Clan Primary Image Ross

Scottish Clans

Ross Tartans & Clan

Ferquhard Ross helped King Alexander II quell a rebellion in the Moray and Ross regions. The King was overwhelmed by the rebels so, Ferquhard rode in and put them down. Ferquhard presented the heads of the rebel leaders to Alexander who knighted him and presented him with lands in Ross-shire.

Clan Motto Spem Successus Alit (Success Nourishes Hope)

Who Wears Ross 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.

  • Anderson
  • Andison
  • Andrew
  • Andrews
  • Corbet
  • Corbett
  • Crow
  • Crowe
  • Croy
  • Denoon
  • Denune
  • Dingwall
  • Duthie
  • Fair
  • Gair
  • Gear
  • Gillanders
  • Hagart
  • Haggart
  • MacAndrew
  • MacCullie
  • MacCulloch
  • MacLullich
  • MacTaggart
  • MacTear
  • MacTier
  • MacTire
  • Taggart
  • Tullo
  • Tulloch
  • Tyre
  • Vass
  • Wass

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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.

Clan Origin Primary Image Ross
Clan Origin History Image Ross

Explore the history of Clan Ross

How it all started

Territories

The lands of Ross-shire existed long before the birth of Clan Ross. It was from this beautiful and fertile Highland County that the Clan took their name, and where they settled, establishing their early homes in the 11th century.

The Clan’s ambitious and bold nature meant that they quickly expanded their territory when one brave Ross made a powerful allegiance with the Scottish King. In 1214, King Alexander II led an army to squash a rebellion started by a rival claimant to the throne, and was aided on his mission by Clan Ross Chief, Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt. The King knighted the Chief and granted his son lands in Skye and Lewis in thanks, helping to grow the already distinguished Ross name.

Clan Chief

The first recorded Chief of Clan Ross was Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt, which means ‘son of the priest’ in English. The traditional story goes that he was part of the ancient family who provided the hereditary abbots of Applecross. He was known as a brave warrior and supporter of the Scottish monarchy and was rewarded with the title ‘Earl of Ross.’

His daring was commemorated in The Chronicle of Melrose, which reported that "Mac an t-Sagairt attacked and mightily overthrew the king's enemies; and he cut off their heads and presented them as gifts to the new king ... And because of this, the lord king appointed him a new knight." The current chief is David Campbell Ross of Ross and Balnagowan.

Clan Origin Location Image Ross

Balnagown Castle

Balnagown Castle is the historic seat of Clan Ross, it is located in the Highlands of Scotland just outside of Kildary and it was originally built in 1375 for Clan Ross by the Ross family. The castle was owned by the Ross family until 1978, however in the 18th Century the main branch of the Ross family had to sell the Castle as they were in a lot of debt, they ended up selling to the Ross' of Hawkhead.
Juniper

Do Clan Ross have a Plant Badge?

Clan Ross' plant badge is a sprig of juniper; men would attach it to their caps while women fastened foliage to their sashes at the shoulder.

Juniper is rich in symbolism in Celtic tradition, it was thought to have purifying qualities, so was burnt to cleanse both places of worship and people's homes. It was also believed that burning it could help initiate contact with spirits and ghosts!

Ross Clan Email Header

Do Clan Ross have a clan badge?

A crest functioned as a symbol of allegiance used by clan members to show loyalty to their chief and to each other. Clan Ross' crest features an arm with a clenched fist holding a garland of juniper, the clan's plant badge. It is also surrounded by the clan motto: Spem Successus Alit, or Success Nourishes Hope.

Clan ross

How to Join Clan Ross Society?

If you are a member of Clan Ross and are interested in joining a society to explore your heritage, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice! Clan Ross America have been representing the clan in the US since 1976. They are a charitable and educational non-profit organization whose goals include supporting cultural heritage sites in Ross-shire, and providing scholarships for members who participate in highland sport or historical and cultural events, including dance, music, athletics, piping, and genealogical and historical research.

There is also Clan Ross of the United States, which you can explore here!

Finally, there is the Clan Ross Association of Canada, which was founded in 1960 and still accepts members to this day!

LOCH MAREE 1

Are Clan Ross Connected to a Loch?

Loch Maree sits in the traditional territory of Clan Ross, among the stunning landscape of Ross-shire in the North-West Highlands.

It is 21.7 km long and has a maximum width of four km, which makes it the fourth-largest freshwater loch in Scotland and the largest north of Loch Ness!

It is also an extremely significant wildlife site; it houses the largest breeding concentration of black-throated diver in Great Britain, while the islands of Loch Maree grow the best native Caledonian pinewood in Scotland.

