Grant Clan

Scottish Clans

Grant Tartans & Clan

The Grant clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most powerful Highland families, whose legendary motto 'Stand Fast' reflects centuries of unwavering courage from Strathspey battlefields to North American frontiers and beyond.

Clan Motto

Stand Fast

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Grant Tartan?

Worn by Grant descendants worldwide, sept families including MacAllan, Bisset, and Pratt bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Allan

MacAllan

Bisset

Bissett

Gilroy

MacGilroy

MacIlroy

Kearn

MacKearn

Pratt

Suttie

Sutty

MacCrain

MacGrain

Crainie

MacPhail of Grant

MacKessack

Pirie

Pyrie

Tulloch

MacTulloch

Gregory

MacGregor of Grant

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Grant warriors served with legendary distinction in Highland regiments, Strathspey companies, and elite British units, particularly excelling in North American campaigns, Peninsular War battles, and colonial frontier service.

Grant Fencibles (Scotland)

Strathspey Fencibles (Scotland)

Gordon Highlanders (Scotland)

Seaforth Highlanders (Scotland)

Black Watch (Scotland)

Cameron Highlanders (Scotland)

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

78th Fraser Highlanders (Canada)

Queen's Own Highlanders (Scotland)

Shop Grant Tartan Products

Discover authentic Grant clan products including traditional Highland kilts, clan crest accessories, tartan ties and scarves, ceremonial items, and Highland dress essentials crafted for descendants across North America and Scotland.

Grant 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 Grant Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Norman & Highland Roots

The Grant clan emerged in the 13th century when Sheriff Laurence le Grant received lands in Strathspey from Alexander II around 1240. The family's Norman origins blended with Highland culture as they established Castle Grant as their stronghold. Early clan chiefs demonstrated fierce independence, with Sir Duncan Grant supporting Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Grants quickly became dominant in Inverness-shire, expanding their territories through strategic marriages and military prowess. Their motto 'Stand Fast' emerged from countless battles defending their Strathspey homeland against rival clans and English incursions, establishing their reputation as formidable Highland warriors.

Clan Feuds & Loyalty

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Grants consolidated their power in Strathspey while engaging in bitter feuds with neighboring clans, particularly the Comyns and Mackintoshes. Chief John Grant, known as 'the Wizard,' expanded clan territories and strengthened Castle Grant's defenses. The clan supported Mary Queen of Scots during the civil wars, with Grant warriors fighting at Corrichie in 1562. Through strategic alliances and intermarriage with other Highland clans, the Grants established cadet branches across Scotland. The family weathered the religious upheavals of the Reformation while maintaining their Catholic faith longer than many Highland clans, demonstrating characteristic Grant stubbornness and independence.

Where does the name Grant come from?

Grant derives from the Norman-French 'le Grand' meaning 'the great' or 'large,' brought to Scotland by Norman settlers after 1066. The name also connects to Gaelic 'grannd' meaning 'ugly' or 'fierce,' reflecting the clan's formidable reputation. The Grants established themselves in Strathspey, Inverness-shire, where they became one of the most powerful Highland clans, with their ancient seat at Castle Grant commanding the strategic Spey valley for over seven centuries.

Royalist Loyalty

The 17th century brought both triumph and trial for the Grants, who initially supported the Royalist cause during the Civil Wars before adapting to changing political realities. Chief Ludovick Grant transformed the clan into loyal government supporters, earning rewards including expanded lands and titles. The Grants avoided the catastrophic Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745, instead providing troops for government forces at Culloden. This pragmatic decision preserved Grant lands while other clans faced destruction. Meanwhile, clan members began emigrating to North America, establishing significant Grant communities in Nova Scotia, New York, and the Carolinas, carrying their tartan and traditions to the New World.

Empire Service

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Grants embraced military service across the expanding British Empire while maintaining their Highland identity. Clan members served as officers in Highland regiments, colonial administrators in Canada and India, and pioneers in Australia. Notable Grants included General James Grant, who served in North America and the Caribbean, and Sir Lewis Grant, a distinguished Indian Army officer. The clan adapted to Highland Clearances through agricultural improvements and strategic emigration. Grant settlements flourished in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton, Ontario's Glengarry County, and throughout the American South, where descendants maintained clan traditions and tartan wearing customs.

The Grant tartan embodies Highland strength and loyalty, from ancient Strathspey strongholds to distinguished service across Scotland, America, and Canada.

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