Colquhoun Tartans & Clan Information

Scottish Clans

Colquhoun Tartans & Clan

The Colquhoun clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most ancient Dunbartonshire families, whose legacy spans from medieval Loch Lomond castles to distinguished military service across the British Empire and Scottish diaspora communities.

Clan Motto

Si Je puis
(If I can)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Colquhoun Tartan?

Worn by Colquhoun descendants globally, sept families including Cowan, MacManus, and Kirkpatrick bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts throughout America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Colquhoun

Calhoun

Cahoun

Cowan

MacCowan

MacManus

Kirkpatrick

MacClintock

Ingram

King

MacKing

Kilpatrick

MacPatrick

Colhoun

Culhoun

Cohoon

Couhoun

Coulhoun

Colquitt

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Colquhoun warriors served with distinction in Highland Light Infantry, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Scots Guards, particularly excelling in Napoleonic campaigns and colonial service across North America.

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Scotland)

Highland Light Infantry (Scotland)

Scots Guards (Scotland)

Black Watch (Scotland)

Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

Shop Colquhoun Tartan Products

Discover authentic Colquhoun clan products including traditional kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan badges, tartan scarves, ties, and ceremonial items crafted for descendants across North America and Scotland.

Colquhoun 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 Colquhoun Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Highland Origins

The Colquhoun clan traces its origins to Sir Robert de Colquhoun, who received lands in Dunbartonshire from Alexander II around 1241. The family established their stronghold at Dunglas Castle on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, becoming one of Scotland's most powerful Highland clans. Early Colquhouns served as hereditary coroners of Dunbartonshire and held extensive territories stretching from Loch Lomond to the River Clyde. The clan demonstrated fierce independence during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with successive generations fighting alongside Robert the Bruce and later Stewart monarchs to maintain Scottish sovereignty against English domination.

Clan Feuds

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Colquhouns expanded their influence through strategic alliances while engaging in legendary feuds with neighboring clans, most notably the MacGregors. The clan built impressive strongholds including Rossdhu Castle, which became their principal seat overlooking Loch Lomond. Sir John Colquhoun distinguished himself at the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488, while his descendants served as royal ambassadors and privy councilors. The family weathered the religious upheavals of the Reformation while maintaining their Catholic faith longer than many Highland clans, eventually embracing Presbyterianism during the 17th century religious settlements.

Where does the name Colquhoun come from?

Colquhoun derives from Gaelic 'Cuil Chomhann' meaning 'nook of Saint Comgan' or 'corner by the narrow water.' The name originates from the ancient lands of Colquhoun in Dunbartonshire beside Loch Lomond, where the clan held territory from the 13th century. This territorial surname reflects the Highland tradition of naming families after their ancestral lands along Scotland's lochs and glens.

Jacobite Era

The 17th and 18th centuries brought both triumph and tragedy to the Colquhouns as they navigated Jacobite uprisings while maintaining loyalty to the Crown. Notable clan members included Sir John Colquhoun, who served as Sheriff of Dunbartonshire, and his descendants who established successful merchant ventures in Glasgow and Edinburgh. During the Highland Clearances, many Colquhouns emigrated to North America, founding settlements in Nova Scotia, North Carolina, and Virginia. The clan adapted to changing times while preserving Highland traditions, with members distinguishing themselves as soldiers, scholars, and civic leaders throughout the British Empire.

Industrial Legacy

Throughout the 19th century, Colquhouns embraced new opportunities while honoring ancient traditions, serving with distinction in Highland regiments during the Napoleonic Wars and colonial campaigns. Clan members contributed significantly to Scottish industrial development, particularly in shipbuilding along the Clyde and textile manufacturing in the Lowlands. The family produced distinguished academics, including scholars at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, and successful emigrants who established Colquhoun communities across Canada, America, and Australia. Modern clan chiefs continued to reside at Rossdhu, maintaining the ancient connection to Loch Lomond while supporting Highland culture and Gaelic traditions.

The Colquhoun tartan embodies centuries of Loch Lomond heritage, from ancient clan feuds to Highland valor, woven in distinctive patterns worn by descendants worldwide.

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