Tartan Samples

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

Brief History of Clan Sutherland

The Sutherlands were a Highland clan who originated from the far north of Scotland, in the shire of Sutherland. Their motto is “Sans Peur”, which is French for “Without Fear”. Up until the early 16th century, the chief was originally the Earl of Sutherland, however, this title was passed on through marriage to the son of clan Gordon’s chief.

The Sutherland clan got their name from Sudrland, which was the territory captured by the Norsemen responsible for capturing the Scottish mainland north of Inverness. It is believed that the line descended from Hugh, grandson Freskin de Movaria, who was a Norman knight and ancestor of the Murrays of Athol. The Sutherland area at the time extended into Nairn and Moray in the south, and Cromarty in the north.

The Vikings who had taken up residence on the islands of Orkney and Shetland to the north, came up with the name Sutherland for ‘lands to the south”.

The clan established Strong ties to the Scottish throne when William, the 5th Earl, married Margaret, sister of David II of Scotland and the daughter of Robert the Bruce. The union did not always prove beneficial, as William and the King were imprisoned for 10 years following the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1345. 

The Sutherland tartan has a traditional design and features blues, greens, black and white. There is also a weathered variant that uses more earthy tones. All are great traditional options for either a kilt, trews, or tartan accessories.