Scottish Clans
Fraser of Lovat Tartans & Clan
Considered as the possible founding father of Clan Fraser of Lovat, the 'Patriot' Sir Simon Fraser of Neidpath was born in Neidpath Castle, near Peebles, in 1257 and fought in the Scottish Wars of Independence. If you're looking for the Frasers, head to our Clan Fraser page here.
Who Wears Fraser of Lovat 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
- Bisset
- Bissett
- Brewster
- Cowie
- Frazer
- Freser
- Frezel
- Frisell
- Frizelle
- Gilruth
- Grewar
- Gruar
- Gruer
- MacGrewar
- MacGruer
- MacIllrick
- MacIlriach
- MacImmey
- MacKim
- MacKimmie
- MacSimon
- MacSymon
- MacTavish
- Oliver
- Sim
- Sime
- Simon
- Simons
- Simpson
- Sims
- Simson
- Sym
- Syme
- Symon
- Symons
- Twaddle
- Tweeddale
- Tweedie
Fraser Of Lovat 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
Fraser of Lovat Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Fraser of Lovat
How it all started
Territories
The Frasers of Lovat are a Highland Clan, with the heart of their territory in the small town of Beauly, 12 miles west of Inverness.
It is thought that the family settled there as Sir Simon Fraser married the heiress to the nearby Bisset lands.
The chief, Hugh Fraser, was later granted the ‘Lovat’ peerage title around 1460, with the name being taken from the striking tower of Lovat, located on the south shore of the Beauly estuary.
The family steadily expanded their influence, acquiring lands in Stratherrick, to the east of Loch Ness, and Glenelg on the western coast.
Clan Chief
The current clan chief is Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, 18th Lord Lovat, and 5th Baron Lovat.
Born on the 13th of February 1977, he ascended to the role of chief at just 18 years old, while still at school at Harrow.
He went on to gain a degree from the University of Edinburgh, before becoming a stockbroker, working first in Geneva, then London.
He is married to Petra Palumbo, and they have 2 daughters together. In 2018, the family moved to Beauly to manage the Lovat estates.
Simon is particularly passionate about supporting the global interest in Clan Fraser of Lovat, and supports organisations across the globe dedicated to upholding the clan's heritage!
Image credit: River Beauly by Sylvia Duckworth, CC BY-SA 2.0
Where does the name Fraser of Lovat come from?
Clan Fraser of Lovat’s name is generally thought to have Norman/French origins, potentially deriving from the Old French word ‘fraise,’ meaning ‘strawberry.’ This association with strawberries became a defining element of the clan’s identity, with it being referenced visually in their heraldry and symbolism.
The chiefs of the clan are traditionally known by the Gaelic patronym ‘MacShimi,’ or ‘MacShimidh,’ meaning ‘son of Simon.’ This honours Sir Simon Fraser of Neidpath, known as ‘the Patriot’ and often argued to be the progenitor of the Frasers of Lovat.
Do Clan Fraser of Lovat have a Plant Badge?
Plant badges served a very important purpose, as they helped signify who belonged to which clan, extremely helpful especially during the chaos of battle!
Clan Fraser of Lovat’s traditional plant is the yew tree, so for centuries, members of the family wore a sprig of yew in their hat or on their lapel to signify their loyalty to the clan and the Lovat chief.
Yew trees are some of the oldest living species in Europe, and represent strength and resilience, perfect for this ancient and enduring clan!
What's the difference between Clan Fraser and Clan Fraser of Lovat?
The name Fraser covers more than one historical family, which is where confusion often arises. Although there is common ancestry both clans have their own separate chief. The key difference is the region that they originate from. Clan Fraser of Lovat are from the Highlands, whereas Clan Fraser are from the Lowlands.
Do Clan Fraser of Lovat have a Crest?
Clan Fraser of Lovat’s crest is described as ‘a buck’s head erased Proper,’ meaning it displays a realistically coloured stag’s head.
A simple image with some strong symbolism!
In heraldry, a deer’s head represents nobility, pride, and strength, clearly indicating the Frasers of Lovat’s prestigious status.
What’s more, it alludes to the family’s great wealth and resources by suggesting that their lands are abundant with good quality game for hunting.
