boyd knew the Stewarts would seek revenge for this, so returned to his house in Kilmarnock to prepare.
Alexander Stewart, Alan’s younger brother, was outraged and quickly assembled his men at Darnley House, dividing them into 3 groups of roughly 70. He instructed 2 of the groups to enter the lands surrounding Boyd’s Dean Castle at separate points, then meet him the following night at Craignaught Hill. Stewart then took the 3rd group on a different route, aiming to deceive the Boyds about the number of men they would be facing.
The plan worked. Sir Robert Boyd sent out a scout to assess Stewart’s approaching army, and he returned reporting having only seen the group of 70, led by Alexander himself. This gave Boyd a false sense of security, believing that his own army of roughly 100 outnumbered his enemy’s.
Feeling confident, Boyd set out to battle.
In the meantime, Stewart instructed his other 2 groups to retire on either flank at a distance of about 400 yards, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. When the Boyds came into view, he ordered all 3 groups of his forces to attack, and the Boyds found they had been tricked. Surrounded, Boyd ordered his men to charge. Though they were outnumbered more than 2 to 1, they began to make progress, beating back the Stewarts and starting to significantly thin their numbers.
Alexander started to panic as the Boyd Chief tried to goad him into combat, refusing to leave his troops to face him. One of the Stewarts saw this moment between the 2 men as an opportunity, taking the chance to drive his sword into Boyd’s back while he was distracted.
With their leader defeated, the rest of the Boyds were forced to flee, only returning the next day to recover the body of their fallen Chief.
While the Stewarts may have won this particular battle, the feud was far from over, and the 2 families would continue to spar for many years to come.
Image credit: Rosser1954
Battle of Bannockburn
Sir Robert Boyd was one of the commanders of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and was one of the main supporters of Bruce. He was rewarded with land including Kilmarnock, Bodington and areas of Ayrshire.
Do Clan Boyd have a Tartan?
Owning your own tartan is a great way to feel more connected to both your fellow clanspeople and your great ancestors. Here at ScotlandShop, we stock 2 variations of Boyd tartan: ancient, made of beautifully soft colours, and modern, which boasts much bolder shades.
Whether you are looking for a new kilt, a dress, or would like to buy fabric to make your own bespoke Boyd accessories, please get in touch and we’d be happy to help you find your dream tartan!
Power and Influence
Clan Boyd were a powerful and influential family. King James II even raised them to the peerage, granting the title ‘Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock,’ to the Clan Chief. After the king’s death, Lord Robert Boyd was appointed as regent to the young James III, while his younger brother, Thomas, became the monarch’s military tutor. Thomas later gained even more power by marrying Princess Mary, the King’s sister.
However, their success inspired a lot of envy, and soon a bitter conspiracy arose that Clan Boyd was plotting to overthrow the king. Robert, Thomas, and Alexander Boyd were summoned to court in Edinburgh and charged with treason. Sir Alexander was executed, while Robert and Thomas managed to flee, moving to England and Europe respectively.
The family won back royal favour when a later Robert Boyd assisted Mary Queen of Scots with her escape from Loch Leven Castle. The queen bestowed many estates, honours, and titles on the family, including the title ‘Lord Boyd.’
Clan Boyd
Tartan Poll
There are two Clan Boyd tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
William Boyd, the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock
William Boyd, the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock, fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite rising, and was present at the infamous Battle of Culloden in 1746. He was captured and executed on Tower Hill, meaning the family title was forfeited. However, his eldest son succeeded through his mother’s line to the title of Earl of Erroll, and changed his surname to ‘Hay’ to avoid persecution.
Clan Motto: Confido (I trust)
Clan Boyd Crest image by Celtus, CC BY-SA 3.0
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