Scottish Clans and Tartans: Book Guide

Here at BooksfromScotland.com, we try to veer away from the "tartan and shortbread" vision of Scotland. But there's no denying that there is a huge interest in Scottish history, tartans, genealogy and clans, particularly from overseas. It's no surprise that there are many books on Scottish clans and family names, and even more on tartans.

We start our guide with books about the clan system, Scottish family names and heraldry; then look at the range of books on Scottish tartans. Finally, we list some books specific to Scottish clans, such as Campbell, Donald and Fraser.

Clans and Family Names

Clans (from the Gaelic clann "children") can be thought of as extended family who share allegiance to a single leader, or chief. Smaller families often became part of the clan as a sept, for both protection and influence.

Castles of the Clans by Martin Coventry

Clan chiefs were often the major landowners across Scotland, and their homes and strongholds have been documented in Martin Coventry's extensive The Castles of Clans. It features more than 750 clans, families and septs.

Feuds, Forays and Rebellions by clan historian John L Roberts, covers the 15th and 16th centuries, and particularly charts the disintigration of the Clan Donald from 1475. Clan, King and Covenant, also by Roberts, charts the history of the Highland clans during the 17th century, particularly the civil war and the wars been the MacDonalds and the Campbells. Roberts is also the author of Lost Kingdoms, on the early Celtic Scottish clans; all of these books are substantial historical studies.

The Jacobite Clans of the Great Glen, 1650-1784 by Bruce Lenman attempts to explain the Scottish clan system and its demise under Bonnie Prince Charle in 1745.

For those interested in the "look and feel" of Highland clans should start with Stuart Reid's Highland Clansman 1689-1746, an Osprey military history title full of illustrations, and an analysis of the 1745 rebellion and the battle of Culloden.

Lighter reading can be found in Dane Love's Tales of the Clan Chiefs, a collection of forty stories all associated with leading Scottish clans. Tom Johnston's Our Scots Noble Families was first published in 1909, and was once banned by Scottish newsagents and booksellers John Menzies because it was too "political". Finally, Scottish Clans and Tartans is a simple 32-page souvenir guide to the major Scottish clans.

Scots Kith and Kin

The Surnames of Scotland by George F Black is a huge reference guide to the origin, meaning and history of Scottish family names, and is an essential research tool for genealogists and historians. Donald Whyte's Scottish Surnames is a handier pocket guide for those just getting started. Scots Kith and Kin is another handy guide to clans and family names.

Heraldry

For those who are serious about Scottish Heraldry, there's no other title than Bruce A McAndrew's £90 tome Scotland's Historic Heraldry. It is lavishly illustrated and contains the coats-of-arms of all of Scotland's major families. If £90 is a stretch, Scots Armorials is a more frugal £12.

Tartans

Although today we often think of tartans and clans being inexorably linked, this was not always the case. It wasn't really until the 19th century did clans start formally adopting specific tartans. Scottish family names and chiefs are regulated by the Court of the Lord Lyon, but tartans have no official governing body.

There are plenty of general guides to tartans out there:

It's all to easy to go overboard with the tartan, but if that's your thing and your getting hitched soon, then Eric Merrill Budd's Scottish Tartan Weddings promises to be a practical guidebook for all things plaid. Kilts & Tartan Made Easy by Nick Fiddes is a much more modern book on the subject.

