Ogilvie Clan

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

Scottish Clans

Ogilvie Tartans & Clan

The Ogilvie clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most ancient Angus families, whose legacy spans from medieval Earldom holders to distinguished military leaders across the British Empire and throughout North America.

Clan Motto

A Fin
(To the End)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Ogilvie Tartan?

Worn by Ogilvie descendants worldwide, sept families including Ogilvy, Ogilvie-Grant bearers, Highland regiment members, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Ogilvy

Ogilvie

Ogilbie

Ogilvey

Ogiluie

Ogilbey

Ogilbie

Ogelby

Ogelbie

Ogelbey

Ogilvy-Grant

Ogilvy-Wedderburn

Gilby

Gilbey

Ogelvy

Ogilbe

Ogeilvie

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Ogilvie warriors served with distinction in Highland regiments, Scottish Guard units, and elite British Army forces, particularly excelling in European campaigns and colonial frontier service throughout the Empire.

Angus Regiment

Gordon Highlanders

Scots Guards

Black Watch

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Scottish Horse (Canada)

Toronto Scottish Regiment (Canada)

48th Highlanders of Canada (Canada)

Shop Ogilvie Tartan Products

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

Ogilvie 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 Ogilvie Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Ancient Origins

The Ogilvie clan traces its origins to the 12th century when Gilbert, son of Gillebride, received lands in Angus from King William the Lion around 1172. The family established themselves at Auchterhouse and later acquired the strategic Airlie Castle, becoming hereditary sheriffs of Angus. Early clan members demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Scottish independence, with Sir Patrick Ogilvie supporting Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence. The Ogilvies quickly rose to prominence as one of Scotland's most powerful noble families, wielding considerable influence in medieval Scottish politics and border warfare through their strategic Angus strongholds.

Rise to Nobility

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Ogilvie clan ascended to the highest ranks of Scottish nobility through royal favor and strategic marriages. Sir Walter Ogilvie became Lord High Treasurer of Scotland under King James I, while his descendants secured the titles of Lord Ogilvie of Airlie in 1491. The family weathered the turbulent Reformation period while maintaining their Catholic faith, often placing them at odds with Protestant forces. Notable clan members included James Ogilvie, 1st Earl of Seafield, who played a crucial role in the 1707 Act of Union. The Ogilvies distinguished themselves through diplomatic service, scholarly pursuits, and unwavering loyalty to the Stuart cause throughout centuries of political upheaval.

Where does the name Ogilvie come from?

Ogilvie derives from the Gaelic 'Ocel-fa' meaning 'high plain' or from the Pictish elements 'ocel' (high) and 'fa' (plain). The name originates from the ancient barony of Ogilvie in Angus, Scotland, where the clan held lands from the 12th century. This territorial surname reflects the Highland tradition of naming families after their ancestral lands in Scotland's elevated plains and strategic locations.

Military Service

The 18th century witnessed the Ogilvie clan's passionate commitment to the Jacobite cause, with David Ogilvie, Lord Ogilvie, leading clan forces at Culloden in 1746 alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie. Following the devastating defeat, many Ogilvies faced exile and forfeiture, with Lord Ogilvie fleeing to France before eventually receiving a royal pardon. Despite persecution, clan members continued military traditions through service in Highland regiments and British Army units. The family gradually rebuilt their fortunes while maintaining Highland traditions, with later generations serving as officers in colonial campaigns across the expanding British Empire, from North American conflicts to Indian frontier warfare.

Modern Heritage

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Ogilvie descendants emigrated to North America, Australia, and New Zealand, establishing thriving communities while preserving clan traditions. Notable family members included military officers, colonial administrators, and pioneers who helped shape the British Commonwealth. In Canada, Ogilvies became prominent in business and politics, while American branches contributed to westward expansion and industrial development. The clan produced distinguished scholars, including the renowned orientalist David Ogilvy, and successful entrepreneurs who built international business empires. World Wars saw numerous Ogilvie descendants serving with distinction in Highland regiments and Commonwealth forces.

The Ogilvie tartan weaves together centuries of Highland heritage, from Angus castles to global military service, in distinctive patterns worn with ancestral pride.

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