Explore The Clan Behind Robertson Tartan

The Donnachaidh Clan (Robertson Tartan) is located in Perthshire, a stunning region in Scotland's interior. The Donnachaidh Clan has ruled the Highland portion of Perthshire for more than a millennium, holding sway over the region with more than ten castles and a long history of conflict, discovery, and glory.

History of Donnachaidh Clan

The Robertsons assert their ancestry as being that of Duncan I, King of Scotland, and Crinan, Lord of Atholl. As a result of their ancestor Duncan, who was a fervent supporter of Robert the Bruce and who led the Clan at the Battle of Bannockburn, the Robertson clan is more appropriately referred to as "Clan Donnachaidh."

The clan Robertson took its generic surname from its head, Robert Riach (Grizzled Robert), who was renowned for his fierce loyalty to the Stewarts. Riach was in charge of apprehending King James I's killers, and the crown granted him a barony over his holdings in Struan as payment.

Donnachaidh Clan

The embellishments to the clan's coat of arms also gave rise to a symbolic memorial for the regicide; as a result, the chief of clan Robertson's crest included a hand holding an imperial royal crown and a man in chains underneath it. The Earl of Atholl took possession of the Robertson family's Struan lands around a century later, but the family reclaimed them in 1606.

However, all Robertson lands were forfeited in the seventeenth century with James VII's ultimate defeat, and the clan chief of the Robertson family joined the exiled court in France. The clan Robertson chiefs still retain the right and pleasure of being buried in the family cemetery at Struan.

What is the origin of the name Donnachaidh?

Before delving into the Donnachaidh Clan's history, it is crucial to remember that this is the only remaining Scottish Clan that still uses its original Gaelic name, Donnachaidh, rather than its angelized form, Robertson. One of Scotland's oldest Clans, the Donnachaidhs may trace their ancestry back to the Royal House of Abbot, the last of Scotland's Celtic Kings.

Robertson tartan

You might recognize Duncan, the father of the Scots, from your English class in school when you studied MacBeth as the narrative of the Donnachaidh Clan opens. Maelmare, the younger son of the King, rose to the position of Earl of Atholl and was an ancestor of Donnchaidh Reamhar, the "Stout Duncan," the first Chief of Clan Donnachaidh.

Castle Dunalastair: The historical home of Clan Robertson Tartan

The historical home of Clan Robertson is Dunalastair Castle, which is situated in the Scottish county of Perthshire. The Reid and Duncan families are also members of the Donnachaidh Clan, which also includes the Robertson family. The castle was formerly home to the Robertson chief until the Robertsons sold it to the MacDonalds in the 1850s.

Castle Dunalastair

The MacDonalds quickly rebuilt the estate's original structure after it was destroyed by fire during the Jacobite Risings of 1745. The MacDonald house is depicted, but it is currently in ruins. The pinnacle of Schiehallion, often known as the "fairy hill of the Caledonians," offers a stunning perspective over the Dunalastair estate and the Robertson Clan's ancestral castle.

Clan Crest of Robertson Tartan

The Scottish Wars of Independence's aftermath holds a special place in the history of Clan Donnachaidh's crest. James 1st, the renowned Robert Bruce's grandson, is the protagonist of this tale. James had a difficult existence because he was moved to live in France after his siblings abruptly passed away (although there is no indication they were killed).

Scottish Robertson Clan Crest Tartan. Buy products here.

Life didn't get any easier after James was taken prisoner by the English on his route to France and forced to live in England for 18 years until it was his turn to rule Scotland like his ancestors had done before him. The end result of James' erratic rule—which culminated in his own uncle's assassination on an infamous day in Perth's Blackfriars Church during a failed coup—was his untimely death.

Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl, a murderer, was later apprehended by the Donnachaidhs for their betrayal and brought before James II, the new king. The Donnachaidh family was honored by the new King with a crest featuring a right hand grasping an imperial crown for their efforts.

Donnachaidh Plant Badge

The first of Donnachaidh's two plant badges is the Bracken Fern. All of the British countrysides is naturally home to the Bracken Fern, but it is most conspicuous on the southern edge of the clan realm in neighboring Loch Rannoch. This plant is noted for its beauty, and if you visit the area, you won't be dissatisfied, even if it is poisonous to both humans and animals.

Bracken Fern

The Fine Leaved Heath, which is also present around Loch Rannoch, is the subject of the second plant badge. All throughout Europe's forests, you can find this gorgeous purple shrub all year round!

Fine Leaved Heath

Robertson Tartans

The Robertson tartan has navy blue, forest green, and red as its main colors. The online shop sells Robertson tartan ties, scarves, skirts, kilts, sashes, ribbons, waistcoats, headgear, fabric, clan crests, and presents.

The following family may also don the Robertson tartans: Collier, Colyear, Connochie, Conochie, Cunnison, Dobbie, Dobbin, Dobie, Dobieson, Dobinson, Dobson, Donachie, Donaghy, Hobson, Inches, Kynoch, MacConachie, MacConchie, MacConich, MacConechy, MacConnochie, MacDonachie, MacGlashan, MacJames, MacLagan, MacCullich, MacOnachie, MacRobbie, MacRobert, MacRoberts, MacRobie, MacWilliam, Reed, Reid, Robbie, Roberts, Robison, Robson, Roy and Stark.

Scottish Robertson Hunting Modern Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

Scottish Robertson Hunting Ancient Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

Scottish Robertson Modern Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

Scottish Robertson Weathered Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

Scottish Robertson Hunting Ancient Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

We have all these items for sale. If you are interested in Robertson Tartan, please visit our online store here.

In particular, we have a 15% discount code exclusively for the readers reading this article! Please insert code: VBLOG15 for your cart. Happy shopping!