Elliot Tartans & Clan Information

Name: Elliot Tartan Fabric
Brand: Scottish Kilt Shop
SKU: TARTAN-FABRIC-PENDING
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Scottish Clans

Elliot Tartans & Clan

The Elliot clan tartan represents Scotland's most formidable Border family, whose legendary reiving heritage spans from medieval Liddesdale fortresses to distinguished military service across the British Empire and North American frontiers.

Clan Motto

Et Recte
(Boldly and Rightly

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Elliot Tartan?

Worn by Elliot descendants worldwide, sept families including Elliott, Eliot, and Ailliott bearers, Border regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts throughout America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Elliott

Eliot

Ellot

Ailliott

Elwold

Elwald

Ellwald

Ailward

Ailliott

Eliott

Elliotte

Elliotson

Ellison

Eliotson

Ailliott

Aliot

Elwart

Elwold

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Elliot warriors served with valor in Border regiments, British Army cavalry units, and colonial forces, particularly excelling in frontier warfare across North America, India, and Australian campaigns throughout the Empire.

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Black Watch

Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Canada)

Shop Elliot Tartan Products

Explore authentic Elliot clan merchandise including traditional Highland kilts, Border tartan accessories, clan badges, ceremonial sashes, tartan ties, and heritage items for descendants across North America and Scotland.

Elliot 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 Elliot Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Border Reivers

The Elliot clan emerged as Border reivers in the lawless Scottish marches during the 13th century, establishing themselves as one of the most powerful riding families in Liddesdale. The first recorded Elliot, Robert Elwald, held lands near Redheugh around 1320. From their strongholds at Lariston Tower and Stobs Castle, successive Elliot chiefs commanded hundreds of mounted warriors who conducted devastating raids across the English border. Their reputation for fearless horsemanship and tactical brilliance made them both feared enemies and valuable allies during the constant Anglo-Scottish warfare that defined Border life for three centuries.

Raiding Supremacy

During the 16th century reign of terror, the Elliots reached the pinnacle of Border power under chiefs like Little Jock Elliot of the Park and Martin Elliot of Braidley. Their raids extended deep into England, often returning with hundreds of stolen cattle and horses. The clan's fierce independence brought them into conflict with both Scottish and English authorities. When Mary Queen of Scots attempted to pacify the Borders in 1566, the Elliots openly defied royal authority. Their most famous exploit occurred in 1596 when Kinmont Willie Armstrong was rescued from Carlisle Castle by a joint Elliot-Armstrong raid that became legendary throughout the Borders.

Where does the name Elliot come from?

Elliot derives from the Old English personal name 'Ailward' or 'Elwald' meaning 'noble ruler' or 'elf ruler.' The surname evolved through Norman-French influence, becoming established in the Scottish Borders during the 12th century. The name's various spellings reflect its journey from Anglo-Saxon England through Norman conquest to Scottish Border settlement, where the clan became synonymous with the fierce reiving culture of Liddesdale and Teviotdale.

End of Raiding

The Union of Crowns in 1603 marked the end of the reiving era as James VI ruthlessly suppressed Border lawlessness. Many Elliots were hanged, transported, or forced into exile. However, the clan's military skills found new outlets in professional armies. During the English Civil Wars, Elliots served on both sides, with some supporting the Covenanters while others remained loyal to the crown. The family began transitioning from Border raiders to respectable landowners and soldiers. By the early 18th century, Elliots had established themselves as military officers, with several members serving in Marlborough's campaigns in Europe.

Jacobite Divisions

The Jacobite period saw Elliots divided in their loyalties, though most remained neutral during the 1715 and 1745 uprisings. The clan's fortunes improved dramatically in the later 18th century with Sir Gilbert Elliot of Minto rising to become Governor-General of India. His descendants became prominent diplomats and politicians, including the 1st Earl of Minto who served as Viceroy of India. Meanwhile, ordinary clan members emigrated to North America, establishing Elliot communities in Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. Many served with distinction in colonial militias and later in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

The Elliot tartan embodies the fierce Border heritage of Scotland's most legendary reiving clan, from Liddesdale strongholds to global military distinction across three continents.

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