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Scottish Clans

Burnett Tartans & Clan

The Burnett clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most distinguished Aberdeenshire families, whose legacy spans from medieval royal huntsmen to renowned military leaders across the British Empire and North American frontiers.

Clan Motto

Virescit Vulnere Virtus
(Courage Flourishes at a Wound)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Burnett Tartan?

Worn by Burnett descendants worldwide, sept families including Burnet and Burnette bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Burnet
Burnette
Burnard
Bernat
Bernet
Burnard
MacBurnie
MacBurney
Burnside
de Burnard
Burnett of Leys
Burnett of Barns
Burnett of Kemnay
Burnett of Monboddo
Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Burnett warriors distinguished themselves in elite Highland regiments, colonial frontier forces, and British Army units, particularly excelling in North American campaigns and Indian military service.

Gordon Highlanders (Scotland)
Royal Scots Fusiliers (Scotland)
Black Watch (Scotland)
Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)
King's Royal Rifle Corps (Britain)
78th Highlanders (Scotland)

Shop Burnett Tartan Products

Discover authentic Burnett clan products including traditional kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan badges, tartan scarves, ceremonial dirks, and heritage items for descendants across North America.

Burnett Tartans

0 Variations

Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.

The Burnett Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

The Burnett clan origins trace to Anglo-Norman settlers who arrived in Scotland during David I's reign in the 12th century. Alexander Burnard received the Barony of Leys in Aberdeenshire around 1323 from Robert the Bruce, establishing the clan's stronghold at Crathes Castle. The family served as royal foresters and huntsmen in the Forest of Drum, wielding considerable influence in northeastern Scotland. Early Burnetts demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Scottish independence, with successive generations defending their Deeside territories against English incursions while building their reputation as fierce Highland warriors and trusted royal servants throughout medieval Scotland's turbulent centuries.

Burnett History 1
Burnett History 2

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Burnetts of Leys consolidated their power through strategic alliances and royal service. Sir Thomas Burnett built the magnificent Crathes Castle, completed in 1596, which became the clan's ancestral seat and symbol of their growing influence. The family received the Horn of Leys from Robert the Bruce, a ceremonial hunting horn symbolizing their hereditary role as royal foresters. Burnett lairds served as sheriffs and justices, while cadet branches established themselves throughout Aberdeenshire and beyond. The clan weathered the religious upheavals of the Reformation while maintaining their Protestant faith and Highland traditions, producing scholars, soldiers, and statesmen who shaped Scotland's cultural renaissance.

Where does the name Burnett come from?

Burnett derives from the Anglo-Norman 'Burnard' meaning 'brown' or 'burnt,' referring to dark complexion or hair. The name arrived in Scotland during the 12th century when the Burnards received lands from David I. They established themselves in Aberdeenshire, where 'Burnett' evolved as the Scottish form. The clan's motto 'Virescit Vulnere Virtus' reflects their resilience, while their ancient seat at Crathes Castle symbolizes enduring Highland nobility and royal service.

The 17th and 18th centuries marked significant expansion for the Burnett clan beyond their Aberdeenshire strongholds. During the Jacobite uprisings, Burnetts largely supported the Hanoverian cause, with clan members serving in government forces and maintaining their estates. Sir Thomas Burnett of Leys became a noted antiquarian and scholar, while other family members distinguished themselves in military service across the expanding British Empire. Burnett emigrants began settling in North America, establishing communities in Virginia, the Carolinas, and later in Nova Scotia and Ontario. The clan produced successful merchants, planters, and military officers who helped build the American colonies while maintaining connections to their Scottish heritage and Crathes Castle.

Burnett History 3

Throughout the 19th century, Burnetts embraced new opportunities while preserving their ancient heritage. Clan members served as officers in Highland regiments during the Napoleonic Wars and later conflicts across the British Empire. The family adapted to Highland agricultural improvements and the Industrial Revolution, with some branches becoming successful merchants and industrialists in Scotland's growing cities. Burnett emigrants continued flowing to North America, Australia, and New Zealand, establishing successful farming and business enterprises. The clan maintained Crathes Castle as their ancestral seat while branches spread globally, with notable achievements in military service, academia, and business. The Burnett name became associated with enterprise, scholarship, and faithful service to both Scotland and their adopted countries.

Burnett History 4
The Burnett tartan embodies centuries of Deeside heritage, from ancient Crathes Castle guardians to global military distinction, woven in patterns honoring Scotland's nobility.
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