Scottish Clans
Johnstone Tartans & Clan
Gentle Johnstones? Known for being a fairly ferocious bunch, Walter Scott wrote in the Fair Maid of Perth: Within the bounds of Anndale, The Gentle Johnstones ride, They have been there a thousand years, A thousand more they'll ride.
Who Wears Johnstone 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.
- Johnston
- Johnstone
- Marchbanks
- Marjoribanks
- Rome
Johnstone Tartans
4 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
Johnstone Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Johnstone
How it all started
Territories
Clan Johnstone are a highly respected, ancient clan who first established themselves in Annandale over 600 years ago. They claimed large stretches of land on the western marches along the English borders, which they guarded fiercely.
The family appeared to build a strong reputation quickly, with one early member, Sir John Johnstone, a knight from Dumfries, appearing of the Ragman Roll swearing fealty to King Edward I in 1296. His great grandson was later appointed as warden of the western marches, a prestigious role that held the responsibility of monitoring security between England and Scotland.
John’s son, Sir Adam Johnstone, clearly inherited his grit and strength, as he assisted in suppressing a rebellion led by Clan Douglas against the Crown. He was rewarded by the King with lands in Buittle and Sannoch, near the great Threave Castle.
Another powerful branch of the family thrived in Caskieben in Aberdeenshire.
Image credit above: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Johnstone is Patrick Andrew Wentworth Hope-Johnstone, the 11th Hereditary Steward of Annandale, and 11th Hereditary Keeper of Lochmaben Palace. He has already enjoyed a long and fruitful term as chief, having held the position since 1983!
It also seems that Johnstone feels a strong duty to his family’s homelands, as he has stood as a member of Dumfriesshire County Council and the Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as serving as the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries.
In addition, Jonhstone has shown an admirable dedication to protecting the natural environment of his inherited territories, sitting on the Solway River Purification Board from 1970 to 1986, and acting as chairmen of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society from 1981 to 1984.
Where does the name Johnstone come from?
The Johnstone name is inextricably linked with the family’s territory. It originated in Celtic as ‘Johnstun,’ with ‘tun’ meaning ‘land’ or ‘town.’ It is thought that the progenitor of the clan was a man named John, who gave his own name to the lands he claimed in Annandale in the 1100s. This made him ‘John of Johnstone.’ From then on, the clan followed suit, taking their surname from the town their forebearer had founded.
Lochwood Tower
Lochwood Tower is the historic seat of Clan Johnstone and they occupied the grounds from the 14th Century until the 16th Century when the English captured the Castle at the command of Edward Symour, 1st Duke of Somerset. When the Johnstones held the grounds the building was known as Lochwood Castle, but as the Castle fell to ruins all that stands is a small tower, which is how it gained its name.
The Castle was burnt in 1585 by Clans Maxwell and Armstrong, however it was re-built shortly after, which is the build that can still be seen today. The Johnstone family did move back into Lochwood Tower in 1710, but they did not stay there long before their move to Raehills Mansion.
The Fair Maid of Perth
Clan Johnstone have been commemorated by the great Sir Walter Scott himself!
In the Fair Maid of Perth, Scott depicts the Johnstones as noble but fearsome, explaining that 'if you were in their own glens they would use you hospitably, and you would have nothing to fear; but now they are on an expedition. All is fish that comes to their net. Their whole soul is settled in their eyes to see prey, and in their hands to grasp it.'
It seems that you certainly would not have wanted to come across this terrifying bunch on the wrong day!
Do Clan Johnstone have a Plant Badge?
The plant badge has played a fascinating role in clan history. In medieval society, it was common for men to wear a sprig of their clan’s plant on their cap, while women would fasten foliage to their shoulder, attached to their sash.
This helped to foster a sense of belonging and pride among clan members.
It is also believed that men would wear their plant badge in battle to signify which side they were on and make it easier to distinguish quickly between friend and foe.
The Johnstone’s plant badge is the striking Red Hawthorne, which produces a vibrant, scarlet flower. It is said to symbolise strength and resilience, so we can see why the hardy Johnstones may have picked it!
Border Reivers
Clan Johnstone were unusual among the border reiving clans, as they focused most of their energy on raiding England, trying to avoid attacking fellow Scottish families where possible.
Do Clan Johnstone have a Crest?
Clan Johnstone of Annandale’s crest is a winged spur enclosed in the traditional stap and buckle, which is inscribed with the clan’s motto ‘nunquam non paratus,’ or ‘never unprepared.’
A simple design with a fascinating backstory!
The story goes that Edward, King of England, tried to force John Baliol, King of Scotland, to acknowledge England as the leader of the United Kingdom. Robert Bruce, a powerful Scottish Earl, was enraged by this, and immediately planned to oppose the plan.
However, King Edward soon got wind of Bruce’s dissent, and plotted to kill him.
Luckily, Baliol acted quickly to save his life and sent the chief of Clan Johnstone to warn Bruce. Not wanting to send a written note that would be too easy to intercept, Johnstone delivered a spur with a bird’s wing attached, to infer that Bruce needed to ‘spur his horse on and take flight.’
Bruce instantly understood the message and fled, escaping the wrath of King Edward.
Do Clan Johnstone have a Society?
Clan Johnston/e in America is an active and thriving society who have been around since 1976!
They celebrate their heritage by taking part in various Scottish games and festivals across North America, as well as publishing a quarterly newsletter called the Spur and Phoenix.
The Society also collect and archive a vast amount of historical and genealogical information about the Johnstones to help members carry out research into their own lineage. What's more, they encourage society members to study traditional Scottish arts such as piping, drumming, and highland dancing by providing generous scholarships!
