Scottish Clans
Broun/Brown Tartans & Clan
Clan Brown have long held land in East Lothian, formerly known as Haddingtonshire. Brown is the second most common name in Scotland.
Who Wears Broun/Brown 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.
- Braun
- Bron
- Brouin
- Broun
- Broune
- Brown
- Browne
- Browyn
- Brun
- Brune
- Le Brun
Broun/Brown Tartans
1 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
Broun/Brown Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Brown
How it all started
Territories
Clan Brown have long held land in East Lothian, formerly known as Haddingtonshire. Popular tradition says that a noble Norman Warrior named Walterus le Brun arrived in Scotland in 1073 and quickly formed a close relationship with the royal House of Dunkeld, which proved to be highly beneficial for le Brun's reputation.
In the early 1100s, Walterus gained ownership of the lands of Colstoun, near Haddington, and soon became a respected local figure, serving as a witness to the laying of the foundations of Holyrood Abbey in 1125.
In 1152 Prince Henry, the younger son of David I, built a church on the Brown's territory, increasing the family's prestige, and the value of their land, even further.
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Brown is Sir Wayne Broun of Colstoun, 14th Baronet of Colstoun. He was educated at Sydney Grammar School in Australia, and pursued a military career after graduating, gaining the rank of Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
He inherited the title of Chief and 14th Baronet of Coulston on the 17th of March 2007, and has shown great pride in carrying out his duties for the clan, often visiting Scotland from Australia to attend the Highland Games and other traditional events.
He is also patron of the Scottish Australian Heritage Council, working to preserve and promote Scottish history abroad.
Where does the name Brown come from?
'Brown,' the Anglicized version of 'Broun,' is the second most common surname in Scotland. It is usually a reference to colouring, for example to a person with brown hair or eyes, though some historians theorize the clan's name has slightly more interesting origins. It is thought that Celtic Browns may have been named after their historic relation to brehons, highly respected judges in ancient Celtic societies.
Carsluith Castle
At first glance Carsluith Castle has the traditional L shape of many Scottish keeps of the 16th century, however a little delving into history reveals that it actually dates back to the 1400s starting out as a simple oblong tower. Carved above the doorway are the Broun arms and the date 1568.
Do Clan Brown have a Crest?
Clan Brown's crest is described as 'A lion rampant Gules, holding in his dexter paw a fleur-de-lis, Argent'. It shows a lion rearing up and holding a lily, commonly associated with the Royal House of France, in its paw. Once again, this nods to the belief that Clan Brown are descended from French royalty.
Do Clan Brown have a Motto?
Clan Brown's motto is Floreat Majestas, or Let Majesty Flourish, which references both their regal beginnings and their commitment to constantly striving for achievement and renown.
Are Clan Brown connected to a Bay?
Carsluith Castle, one of Clan Brown's grandest homes, overlooks the striking Wigtown Bay, a large expanse of water in Dumfries and Galloway fed by the Irish Sea, the River Bladnoch, and the River Cree.
The scenic area is filled with mudflats and salt marshes that create the perfect habitat for abundant nature and wildlife. In fact, Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve in the largest nature reserve in Britain!
Visitors can see salt tolerant plants, wild geese, and even ospreys. It is the perfect place to take a trip if you are keen birdwatcher as there is a purpose-built bird hide overlooking the wetlands.
Wigtown also holds fascinating historical significance, as it was used to test the floating 'Mulberry Harbour,' which was used in the successful invasion of Normandy by allied forces in WWII.
Image credit: Wigtown Bay seen from the top of Carsluith Castle by Astrid Horn, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Brown have a Society?
The Brouns of Colstoun & Thorniedykes Society works hard to keep the pride and spirit of Clan Brown thriving.
They list their objectives as preserving the family's history, genealogical records, and relics, honoring and promoting the clan's heritage, and creating cultural ties. They achieve these aims in a variety of ways, including producing a newsletter that educates members about the Brown's history and traditions, organising attendance at clan gatherings, and helping members research their own genealogy.
