Scottish Clans
Lindsay Tartans & Clan
Clan Lindsay developed on both sides of the border with the first Lindsay recorded in Scotland in 1120. The family prospered both in England and Scotland which, when the Scottish Wars of Independence came around, the Family had to divide its lands and give up the English portion.
Who Wears Lindsay Tartan? - Associated Names
First of all to explain why there are so many tartans, way over 2000 in fact. There are an awful lot of Scottish clans to start with and on top of this each clan can have many different tartans and names associated with it.
- Auchinleck
- Buyers
- Byer
- Cobb
- Crawford
- Deuchar
- Deuchars
- Cownie
- Fotheringham
- Rhind
- Rhyd
- Summers
- Sumner
Lindsay Tartans
6 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- Dress
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
Helpful Advice
Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Helpful Advice
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
Helpful Advice
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
Dress Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the start
Lindsay Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Lindsay
How it all started
Territories
Clan Lindsay is one of the oldest Scottish clans, with roots in both Scotland and England since the 11th century. It is thought that the clan originated in Lindsey, an area in England. Sir Baldric de Lindsay of Hemingby is recorded as holding a number of estates in Lindsey in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is Sir Baldric's sons that moved over to Scotland and established the Lindsay name as a Scottish clan. During this time, they held lands in East Lothian. Over the centuries, Clan Lindsay have existed in Angus, the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire, and most currently in Fife.
Clan Chief
The current chief is Sir Robert Alexander Lindsay, 29th Earl of Crawford and 12th Earl of Balcarres. He is a Scottish hereditary peer and Conservative politician who was actually a Member of Parliament from 1955 to 1974. Robert Lindsay was honoured as Privy Counsellor in 1972, as Knight of the Thistle in 1996, and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2002. Balcarres House is the current seat of Clan Lindsay and Sir Robert resides there.
Where does the name Lindsay come from?
Lindsay is originally derived from the territory of Lindsey in Lincolnshire, England. The name comes from the Old English Lindesege, meaning 'marshlands of Lincoln'.
Crawford Castle
Crawford Castle is the historic seat of Clan Lindsay and is located just outside the village of Crawford in South Lanarkshire. The first building known to sit on the lands was a Roman Fort built between 80 and 170 AD, however the Lindsay family did not inherit the lands until 1215 when a member of the family married a daughter of Sir John Crawford. Soon after this were the Lindsay family granted with the status of Earls of Crawford, they also owned the lands of Crawford as well as Ercildum and Luffness.
The Legacy of Sir David Lindsay
The descendants of the 12th century Sir David Lindsay, who married a member of the royal family, became quite influential during the Wars of Independence. David Lindsay's grandson's seal was actually added to the Declaration of Arbroath. Also, his son, Sir James Lindsay, married Egidia, who was the daughter of Marjory Bruce -- herself the daughter of Robert The Bruce!
Lindsay Plant Badge
The Clan Lindsay plant badge is the Lime Tree. There is actually an avenue of lime trees connecting Balcarres House, the current clan seat, to the village of Colinsburgh in Fife, so the badge is quite symbolic to the clan.
Lindsay Clan Crest
The Lindsay clan crest features a swan sitting atop a coronet crown and bears the motto Endure Fort, which means "Endure with Strength". This makes sense as the swan is often a symbol of bravery in heraldry.
The Jacobite Uprisings
Clan Lindsay has a fascinating connection to the Jacobite Uprisings in Scotland, with Lindsays on each side. The first Earl of Balcarres, Alexander Lindsay, was also Secretary of State for Scotland and High Commissioner to the General Assembly in the mid 17th century, so he was certainly a government supporter. His son, Colin Lindsay, 3rd Earl of Balcarres, however, was a Jacobite and actually fought on their side during the Jacobite rising of 1715. Luckily for him, he escaped punishment for treason with the help of the Duke of Marlborough. Later, just before the Uprising of 45', John Lindsay, 20th Earl of Crawford, was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the "Black Watch" regiment that supported the British Government during the Jacobite rising of 1745.
The Arms of Clan Lindsay
The Lindsay arms of the Earl of Crawford features the checked pattern of the original Lindsay arms, with the addition of a lion, which is symbolic of bravery and knighthood.
Clan Lindsay
Tartan Poll
There are 3 variants available for the Lindsay Clan, from Modern to Ancient, with gorgeous pink and red tartans, this Clan is truly spoilt for choice. But which is your favourite Lindsay Clan tartan? Vote now!
Lindsay Famous Faces
Margaret Lindsay
Margaret Lindsay is quite the character, with a very interesting story, let's just say it involved a secret marriage to a famous Scottish artist that her parents most certainly did not approve of. Spoiler alert: Margaret's love story has a much happier ending than Shakespeare's star-crossed version. Head to the Tartan Blog to read more about Margaret and our other famous faces.
Clan Lindsay
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Lindsay? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Lindsay Clan knowledge now!
Discover Clan Lindsay
Join Kalyn and Monja as they explore the exciting history of Clan Lindsay. Clan Lindsay is one of the oldest Scottish clans, founded before 1116. They also have a fascinating connection to the highly romanticised Jacobite Uprisings but that’s a story for Wednesday night. With so many intriguing stories to tell, including an eerie story about Edzell Castle, you don't want to pass it by!
Lindsay Clan Castles
Balcarres House
Balcarres House is the seat of the clan’s current chief. It is located in the East Neuk of Fife and the original mansion was actually built by John Lindsay in the 16th century, much of which is still part of the current building. The beautiful grounds are also noteworthy given that they are included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland! You can learn more about Clan Lindsay castles on the blog.
Chatting with Maureen Connor
For this special episode of ScotlandShop On the Sofa, Emily is joined by Maureen Connor in Celtic Hall in Albany, our new American home! Maureen is the director of the Capital District Youth Pipe Band, and the band actually practice in Celtic Hall. Not only this, but they are also connected to the Lindsay Clan, they use the Lindsay tartan in their uniform to honour the connection. Watch the interview to discover the full story.
The Clan Lindsay Society
The Clan Lindsay Society is open to all of Lindsay descent, by blood or by marriage and is led by the current Clan Chief. The society holds gatherings, helps with genealogy, and works on other projects of significance, such as their current Glasclune Monument Project.
Clan Lindsay
Clan Lindsay is one of the oldest Scottish clans, with roots in Scotland since the 11th century and three classic tartan variations to choose from. Join us and learn how to recognise a Lindsay clan member, the clan motto and history of the Clan.
Clan Motto: Endure Fort (Suffer Bravely)
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