Lindsay Tartan: Explore One Of The Earliest Scottish Clans

One of the earliest Scottish clans, Clan Lindsay, has roots dating back to the eleventh century in both Scotland and England. The clan is supposed to have its roots in the English region of Lindsey. Many people like and wear the Lindsay tartan, so today, we explore all about this clan and tartan.

The Meaning of The Name Lindsay

The meaning of name Lindsay is from the English county of Lindsey in Lincolnshire. The word "marshlands of Lincoln" (lindesege) is an Old English derivation of the name.

Origins of The Lindsay Tartan Clan

According to the Domesday Book, Sir Baldric de Lindsay of Hemingby had several holdings in Lindsey in 1086. David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon, and Sir Walter and William de Lindsay, two of Sir Baldric's sons, went to claim the throne. William de Lindsay, William's son, served as a member of the 1164 Parliament and eventually became a judge.

Lindsay Tartan

Crawford and Luffness were under the control of William Lindsay. The chief's highest rank was later changed to Earl of Crawford. The Earl of Crawford is descended from Sir William Lindsay, the younger son of Sir William Lindsay, who served in Parliament as Baron of Luffness in East Lothian and married Alice de Limesi.

Sir David Lindsay, the eldest son of Sir William Lindsay, wed Margerie, a royal family member. After David's death in 1214, his son, also named David, succeeded him as Lord Crawford and the High Justiciar of Lothian. Additionally, Limesi and Wolveray's estates were passed down to this David. Another Sir, David Lindsay, who served as Chamberlain of Scotland in 1256, was one of his relatives.

The Jacobite Rebellion

With Lindsays on both sides, Clan Lindsay tartan has an intriguing connection to the Jacobite Uprisings in Scotland. Alexander Lindsay, the first Earl of Balcarres, served as Secretary of State for Scotland, as well as High Commissioner to the General Assembly, indicating that he undoubtedly supported the government at the time.

But Colin Lindsay, 3rd Earl of Balcarres, his son, belonged to the Jacobite movement and fought alongside them in the Jacobite uprising of 1715. Fortunately for him, the Duke of Marlborough's assistance allowed him to avoid the treasonous penalty. Later, just prior to the Jacobite uprising in 1745, John Lindsay, the 20th Earl of Crawford, was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the "Black Watch" unit that backed the British Government.

Crawford Castle

Just outside Crawford town in South Lanarkshire, Crawford Castle is the former home of the Clan Lindsay. The Lindsay family did not acquire the estates until 1215 when a member of the family wed a daughter of Sir John Crawford.

Crawford Castle

The first structure known to have stood on the property was a Roman Fort constructed between 80 and 170 AD. The Lindsay line was soon given the title of Earls of Crawford, and they also held the territories of Crawford, Ercildum, and Luffness.

Lindsay Tartan Clan Crest

Lindsay Clan Crest. Buy products here.

The motto Endure Fort, which translates to "Endure with Strength," appears on the Lindsay tartan clan crest, which depicts a swan perched above a coronet crown. This makes sense since the swan is frequently used in heraldry as a sign of bravery.

Lindsay Plant Badge

Lime Tree

The lime tree is the emblem of Clan Lindsay. Balcarres House, the current clan house, and Colinsburgh, a village in Fife, are connected by an avenue of lime trees. Hence the badge has a special meaning for the clan.

Coats Of Arms Of Clan Lindsay

Coats of Arms of Clan Lindsay

The original Lindsay arms' checkered pattern is present in the Lindsay arms of the Earl of Crawford, but a lion—a representation of valor and knighthood—has been added.

Lindsay Tartan

Lindsay Ancient Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

Lindsay Mordern Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

Lindsay Weathered Clan Tartan. Buy products here.

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