  • Cover scan of Castles Of The Clans
    Castles Of The Clans: The Strongholds And Seats Of 750 Scottish Families And Clans Martin Coventry
    This work investigates the strongholds and seats of Scotland families and clans. Organized by clan name, there follows information on the history and origins of the family, and any castles, towers, and historic houses which they owned.
  • Cover scan of Clan, King And Covenant
    Clan, King And Covenant: History Of The Highland Clans From The Civil War To The Glencoe Massacre John L. Roberts
    Clan, King and Covenant explores the turbulent history of the Highlands during the 17th century, a fascinating and brutal period that included the cold-blooded Glencoe Massacre.
  • Cover scan of Collins Guide To Scots Kith & Kin
    Scots Kith & Kin: A Guide To The Clans & Surnames Of Scotland
    Listing Scottish family names and their clan affiliations, this guide gives information on where and when particular surnames originated, the clan to which they belong and its history, other related surnames and the correct tartan to wear.
  • Cover scan of Feuds, Forays And Rebellions
    Feuds, Forays And Rebellions: History Of The Highland Clans, 1475-1625 John L. Roberts
    This history of the Highland clans describes the fragmentation of Clan Donald and its vassal kinsmen as they resisted the impact of central authority. It charts the fortunes of the major clans, their conflicts and the persecution of Clan Gregor.
  • Cover scan of Highland Clansman 1689-1746
    Highland Clansman 1689-1746 Stuart Reid
    The Scottish clans were comprised of an agricultural peasantry dominated by a warrior aristocracy. Stuart Reid details the development of this clan system and their interaction with one another, which often led to conflict. The 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and the clans' tactics at Culloden are covered.
  • Cover scan of The Jacobite Clans Of The Great Glen, 1650-1784
    The Jacobite Clans Of The Great Glen, 1650-1784 Bruce Lenman
    This study makes a major contribution to our understanding of the meaning of the Scottish clan system, which sees it as an evolving complex of semi-autonomous communities wrecked by the intervention of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in 1745.
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    Kilts & Tartan Made Easy Nick Fiddes
    An informative yet light book covering all aspects of wearing and purchasing a kilt for the first time, from how to find your family tartan and its origins to guidelines on how best to wear it on formal occasions such as weddings.
  • Cover scan of Lost Kingdoms
    Lost Kingdoms: Celtic Scotland And The Middle Ages John L. Roberts
    Lost Kingdoms traces the history of Celtic Scotland from the ancient Picts and Scots to the downfall of Clan Donald at the end of 15th century. Accuracy added to storytelling skill make this an accessible history of Scotland in the Middle Ages.
  • Cover scan of Scotland's Historic Heraldry
    Scotland's Historic Heraldry Bruce A. McAndrew
    Scottish heraldry can be said to begin in the mid-twelfth century, when material of Scottish interest first appears in a number of English and continental coats-of-arms. This volume links heraldry to major events in Scottish history and to the families who took part in them.
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    Scots Armorials: Aspilogia Scoticana Alexander John Maxwell Findlater
    No further information has been provided for this title.
  • Cover scan of Scottish Clans And Tartans
    Scottish Clans And Tartans: Souvenir Guide Alastair Cunningham
    This is an illustrated guide to the Scottish clans and the tartans. Alastair Cunningham describes the origins of the clans, clan customs and much more.
  • BDS Thumbnail Image
    Scottish Surnames Donald Whyte
    This revised and expanded edition presents data on over 220 Scottish families, the development of surnames, a reading list and a guide for beginners in search of ancestry and family history.
  • Cover scan of Scottish Tartan Weddings
    Scottish Tartan Weddings: A Practical Guidebook Eric Merrill Budd
    Pulling together various traditions and practical advice, this convenient volume is a must-have for any bride or groom wishing to plan a Scottish-themed tartan wedding.
  • Cover scan of The Surnames Of Scotland
    The Surnames Of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, And History George F. Black
    The core of this work is a listing of over 8000 names, each with a concise history and cross-references. It should serve as a tool for genealogists, historians, or anyone with a general interest in Scotland.
  • Cover scan of Tales Of The Clan Chiefs
    Tales Of The Clan Chiefs Dane Love
    Tales of the Clan Chiefs is a collection of forty stories associated with the chiefs of the major clans in Scotland. Based on historical events, the stories tell of stolen brides, drowned wives, severed heads, pirates, feuds and torture.
  • Cover scan of Tartan
    Tartan
    Tartan has spread out from its Scottish origins and covered the globe. Weaving together history, art, music, film and fashion, this book tells the story of tartan. The book contains some 150 colour illustrations.
  • Cover scan of Tartan Charm
    Tartan Charm: Romancing The Plaid Jeffrey Banks; Doria De la Chapelle
    A hip and contemporary guide to all things tartan, this book explores the patterns, fabrics and fashions which have evolved from the clans of Scotland.
  • Cover scan of Tartans
    Tartans Brian Wilton
    Tartan is an internationally recognised fabric and symbol of Scottishness. This book traces tartan back to its roots, looking at how and where the various clan tartans began and showing how the material has spread to such an extent that 30 American states have their own tartan, and no major corporation can be without one.
  • Cover scan of Tartans Of Scotland
    Tartans Of Scotland: An Alphabetical Guide To The History And Traditional Dress Of The Scottish Clans Blair Urquhart
    This guide to over 140 tartans includes the main clan and family setts. A brief history of the origins of tartans is given, and the directory lists them in alphabetical order, with information on the origins of each one, its current status and type, and details of historical and clan connections.
  • Cover scan of Tartan
    Tartan: The Highland Habit Hugh Cheape
    Hugh Cheape, curator of modern Scottish history at the National Museums of Scotland, takes the story of tartan from the medieval love of display to the Victorian invention of exclusive clan identity.
  • Cover scan of Tartan
    Tartan: The Highland Textile James Scarlett
    Beginning with a general consideration of tartan as a native textile, entirely manufactured within isolated, self-sufficient communities, Scarlett proceeds with a critical survey of its history.

Clan Books

Some books about the histories of specific clans.