The Society are currently updating their website, we will share the link as soon as we can.
Clan Battles
Clan Brown was present at some of the most turbulent scenes in Scotland's history. Sir John Broun lead the royalist army during the Battle of Inverkeithing in 1651, signifying a loyalty to the monarchy that extended throughout the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
Many centuries later, other members of the clan displayed similar valor on very different battlefields, with one man in particular winning the Victoria Cross (VC).
Harry W. Brown was serving on the Western Front in 1917 with the 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force when he was tasked with delivering an important message to his comrades on the front line. He braved heavy enemy fire to undertake the mission, thereby saving countless lives. Sadly, he was wounded in action and died the following day, but his bravery and strength were honored with the presentation of the VC, which is now on display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Image credit: Canadian War Museum in 2022 by Harleyd613 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Do Clan Brown have a Tartan?
Clan Brown's tartan features tones of striking red and blue and is sure to catch the eye. 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! Browse our website to discover tartan ribbons, dresses, waistcoats and much more.
Baronet of Nova Scotia
Clan Brown have always shown a skill for advancing their prestige and reputation, both in Scotland and further afield. Patrick Broun of Colstoun, for example, was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1686. This title has been passed down through multiple generations of the family, ensuring that they maintain their noble status.
Legend of the Magical Pear
There is a popular legend concerning Clan Brown and a magical pear! In 1543, George Broun married the daughter of Sir Hugo de Gifford, often said to have been a wizard or magician. Sir Hugo gave the couple a pear encased in a silver box as a wedding present, promising that as long as it was kept safe, the family would enjoy wealth and good fortune.
Supposedly, many years later in 1692, Lady Elizabeth Mackenzie married Sir George Broun of Colstoun and, on their wedding night, couldn't resist taking a bite from the enchanted pear. The couple were horrified to see the fruit quickly turn to stone.
It seemed that the pear's protective spell had been broken, and the family were plunged into a period of misfortune. George Broun ended up in a ruinous amount of gambling debt and was forced to sell the Colstoun estate to his younger brother, Robert.
Robert, however, sadly drowned soon after, and when George also passed in 1718, the family was left without a male heir. George and Elizabeth's daughter, Jean, inherited the estate, whilst Robert's title went to the Brouns of Thornydyke.
Queen Victoria
One member of Clan Brown had a fascinating relationship with Queen Victoria!
John Brown joined the Queen and Prince Albert at Balmoral Castle to work as their gamekeeper and estate hand. He quickly became a favorite of the royals, becoming their personal servant. After Prince Albert's death in 1861, Brown appears to have been a source of comfort and companionship for the bereft Victoria. She even had 2 medals created especially for him: the Faithful Servant Medal and the Devoted Service Medal. Their story is immortalised in the film 'Mrs Brown' starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Billy Connolly as John Brown.
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Brown
Learn about their name origins, royal connections, and more!
Clan Brown
Clan Poll
Let us know what your favourite Clan Brown symbols are by voting in our Brown Clan Poll!
Clan Brown
Famous Faces
Clan Brown has a wealth of talented and ambitious members. The typical Brown traits of grit, determination, creativity, and boldness have taken the family to the very top of numerous fields including music, politics, and even magic! Read our blog to discover more.
Image credit: Garry Knight
The Castles of Clan Brown
Clan Brown are a powerful family who have held a number of fittingly grand homes. Exploring a clan’s castles is one of the best ways to put yourself in their shoes and get closer to your ancestors. Luckily, several of Clan Brown’s strongholds have stood the test of time and are still around for you to visit today!
Image credit: Kim Traynor
Clan Brown
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Brown? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Brown Clan Knowledge now!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan Brown
This month we are delving into all things Clan Brown!
Carrie is joined by ScotlandShop’s founder Anna whose maiden name is Browne! Join them as they explore the clan’s origins, notable historic sites, and a couple of famous Browns.
Clan Motto: Floreat Majestas (Let majesty flourish).
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