Scottish Clans
MacIntyre Tartans & Clan
MacIntyres participated in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Jacobite rising of 1745–46 but they did not operate as an independent body. The clan served as foresters to the Lords of Lorne and as pipers to the chiefs of Clan Menzies and the MacDonalds of Clanranald.
Who Wears MacIntyre 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.
- MacCosham
- MacIntire
- MacKintyre
- MacTear
- MacTier
- MacTire
- Tyre
- Wright
Macintyre Tartans
8 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
MacIntyre Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan MacIntyre
How it all started
Territories
Once the clan progenitor, Macarill, had secured the family’s holdings in the Western Isles, his descendants went on to establish themselves on the mainland.
Legend has it they were warned by a spirit to only settle where a white cow in their herd came to rest.
This led them to the rich and fertile Glen Noe by Ben Cruachan on Loch Etive.
They quickly became highly respected and revered, and by the end of the 13th century, the clan held the prestigious role of foresters to the Lord of Lorn.
Clan Chief
The current Chief of Clan MacIntyre is Donald Russell MacIntyre of Glenoe. He follows in a long and respected family line, serving as the 10th Chief of Glenoe, and is officially recognised by the Lord Lyon.
Where does the name MacIntyre come from?
The name ‘MacIntyre,’ comes from the Gaelic ‘Mac an T’saoir,’ meaning ‘son of the carpenter,’ and has a fascinating origin story!
Legend has it that in the 12th century, the Norse/Gaelic lord Somerled was working hard to establish himself in the Western Isles, when he came up against resistance from Olav the Red, Norse King of Man and the Isles.
Determining that he wouldn’t be able to overpower Olav, Somerled set about using diplomacy instead, seeking to marry the King’s daughter, Ragnhild.
Somerled’s canny nephew, Macarill, came up with an ingenious scheme to secure the match. It is said that he stowed away in Olav’s galley, boring holes in the hull and refilling them with tallow, before finding a reason to board the ship as a passenger, well-stocked with wooden plugs.
Once out at sea, the boat began to sink, at which point Macarill promised to save the King’s life as long as he promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to Somerled. Olav agreed, and Macarill filled the holes with the plugs he had brought.
From that point on, he was known as the ‘wright’ or ‘carpenter.’
Do Clan MacIntyre have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge was an important symbol for clans, as it served as a way to visually demonstrate 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 MacIntyre’s plant badge is white heather, a fittingly ethereal choice for a clan rooted in mysticism and folklore.
Much rarer than its purple counterpart, white heather has always drawn the eye on the windswept moors of Scotland.
In Celtic mythology, it represents luck, protection, purity, and even a bridge to the other world.
It is also thought to symbolise renewal, highly appropriate for the resilient and enduring Clan MacIntyre!
Glen Noe
Clan MacIntyre's original home was in the Hebrides, but they moved to Glen Noe (the time at which this happened is unknown) and so Glen Noe is the historic seat of Clan MacIntyre. Most of the history of Clan MacIntyre is unknown as the book that held the historic records has been lost for some time now, therefore the tales of the Clan are steeped in Myth and Magic. One story is of how they came to settle in Glen Noe: when they were travelling from the Hebrides a spirit told the Clan that they would settle wherever the first white cow laid to rest and that is how they settled in Glen Noe. The Clan stayed here for many centuries, but in 1806 the Clan Chief and his family were forced to leave Glen Noe and emigrate to the US as they owed Clan Campbell a lot of money and were unable to make the payments.
Do Clan MacIntyre have a Society?
If you have MacIntyre heritage, you’ll be happy to know that there is a thriving society you can join to learn more about your ancestors and connect with fellow MacIntyres across the world!
The Clan MacIntyre Association list their aims as educating the public about the history and lore of Clan MacIntyre, publishing MacIntyre prose, poetry, and music, preserving the sites and relics of Clan MacIntyre, and strengthening the traditional Scottish ties of family, kinship, and clanship.
They achieve these aims by supporting members in locating and researching their MacIntyre ancestors, establishing branches across the globe, and attending traditional Highland Games.
Members also get access to the quarterly ‘Per Ardua’ newsletter! Membership is open to all who are related to a MacIntyre or a Wright through blood, marriage, or adoption, so head to the Clan MacIntyre Association website now to start your journey.
Do Clan MacIntyre have a Crest?
