The Borthwick clan traces its origins to Norman roots, with Andreas de Borthwick receiving lands in Midlothian from David II in 1368. The family quickly established themselves as formidable Border lords, constructing the massive Borthwick Castle around 1430 - one of Scotland's finest tower houses. Sir William Borthwick, the first Lord Borthwick, gained his title in 1452 for loyal service to the Crown. The Borthwicks wielded considerable power along the Scottish Borders, controlling strategic routes between Scotland and England while maintaining fierce independence during centuries of cross-border warfare and political upheaval.
Scottish Clans
Borthwick Tartans & Clan
The Borthwick clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most distinguished Border families, whose legacy spans from Norman origins to powerful Border Reivers, with descendants now found across North America, Britain, and the Commonwealth nations worldwide.
Clan Motto
Qui Conducit
(He who leads)
Heritage & Identity
Who Wears Borthwick Tartan?
Worn by Borthwick descendants globally, sept families including Borthwick variations, Scottish Border families, Highland regiment veterans, and heritage enthusiasts throughout America, Canada, and Britain.
Associated Names
Borthwick
Borthwyck
Borthwyk
Borthwik
Borthwike
Borthweek
Borthuik
Borthewyk
Borthwyk
Bortwyck
Borthwyke
Borthwycke
De Borthwick
Borthick
Borthwyk
Bartwick
Military Heritage
Associated Regiments
Borthwick warriors served with distinction in Border cavalry units, Lowland regiments, and British Army forces, excelling in colonial campaigns across India, Canada, and Australia throughout the expanding Empire's frontiers.
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Lothian and Border Horse Yeomanry
Scottish Horse (Canada)
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Canada)
Royal Scots Regiment
Border Regiment
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Associated Tartans
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Borthwick Tartans
0 Variations
Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.
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Ancient Tartan
Before 1860, all fabric dyes came from nature — plants, berries, bark, and insects. The colours they produced were softer and more muted than what we're used to today: think mossy greens, dusty sky blues, and reds with a warm, orangey tone. A lot of people actually prefer Ancient tartans for this reason — the gentler contrasts let the pattern breathe and stand out in a way that bolder colours sometimes don't. Worth knowing: the pattern itself, called the sett, is exactly the same across all variations of a tartan. It's only the colours that change.
Modern Tartan
Modern tartans came about after 1860, when chemical dyes replaced natural ones. The difference is pretty striking. Those soft, earthy greens became deep bottle green. Pale blues turned into rich navy. Reds went from warm and muted to full-on scarlet. If you're after something bold and vivid, Modern is usually the one to go for. It's the version most people picture when they think of a classic tartan.
Weathered Tartan
Weathered tartans take their inspiration from what happens to fabric left out in the elements — faded by sun, softened by rain, worn in by time. The colours shift towards olive greens, warm browns, and very pale blues, with reds that fade down to something close to a dusty pink. It's a more rustic, lived-in look, and honestly a really beautiful one. If you want something that feels a little more understated and natural, Weathered is worth a look.
Hunting Tartan
Hunting tartans are essentially the camouflage version of a clan's tartan — greens and browns brought forward so the wearer could move through the landscape without standing out. Not every clan has one, and that's by design. If a tartan is already mostly green or brown (like the Black Watch or Gunn), there's no need to adapt it. But a tartan like the Fraser, which is predominantly red, would make someone very easy to spot in the field — so a Hunting version makes a lot of sense for clans like that.
Dress Tartan
Dress tartans were made for the big occasions — Highland games, celebrations, and traditional dance. The pattern stays the same, but the main colour is swapped out for white, or extra white is woven in to give it a lighter, more formal feel. As you'd expect from the Scots, the rules get bent every now and then — yellow has been used instead of white in some cases, which is exactly how the famously bold MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came to be.
The Borthwick Story
Four centuries of history woven into every thread
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Borthwicks emerged as influential Border Reivers, participating in the complex web of raids, feuds, and alliances that characterized Border life. The clan supported Mary Queen of Scots, with Lord Borthwick providing refuge at Borthwick Castle in 1567 before her flight to England. This loyalty cost them dearly under subsequent Protestant regimes. The family weathered religious conflicts while expanding their holdings through strategic marriages with other Border families including the Hays, Homes, and Douglases, establishing cadet branches throughout the Scottish Lowlands and maintaining their Catholic faith despite persecution.
Where does the name Borthwick come from?
Borthwick derives from Old English 'burh-wic' meaning 'fortified settlement' or 'stronghold village.' The name originates from the ancient Borthwick lands in Midlothian, Scotland, where the clan built their mighty castle fortress in the 15th century. This territorial surname reflects the Border tradition of defensive settlements, with the Borthwicks becoming one of the most powerful families along Scotland's turbulent English frontier.
The 17th century brought both triumph and tragedy for the Borthwicks as they navigated Scotland's religious and political turmoil. Clan members fought for the Royalist cause during the Civil Wars, with several Borthwicks serving as cavalry officers under Montrose and later supporting the Stuart restoration. The family faced financial difficulties following their support for the Jacobite cause, forcing the sale of some ancestral lands. Despite these challenges, Borthwicks began emigrating to North America, establishing settlements in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and later Canada, where they continued their traditions while adapting to colonial life and frontier challenges.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Borthwicks embraced military careers in the expanding British Empire while maintaining their Border heritage. Clan members served as officers in Highland and Lowland regiments, distinguishing themselves in campaigns across India, the Americas, and Europe. The Industrial Revolution brought new opportunities, with Borthwicks becoming successful merchants, engineers, and colonial administrators. Many emigrated to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, establishing thriving communities while preserving their Scottish identity. The clan adapted to modern Scotland while honoring their castle-building ancestors and Border Reiver legacy through continued military service and civic leadership.
The Borthwick tartan embodies centuries of Borders heritage, from medieval castle strongholds to global military service, woven in patterns worn with ancestral pride.
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