Do Clan Fraser of Lovat have a Society?
If you have Fraser of Lovat ancestry, or even just an interest in the clan, you’ll be glad to hear that there is a thriving society, supported by the chief himself.
Lord Lovat invites those from all over the world to join, with the ambitious aim to become the most powerful modern clan on the internet!
As well as welcoming those with Fraser of Lovat heritage through blood or marriage, the society also welcomes ‘bowl o’meal Frasers,’ a charming phrase with a fascinating history.
Simon, 11th Lord Lovat, was known to offer a large bag of grain to those living in Fraser territories when they joined the clan, pledged loyalty to the chief, and took on the name. This means that anyone who feels an allegiance to the family is free to join!
With membership, you will receive access to vast collections of research, regular Lovat news, and updates about traditional Gaelic events such as the Highland Games. We’d recommend finding out more on the Clan Fraser of Lovat website.
Are Clan Fraser of Lovat connected to a Loch?
The iconic Loch Ness lies at the heart of the Frasers of Lovat’s territory, with large settlements of the family setting up in Stratherrick, to the east of the loch’s banks.
While it is not Scotland’s biggest or deepest loch, Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined! And all that water stays perpetually chilly, maintaining a temperature of about 5 degrees all year round.
Interestingly, it never completely freezes over, even in the depths of challenging Scottish winters, and on very cold days you can sometimes see steam rising from the surface of the loch, as it is warmer than the surrounding air. Don’t let that tempt you to take a dip, however, it is still bitingly frosty!
The water is also extremely murky, appearing to be almost black, due to the high peat content in the surrounding soil. This poor visibility lends even more mystery to the popular myth of the Loch Ness monster, with many wondering what the loch conceals in its inky depths.
The first sighting of ‘Nessie’ dates back to 565, when Saint Columba allegedly came face to face with a grand beast in the water. Supposedly, the monster tried to eat the Saint’s servant, but he drove it away by making the sign of the cross and evoking the name of God.
Since then, there have been countless more sightings, though of course none have ever been confirmed - yet!
Image credit: Mike McBey, CC BY 2.0
Do Clan Fraser of Lovat have a Pipe Song?
The clan’s traditional pipe song is ‘Lord Lovat’s Lament,’ written for Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat in the 18th century either by renowned musician Ewen MacGregor, or his pupil David Fraser.
It is a mournful piece, played at a slow place to mirror Lord Lovat’s final journey from the Tower of London to Tower Hill, where he was beheaded.
Clan Battles
The Frasers of Lovat held a fearsome and enduring feud with the MacDonalds of Clanranald. This came to a head in 1544 with a notoriously bloody battle. Multiple men were claiming a right to the chiefship of Clanranald, one of whom, Ranald Gallda, was the nephew of the great Lord Lovat.
Lovat, with typical familial loyalty, strongly supported Gallda, joining forces with the Earl of Huntly, the Lieutenant of the North, to supress the MacDonalds, and make Gallda the chief.
Their combined force of over 400 men marched to Inverlochy, where they successfully established Gallda's control of Moidart by taking Castle Tioram. Confident that they had been victorious, Huntly and the Frasers decided to part ways and return to their own respective territories.
The Frasers of Lovat began the journey towards Glenmoriston with what would unfortunately turn out to be a misguided sense of security!
Clan MacDonald had been observing the group from a distance, and on seeing them split, therefore dramatically decreasing their numbers, moved swiftly to attack the Frasers on a stretch of wild marshland to the north of Loch Lochy.
The oppressive heat of the day lent further challenge to the fighting, with the battle becoming known as 'blar-na-leine,' or 'the field of shirts,' supposedly due to the weather forcing the men to discard their heavy plaids.
The Lovats were outnumbered and taken unawares, and sadly, the chief, his son, and hundreds of men were killed. However, while this was undoubtedly a tragic setback for the family, the power of the clan was largely undiminished.
Image credit: Casteal Tioram by Jim Barton, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Fraser of Lovat have a War Cry?
Clan Fraser of Lovat have 2 war cries, both referencing their beloved territories and strongholds.
‘Caisteal Dhuni,’ or ‘Castle Dounie,’ refers to the clan’s ancestral seat which once stood near where Beaufort Castle presently stands.
