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 MacPherson

The MacPherson clan motto is "Touche not le chat bot a glove" (Touch not the cat but a glove). The motto is a warning that one should be cautious when the wildcat's claws are 'without a glove'. It alludes to the clan's violent history and acts as a metaphorical cautionary message to other clans to think twice before meddling in MacPherson's affairs.

The MacPherson Scottish Gaelic surname is Mac a' Phearsain, which translates to "son of the parson". A parson is a Christian leader who is ordained and tasked with overseeing a specific area, commonly known as a parish.

Cluny Castle, which is located approximately five miles southwest of Newtonmore in Strathspey, served as a stronghold for the MacPherson Clan. The castle, which originally dates back to the 14th century, was demolished by the Duke of Cumberland following the MacPherson’s support of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Cluny Castle that stands today is actually a 19th-century mansion constructed on the site of the original stronghold. Meanwhile, Newton Castle, situated in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, is where the seat of the current MacPherson chiefs.

There is a wide range of MacPherson tartans to choose from. They predominantly feature a bold red as their hero colour.