MacFarlane Clan

Scottish Clans

MacFarlane Tartans & Clan

The MacFarlane clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most storied Highland families, whose ancestral lands encompassed Arrochar and Loch Lomond's western shores, producing legendary warriors and chieftains who shaped Scottish history.

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears MacFarlane Tartan?

Worn by MacFarlane descendants globally, sept families including MacFarland, Parlan, and MacAllan bearers, Scottish regiment veterans, and Highland heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Scotland.

Associated Names

MacFarland

MacFarlain

MacPharlain

Parlan

MacParlan

MacAllan

Allan

MacCaw

Caw

Weir

Weaver

MacWalter

Walter

Bartholomew

MacBartholomew

Gruer

MacGruer

MacNair

Nair

Knox

MacKnox

Sproul

Sprowl

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

MacFarlane warriors distinguished themselves in Highland regiments and Scottish units, particularly excelling in frontier warfare, colonial campaigns, and serving with valor in Canadian and American military forces.

42nd Regiment of Foot (Black Watch)

79th Regiment of Foot (Cameron Highlanders)

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada

48th Highlanders of Canada (Canada)

Royal Highland Regiment of Canada (Canada)

Shop MacFarlane Tartan Products

Explore authentic MacFarlane clan merchandise including traditional Highland kilts, clan crest jewelry, tartan accessories, ceremonial dirks, and heritage items crafted for descendants throughout North America and Britain.

MacFarlane 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.

The MacFarlane Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Highland Origins & Power

The MacFarlane clan emerged in the 12th century from Bartholomew, brother of Maldouen, Earl of Lennox, establishing their stronghold at Arrochar on Loch Lomond's western shores. The clan received extensive lands from the Earls of Lennox, including territories stretching from Glen Falloch to Tarbet. Early MacFarlane chiefs built Inveruglas Castle on Loch Lomond, creating an impregnable fortress that commanded the ancient route through the Highlands. The family quickly established themselves as fierce guardians of their mountain domain, earning respect throughout the Scottish Highlands. Their strategic position made them crucial allies in medieval Highland politics, with successive chiefs serving as trusted supporters of Scottish independence movements against English domination.

Warriors & Defense

During the 14th and 15th centuries, MacFarlane chiefs distinguished themselves in Scotland's wars of independence, fighting alongside Robert the Bruce and supporting the Stewart dynasty. The clan's warriors became legendary for their amphibious warfare tactics, using their fleet of galleys to launch devastating raids across Loch Lomond and surrounding territories. MacFarlane of Arrochar held the hereditary captaincy of Inveruglas Castle, controlling vital Highland passes and collecting ancient dues from travelers. The family produced notable scholars and clerics, including several who served as abbots of Inchmahome Priory. Their clan motto 'This I'll Defend' originated during this period, reflecting their unwavering commitment to protecting their ancestral lands and Scottish sovereignty against all challengers.

Where does the name MacFarlane come from?

MacFarlane originates from Gaelic 'Mac Phàrlain' meaning 'son of Bartholomew,' derived from the clan's 12th-century progenitor Bartholomew, brother of Maldouen, Earl of Lennox. The name evolved through various Gaelic spellings including MacPharlain and MacFarlain before standardizing as MacFarlane. This patronymic surname reflects the Highland tradition of identifying families through their founding patriarch's lineage in medieval Scotland.

Peak & Decline

The 16th century witnessed MacFarlane power reach its zenith under chiefs like Andrew MacFarlane, who commanded respect throughout the western Highlands and maintained extensive clan territories. However, clan fortunes suffered dramatically in 1624 when MacFarlane of Arrochar was outlawed for his role in clan warfare, leading to the forfeiture of traditional lands and the scattering of many clansmen. Despite these setbacks, MacFarlanes continued serving in Highland regiments and supporting Jacobite causes throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Many clan members emigrated to Ireland during the Plantation period, later moving to North America where they established thriving communities. The clan maintained their martial traditions, with MacFarlane warriors serving distinction in colonial militias and frontier campaigns across the expanding British Empire territories.

Migration & Adaptation

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, MacFarlanes adapted to Highland changes while preserving their clan identity through emigration and military service. Significant numbers settled in Ulster, Nova Scotia, and the American colonies, particularly establishing strong communities in North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Clan members distinguished themselves in the American Revolution, serving on both sides of the conflict depending on their colonial loyalties and circumstances. In Scotland, remaining MacFarlanes weathered the Highland Clearances while contributing to Highland regiment recruitment and Scottish cultural preservation efforts. The industrial revolution brought new opportunities, with clan descendants becoming successful merchants, soldiers, and professionals throughout the British Empire, maintaining their Highland heritage while embracing modern opportunities across global Scottish diaspora communities.

The MacFarlane tartan embodies ancient Highland glory from Loch Lomond's shores, carrying the legacy of clan warriors who defended Scottish independence for generations.

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