Scottish Clans
Leslie Tartans & Clan
John Leslie, Bishop of Ross, wrote the History of Scotland and gave part of it to Mary, Queen of Scots to amuse her during her imprisonment.
Who Wears Leslie 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.
- Abernethy
- Bartholomew
- Cairney
- Laing/Lang
- Laslie
- Lesslie
- Moar
- Moore
- Mor
- More
- Moir
- Muir
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:
- King's Own Scottish Borderers
Leslie Tartans
9 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
Leslie Clan Leslie Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Leslie
How it all started
Territories
This ancient family supposedly originated with a Hungarian nobleman named Bartolf, who arrived in Scotland in 1067 as part of Edgar the Aetheling's entourage. Edgar's sister Margaret later married King Malcolm III, a connection that proved to be highly profitable for Bartolf!
Malcom was impressed by Bartolf's great intellect and bravery, and consequently appointed him governor of Edinburgh Castle, and awarded him lands in Fife, Angus, the Mearns and Aberdeenshire.
The nobleman established his main residence in the Garioch district of Aberdeen, where he built a grand castle.
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Leslie is the Honourable Alexander Leslie. He is passionate about Scottish history and has lent his time to numerous traditional clan events, including Highland Games.
He is also driven to engage young people with their heritage, having held talks at Leslie Primary School about his fascinating family.
Outside of his role as chief, he has contributed to the promotion of clan history in other ways, even serving as Vice Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs for over 10 years.
Where does the name Leslie come from?
In the 11th century, the progenitor of the clan, Bartolf, set up his principal holding in the Garioch area of Aberdeen, which was known at the time as 'Lesselyn.' From Lesselyn, the name evolved to Lesley, from which sprang numerous variations including Leslie, Lesslie, and Laslie!
Balquhain Castle
Balquhain Castle was originally built during the 14th Century, the Leslie family occupied the Castle and surrounding grounds in 1340 and it is the historic seat of Clan Leslie. The Castle is located in Aberdeenshire, just outside of Inverurie, inside the boundaries of a farm. The Castle was destroyed during a feud with the Forbes family in 1526, but was re-built shortly after in 1530. The Leslie family stayed in the Castle until 1710 when the last family member moved and the Clan occupied grounds at Fetternear instead. The Castle was burned by the army of Prince William in 1746, and today still lies as remains.
Image credit: Bill Harrison
A Feud with Clan Forbes
Clan Leslie had a fearsome and prolonged feud with Clan Forbes, which is thought to have begun in 1400 when Red Sir Andrew Leslie ran away with Sir John Forbes' fiancée.
Clan Forbes retaliated by sieging Balquhain Castle, Clan Leslie's ancestral seat. The Leslies in turn attacked Castle Forbes, now known as Druminnor Castle.
The feud raged for years, and in 1527 William, Master of Forbes, was indicted for the killing of John and Malcolm Leslie.
The strife between the two families was settled in an unexpected way when, in the early 1600s, John Forbes of Enzean bought off Clan Leslie's debts, and as a result received a charter for the lands of Auchinleck and the Barony of Leslie from King James VI. He consequently became the new Baron of Leslie.
Do Clan Leslie have a Plant Badge?
Clan Leslie's plant badge is rue, specifically when in flower with its characteristic delicate clusters of yellow petals.
In Celtic communities it traditionally symbolises protection and is believed to have shielding properties. It was sometimes strategically placed in homes to ward off evil spirits, or misfortune.
It was also thought to have medicinal powers and was used to treat a variety of ailments.
The perfect choice for the steadfast and resilient Leslies!
Image credit: H. Zell - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Friends in High Places
The Leslies have always had friends in very high places!
George, the fourth Earl of Rothes, served as one of the Scottish commissioners at the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots to the heir to the French throne in 1558.
Do Clan Leslie have a Crest?
Clan Leslie's crest is described as 'a demi griffin Proper, beaked, armed and winged Or.' This means that it depicts a griffin with raised wings and in the colours of the natural animal. The griffin symbolises wisdom and strength, while its domineering stance works as a reminder of the family's power. It is also often surrounded by the clan motto, 'Grip Fast.'
Do Clan Leslie have a Society?
The Clan Leslie Society International was established by Ian Leslie, the 21st Earl of Rothes, and Alec Klieforth, over 40 years ago and is still thriving today.