If you are lucky enough to be connected to Clan Johnstone, we'd really recommend checking them out, and considering joining.
Are Clan Johnstone connected to a River?
In their border reiving heyday, Clan Johnstone spent a lot of time on the banks of the River Annan, which rises on Annanhead Hill, before flowing through the notorious Devil's Beef Tub.
While it was once witness to countless clan clashes and skirmishes over stolen livestock, it is now more commonly a setting of tranquil leisure activities. Many walkers enjoy following the water through the surrounding scenic hills and valleys, or fishing for salmon or trout in its depths.
However, some elements of its more sinister past still remain! It has featured in several folk songs from the Borders, usually appearing as a malevolent force that will drown those who try to cross it. Perhaps the most famous piece is Annan Waters, which has been recorded by numerous talented artists, including Nic Jones and Kate Rusby.
Image credit: Barry Dale, CC BY-SA 2.0
Clan Battles
Clan Johnstone had a longstanding and bitter feud with the neighbouring Clan Maxwell. The two families competed for land and status, with the role of warden of the western marches passing between the two sides regularly.
In 1593, John, the seventh Lord Maxwell, grew tired with the constant warring, and endeavoured to eliminate his rivals once and for all. He gathered an army of 2000 horsemen and set out to invade the Johnstone’s territory of Annandale.
Luckily, the Johnstone chief, Sir James of Dunskellie, got word of this treacherous plan, and had time to recruit support, calling on help from the Grahams, Scotts, Carruthereses, Irvings, Elliots, and others, managing to amass a group of 800 men.
On the 6th of December, the Maxwell army reached the Johnstone’s land, arriving in a place called Dryfe Sands. Sir James, knowing that he was outnumbered, then launched a cunning attack, sending only a small handful of his men to provoke the Maxwells, keeping the vast majority of his supporters hidden.
Then, when the Maxwell army broke ranks to pursue their enemy, the main body of the Johnstone group suddenly and furiously charged, catching the Maxwells off guard, and slaughtering over 700 of their men.
Lord Maxwell is said to have begged for mercy and offered to surrender, but the Johnstones were too enraged by his cruel plot to let him go. They executed the chief and left the remainder of the Maxwells to make their escape.
In 1608, Clan Johnstone and Clan Maxwell arranged a reconciliation. Sir James Johnstone of Dunskellie and Lord Maxwell, son of the chief who was killed at the Battle at Dryfe Sands planned to meet to bury the hatchet. However, once they saw each other, Lord Maxwell quickly pulled out a pistol and shot the Johnstone chief twice in the back, fatally wounding him.
He then fled, initially escaping to France, before finally being caught, brought back to Scotland, and publicly beheaded in Edinburgh for the ‘murder under trust’ of Clan Johnstone’s chief.
Image credit: Scothill - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Do Clan Johnstone have a War Cry?
Clan Johnstone's original war cry was 'Light Thieves All,' which served as a threatening demand to any enemy to leave their horse and surrender immediately.
More commonly used, however, was the motto 'Nunquam Non Paratus,' or 'Never Unprepared.' We're sure this must have been a chilling reminder to any rivals that the clan were notoriously brave and formidable fighters!
Do Clan Johnstone have a Tartan?
Clan Johnstone's tartan is mainly made up of earthy greens and browns interspersed with striking blue and yellow accents. Here at ScotlandShop, we stock 4 variations: ancient, modern, weathered, and muted. Each option offers a different tone, with modern being the boldest, and weathered the simplest.
Owning your clan's tartan is a great way to connect with your heritage, and we have a great variety of products you could choose from! From shoes, to ribbon, to dresses, and waistcoats, we're sure you'll find something to suit you!
A Resilient Spirit
Clan Johnstone have showed themselves to have a very resilient spirit, managing to overcome many difficulties and set backs. For example, in 1792 the family's titles became dormant. Luckily, after centuries of refusing to give up, they managed to reinstate the positions in 1971, and won back the earldoms of Annandale and Hartfell.
An Interview with Clan Johnston/e in America
For our Clan of the Month celebrations we have a very special interview to share with you!
We were delighted to speak with the President of the Society, Paul Johnston, about the Society, Clan and Johnston/e heritage.
Clan Johnstone
Tartan Poll
There are four Clan Johnstone tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
Clan Johnstone
Famous Faces
Clan Johnstone is extremely talented and have enjoyed great success across a wide range of fields. We’ve had a great time getting to know just a few of their most famous members better, and we can’t wait to introduce you to them.
Read our blog to find out more!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Johnstone
Learn who commemorated them in a piece of writing, their motto, plant badge and more!
The Castles of Clan Johnstone
Clan Johnstone’s power and influence can be seen clearly in their grand homes and their command over the wild landscapes they lived among. Join us as we explore these magnificent settings and get to know more about the lives of the fearsome Johnstones.
Clan Johnstone
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Johnstone? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Johnstone Clan Knowledge now!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
The Story of Clan Johnstone
This month we are delving into all things Clan Johnstone!
Join John and Carrie as they explore the Johnstones' grand homes, greatest achievements, and most fearsome battles.
Clan Johnstone
Tartan Tales
We called upon the valued Clan members to share their Johnstone stories and we had a lovely response; read the blog to find out more!
Mobile Phone Backgrounds
Swipe to view
As part of our Clan of the Month celebrations, we produce different mobile phone wallpapers so you can celebrate your Johnstone heritage every time you pick up a call.
- Select your preferred image from the four above. Press on the image and a pop up will appear. Select download image.
- Open the image in the photos app on your phone and set as your new background.
- Ta-da, you have a bright and shiny new Scottish wallpaper for your phone!
Clan Motto: Nunquam Non Paratus (Never Unprepared).
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