Fleming Clan

Scottish Clans

Fleming Tartans & Clan

The Fleming clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most distinguished Lowland families, whose legacy spans from Norman knights to influential landholders across the British Empire and throughout North America, Canada, and Australia.

Clan Motto

Let the deed shaw
(Let the deed show)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Fleming Tartan?

Worn by Fleming descendants worldwide, sept families including Flemyng and Flemin bearers, Scottish regiment members, and heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, Britain, and Australia.

Associated Names

Flemyng

Flemin

Flemming

Flemmyng

Le Fleming

De Fleming

Flamang

Flemyngge

Flemysche

Fleeming

Phleming

MacFleming

O'Fleming

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Fleming warriors served with distinction in Lowland regiments, Border cavalry units, and colonial forces, particularly excelling in frontier campaigns throughout the British Empire's North American and Indian territories.

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Royal Scots Fusiliers

Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Black Watch (Canada)

Queen's Own Rifles of Canada

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

Princess Louise Fusiliers (Canada)

Shop Fleming Tartan Products

Discover authentic Fleming clan products including traditional kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan crests, tartan scarves, ties, and ceremonial items crafted for descendants across North America and Britain.

Fleming 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 Fleming Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Flemish Origins

The Fleming clan traces its Scottish origins to the 12th century when Flemish settlers arrived during the reign of David I. Jordan Fleming received lands in Lanarkshire around 1147, establishing the family as significant Lowland proprietors. The early Flemings brought advanced agricultural techniques and weaving skills from Flanders, transforming Scottish rural economy. They quickly integrated into Scottish nobility through strategic marriages and loyal service to Scottish monarchs, establishing themselves as trusted advisors and skilled administrators throughout the medieval period.

Scottish Expansion

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Flemings expanded their influence through the Wars of Scottish Independence, supporting Robert the Bruce against English domination. Sir Malcolm Fleming became Chamberlain of Scotland and received extensive grants in Dumbartonshire, including the strategic castle of Dumbarton. His descendants established the Earldom of Wigtown, wielding considerable power in southwestern Scotland. The family weathered political upheavals while maintaining their loyalty to the Scottish Crown, serving as sheriffs, justiciars, and royal counselors.

Where does the name Fleming come from?

Fleming derives from 'Flandrensis' meaning 'man from Flanders.' The name arrived in Scotland during the 12th century when Norman-Flemish settlers from Flanders (modern Belgium/Netherlands) were invited by Scottish kings to establish trade and agriculture. These Flemish immigrants brought weaving skills and commercial expertise, becoming influential landholders in the Scottish Lowlands and Borders regions.

Military Influence

The 15th and 16th centuries marked Fleming prominence in Scottish politics and Border warfare. The clan established multiple cadet branches, including the Flemings of Cumbernauld and Boghall, each controlling significant territories. During the turbulent Border reiving period, Flemings defended their lands against English raids while participating in Scottish military campaigns. Notable family members included John Fleming, 2nd Lord Fleming, who served as Guardian to Mary Queen of Scots, demonstrating the clan's continued importance in Scottish royal circles and national affairs.

Jacobite Support

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Flemings adapted to religious and political changes while maintaining their landed status. Many clan members supported the Jacobite cause, participating in the 1715 and 1745 uprisings against Hanoverian rule. Following Culloden, surviving Flemings emigrated to North America, establishing settlements in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Nova Scotia. Colonial Flemings became successful merchants, planters, and military officers, contributing significantly to American and Canadian development while preserving their Scottish heritage and clan traditions.

The Fleming tartan embodies centuries of Scottish heritage, from Norman origins to Lowland nobility, woven into distinctive patterns worn with pride across generations.

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