Scottish Clans
MacLaren Tartans & Clan
During the Jacobite rising of 1745, Donald MacLaren was captured by the English and was being taken to Carlisle to be tried. On the way, MacLaren threw himself into the Moffat Beef-tub (also known as the Devil's Beef-tub), a deep gorge near Moffat in the Scottish Borders. After making his escape, MacLaren lived as an outlaw in the Stirlingshire countryside until 1757 when an amnesty was announced.
Who Wears MacLaren 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.
- Faed
- Larnach
- Laurence
- Laurenson
- Law
- Lawrence
- Lawson
- Low
- Lowe
- Lowson
- MacFade
- MacClarence
- MacCrorie
- MacFait
- MacFater
- MacFead
- MacFeat
- MacGrory
- MacLaurin
- MacPatrick
- MacPetrie
- MacPhait
- MacPhater
- MacRorie
- MacRory
- Paterson
- Patrick
- Patterson
- Peterkin
- Peters
- Peterson
- Rorie
- Rorison
- MacPheat
Maclaren Tartans
5 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
MacLaren Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan MacLaren
How it all started
Territories
The origins of Clan MacLaren are somewhat shadowy and mysterious.
One popular story says the MacLarens are descended from a man called Lorn, son of Erc, who landed in Argyll in 503 A.D.
It seems more likely, however, that the MacLaren Clan originated from a branch of a Celtic dynasty, and took their name from a thirteenth century abbot, Laurence of Achtow. This theory is supported by the Clan’s rallying cry, “Creag an Tuirc” which means “Boars Rock”. The rock in question stands near Achtow in Balquhidder, a small village in Stirling.
Balquhidder is the historic seat and traditional territory of the MacLarens, but it seems the Clan held lands across Scotland, reaching even as far as the tiny Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides!
Clan Chief
After the passing of Chief of Clan MacLaren is Donald MacLaren (pictured), his son Florian will take over as chief. Donald had a long-lasting and impressive career with the British Foreign Service but is now retired. He lived with his wife and five children at their Kirton Farm in Balquhidder Glen. The property includes Creag an Tuirc, a scenic hill which overlooks the village. This hill was the ancient rallying point of the Clan!
Where does the MacLaren name come from?
It's thought the MacLaren name was derived from Abbot Labhran of Balquhidder in the 13th century. The Abbot also built the Old Kirk of Balquhidder in 1250, which is now dedicated to Clan MacLaren with a plaque reading ‘for generations of MacLarens, their place of worship and within whose walls their Chiefs are buried.’
Where did Clan MacLaren live in Scotland?
The MacLaren clan primarily lived in and around the parish of Balquhidder in Scotland, specifically in the beautiful Braes o' Balquhidder area. Situated near Loch Voil and Loch Doine, this region is known as the heartland of the MacLaren clan. The MacLarens occupied the lands in the 9th century and settled there for centuries, until 1558 when the MacGregors murdered the Chief of Clan MacLaren and took the lands for themselves.
When this happened, the MacLarens appealed to the Campbells for support but the Campbells only agreed to help if the MacLarens acknowledged them as the superior Clan. The MacLarens refused and they lost their lands to the MacGregors. Over the years, the lands have also been occupied by other notable Scottish families including the Stewarts, Murrays and Fergussons.
Do Clan MacLaren have a Plant Badge?
The MacLaren plant badge is the laurel, which fittingly symbolizes triumph, glory and power. Perfect for this influential clan!
Official Boy Scout Tartan
Did you know? The MacLaren Modern tartan is the official Boy Scout Tartan? The Scout Association was formed in 1908 and at it's head, as first secretary, was Major Kenneth MacLaren. A few years later the Scout Association decided they needed a base where they could train the leaders, so that their boys could be looked after properly, and as a result William F. de Bois MacLaren, a Scout Commissioner from Glasgow, purchased a derelict estate an hour outside of London, named Gilwell Park.
Once the estate was officially opened, staff members wore MacLaren Modern neckerchiefs to honour Commissioner MacLaren's generous gift. By the mid 1920's, the neckerchief featured a strip of MacLaren Modern tartan and was adopted as part of the official uniform of the Scouts. The tartan neckerchiefs are are still worn today by Scouts in over 120 countries around the world! The connection the Scouts have to Clan MacLaren is so strong that any scout who completes their Wood Badge may join the Clan MacLaren Society as an associate member.
John MacLaren in Golden Gate Park
The Beauty of Golden Gate Park and The Grounded Scot Who Preserved It.
If you've ever enjoyed the 1,017 pristine acres of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, thank John McLaren born at Bannockburn, near Stirling in Scotland. McLaren was a dairyman in Scotland before studying horticulture at the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens. He eventually emigrated to the United States and settled in the Bay Area. He became Superintendent of Golden Gate Park and served in that post for 53 years.
McLaren was a strong advocate for protecting the environment and dedicated his life and talents to improving and preserving the park and surrounding areas. There is a statue of McLaren in the park. He stands directly on the ground instead of on a pedestal, this symbolizes his closeness with nature and his being grounded. He also holds a pine cone out of respect for the millions of trees he planted in the park. McLaren was a catalyst for the modern environmental movement and a climate visionary. A grounded Scot who made an impact.
Royal Connections
The MacLarens are thought to have been related to the Earls of Strathearn, who were amongst the ‘7 Earls of Scotland’ and considered to be peers of the King. Because of this regal connection, Clan MacLaren are entitled to use the royal colours of red and gold or yellow in their tartan.
