Moncrieffe Clan

Scottish Clans

Moncrieffe Tartans & Clan

The Moncrieffe clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most ancient Perthshire families, whose legacy spans from medieval Highland chieftains to distinguished military leaders across the British Empire and throughout North America.

Clan Motto

'Sur Esperance' means 'Upon Hope'

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Moncrieffe Tartan?

Worn by Moncrieffe descendants worldwide, sept families including Moncrieff and Moncreiff bearers, Highland regiment members, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Moncrieff

Moncreiff

Moncreiffe

Moncriefe

Moncrief

Moncreif

Mouncrieff

de Muncrephe

de Moncreif

MacMoncrieff

Moncur

Moncrifte

de Montecristo

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Moncrieffe warriors served with distinction in Highland regiments, British Army units, and colonial forces, particularly excelling in Indian frontier campaigns and North American military service throughout the Empire.

Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Seaforth Highlanders

Gordon Highlanders

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Highland Light Infantry

Royal Scots

King's Own Scottish Borderers

Shop Moncrieffe Tartan Products

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

Moncrieffe 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 Moncrieffe Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Sacred Hill Guardians

The Moncrieffe clan traces its origins to Moncrieffe Hill in Perthshire, first documented when Matthew de Muncrephe received lands from King David I around 1140. The family established themselves as hereditary guardians of this sacred Celtic site, with their castle commanding strategic views across the Tay Valley. Early clan members served as royal foresters and keepers of the sacred grove, wielding considerable influence in medieval Perthshire. The Moncrieffes demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Scottish kings while maintaining their ancient druidic traditions and Highland customs that connected them to Scotland's mystical past.

Medieval Power

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Moncrieffe clan expanded their influence through dedicated royal service and strategic Highland alliances. Sir John de Moncreiff served as Sheriff of Perth under King Alexander III, while his descendants fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The family weathered English invasions while maintaining their Perthshire stronghold, with Moncrieffe Castle becoming a center of Highland culture and Celtic learning. Clan members distinguished themselves as royal counselors, military commanders, and guardians of ancient Scottish traditions throughout the turbulent medieval period.

Where does the name Moncrieffe come from?

Moncrieffe derives from Gaelic 'Monadh Craoibhe' meaning 'hill of the sacred tree' or 'tree-covered hill.' The name originates from Moncrieffe Hill in Perthshire, Scotland, where the clan held their ancient seat from the 12th century. This sacred site was considered mystical by ancient Celts, with the clan serving as hereditary guardians of this holy ground throughout Scottish history.

Highland Warfare

The 15th and 16th centuries saw Moncrieffes emerge as formidable Highland warriors, defending their Perthshire territories against rival clans and English incursions. Sir William Moncreiffe of that Ilk led clan forces at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, while his successors navigated the complex politics of the Scottish Reformation. The clan established cadet branches throughout Perthshire and Angus, with family members serving as lairds, justices, and Highland chieftains. Moncrieffe warriors earned reputations as skilled swordsmen and cavalry officers, maintaining their martial traditions while adapting to changing Scottish political landscapes.

Empire Service

The 18th and 19th centuries marked the Moncrieffe clan's transition from Highland warriors to distinguished imperial servants, with family members achieving prominence in British Army service across India, Canada, and Australia. Sir David Moncreiffe served with distinction in Highland regiments during the Napoleonic Wars, while his descendants commanded colonial forces throughout the expanding British Empire. Clan members became prominent landowners, military officers, and colonial administrators, establishing Moncrieffe communities in North America and the Antipodes while maintaining their ancestral Perthshire connections and Highland heritage.

The Moncrieffe tartan weaves together centuries of Highland heritage, from sacred Perthshire hills to global military honor, in distinctive patterns worn with ancestral pride.

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