The Pitcairn clan is a relatively small Scottish clan that is believed to have originated in the fifteenth century. The clan takes its name from the lands of Pitcairn in Fife, where its chiefs were based. The Pitcairns are thought to have been originally a sept of the Clan MacDuff, and they were one of the few clans to have remained Catholic after the Reformation. Despite its small size, the Pitcairn clan has a rich history. During the Jacobite Risings of the eighteenth century, the Pitcairns were loyal supporters of the Stuart cause. Several members of the clan fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and others participated in the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745. The Pitcairn clan has its roots in Fife, Scotland, where their surname originated from a Pictish-Gaelic place name. The name is believed to have been used by people who lived in or around the area, which was heavily influenced by both the Picts and the Gaelic-speaking Scots.
The Pitcairns were known for their strength and resilience, and their clan history is filled with stories of bravery and loyalty. As a result of their support for the Jacobites, the Pitcairns suffered considerable hardship, with many of their lands being confiscated by the government. The Pitcairn tartan is a relatively modern tartan, having been designed in the twentieth century by the famous tartan designer, James Robertson. The tartan features a predominantly green background, with thin red and white lines running through it. The design is believed to have been inspired by the landscape of the Pitcairn lands in Fife, with the green representing the fertile fields and the red and white lines symbolizing the sandy beaches and rocky coastline. Today, the Pitcairn tartan is worn by members of the clan and those with an interest in Scottish heritage.