Do Clan MacLaren have a clan badge?
Clan MacLaren's crest is a lion’s head crowned with an antique crown of six points, four of which are visible. There are laurel branches, the Clan's traditional plant, framing either side of the lion's head. The crest is surrounded by the Clan motto, 'Creag an Tuirc,' meaning the Boar's Rock, which refers to their traditional gathering place in Balquhidder, Stirling.
Clan MacLaren War Cry
Clan MacLaren’s rallying cry is ‘Creag an Tuirc’ which is Gaelic for ‘The Boar’s Rock.’ The Boar’s Rock is a hill that sits above Balquhidder, a small village in Stirling and the traditional land and historic seat of Clan MacLaren. We can imagine it would have been an intimidating experience to hear the clan stake their claim on their territory with this dramatic war cry!
Clan MacLaren Society
If you are a descendant of Clan MacLaren, you'll be pleased to hear there is a thriving and active society you can join to learn more about your heritage and connect with other members.
The Clan MacLaren Society was formed by then Chief, Donald MacLaren, in the late 1950s and aims to support the Clan's interests globally.
They hold regular social events, with the Gathering of the Clan at the Lochearnhead Highland Games being an annual highlight, taking place every July.
Clan events last all weekend and include activities like golf, fishing, walks to the Clan Cairn, and of course, the Highland Games themselves!
Do Clan MacLaren have a Coat of Arms?
The MacLaren Arms is especially striking, described as two chevronels Gules, accompanied by a lymphad sails furled and oars in action.
This means that there are two red chevrons against a yellow shield, over a boat that seems to be in motion, with its sails billowing in the wind, and oars stationed in mid row.
MacLarens at the Battle of Culloden
The MacLarens fought for the Scottish crown and supported the Jacobites. They were even present at the devastating Battle of Culloden.
Clan MacLaren on Loch Voil
Loch Voil sits in the traditional lands of Clan MacLaren, with the Braes of Balquhidder, including the Clan's gathering place, 'The Boar's Rock' rising steeply above it.
Loch Voil is approximately 8km long, and part of the beautiful landscape of the Trossachs. It drains water from the smaller Loch Doine through the River Larig and is itself drained by the River Balvaig at its northern end.
As well as being steeping in fascinating history, it is now home to an intriguing modern art installation called The Lookout. This wood-framed box is made with mirrored walls, which reflect the mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape, and encourage visitors to take a moment to reflect and consider the scenery around them.
Clan MacLaren in Battle
While Clan MacLaren found victory in countless conflicts, it is perhaps even more notable that they managed to maintain their honour even in defeat.
In 1558, following a campaign of pressure from the Campbells, Clan MacGregor launched a crusade against the MacLarens, raiding numerous homes and murdering countless Clan members, including the Chief.
This allowed the MacGregors to take possession of MacLaren territories. Finding themselves suddenly without a Chief or lands, Clan MacLaren was unable to produce a legal title to their ancestral homelands. This made them formally 'chiefless and landless'.
While this was surely a bitter defeat, in some ways it also reflected the great nobility and dignity of the Clan. The MacLarens appealed to the Campbells for help after this savage attack, but the Campbells would only agree to help if the MacLarens would acknowledge them as the superior Clan. The MacLarens refused to allow this final humiliation, and so lost their lands to the MacGregors, but arguably maintained their dignity and pride.
Do MacLaren have a Tartan?
The MacLaren tartan is mostly green and blue, with yellow and red lines. We stock the ancient. modern, and weathered variations. Each of these offers a different strength and tone of colour, so you're sure to find one that will suit you!
Clan MacLaren
Tartan Poll
With 3 great tartan variants to choose from, the MacLaren Clan have a tricky choice to make. But which is your favourite MacLaren Clan Tartan? Vote now!
Clan MacLaren Famous Faces
Bruce McLaren
A sporting legend you may have heard of is Bruce McLaren, a racing car driver and designer from New Zealand. Bruce’s parents, Les and Ruth McLaren, ran a service station, so young Bruce grew up surrounded by cars and mechanics. He entered his first racing competition in 1952, aged only 14, and by the mid-50s was racing on the Cooper team. In 1965, he resigned from the Cooper Team and formed the iconic F1 McLaren racing team. To this day, he is admired for his innovative and aesthetic designs, and impact on the world of Formula 1 racing.
The Famous Places of Clan MacLaren
We've explored some fascinating sites of MacLaren history this month!
Read our blog to learn more about the traditional territory of Balquhidder, an ancient church built by the clan’s progenitor, and a supposedly haunted battlefield!
Clan MacLaren
Learn about the origin of the MacLaren name, the clan plant badge and the interesting link between the clan and the Boy Scouts . Find out about their bold rally cry and connection to the 7 Earls of Scotland. This is a great Clan steeped in rich history!
Clan MacLaren
Discover the interesting history of Clan MacLaren, from an ancient Kirk in Balquhidder to Golden Gate Park, there are links to Clan MacLaren across the globe. Join us as we discuss the history of the clan’s war cry and unique link to the Boy Scouts. We discuss one of the most famous racing car drivers- Bruce McLaren, the man behind the McLaren F1 cars. Don’t miss out on this insight into one of Scotland's oldest clans.
Clan MacLaren
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan MacLaren? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your MacLaren Clan Knowledge now!
Clan Motto: Creag An Tuirc (The Boar's Rock)