Ross march pipe music

Clan Ross' Pipe Music

Clan Ross’ pipe music is "The Earl of Ross's March" by Donald Mor MacCrimmon, which dates back to about 1600. It was supposedly dedicated to the 11th Earl of Ross!

Battle of harlaw

The Battle of Harlow

In the 15th century Uilleam the third, the Earl of Ross, died without leaving a male heir to the Earldom. As a result, there were two rival claimants for the title, and the fearsome Battle of Harlaw broke out. Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland, had taken control of the Earldom as guardian of his niece Euphemia Leslie. This claim was contested by Donald, Lord of the Isles, who had married Euphemia’s aunt Mariota.

Donald invaded Ross with the intention of seizing the earldom by force; he first defeated a large force of Mackays at the Battle of Dingwall and managed to capture Dingwall Castle. Bolstered by this victory, he then advanced on Aberdeen with 10,000 clansmen. Near Inverurie, however, he was met by 1000 -2000 of the local gentry, hastily assembled by the Earl of Mar.

After a day of fierce fighting, there was no clear victor, despite the immense bloodshed, and the ownership of the land continued to pass between the two parties for many years following. The battle was so bloody that it was nicknamed ‘Red Harlaw’ and is commemorated in many ballads and songs, including Sir Walter Scott’s 'Elspeth’s Ballad.'

Flag of Canton of Valais (Wallis)

What is featured on Clan Ross' Coat of Arms?

A coat of arms is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to a certain family or clan. Clan Ross' arms are described as "Gules three lions rampant Argent, armed and langued Azure." This means that the crest depicts three silver lions rearing up on their back legs with their heads in profile, against a red background.

Website ross swatches

Do Clan Ross have a tartan?

If you're looking for a Ross tartan, you won't struggle for choice! We stock hunting modern, ancient, weathered, and muted, as well as red modern, ancient and weathered. Each of these offers a different strength and tone of colour, so you're sure to find one that will suit you!

We have many items you can choose from, from flat caps to kilts to brogues. With all these options, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to help you connect with your mighty ancestors!

Clan Ross Tartan Poll 1 1

Clan Ross

Tartan Poll

With 6 tartan variants to choose from, the Ross clan have some beautiful choices. But which is your favourite Ross Clan Tartan?

TOP 5 FACTS

Clan Ross

Learn about the origins of the clan and their cleansing plant badge. Did you know there is a famous Ross behind the design of the American flag?

Clan Ross Tartan Quiz 2

Clan Ross

Quiz

How much do you think you know about Clan Ross? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Ross Clan Knowledge now!

The Story of Clan Ross

This month we are delving into all things Clan Ross, from their grand castles to some famous Ross’ who have made a great impact on the world. Join Lauren and Emma as they explore the history of Balnagown Estate and of course discover a few spooky ghost tales along the way.


The Clan’s ambitious and bold nature meant that they quickly expanded their territory when one brave Ross made a powerful allegiance with the Scottish King. In 1214, King Alexander II led an army to squash a rival claimant to the throne’s rebellion, and was aided on his mission by Clan Ross Chief, Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt.

Clan Motto: Spem Successus Alit (Success Nourishes Hope)

From the start

Ross Clan Origins & History

Where does the name Ross come from?

It is commonly accepted that the Clan took their name from their key territory of Ross-shire, but there is some debate about the origins of this name. In the Ancient Celtic language, a Ros was a promontory or headland, which is a high area of ground that juts out over the sea, or a large loch.

This could have been inspired by the land between the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths. Another possible origin is the West Norse word for Orkney, Hrossey, which means “horse island,” as the area of Ross-shire once belonged to the Norwegian earldom of Orkney.

Plant Badge

The Clan Ross plant badge is Juniper, or bearberry

Clan Ross and Clan Munro

In 1250, The Earl of Ross’ son William was abducted in a revolt against the Earl. He was quickly rescued with the help of the Munro Clan, which cemented a long-standing alliance between the Rosses and the Munros.

The Battle of Dunbar

Clan Ross has a long line of brave warriors and a deep-rooted tradition of fighting for causes they believe in. The clan and their chief served with distinction in the Wars of Independence against the English. The clan chief was captured at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296 and was taken as a prisoner and held in London. He was released shortly after but was captured again while protecting Robert the Bruce's wife and daughter at the shrine of St Duthac in Tain.

Clan Ross' connection to American Independance

Colonel George Ross signed the American Declaration of Independence on the 2nd of August, 1776. Betsy Ross, the widow of George’s brother, John, designed the first flag of the United States!


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