Scott Clan

Scottish Clans

Scott Tartans & Clan

The Scott clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most powerful Border families, whose legendary legacy spans from medieval Buccleuch strongholds to global leadership across America, Canada, and Britain through centuries of valor.

Clan Motto

Amo
(I Love)

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Scott Tartan?

Worn by Scott descendants globally, sept families including Scot, Scots, and regional variants, Border regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts throughout America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Scot

Scots

Scotte

Schott

Skott

McScott

MacScott

Scott of Buccleuch

Scott of Balwearie

Scott of Harden

Scott of Thirlestane

Langscott

Rotscott

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Scott warriors distinguished themselves in Border Horse regiments, King's Own Scottish Borderers, Highland units, and elite British Army formations, excelling in European campaigns and North American frontier service.

King's Own Scottish Borderers (Scotland)

Border Horse (Scotland)

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Scotland)

Black Watch (Scotland)

Scots Guards (Britain)

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Canada)

Toronto Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Shop Scott Tartan Products

Explore authentic Scott clan merchandise including traditional kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan badges, tartan ties, scarves, and ceremonial items crafted for descendants across North America and Scotland.

Scott 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 Scott Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Early Power

The Scott clan emerged as a dominant force in the Scottish Borders during the 12th century, with early records showing Uchtred filius Scott holding lands in Roxburghshire around 1165. The family established their seat at Buccleuch in Selkirkshire, becoming hereditary sheriffs and wardens of the marches. These early Scotts served as guardians of Scotland's turbulent southern frontier, developing into one of the most formidable Border reiver families. Their strategic position allowed them to control vital border crossings and river valleys, accumulating wealth and influence through both legitimate governance and legendary cattle raids that became the stuff of Border ballad tradition.

Rise of Buccleuch

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Scotts of Buccleuch consolidated their power through strategic marriages and military prowess. Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch emerged as a key figure, expanding clan territories through marriage to the Kerr heiress and acquiring extensive lands in Teviotdale. The family weathered the Wars of Scottish Independence, generally supporting the Bruce cause while maintaining pragmatic relationships with English neighbors. Their castle at Newark became a symbol of Scott power, controlling the Yarrow Valley and serving as a base for their legendary raids into England. The clan developed a reputation for fierce loyalty to Scotland while operating with characteristic Border independence.

Where does the name Scott come from?

Scott derives from the Latin 'Scoti,' meaning 'Gaels' or 'Irish,' originally referring to Celtic peoples who migrated from Ireland to Scotland. The surname emerged in the Scottish Borders during the 12th century, identifying families of Gaelic origin who settled in the region. The name became synonymous with the powerful Border reiver families who dominated the Anglo-Scottish frontier for centuries.

Reiver Glory

The 16th century marked the golden age of Scott Border reiving, with clan members leading devastating raids across the Anglo-Scottish frontier. Walter Scott of Harden, known as 'Bold Buccleuch,' became legendary for his audacious rescue of Kinmont Willie Armstrong from Carlisle Castle in 1596, defying both English and Scottish authorities. The clan's military reputation earned them royal favor, with successive Scott chiefs appointed as Wardens of the West March. Their influence extended beyond raiding, as they patronized Border ballad culture and maintained extensive kinship networks throughout the region. The Scotts balanced their reiver activities with diplomatic service to the Scottish crown.

Literary Legacy

The 19th century transformed the Scott clan from Border warriors into cultural icons, primarily through Sir Walter Scott of Abbotsford, whose novels and poetry romanticized Highland and Border history for global audiences. His literary genius brought international fame to the Scott name while preserving Scottish traditions through works like 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel' and 'Ivanhoe.' Simultaneously, clan members emigrated to North America, establishing Scott communities in Canada and the United States. The family adapted to modern Scotland while maintaining their Border heritage, with successive Dukes of Buccleuch becoming major landowners and cultural patrons. The clan's literary legacy continues influencing Scottish identity worldwide.

The Scott tartan embodies Border reiver heritage and noble distinction, worn by descendants of Scotland's most celebrated literary and military dynasty worldwide.

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