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Scottish Clans

Urquhart Tartans & Clan

The Urquhart clan tartan embodies the proud heritage of one of Scotland's most ancient Highland families, whose legacy stretches from Loch Ness castles to distinguished service across the British Empire and North America throughout the centuries.

Clan Motto

Meane weil, speak weil, and doe weil

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Urquhart Tartan?

Worn by Urquhart descendants globally, sept families including Orchard and MacCuairt bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, and Britain.

Associated Names

Orchard
MacCuairt
MacWhorter
Urchard
Urchard
Hurry
Wurcharde
Vurchard
Orchyard
Urquharde
Wreycharde
Wrychard
Urquhert
Urqwhert
Wrquhert
Orquhard
Urquhatt
Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Urquhart warriors served with honor in Highland regiments, colonial forces, and elite British Army units, particularly distinguishing themselves in North American campaigns and Indian frontier service throughout the Empire.

Seaforth Highlanders
Black Watch
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Highland Light Infantry
Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canada)
Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)
78th Fraser Highlanders

Shop Urquhart Tartan Products

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

Urquhart Tartans

0 Variations

Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.

The Urquhart Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

The Urquhart clan traces its noble origins to the ancient kingdom of Moray, first documented when the Norman knight Guillaume de Berkeley received the lands of Urquhart from King Alexander II around 1230. The family established their legendary seat at Castle Urquhart on the shores of Loch Ness, one of Scotland's most strategically important fortresses. Early clan chiefs served as sheriffs of Cromarty and Inverness, wielding considerable power in the northern Highlands. The Urquharts demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Scottish independence, supporting Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence and playing crucial roles in defending the realm.

Urquhart History 1
Urquhart History 2

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Urquhart clan expanded their influence throughout Ross-shire and the northern Highlands through strategic alliances and military prowess. Sir Thomas Urquhart became hereditary Sheriff of Cromarty, while clan members established cadet branches at Craigfintry and Meldrum. The family weathered clan warfare and border conflicts while maintaining their Catholic faith and Gaelic traditions. Urquharts distinguished themselves as scholars and warriors, with several members serving as knights and courtiers to Scottish royalty, cementing their status among Scotland's most respected Highland families.

Where does the name Urquhart come from?

Urquhart derives from the Brythonic Celtic words 'ar' meaning 'by' and 'cardden' meaning 'thicket' or 'copse,' literally translating to 'by the woodland.' The name originates from the ancient lands of Urquhart in the Great Glen near Loch Ness, where the clan held their stronghold at Castle Urquhart from the 13th century. This territorial surname reflects the Highland tradition of naming families after their ancestral lands in Scotland's mystical landscapes.

The 16th and 17th centuries brought both triumph and tragedy to the Urquhart clan, culminating in the extraordinary life of Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, the brilliant scholar, translator, and author who rendered Rabelais into English. The clan supported the Royalist cause during the English Civil Wars, suffering significant losses at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Despite political upheavals, Urquharts continued their scholarly traditions while adapting to religious changes of the Reformation. Clan members began emigrating to North America, establishing early settlements in Nova Scotia and the American colonies, carrying their Highland heritage across the Atlantic.

Urquhart History 3

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Urquharts embraced military service in Highland regiments while pursuing opportunities across the expanding British Empire. Clan members served as officers in the Seaforth Highlanders and other elite Scottish units, distinguishing themselves in campaigns from Canada to India. The family produced notable diplomats, colonial administrators, and pioneers who established Urquhart communities throughout North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In Scotland, the clan adapted to Highland Clearances and industrial changes while preserving their ancient connections to Cromarty and the Great Glen, maintaining their proud Highland identity through changing times.

Urquhart History 4
The Urquhart tartan captures centuries of Highland valor, from ancient Cromarty strongholds to global military distinction, woven into timeless patterns of Scottish pride.
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