Scottish Clans
Cameron Tartans & Clan
Going along with their reputation for ferocity, the Camerons were one of the clans supposedly present at the battle of North Inch.
Who Wears Cameron 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.
- Chambers
- Chalmers
- Clark
- Clarke
- Clarkson
- Cleary
- Clerk
- Dowie
- Gibbon
- Grimesey
- Kennedy
- Krywonis
- Leary
- Lokcick
- Lonbie
- Lonie
- MacAldowie
- MacAlonie
- MacChlerich
- MacChlery
- MacClair
- MacClerie
- MacElhaney
- MacGillery
- MacGillonie
- MacIldowie
- MacKail
- MacKell
- MacLear
- MacLeary
- MacLerie
- MacMartin
- MacOnie
- MacOstrich
- MacOurlic
- MacPhail
- MacSorley
- MacUlric
- MacUlrig
- MacVail
- MacWalrick
- Martin
- Paul
- Sorley
- Sorlie
- Taylor
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:
- Highlanders
- Merchiston Castle School
- Queen's Own Highlanders
- New York Highland Regiment, 79th
- Prince Alfred's Guard 1874 (SA)
- Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
- Cameron Highlanders 79th of Foot
Cameron Tartans
16 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
Cameron Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Cameron
How it all started
Territories
The Clan Cameron territories surround Locheil near the present day town of Fort William. Within the "Cameron Country" of Lochaber, lies the largest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis, if you are looking for a physical challenge. Today the seat of the Cameron clan is their ancestral home Achnacarry Castle where they moved to from Tor castle, built in the 16th century by Ewen 'Eoghainn MacAilein' Cameron, XIII Chief of Clan Cameron.
Clan Chief
The current clan chief of Clan Cameron is Donald Angus Cameron, the 27th of Lochiel. A trained accountant, Donald served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (TA) from 1966-68, and took the lead as President of the Highland Society of London from 1994-1997. Since 2002 he has been Justice of the Peace of the Highland Region, and Lord-Lieutenant of Inverness.
The first chief of Cameron was Donald Dubh who married an heiress of the Macmartins of Letterfinlay. He went on to be one of the strongest leaders in the Highlands, unifying all the nearby tribes and creating clan Cameron. The clans of Lochiel were later unified by charter into the Barony of Lochiel in the 16th century by Ewan Macallan.
Where does the name Cameron come from?
The origin of the name Cameron has been lost throughout the years, but we do have some suggestions. The first being that the first chief of the clan was a descendant of Macgillonies or from the medieval Cameron family of Ballegarno in Fife. The second belief is that the name comes from the old name “Camshron” meaning crooked nose, which feels a rather personal insult to the chief at the time. The last theory is that the clansfolk are descended from King Camchron, a King of Denmark.
Achnacarry
First built between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig in the Scottish Highlands in 1655 the original Achnacarry Castle was burnt to the ground during the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. The Camerons did not regain it until 1784 and in 1802, the 22nd Chief Donald Cameron rebuilt the new Achnacarry as a Scottish baronial style home using the architect James Gillespie.
The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
One of the British Army's more famous historic regiments, the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders were first brought into being with the onset of the revolutionary wars in France. The regiment was raised by Sir Alan Cameron of Erracht who put so much stock in the fighting skills of the Highlanders that he refused a group of English riflemen from being admitted to the regiment. The Cameron Highlanders fought with distinction at the Battle of Waterloo and during the Crimean War, as well as the Indian Rebellion. In thanks for their distinguished service Queen Victoria presented them with colours in 1873 and decreed that the regiment should henceforth be known as the "Queen's Own". The regiment served in the First and Second World Wars and were the last regiment to wear kilts into battle - giving rise to their nickname "the ladies from hell". The regiment was merged with the Seaforth Highlanders in 1961 to form the Queen's own Highlanders.
Battle of the North Inch
In September 1396, Clan Cameron faced Clan Chattan at the Battle of the North Inch with murderous intent. For years these two clans had been in a dispute that seemed to have no resolve until Robert the Bruce III stepped in. He stated they had to either resolve their feud or bring 30 soldiers each to Perth for trial by combat. The men decided to fight to the death. Barriers were erected to stop spectators encroaching on the battlefield and King Robert III took up his position on a platform from which the combat could easily be seen (very Game of Thrones). I will leave the summing up of this battle up to the famed Sir Walter Scott: “Blood flowed fast, and the groans of those who fell began to mingle with the cries of those who fought. ”Sadly this was not a victorious day for the Cameron’s as all but one of the 30 soldiers were killed. This did not end this feud as it continued on for the next 150 years.
What is Clan Cameron's Pipe Music?
Clan Cameron has a long history within piping but there is clearly one song that stands alone. “March of the Cameron Men” is a Scottish classic which depicts the Cameron men who were “fiercer than fierceness itself”. For nearly 200 years this song by Mary Campbell has been played all around the world at Highland Games and we have a performance of this song here.
