Scottish Clans
Stewart Tartans & Clan
Clan Stewart were the Royal family of Scotland from 1371 when Robert II took the throne - his father was married to Robert the Bruce's daughter - all the way up to the death of Queen Anne in 1714.
Clan Motto
Virescit Vulnere Virtus
(Courage grows strong at a wound) Who Wears Stewart 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.
- Boyd
- Carmichael
- Clay
- Combe
- Combich
- Combie
- Conlay
- Conley
- Donlevy
- Dennison
- Denniston
- France
- Francis
- Lay
- Lennox
- Levack
- Lisle
- Livingston
- Livingstone
- Lombard
- Lorne
- Lumbard
- Lyle
- MaccMacmichael
- Menteith
- Mitchell
- Mitchelson
- Monteath
- Monteith
- Moodie
- Moody
- Robb
- Steuard
- Steuart
- Stuart
- Walker
Associated Regiments
Over the last 300 years, tartans have been a part of official dress for some of the most famous regiments throughout the military world! Their respective regimental tartans became undisputedly tied to the very core identity of the soldiers who wear it. Explore the associated regiments below:
- Black Watch Pipers
- Bombay Volunteer Rifles (India)
- Calcutta Scottish (India)
- Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders
- King's Own Scottish Borderers
- Loretto School Officer Training Corps
- Queen's Own Corps of Guides
- Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Pipers)
- Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment)
- Royal Scots (Pipers)
- Scots Guards (Pipers)
- Shanghai Volunteer Corps (China)
From the start
Stewart Clan Origins & History
From the start
Stewart Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Stewart
How it all started
Territories:
What part of Scotland was the Stuart Clan from? There are four main branches of Clan Stewart - Appin, Atholl, Balquhidder, and Bute and, as such, their lands are spread throughout Scotland. The clan once owned some of the most recognisable properties in Scotland: Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Castle Stalker, Doune Castle, Bishop's Palace and Castle Stuart - to name a few. Clan Stewart were the Royal family of Scotland from 1371 when Robert II took the throne, all the way up until the death of Queen Anne in 1714. There are, of course, many places in Scotland to visit that have an association with one of the many famous Stuarts, like Mary Stuart and Charles Stuart.
Clan Chief:
Clan Stewart is an armigerous clan which means that the clan, family, or name is registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon, but does not currently have a chief recognized by the Lyon Court. The Earls of Galloway are now the principal branch of the Clan & Andrew Clyde Stewart, 14th Earl of Galloway is considered to be the Clan Commander.
The Court of the Lord Lyon recognizes two of the Stewart family branches as clans in their own right, Clan Stuart of Bute and Clan Stewart of Appin. Of the three, the only one to have a recognized chief is Clan Stuart of Bute. Their chief is John Bryson Crichton-Stuart, 8th Marquess of Bute, who took over from his father who passed away from cancer in March 2021.
Explore the history of Clan Stewart
How it all started
Territories:
There are four main branches of Clan Stewart -- Appin, Atholl, Balquhidder, and Bute -- and, as such, their lands are spread throughout Scotland. The clan once owned some of the most recognizable properties in Scotland: Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Castle Stalker, Doune Castle, Bishop's Palace and Castle Stuart - to name a few. Clan Stewart were the Royal family of Scotland from 1371 when Robert II took the throne, all the way up until the death of Queen Anne in 1714. There are, of course, many places in Scotland to visit that have an association with one of the many famous Stuarts, like Mary Stuart and Charles Stuart.
Clan Chief:
Clan Stewart is an armigerous clan which means that the clan, family, or name is registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon, but does not currently have a chief recognized by the Lyon Court. The Earls of Galloway are now the principal branch of the Clan & Andrew Clyde Stewart, 14th Earl of Galloway is considered to be the Clan Commander.
The Court of the Lord Lyon recognizes two of the Stewart family branches as clans in their own right, Clan Stuart of Bute and Clan Stewart of Appin. Of the three, the only one to have a recognized chief is Clan Stuart of Bute. Their chief is The Most Hon. John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute.
Where does the name Stewart come from?
The Stewart name meaning 'steward' derives from the old English stigeweard, with stige meaning "hall", and weard meaning "guardian" or "warden". What is perhaps more interesting are the two well known variations of the name - Stewart, the original spelling, and Stuart, the French spelling. The latter was the result of the lack of the letter 'w' in the French alphabet. This spelling came to popularity with the rise of French influence in Scotland during the 16th century.
Where does the name Stewart come from?
The name Stewart is derived from the old English stigeweard, with stige meaning "hall", and weard meaning "guardian" or "warden". What is perhaps more interesting are the two well known variations of the name - Stewart, the original spelling, and Stuart, the French spelling. The latter was the result of the lack of the letter 'w' in the French alphabet. This spelling came to popularity with the rise of French influence in Scotland during the 16th century.
