Forbes Clan

Scottish Clans

Forbes Tartans & Clan

The Forbes clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most powerful Highland families, whose legacy spans from medieval Donside castles to international business empires, military leadership, and cultural influence across America, Britain, and Canada.

Clan Motto

Grace Me Guide

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Forbes Tartan?

Worn by Forbes descendants worldwide, sept families including Forbison, MacForbis, and Michie bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across North America, Britain, and Australia.

Associated Names

Forbison

MacForbis

Michie

Fordyce

Forbus

Forbess

Forbis

MacMichie

Boyce

Lumsden

Bannerman

Pitsligo

MacGorrie

Forrest

Fordice

MacForbess

Boyes

Bowes

Middleton

Micheal

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Forbes warriors served with distinction in Highland regiments, Scots Guards, and colonial forces, particularly excelling in Canadian frontier campaigns, Indian service, and modern military leadership worldwide.

Gordon Highlanders

Scots Guards

Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Seaforth Highlanders

Royal Scots

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Royal Canadian Regiment (Canada)

Governor General's Foot Guards (Canada)

5th Gurkha Rifles (India)

Royal Regiment of Artillery

Shop Forbes Tartan Products

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

Forbes Tartans

0 Variations

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

Loading tartans…

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 Forbes Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Pictish Nobility

The Forbes clan traces its origins to ancient Pictish nobility in Aberdeenshire, first documented in 1271 when Duncan de Forbeys held lands near the Don Valley. The family established themselves as powerful Highland lords, building their stronghold at Castle Forbes and controlling strategic territories along the River Don. Early clan members served as sheriffs and justiciars, wielding considerable influence in medieval Scottish politics. The Forbes demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Scottish independence, fighting alongside Robert the Bruce and establishing themselves as guardians of northeastern Scotland's borders against English invasion.

Strategic Expansion

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Forbes clan expanded their power through strategic marriages and military prowess, becoming Lords Forbes and establishing cadet branches throughout Aberdeenshire. Sir John Forbes of that Ilk received a charter from Robert III, while his descendants built the magnificent Craigievar Castle and other strongholds. The family weathered clan feuds with the Gordons while maintaining their position as one of Scotland's premier Highland families. Forbes chiefs served as royal supporters, with successive generations holding important court positions and military commands under Stewart kings.

Where does the name Forbes come from?

Forbes derives from the Gaelic 'forba' meaning field or district, originating from the ancient lands of Forbes in Aberdeenshire. The name first appears in 1271 when Duncan de Forbeys held territory near the Don Valley. This territorial surname reflects the clan's deep roots in northeastern Scotland, where they controlled strategic Donside lands and developed from local Pictish nobility into one of Scotland's most influential Highland families.

Golden Age of Influence

The 16th and 17th centuries saw Forbes influence reach its zenith, with clan members becoming Earls, military commanders, and scholars of international renown. The 6th Lord Forbes defended Mary Queen of Scots, while later generations navigated the Reformation and Jacobite conflicts with political skill. Notable Forbes included bishops, generals, and the famous Duncan Forbes of Culloden, who served as Lord President and attempted to prevent the 1745 Rising. The clan produced distinguished scholars and lawyers who helped shape Scottish legal tradition while maintaining their Highland heritage and territorial power.

Global Adaptation

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Forbes embraced new opportunities across the expanding British Empire while preserving their Highland traditions. Clan members established themselves as colonial governors, military officers in India and Canada, and successful merchants in America and Australia. The family adapted to Highland changes through agricultural improvement and emigration, with Forbes settlements flourishing in Nova Scotia, New York, and beyond. Distinguished Forbes included explorers, diplomats, and business leaders who carried Scottish values worldwide while contributing to their adopted countries' development.

The Forbes tartan embodies centuries of Highland nobility, from ancient Aberdeenshire strongholds to global leadership, worn by descendants who honor their 'Grace me guide' motto.

Featured Collections