Carmichael Tartans & Clan Information

Scottish Clans

Carmichael Tartans & Clan

The Carmichael clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most historic Lowland families, whose legacy spans from medieval Douglas alliance to military leadership across the British Empire and pioneering settlements in North America.

Clan Motto

Tout Jour Prest
(Always Ready)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Carmichael Tartan?

Worn by Carmichael descendants globally, sept families including MacMichael and Micheal bearers, Scottish regiment veterans, and heritage enthusiasts across the United States, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

MacMichael

McMichael

Micheal

Michael

Carmicheal

Carmychaell

MacCarmichael

Kermichael

Karmichael

Michie

Mychell

Carmyle

Carmayle

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Carmichael warriors served with honor in Scottish Lowland regiments, Border units, and colonial forces, particularly distinguishing themselves in North American campaigns and frontier defense across Canada and America.

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Royal Scots Fusiliers

Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Black Watch (Canada)

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

Shop Carmichael Tartan Products

Explore authentic Carmichael clan merchandise including traditional Highland kilts, tartan accessories, clan badges, Scottish scarves, neckties, and ceremonial items for descendants throughout North America.

Carmichael Tartans

0 Variations

Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.

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Ancient Tartan

Before 1860, all fabric dyes came from nature — plants, berries, bark, and insects. The colours they produced were softer and more muted than what we're used to today: think mossy greens, dusty sky blues, and reds with a warm, orangey tone. A lot of people actually prefer Ancient tartans for this reason — the gentler contrasts let the pattern breathe and stand out in a way that bolder colours sometimes don't. Worth knowing: the pattern itself, called the sett, is exactly the same across all variations of a tartan. It's only the colours that change.

The Carmichael Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Carmichael Origins

The Carmichael clan emerged in 12th century Lanarkshire as hereditary keepers of St. Michael's church lands, from which their name derives. Sir John de Carmichael first appears in records around 1220, establishing the family as significant Lowland proprietors. The Carmichaels built their power base around Carmichael village, serving as vassals to the powerful Douglas family while maintaining their own territorial authority. Early clan chiefs demonstrated loyalty to Scottish independence, with successive generations supporting Robert the Bruce and later Stewart monarchs through military service and diplomatic missions.

Border Strength

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Carmichaels strengthened their position through strategic alliances with Border families and Crown service. Sir John Carmichael of that Ilk served as Captain of Crawford Castle and Warden of the West Marches, defending Scotland's southern frontier. The family acquired extensive properties including Eastend, Meadowflat, and other Lanarkshire estates. Carmichaels participated in major Border conflicts, raid warfare, and diplomatic negotiations with England. Their military prowess earned royal recognition, with clan members appointed as sheriffs and justices throughout southern Scotland.

Where does the name Carmichael come from?

Carmichael derives from Gaelic 'Caer Mhicheil' meaning 'fortress of Michael' or 'Michael's fort.' The name originates from the ancient Carmichael parish in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where the clan held extensive lands from the 12th century. This territorial surname reflects the family's role as guardians of St. Michael's church lands, establishing them as one of Scotland's oldest documented Lowland families with deep ecclesiastical connections.

Border Legacy

The 16th century brought both triumph and tragedy to Clan Carmichael. Sir John Carmichael served as Warden of the West Marches under James VI, earning knighthood for his border defense services. However, his assassination in 1600 by the Armstrong clan sparked a legendary blood feud that became part of Border ballad tradition. Despite this setback, Carmichaels continued their military traditions, with family members serving in Continental wars and later supporting the Covenant movement. The clan weathered religious conflicts while maintaining their Protestant faith and Lowland Scottish identity through turbulent times.

Global Expansion

The 17th and 18th centuries saw Carmichaels embrace new opportunities beyond Scotland's borders. Following the Union of Crowns and later parliamentary union, clan members served as officers in British Army regiments, colonial administrators, and pioneering settlers in North America. Carmichaels established communities in Virginia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, and Nova Scotia, bringing their Presbyterian faith and Scottish traditions. In Scotland, the family adapted to agricultural improvements while maintaining their ancestral Lanarkshire estates. Military service remained central to clan identity through Highland regiment commissions.

The Carmichael tartan embodies centuries of Lowland heritage, from ancient Lanarkshire strongholds to distinguished service across Scotland, America, and Canada.

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