Clan MacIntyre’s crest boasts a simple yet powerful image, ‘a dexter hand holding a dagger, in pale Proper.’ It is often surrounded by the clan motto, ‘per ardua,’ or ‘through difficulties.’ The crest combined with the motto builds a clear picture of the MacIntyres as determined, strong, and courageous.
Do Clan MacIntyre have a War Cry?
Clan MacIntyre’s war cry is ‘Cruachan!’ referring to Ben Cruachan, a towering mountain that stands in the heart of their ancestral homeland.
This cry would have worked to bring the clansmen together and strengthen resolve in battle, by evoking a clear image of what they were fighting for: to protect their sacred territory.
Some also believe that it was intended to remind the men to stand strong and tall, just like the mountain itself.
Are Clan MacIntyre connected to a Loch?
Clan MacIntyre’s ancestral lands are found in Glen Noe, on the banks of the scenic Loch Etive. Etive meets the Firth of Lorn and the sea at Connel, before stretching east past Ardchattan Priory.
The name Etive is thought to mean ‘little fierce one,’ in honour of the Gaelic goddess, ‘Èite.’
The area has a long and winding history with tourism; in the 1700s, a well-travelled path ran down the south side of the loch as far as Taynuilt, hosting many highland holiday-makers.
In the 1800s, a steamer service was introduced from Oban, which would take passengers to the now defunct pier at the north end of the loch.
To this day, Loch Etive attracts countless visitors each year, who enjoy boat trips on the water and the stunning surrounding landscape.
The loch is surrounded by wild countryside and towering mountains, including the 1,126 m high Ben Cruachan and the 1,079 m Ben Starav. Part of the north bank of the loch has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation due to the old sessile oak woods.
If animals are more your area of interest, you’ll be glad to know that the loch is home to a resident colony of seals!
Etive is also popular with Harry Potter fans! If you have seen the movies, you may recognise the landscape from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One, where it served as the backdrop for Ron, Hermione, and Harry’s turbulent camping trip.
Image credit: Jamie Campbell, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan MacIntyre have a Pipe Song?
Clan MacIntyre’s official pipe song is ‘Gabhaidh sinn an Rathad Mor,’ or ‘We Will Take the Good Old Way.’ It tells the story of a steadfast traveller who won’t falter on their path, perfect for the determined Clan MacIntyre!
Do Clan MacIntyre have a Tartan?
Owning your own tartan is a great way to feel more connected to both your fellow clanspeople and your great ancestors. Luckily, if you are a member of Clan MacIntyre, you’re spoiled for choice!
Here at ScotlandShop, we stock 8 variations of MacIntyre tartan. Each offers a different tone and colour, from the bold red of MacIntyre Modern, to the earthy rustic shades in the Hunting Weathered, you’re sure to find something that suits you perfectly.
Whether you are looking for a new kilt, a dress, or even a pair of stylish new shoes, please get in touch and we’d be happy to help you find your dream tartan.
Clan MacIntyre's Artistic Talents
Clan MacIntyre are blessed with impressive musical talent! The MacIntyres of Rannoch traditionally worked as hereditary pipers to the chiefs of Clan Menzies, playing at significant events and even composing original songs. They also sometimes served as hereditary pipers to the MacDonalds of Clanranald.
Their artistic talents aren’t limited to just music. They are also renowned for their poetic abilities. In the 18th century, the contemporary chief, James McIntyre, made his name as a poet when he wrote a cutting Gaelic satire in response to Samuel Johnson, who made derogatory comments about the Scots during an infamous trip to the Hebrides.
Clan Macintyre
Tartan Poll
There are many Clan MacIntyre tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Chiefly Arms
Clan MacIntyre has had a turbulent relationship with the Court of Lord Lyon. In 1955, Alasdair Macintyre of Camus-na-h-erie recorded arms in the Lyon Court as cadet of the chiefly house of Macintyre. This caused grumblings among the wider clan, as the shield was significantly different from the design that clan historians deemed correct. This unhappiness was corrected in 1991, when James Wallace MacIntyre of Glenoe, 9th of the recorded chiefs, matriculated with more historically accurate arms!
Clan MacIntyre
Famous Faces
Clan MacIntyre are a multi-talented family, boasting impressive skills in a wide range of fields including poetry, comedy, and music. If you are lucky enough to be a MacIntyre yourself, or have historical links to the clan, we hope you will be just as impressed by the achievements of your peers as we are!
Image credit: Raph_PH - McIntyreSoho150517-3
Clan Motto: Per Ardua (Through Adversity)