Campbell

Donald

Douglas

Fraser

Kennedy

MacFarlane

MacDonald

MacKay

MacPherson

Stewart

  • Cover scan of The Campbells, 1250-1513
    The Campbells, 1250-1513 Stephen I. Boardman
    The Campbell earls of Argyll have traditionally had an unsavoury historical reputation. This book reassesses these negative images and interpretations, tracing the growth of Campbell authority and the opening of the Wars of Independence, through to the death of Archibald, 2nd Earl of Argyll, at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
  • Cover scan of Clan Donald
    Clan Donald Donald J. Macdonald
    Founded by Somerled, Clan Donald was one of Scotland's largest and most powerful clans. Based on three volumes first published between 1896 and 1904, 'Clan Donald' covers a period of 600 years, from the foundation of the Lordship of the Isles in 1493 until 1746, when the clans ceased to exist after the Battle of Culloden.
  • Cover scan of Clan Donald's Greatest Defeat
    Clan Donald's Greatest Defeat John Sadler
    One of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history and a devastating defeat for Clan Donald, the battle of 'Red' Harlaw was fought on 24 July 1411. It is one of the most famous fought on Scottish soil and infamous for the ferocity and duration of the fighting.
  • Cover scan of Clan Fraser
    Clan Fraser: A Brief History Celebrating Over 800 Years Of The Family In Scotland Flora Marjory Fraser
    This book contains the history of the Fraser family, including information on its origin, lines of succession, flags, tartans, and crest badges etc.
  • Cover scan of The Clan Mackay
    The Clan Mackay: A Celtic Resistance To Feudal Superiority Margaret O. MacDougall
    This text traces the history of the clan Mackay, from their establishment of a clan stronghold in Sutherland in the 13th century, through their role in the Jacobite rebellion, to the modern day members of the clan.
  • Cover scan of The Frasers Of Castle Fraser
    The Frasers Of Castle Fraser: A Scottish Family In The Nineteenth Century Lavinia Smiley
    The Frasers of Castle Fraser represents the chronicle of a Scottish family in the 19th century. Drawing on letters and papers, the text traces the family's history, in particular Colonel Mackenzie-Fraser, resident for much of the 19th century.
  • Cover scan of From The Bloody Heart
    From The Bloody Heart: The Stewarts And The Douglases Oliver Thomson
    This is the story of the saga between the Stewart and the Douglas families in early medieval Scotland, who grew in power and influence but remained locked in a bitter feud.
  • Cover scan of A History Of Clan Campbell
    A History Of Clan Campbell Alastair Campbell
    The Clan Campbell is the largest of the Scottish Highland clans. Their history is central to the history of the nation. This is the first of a three volume history of the clan, by the Duke of Argyll's archivist.
  • Cover scan of History Of Clan MacFarlane
    History Of Clan MacFarlane Angus MacFarlane
    The author traces the clan's origins and describes its territories in Dumbartonshire and on the shores of Loch Lomond. Fact and legend are combined in this study of the clan, its enemies, loyalties and struggles.
  • Cover scan of The Long Horizon
    The Long Horizon Iain R. Thomson
    More than a chronicle of a life spent farming in the Scottish Highlands and a family portrait of the clan Fraser of Lovat, this work is also a collection of stories which reflect the changes of both attitude and affluence which have revolutionized Highland life.
  • Cover scan of The Lords Of The Isles
    The Lords Of The Isles: A History Of Clan Donald Raymond Campbell Paterson
    This is the first modern account of one of the epic stories of Scottish history, the rise and fall of Clan Donald. Tracing its origins back to the great Somerled, this book charts the steady ascent of Clan Donald.
  • Cover scan of The Lords Of The Isles
    The Lords Of The Isles: The Clan Donald And The Early Kingdom Of The Scots Ronald Williams
    From the establishment of the kingdom of Dalriada in AD500 to through to the forfeiture of the Lordship a thousand years later, Scotland's history is recounted in this text, including St. Columba's settlement, and the Viking raids.
  • Cover scan of The 'Magnificent Castle' Of Culzean And The Kennedy Family
    The 'Magnificent Castle' Of Culzean And The Kennedy Family Michael S. Moss
    Built in the late 16th century, Culzean castle on the Ayrshire coast is the most visited property of the National Trust for Scotland. This history of the castle and the Kennedy family offers 400 years of family history: murder, gardening, Indian wars, game hunting, temperance and heroic gambling.
  • Cover scan of No Tragic Story
    No Tragic Story: The Fall Of The House Of Campbell Raymond Campbell Paterson
    From exile, the ninth Earl of Argyll joined the unstable and mrecurial Duke of Monmouth in a plot against the new king, James I. The Earl was captured and executed and the fate of the clan removed a force for stability in the Highlands.
  • Cover scan of People Of The Wildcat Country
    People Of The Wild Cat Country: Tales From Badenoch And Strathspey Sandra Macpherson, Lady Glentruim
    In addition to stories featuring members of the author's own MacPherson clan, this work also includes tales of love, battle, adventure, intrigue, danger and dark secrets, as well as accounts of witchcraft, the supernatural and the unexplained.
  • Cover scan of Tales Of The Morar Highlands
    Tales Of The Morar Highlands Alasdair Roberts
    Alasdair Roberts transports the reader to the heart of Morar, the remote Scottish landscape, through the use of traditional folk tales. It is a book full of characters: from mysterious loch-monsters to fugitive princes, historical lords, priests, and smugglers.