They welcome members from all over the world and aim to foster and enhance fellowship among the Leslie family and septs. They list their goals as promoting, fostering, collecting, and preserving historical and genealogical records, promoting knowledge of Clan Leslie specifically, and the history and culture of Scotland generally.
They also host an annual gathering to give members the opportunity to celebrate their heritage. The Society is even endorsed by the current clan chief, Alexander Leslie, who says 'I am delighted that the Clan Leslie Society is now a growing and vibrant community, and I am equally delighted to be a part of it.'
If you would like to join, head over to the Society's website. We're sure they'll be happy to hear from you!
Do Clan Leslie have a Motto?
Clan Leslie's motto is 'Grip Fast,' and it has a thrilling origin!
The story goes that the clan progenitor, Bartolf, was valiantly carrying Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm III, across a rushing river during a treacherous storm, when she slipped from the horse.
Supposedly, Bartolf cried out 'grip fast,' and the Queen managed to get hold of his belt buckle, saving herself from the dangerous waters below.
Bartolf then helped her back on to the horse, and the pair completed the river crossing safely.
Are Clan Leslie connected to a River?
One of Clan Leslie's ancestral seats, Fetternear Palace, was built on the picturesque sloping ground above the Marshes Burn, near its intersection with the River Don.
Originating in the Cairngorm National Park and flowing 135km east down to the sea in Aberdeen, the Don is the sixth largest river in Scotland.
It is renowned for its natural beauty and rich wildlife, including the iconic Atlantic Salmon, sea trout, eels, lamprey, and perhaps most famously, wild brown trout. It also seems to have an intriguing spiritual past, as the ancient geographer, Ptolemy, referred to the river as 'devona,' meaning 'goddess'. This suggests that it may have once been considered sacred.
Do Clan Leslie have a Tartan?
Displaying your family's tartan is the perfect way to connect with both your ancestors and your current day kin, and we have plenty of options to choose from! Here at ScotlandShop, we stock 7 different variations of Leslie tartan, each featuring a different range of colour and tone, so you are sure to find one that suits you!
Did you know? One of the Leslie tartans, Leslie Green Modern, was worn by the British Army Regiment, The King's Own Scottish Borderers as it was the family tartan of the Earl of Leven.
Clan Battles
Clan Leslie have shown exceptional military prowess on battlefields from Germany, to France, to Sweden, and even the Baltic. Some of their most impressive moments, however, took place on Scottish soil.
The family fought in the legendary Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, supporting Robert the Bruce in his quest for Scottish independence, and helping him to claim a resounding victory.
Sir Andrew de Leslie was even one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was sent to the Pope in 1320, asserting Scotland's independence.
Individual members of the clan have also impressed with their military skills.
One of the clan's most famous mercenaries is David Lesley, of the Rothes family, who defeated Montrose at Philiphaugh in 1645. In 1651 he was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, but resiliently survived until the Restoration in 1660, when he was released and made Lord Newark.
Image credit: Karen Vernon, CC BY-SA 2.0
A Tale of Mystery
One of the most mysterious tales in Clan Leslie's history occurred in 1391, when Sir Norman Leslie passed his estates on to his cousin, George Lesley, as he believed that his only son, David, had been killed in the Crusades.
In 1398, however, David returned from battle and reclaimed ownership of his land. It is not known exactly how this agreement was reached, but it seems that the family settled things peacefully!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Leslie
Learn about their origins, plant badge and much more!
Clan Leslie
Tartan Poll
There are seven Clan Leslie tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Clan Leslie
Famous Faces
Clan Leslie is one of the most multi-talented clans we’ve come across so far! It has been a treat to explore just a few of their greatest achievements in fields spanning from science to Hollywood. We hope you will feel as inspired as we have while reading about their stunning successes!
Image: Rose Leslie by Suzi Pratt, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Castles of Clan Leslie
The Leslies used their power and influence to build and acquire a number of grand castles. We find that exploring a clan’s historic homes is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in their story, so come along with us to discover Clan Leslie’s greatest castles!
Image credit: Leslie Castle
Clan Leslie
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Leslie? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Leslie Clan Knowledge now!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan Leslie
This month we are delving into all things Clan Leslie!
Join Carrie and Lauren as they explore the clan’s origins, a few of their notable historic sites, and one particular Leslie, a renowned mathematician and physicist, who made great scientific breakthroughs.
Clan Motto: Grip Fast.