Calling this out during battle would have reminded the clansmen what they were fighting for, igniting the pride and passion that led them to victory time after time.
An earlier war cry was ‘A Mhor-fhaiche,’ meaning ‘The Great Field.’ It is thought that this worked more as a rallying cry, calling the valiant Frasers to gather in the lands of Lovat Castle, one of the clan’s older seats, to prepare to fight.
Frasers of Lovat and Outlander
You may be familiar with the Frasers of Lovat due to the well known drama series, Outlander. While there is of course a lot of creative license used on the show, certain characters do seem to have been closely inspired by real people! Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, plays a key part in the second series of Outlander, and is as wily in the show as the 11th Lord Lovat was in real life.
The notorious chief led a turbulent life, charging into endless battles and changing sides at will. He was eventually beheaded at the Tower of London in 1747 after having been convicted of high treason, and managed to keep the upper hand right until the end.
Moments before his demise, a wooden stand collapsed on the spectators gathered to watch the beheading, killing many of them. Lovat is said to have burst out laughing, and have still been chuckling as the axe landed. Some argue that this is where the expression ‘laughing your head off’ comes from!
Shimi Lovat
The Frasers of Lovat are known for their fighting prowess and bravery, and one chief in particular is a decorated World War II hero! The 15th Lord Lovat, ‘Shimi Lovat,’ or Brigadier Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, famously led the Commando 4 brigade on D-Day, 1945, accompanied by his own private piper. He was a notorious and charming character, with Churchill describing him as ‘the most beautiful man who ever cut a throat.’ His valiant service was rewarded with both the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross.
Do Clan Fraser of Lovat have a Tartan?
Clan Fraser of Lovat has a Fraser of Lovat Modern tartan, which is a bold and striking red, fitting of this valiant family.
It features deep green accents interspersed with thinner white lines, creating a well-balanced design.
According to Clan Fraser of Lovat's website, other popular tartans that are worn by the clan include the Fraser Dress Modern and Fraser Hunting Modern tartans.
Whether you would like to purchase high-quality fabric to make your own bespoke pieces, or you’d prefer to buy a beautifully manufactured item of ready-made clothing, you’ll find it here at ScotlandShop.
For an extended range of Fraser clan tartans, head to our Clan Fraser page here.
Clan Fraser of Lovat
Famous Faces
Clan Fraser of Lovat is blessed with numerous impressive qualities, most notably, tenacity, bravery, and valour. Over the centuries, multiple characters from the clan have made their name in various ways, resulting in both fame and infamy!
Image credit: Krn1.618 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Clan Fraser of Lovat
Tartan Poll
There are many Clan Fraser of Lovat / Fraser tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Fraser of Lovat
Learn about Clan Fraser of Lovat’s name origins, pipe song, plant badge and more.
The Castles of Clan Fraser of Lovat
Clan Fraser of Lovat held many strongholds fitting of their great power. Read our blog to find out more about three of these castles.
Image credit: Beaufort Castle by Craig Wallace, CC BY-SA 2.0
Clan Fraser of Lovat vs the Macdonalds of Clanranald
A Highland feud that turned deadly. In 1544, the Frasers of Lovat backed Ranald Gallda in a bitter fight for the chiefship of Clanranald. After marching with the Earl of Huntly and capturing Castle Tioram, it looked like victory was theirs.
But as the Frasers made their way home through Glenmoriston, they were about to learn the feud was far from over…
Clan Fraser of Lovat
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Fraser of Lovat? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Fraser of Lovat Clan Knowledge now!
‘The Old Fox:’ Outlander Star and Iconic Clan Chief
You may know the Frasers of Lovat from Outlander… but the real story is even wilder!
Meet Simon Fraser – the cunning “Old Fox”. A master of double-crossing, he played both sides during the Jacobite Rising of 1745… until it cost him everything.
He was the last man in Britain to be beheaded and legend says he was still laughing at the end. Find out more in our short video.
Clan Motto: Je Suis Prest (I Am Ready)
Hero image credit: The River Beauly by Dg-505, CC BY 3.0
Middle of page image credit: Loch Ness Scotland by Andrew Tryon, CC BY-SA 2.0
Content correct at the time of writing February 2026
