Tartan Samples

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Brief History Clan Duncan

Duncan (Dunchad or Donchadh in its Gaelic form), is one of the earliest names mentioned in Scotland’s oldest records. Originally a forename from the 4th century AD, it is believed to be traced back to the ancient Earls of Atholl. Clan Duncan’s motto is ‘Disce pati’ (‘Learn to suffer’).

The clan adopted its name from Chief Donnachadh Reanhar (“Fat Duncan”), who led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The clan held land in the east of Scotland, around Fife, Angus and Perthshire.

Duncan I was a young man when he took the Scottish throne, unlike his much older representation in the famous Shakespeare play, “Macbeth”. Without any opposition, Duncan I had succeeded his grandfather Malcolm II as King, after Malcolm’s death in 1034.

The Duncan tartan features the more traditional green and blue colours, interspersed with red, black and white linework. This tartan comes in a variety of ancient and modern variants.