Tartan Samples

Tartan samples are a great way to help you decide which tartan you prefer. To order a tartan sample, click here.

A Brief History of Clan MacGregor

Clan MacGregor's history is fraught with feuds and battles that made the clan one of the best known in Scotland. The clan's motto is 'S Rioghal Mo Dhream which translates to “Royal is my Race” which refers to claims of descent from Giogar, who was the son of the first king of Dalriada. 

Clan MacGregor held lands in Argyll and Perthshire and had a longstanding feud with the neighboring Clan Campbell. In the early 1600’s the name MacGregor was outlawed by King James VI due to a series of events that tempered the king and any new child born into the Clan would either denounce their name or face death. The MacGregor name survived and the MacGregors became prominent in fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprising. It wasn’t until 1784 that the ban was lifted and the MacGregor’s were officially allowed to use their name and were restored to the rights of British citizens.

Possibly the most famous MacGregor is Rob Roy Macgregor (1671 – 1734) who’s notoriety came from being an outlaw with an unquenchable grudge towards the British. Stories and tales were written about Rob Roy MacGregor and you’ll find statues of him around the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park as well as at the foot of Stirling Castle.

The MacGregor tartans consist primarily of reds and greens and are available in modern, ancient, hunting and muted variations. A Rob Roy MacGregor tartan is also available in either Modern or Ancient. Red and Hunting MacGregor tartans are available in our hire range and are a popular choice for all occasions. Although clan tartans were historically worn only by clan members, today the MacGregor tartan can be worn by anyone who wishes to do so.