The Clan Cameron Museum
The Clan Cameron Museum was opened in Lochaber by Sir Fitzroy Maclean of Dunconnell in 1989, sharing the story of the clan from the 14th century to the present day including their participation in the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and much more. The founding of the Museum was enthusiastically backed by the Clan worldwide who contributed generously and since that time the museum has been visited by clansfolk from all over the world. If you are near Achnacarry make sure to pop in!
What is the story behind the Cameron motto?
The current clan motto is "Aonaibh Ri Chéile" which translates to "Unite" or "Let Us Unite” which relates to the 5 Cameron clans who all joined as one. Before the unification the motto was "Pro Rege et Patria," which translates to "For King and Country."
What is the Cameron Clan Crest?
The Cameron Clan Crest features a sheaf of five arrows tied together pointing upwards. These arrows depict the unification of the five Cameron clans of Letterfinlay, Glen Nevis, Callart, Erracht and the Clunes. The five arrowed crest was engraved on Gentle Lochiel's pistol and a silver snuffbox which date back to pre-1745 and are still around today. Prior to this, and now also used by the present Lochiel, the old Dexter Arm crest carried the motto "Pro Rege et Patria," translated as meaning "For King and Country."
The "Massacre of Palm Sunday"
In 1412 all members of Clan Cameron arrived at their local church for a day of prayer but their neighboring enemies had a differing idea. The Clan Chattan Confederation, including Clan Mackintosh, attacked Clan Cameron and set fire to the church. The battle that followed was filled with obstinacy and fury, to the point that most of the Mackintoshes and almost the whole tribe of Cameron's, were cut to pieces. You must be asking yourself what the Cameron's had done to deserve such a brutal death? They stole cattle!
What is the Cameron Plant Badge?
The Clan Cameron plant badge is the Oak Quercus otherwise known as the English Oak. Native to western Europe, the Oak is the ruling majesty of British forestry and today supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK. There is no known reason why this is the Cameron plant badge but some believe it goes back to the Cameron's ancient home on Tree island in Loch Eil.
The Wolf of Lochaber
Now to the legend of Sir Ewan Cameron of Lochiel, the Ulysses of the Highlands and latterly the wolf of Lochaber. According to legend, a young Ewan Cameron faced off with the last wolf in the British Isles and killed it with his sheer strength and ferocity. Even in his early battles, he showed both strength and reserve, after he managed to end the 350-year war between themselves and the MacIntosh’s. The two armies were prepared to face off with guns, bows and swords but Ewan saw a separate solution and found a diplomatic resolution. Throughout all of these events, Ewan remained loyal to the Stuarts, fighting for them in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, and both Jacobite Rising I and II. For his loyalty, he was awarded the Lordship of Lochiel!
Clan Cameron Association
To learn more about the clan or discover how to get involved, visit the official clan society website. The Clan Cameron Association was formed in 1889 thanks to the endeavours of a number of enthusiastic Cameron's who valued the clan and its links throughout the world. If you want to get involved the Clan Cameron Association meet up each year on the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.
The Story of Clan Cameron
The Cameron Clan origin is still unknown, what is sure is that they created many enemies over the years. One of their most well known feuds was with the Chattan family, with the estrangement coming to a head with murderous intent during the Battle of North Inch. Robert The Bruce III was becoming impatient with the disagreement and told the two clans they must resolve their issues or bring 30 men each to Perth, they chose the latter. Join us as we delve into the Clan’s barbarous battles, terrific tartans and famous faces.
Top 5 Facts on Clan Cameron
Learn more about the possible origin of the Cameron name, and why they call Tor Castle their home. Learn about wars and battles from the 13th century and how Robert the Bruce III stepped into the conflict and started the battle of North Inch.
Clan Cameron
TARTAN POLL
There are 12 variants available for the Cameron Clan, featuring gorgeous greens and reds, this Clan is truly spoilt for choice. But which is your favourite Cameron Clan tartan? Vote Now!
Cameron Famous faces
James Cameron
We are going to look at on of the greatest film directors of the last 100 years, James Cameron. James Cameron wrote a little-known movie, the Titanic, that caught the imagination of the world and shone the light on his directing and writing skills. He also directed the highest grossing movie ever- Avatar, this movie changed cinema forever.
Clan Cameron
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Cameron? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Cameron Clan Knowledge now!
The Castles of Clan Cameron
Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel abandoned the highly disputed Tor Castle in the 16th century. Sir Ewen Cameron moved to a house which was further removed from their enemies with Clan Mackintosh, Clan Campbell and Oliver Cromwell's garrison at Inverlochy Castle all being nearby Tor Castle. The Cameron clan have to thank Achnacarry Castle for assisting them in years worth of disputes and disagreements with apposing clans. Read more in our blog.
Clan Motto: Aonaibh Ri Chéile (Let Us Unite)
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