Hay Clan

Scottish Clans

Hay Tartans & Clan

The Hay clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most ancient noble families, tracing lineage from Norman origins to the prestigious Earls of Erroll. This distinguished Highland pattern honors centuries of Scottish leadership and heritage.

Clan Motto

Serva Jugum
(Keep the Yoke)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Hay Tartan?

Worn by Hay descendants globally, sept families including Haigh, Haye, and Garrad bearers, Scottish nobility, Highland regiment veterans, and Celtic heritage enthusiasts throughout America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Haigh

Haye

Hay

Haya

Hays

Haie

De la Haye

Garrad

Garrard

Leith

Leathe

Constable

Delgatie

Gifford

Lochorwart

Yester

Tweeddale

Erroll

Slains

Delnes

Megginch

Park

Rannes

Dalgety

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Hay warriors served with honor in elite Scottish regiments, British Army units, and colonial forces, particularly distinguished in Highland battalions and as hereditary High Constables of Scotland throughout the Empire.

Gordon Highlanders

Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

Scots Guards

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Royal Scots Fusiliers

Highland Light Infantry

Cameron Highlanders

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

48th Highlanders of Canada (Canada)

Shop Hay Tartan Products

Explore authentic Hay clan heritage through premium kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan badges, tartan accessories, ceremonial sashes, and noble crests crafted for descendants across North America and Scotland.

Hay 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 Hay Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Norman Loyalty

The Hay clan's Scottish story begins with William de Haya, a Norman nobleman who arrived in Scotland around 1160 during the reign of Malcolm IV. Appointed as cup-bearer to the Scottish king, William received extensive lands in Perthshire, establishing the family's prominence in medieval Scotland. His descendants quickly integrated into Scottish society, adopting Highland customs while maintaining their noble Norman traditions. The early Hays demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the Scottish crown, serving as trusted advisors and military leaders. Through strategic marriages and royal favor, they acquired vast territories including Erroll Castle in Aberdeenshire, which became their principal seat and the foundation of their future earldom.

Independence & Honor

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Hays cemented their position among Scotland's premier noble families through unwavering support for Scottish independence. Sir Gilbert de Haya, 5th Baron of Erroll, fought alongside William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, earning eternal gratitude for his steadfast loyalty during Scotland's darkest hours. In recognition of their service, the Hays received the hereditary office of High Constable of Scotland from Robert the Bruce in 1314, a position they maintain to this day. The family weathered the Wars of Scottish Independence with honor, expanding their influence through the acquisition of additional castles including Slains and Delgatie, establishing cadet branches that spread Hay influence across northeastern Scotland.

Where does the name Hay come from?

Hay originates from the Norman-French 'de la Haye' meaning 'of the hedge' or 'enclosure,' introduced to Scotland by William de Haya around 1160. This noble surname reflects the family's Norman heritage and their role as cup-bearers to Scottish kings. The name evolved from describing enclosed lands to becoming one of Scotland's most distinguished aristocratic titles, with the Hays rising to become Earls of Erroll and hereditary High Constables of Scotland.

Golden Age

The 15th and 16th centuries marked the golden age of Hay power, with the family elevated to the Earldom of Erroll in 1452 by James II of Scotland. As Earls of Erroll and hereditary High Constables, the Hays wielded enormous influence at the Scottish court, commanding respect from monarchs and nobles alike. The clan produced distinguished military leaders, diplomats, and courtiers who shaped Scottish politics during the Renaissance. However, their Catholic faith and support for Mary Queen of Scots led to periods of political exile and conflict. Despite these challenges, the Hays maintained their estates and noble status, adapting to religious and political changes while preserving their ancient Highland traditions and clan identity.

Jacobite Loyalty

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Hays navigated Scotland's tumultuous political landscape with characteristic resilience. Many clan members supported the Jacobite cause, fighting for Scottish independence and the Stuart monarchy at Culloden and earlier battles. The family's military tradition continued through service in Highland regiments, with Hay officers distinguishing themselves in British Army campaigns across Europe, India, and North America. During the Highland Clearances, the Hays helped preserve Scottish culture while many clansmen emigrated to Canada, America, and Australia, establishing thriving communities that maintained their Highland heritage. The clan's scholarly pursuits flourished, producing notable historians, poets, and intellectuals who documented Scottish culture.

The Hay clan tartan embodies Scotland's noble heritage, from ancient Norman roots to Erroll earldoms, worn with distinction across Highland castles and modern celebrations.

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