Irvine Clan

Scottish Clans

Irvine Tartans & Clan

The Irvine clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most ancient families, tracing origins from Norman-Saxon roots to Ayrshire prominence. Their legacy spans medieval Scottish politics to modern global communities across America, Canada, and Britain.

Clan Motto

Sub sole sub umbra virens
(Flourishing both in sunshine and in shade)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Irvine Tartan?

Worn by Irvine descendants globally, sept families including Irving, Erwin, and Irwin bearers, Scottish regiment members, and heritage enthusiasts throughout North America, Britain, and Australia.

Associated Names

Irving

Irwin

Erwin

Erwine

Yrvine

Irwyn

Erwing

Irvein

Ervine

Erving

MacIrvine

McIrvine

Hirwin

Hirwine

Urwin

Orwin

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Irvine warriors served with honor in Scottish Highland regiments, British colonial forces, and North American militias, particularly distinguishing themselves in Canadian frontier service and American Revolutionary conflicts.

Royal Scots Fusiliers (Scotland)

Ayrshire Yeomanry (Scotland)

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Scotland)

Nova Scotia Fencibles (Canada)

King's Royal Regiment of New York (Canada)

Shop Irvine Tartan Products

Explore authentic Irvine clan merchandise including traditional Highland kilts, tartan accessories, clan badges, ceremonial sashes, and heritage items crafted for descendants across North America and Britain.

Irvine 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 Irvine Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Norman-Saxon Loyalty

The Irvine clan originated in the 12th century when Robert de Hirewine received lands in Ayrshire from Walter FitzAlan, High Steward of Scotland. This Norman-Saxon family established their seat at Drum Castle near Aberdeen and became hereditary foresters of Drum. Early clan members served as royal foresters and administrators, wielding significant influence in medieval Scottish court politics. The Irvines demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Scottish crown through successive generations, participating in Wars of Independence and securing their position among Scotland's ancient nobility through strategic marriages and faithful service to Robert the Bruce.

Territorial Expansion

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Irvine clan expanded their territories through the marriage of William de Irvine to the heiress of Drum, securing vast Aberdeenshire estates that remained in clan hands for over 650 years. The family established multiple cadet branches including the Irvines of Bonshaw in Dumfriesshire and the Irvines of Straloch. Clan members served as sheriffs, justiciars, and royal commissioners, maintaining their influence during the turbulent Stewart period. The Irvines weathered clan feuds with neighboring families while strengthening their position through diplomatic marriages and loyal service to successive Scottish monarchs.

Where does the name Irvine come from?

Irvine derives from the ancient parish and royal burgh of Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland, meaning 'green water' from Gaelic 'iar' (west) and 'abhainn' (river). The name reflects the clan's ancestral connection to the River Irvine, where they held lands from the 12th century. This territorial surname represents one of Scotland's oldest place-name origins, establishing the family as prominent Ayrshire landholders.

Religious Conflict

The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed Irvine involvement in major Scottish religious and political upheavals. Alexander Irvine of Drum notably converted his family to Catholicism, making them one of few Catholic Highland families during the Reformation. This religious stance brought persecution but demonstrated clan independence and conviction. During the Jacobite period, Irvines remained divided in loyalties, with some supporting the Jacobite cause while others served government forces. Meanwhile, clan members began emigrating to Ireland's Ulster Plantation and later to North American colonies, establishing Irvine settlements in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Nova Scotia.

Global Expansion

The 18th and 19th centuries marked significant Irvine global expansion as clan members emigrated throughout the British Empire and beyond. In North America, Irvines became prominent pioneers, with William Irvine serving as a general in the American Revolutionary War and later as a U.S. Congressman. Canadian Irvines established themselves in Nova Scotia and Ontario, contributing to colonial development and governance. In Scotland, the family adapted to agricultural improvements while maintaining Drum Castle until 1975. Irvine military officers served in Highland regiments during Napoleonic Wars, while family members distinguished themselves in colonial administration across India, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Irvine tartan embodies centuries of Ayrshire heritage, from Norman nobility to global Scottish diaspora, woven in distinctive patterns cherished by descendants worldwide.

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