Farquharson Tartans & Clan Information

Scottish Clans

Farquharson Tartans & Clan

The Farquharson clan tartan represents Royal Deeside's most legendary Highland warriors, whose ancestral lands surrounded Balmoral Castle. From medieval Aberdeenshire origins to Jacobite rebellions, this distinguished tartan honors centuries of fierce loyalty.

Clan Motto

Fide Et Fortitudine
(By Fidelity and Fortitude)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Farquharson Tartan?

Worn by Farquharson descendants globally, sept families including Finlay, MacFarquhar, and MacHardy bearers, Royal Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across Canada, America, and Britain.

Associated Names

Farquharson

MacFarquhar

MacHardy

Finlay

Findlay

Findlayson

MacFinlay

MacFindlay

Reoch

MacReoch

Riach

MacRiach

Coutts

MacCoutts

Houston

MacHouston

MacKerchar

MacKerracher

Kellas

MacKellas

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Farquharson warriors served with legendary courage in Highland regiments, particularly the Black Watch and Gordon Highlanders, from Culloden's aftermath through Empire campaigns in Canada, India, and both World Wars with distinction.

Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

Gordon Highlanders

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Seaforth Highlanders

Highland Light Infantry

Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Lorne Scots (Canada)

48th Highlanders of Canada (Canada)

Shop Farquharson Tartan Products

Explore authentic Farquharson clan heritage through traditional Highland kilts, clan crest jewelry, tartan accessories, ceremonial dress items, and distinctive Scottish gifts for descendants across North America and Britain.

Farquharson 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 Farquharson Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Highland Origins

The Farquharson clan originated in the 14th century when Farquhar Shaw, fourth son of Shaw MacDuff of Rothiemurchus, received lands on Royal Deeside from Robert the Bruce. Establishing their seat at Invercauld near present-day Balmoral, the Farquharsons became hereditary standard bearers to the Earls of Mar. Known as 'Clann Fhionnlaidh' (Children of Finlay), they controlled strategic Deeside territories including Braemar, where their fierce independence and Highland traditions flourished. Early clan chiefs served as royal foresters, protecting the Crown's hunting grounds while building their reputation as formidable Highland warriors throughout Aberdeenshire's ancient glens.

Territorial Dominance

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Farquharsons established themselves as Royal Deeside's dominant clan through strategic alliances and territorial expansion. The clan's power centered on Invercauld Castle, where successive chiefs ruled vast Highland territories. Farquharson warriors gained renown for their fierce loyalty and martial prowess, particularly during clan conflicts with neighboring MacGregors and Gordons. The family weathered religious upheavals while maintaining Catholic sympathies that would later influence their Jacobite allegiances. Their reputation as Deeside's premier Highland warriors attracted followers from across Aberdeenshire, strengthening clan bonds through marriage alliances and traditional Highland kinship systems that endure today.

Where does the name Farquharson come from?

Farquharson derives from 'MacFhearchair' meaning 'son of Farquhar,' itself from Gaelic 'fear' (man) and 'car' (dear/beloved). The name originated with Farquhar Shaw, son of Shaw MacDuff, who received Deeside lands in the 14th century. This patronymic surname reflects Highland naming traditions honoring ancestral chiefs, establishing the Farquharsons as guardians of Royal Deeside around present-day Balmoral Castle.

Jacobite Loyalty

The Farquharsons' most legendary chapter unfolded during the Jacobite risings, earning them immortal fame as the 'Fighting Farquharsons.' Colonel John Farquharson of Invercauld led 300 clansmen at Culloden in 1746, fighting alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie in Scotland's final bid for independence. The clan's unwavering Jacobite loyalty cost them dearly - estates were forfeited, and many Farquharsons fled to America and Canada. Despite devastating losses, the clan's martial spirit survived through military service in Highland regiments, where Farquharson soldiers distinguished themselves from Canada's frontier wars to India's Northwest Frontier, rebuilding their reputation through Empire service while maintaining proud Highland traditions.

Clan Revival

The 19th century brought remarkable Farquharson revival as the clan adapted to changing Scotland while preserving their Highland heritage. The family regained Invercauld estates, with successive chiefs becoming prominent Deeside landowners and military leaders. Farquharsons served with distinction in Highland regiments during Napoleonic Wars, Crimean campaigns, and colonial conflicts across the British Empire. The clan's association with Royal Deeside deepened when Queen Victoria established Balmoral nearby, with Farquharsons serving as royal gillies and Highland guides. Meanwhile, clan emigrants prospered in Canada and America, establishing Farquharson communities from Nova Scotia to Ontario, maintaining Highland traditions through clan societies and cultural preservation.

The Farquharson tartan embodies Deeside's fierce warriors, from Balmoral's royal connections to Jacobite battlefields, woven in Highland patterns worn by proud clan descendants.

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