Tartan is one of Scotland’s most recognisable traditions. More than just fabric, it carries stories of family, heritage, and belonging. Each design—known as a sett—is unique, representing clans, regions, or even individuals. Families across the world wear tartan as a way of connecting with their Scottish roots, whether through ancestry, surname, or a simple admiration for the design.
But how do you discover which tartan belongs to your clan, and what should you do if your name is not directly linked to one?
Step 1: Learn What Tartan Really Is
The official definition, found in the Scottish Register of Tartans Act (2008), describes tartan as a repeated pattern of coloured stripes woven both vertically and horizontally. Each tartan has its own threadcount (like a DNA code) that sets out exactly how it must be woven. Most tartans are symmetrical, though some are asymmetrical, and the cloth is usually made in a 2/2 twill weave, giving the fabric its distinctive diagonal lines. This precision ensures every tartan remains unique.
Step 2: Search the Official Register
The best place to start is the Scottish Register of Tartans. This official database, maintained by National Records of Scotland, contains over 7,000 registered tartans. You can search by surname, clan, or district, and even compare designs. If your name does not appear straight away, try alternative spellings—many Scottish surnames have evolved over time. For example, MacDonald, McDonald, and MacDonnell all connect to the same wider clan family.
Step 3: Explore Clan and Family Links
Not every surname has a tartan of its own. Traditionally, tartans are tied to clans and their septs (smaller families associated with them), as well as to geographical districts. If you do not have a name tartan, you might still find one linked to the region your ancestors came from. The Scottish Tartans Authority provides excellent resources on tartan identification and clan connections.
Many powerful clans such as Campbell, MacLeod, or Fraser have multiple tartans linked to them, while smaller clans or families may only have one. Learning about these associations helps you understand not just your tartan, but also the history of your name and its place in Scotland’s story.
Step 4: Choose the Right Tartan for You
There are no strict laws about who can wear which tartan—only traditions. The common practice is to wear the tartan associated with your surname or clan. But if your name has no direct link, you could select a district tartan from your ancestral area, or choose one of the “universal” tartans designed for anyone, such as the Black Watch. Some people even register a completely new tartan for their family or organisation.
Step 5: Register or Design a Tartan
If you want to take things further, you can officially register your own tartan. To do this, you need to provide a threadcount, a name, and a rationale for the design. Registration costs £70, and if it is a new clan tartan, approval from the clan chief is required. The Scottish Register of Tartans provides full instructions here!
This process allows modern families, businesses, or even events to create their own piece of living heritage while following the traditions that date back centuries.
Step 6: Connect with Your Family History
Tartan is only one part of your heritage. Many people who begin searching for a tartan end up exploring their wider genealogy. The official ScotlandsPeople website gives access to millions of records, from births and marriages to census and parish documents. Combining tartan research with family records can give you a fuller picture of your ancestry.
Step 7: Wear It With Honour
Whether your surname links to a great Highland clan or a quiet Lowland family—or whether you simply find a tartan that speaks to you—wearing tartan is about celebrating heritage. There are no restrictions, only traditions, so choose the design that feels right for you. In doing so, you become part of a story that stretches across centuries of Scottish history.