Buchanan Tartan: The History And Different Types Of This Tartan

One of Scotland's oldest Highland Clans is the Buchanan. Here is information on the Buchanan clan and tartan. Please come along with us on this historic voyage.

Origins of the Clan

Since 1225, when the Earls of Lennox granted the territory to Sir Absalon of Buchanan—known at the time as "clericus meus" or "the clergyman"—the Buchanan name has been rooted in the areas bordering Loch Lomond.

'Buth chanain' is Gaelic for the 'House of the Canon,' indicating that the original Buchanan may have been a family dedicated to the service of the ancient Celtic church or may have had a pre-charter, hereditary clerical tenancy, which gives legitimacy to such a claim. The clan can also be traced back to Anselan O Kyan, a King of Ulster's son who arrived in Argyll around 1016. He was given the Buchanan estates, which are located to the east of Loch Lomond, in exchange for his assistance against the Danes.

History of Buchanan Tartan Family

Buchanan clan

According to some, Gilbert, the Earl of Lennox's seneschal, donated the estates, which were located in Stirlingshire. These territories were granted baronial powers in 1282 by a charter granted to Morris of Buchanan, who also possessed the little island of Clarinch, which later served as the clan battle cry.

The Bruce family's dominance in the post-Banockburn era was ensured by the Buchanans' support of Bruce during the fight for independence. With a notable exception, the Buchanan shield and the Royal Arms of Scotland are nearly identical. In the Buchanan form of the arms, the lion and the double fleur-de-lis treasure are black instead of red. This is supposed to be a reference to Sir Walter Buchanan's marriage to Murdoch, Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland, his only daughter.

The regent was to be executed by his cousin James I in 1425, have his properties seized, and have his son's unmarried death end the line of the regent's family. According to legend, the Buchanan arms' coloring also symbolizes sadness for the loss of their position as the disinherited family's closest kin.

The Buchanans of Arnprior, known as the "Kings of Kippen," had estates in Kippen, Perthshire, and were more descendants of this principal line. This well-known moniker is based on a Walter Scott tale in which James V, who liked to tour his territories in disguise, arrived at Arnprior without being recognized. Given his standing, he was greeted with a level of hospitality that was hardly adequate. The Laird was dining and could not be disturbed, he was informed.

James V in disguise asked the doorman of the Laird to inform the "King of Kippen" that:

"Ballengreich's Goodman is here to feast,"

Buchanan asked for pardon because he understood that these words meant he was in the presence of actual monarchy.

John Michael Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan was appointed Chief of the Name and Arms of Buchanan in August 2018. He is the Clan's first Chief in 337 years. John Michael Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan of that Ilk and Arnprior Chief of the Name and Arms of Buchanan is his whole name.

Clan badge

Buchanan crest

The Duke of Clarence's death in battle is commemorated by the hand couped at the wrist carrying a ducal cap in the 1657 crest of the Chief, which also serves as the focal point of the clan folk's badge.

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Chief's Arms Coat of Arms

Buchanan Chief's Arms Coat of Arms

Important leadership insignia for the clan is provided by the Buchanan heraldry. The Crest Badge and the Clan Chief's Coat of Arms serve as the primary symbols. Within a double tressure flory counterflory of the second, a rampant lion sable, armed, and langued gules.

Plant badges

Bilberry

Oak

before the clan tartan renaissance Before the Act of Proscription of 1747, which made wearing Highland clothing illegal. Prior to the Battle of Culloden and the 1745 insurrection. Scottish clans designated themselves by pinning a plant sprig known as the Suaicheantas, or Badge, in their bonnet or cloak. The Buchanan clan's plant emblem is the bilberry and the oak.

The 4 most popular types of Buchanan Tartan

Buchanan Modern tartan

Scottish Buchanan Modern Clan Crest Tartan Quilt. Buy products here.

It is undoubtedly the most popular and is regarded by many as the official Buchanan Tartan. The vibrant colors and asymmetrical patterns are what set it apart. The Buchanan Tartan is listed in the Tartan Register under the name "Buchanan" with the notation that "In their 1850 book "The Clan and Family Tartans of Scotland," W.&A. Smith of Mauchline wrote: The pattern here given seems to be universally regarded as the genuine Buchanan Tartan, and we know that Archibald Buchanan Esq wears it, of Catrinebank, Ayrshire, whose father's name is associated

The Buchanan Modern tartan is the one to wear if you wish to show your allegiance to Clan Buchanan.

Buchanan Hunting tartan in Modern Colors

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An 1850-dated book of manufacturer samples, believed to be representative of the tartans sold between 1840 and 1850, is part of the Scott Adie collection. According to Lochcarron's annotation, this version was forgotten, revived by a US business in the 1960s, and has since emerged as a serious competitor for the official Buchanan Hunting tartan.

Buchanan tartan in Ancient Colors

Scottish Buchanan Ancient Clan Tartan Hoodie Dress. Buy products here.

The Modern-style sett and thread count are identical. The dyes chosen are meant to resemble those found in nature. Although the blues, reds, greens, and yellows are less vivid and softer, the distinctive asymmetrical pattern is still present.

Buchanan Old Sett tartan in Ancient Colors

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This symmetrical design originates from the Scottish Tartans Society's old MacGregeor-Hastie collection. The design is offered in various color schemes, including aged and antique. The Chief of the Clan Buchanan wears the Leny Tartan, a version of this tartan, as he is a descendant of the Buchanan of the Leny Cadet Branch.

In addition to the above 4 types, Buchanan tartan has wide other varieties such as Buchanan Inauguration Tartan, Buchanan Ancient Hunting, Buchanan Old weathered, Buchanan Blue, Buchanan Dress Red, etc.

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