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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.

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.

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:

Tartan: The Highland Habit by Hugh Cheape is a great introduction, and this best-selling book was revised and updated a couple of years ago
Tartans of Scotland: An Alphabetical Guide to the History and Traditional Dress of the Scottish Clans by Blair Urquhart has a long title but is really a handy pocket book
Tartans by Brian Wilton
Tartan: The Highland Textile by James Scarlett, who also has a pocket sized Tartans of Scotland book
Tartan by American publisher Berg is a more fashion-orientated title
Tartan Charm: Romancing the Plaid is also a fashion title, and has been selling well

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scots Armorials: Aspilogia Scoticana Alexander John Maxwell Findlater
No further information has been provided for this title.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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Scottish Clans and Tartans: Book Guide

Clans and Family Names

Heraldry

Tartans

Clan Books

Campbell

Donald

Douglas

Fraser

Kennedy

MacFarlane

MacDonald

MacKay

MacPherson

Stewart

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