Edinburgh Castle
At one point in time the Stewart's held Edinburgh Castle, arguably the most notable castle they held. Edinburgh Castle is located upon a rock in the centre of Edinburgh. It is thought that the first castle built upon the rock was constructed during the 12th Century, it was primarily used as a Royal Residence base that is until the 17th Century when its main use converted into a military barracks. Research shows that the castle was attacked 26 times throughout its long history, which makes it the most besiged and most attacked places in Great Britain.
Edinburgh Castle
At one point in time the Stewart's held Edinburgh Castle, arguably the most notable castle they held. Edinburgh Castle is located upon a rock in the centre of Edinburgh. It is thought that the first castle built upon the rock was constructed during the 12th Century, it was primarily used as a Royal Residence base that is until the 17th Century when its main use converted into a military barracks. Research shows that the castle was attacked 26 times throughout its long history, which makes it the most besiged and most attacked places in Great Britain.
Who can wear Clan Stewart's Plaid?
Royal Stewart Plaid is the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. Theoretically, this means that plaid cannot be worn without the express permission of the Queen. Thankfully, due to its popularity, it has now been classified a Universal plaid, meaning it can be worn by anyone who does not have their own clan plaid. The scarlet red plaid is one of the best known plaids in the world, however there are also many other variations and if red is not your colour this same sett is available in black, blue, camel and the dress variation which is predominantly white.
Who can wear Clan Stewart's tartan?
Well, when it comes to Stewart Royal tartan, everybody can! As long as you are a subject of Queen Elizabeth II of course...
The scarlet red Stewart Royal tartan is one of the best known tartans in the world, however there are also many other variations and if red is not your colour this same sett is available in black, blue, camel and the dress variation which is predominantly white.
Regimental connections
While the Stewart plaid flourishes in its Royal connection, it also has historical regimental connections. The 15th Battalion Parachute Regiment of Scotland distinguished themselves from other battalions by proudly wearing the Hunting Stewart Modern plaid patch under the badge on their beret. The Royal Scots, before forming part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and in the later decades of their regiment wore Hunting Stewart plaid trousers as part of their dress uniform and though the Regiment has now disbanded, the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band still remains and wear the Hunting Stewart plaid kilt as their band uniform.
The Albany Stewarts
The Dukedom of Albany is a title that was traditionally granted to younger sons in the Scottish royal family, having had a long standing association with the Royal Stewarts. This is because Robert II's third son, Robert Stewart, was the 1st Duke of Albany, who was also Regent of Scotland during the early years of James I of Scotland's reign. Other famous Scots to hold the title were Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, and their son, James VI of Scotland and James I of England. Additionally, Charles Edward Stuart, AKA Bonnie Prince Charlie, gave his illegitimate daughter, Charlotte, the title Duchess of Albany. Ultimately, the title would fall into the hands of the Hanoverian line.
Stewart Clan Crest
The Clan Stewart crest features a pelican feeding her young in their nest. The Latin motto on the crest reads Virescit vulnere virtus, which translates to "Courage grows strong at a wound". The curious thing about the pelican on the crest is that it is not an animal native to Scotland. It is thought that Scottish crusaders saw them during their journeys to the holy land. Earlier versions of the crest would portray the pelican as feeding her young from the blood of her own chest, which is a symbol of self sacrifice and puts the motto into great perspective.
Clan Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus (Courage grows strong at a wound)
The Albany Stewarts
The Dukedom of Albany is a title that was traditionally granted to younger sons in the Scottish royal family, having had a long standing association with the Royal Stewarts. This is because Robert II's third son, Robert Stewart, was the 1st Duke of Albany, who was also Regent of Scotland during the early years of James I of Scotland's reign. Other famous Scots to hold the title were Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, and their son, James VI of Scotland and James I of England. Additionally, Charles Edward Stuart, AKA Bonnie Prince Charlie, gave his illegitimate daughter, Charlotte, the title Duchess of Albany. Ultimately, the title would fall into the hands of the Hanoverian line.
Stewart Clan Plant Badge
The Clan Stewart plant badge is none other than the thistle. You'll recognize this as the floral emblem of Scotland and as such a large and influential clan, it's no surprise that Clan Stewart adopted this plant as their own as well.
This clan's most famous pipe music is "The White Banner of the Stewarts". In Gaelic the title is "Bratach Bhàn nan Stiùbhartach".
Stewart War Cry
The Stewart war cry is "Creag an Sgairbh!", which translates to “Cormorant's Rock!” in English. This relates to the clan's original clan seat, Castle Stalker, which was built on the Cormorant’s Rock at Loch Linnhe.
ScotlandShop on the Sofa
Discover Clan Stewart
Join Monja and Kalyn as they explore the exciting history of Clan Stewart. This family is arguably one of the most famous in Scottish history, not only due to their connection with the Scottish crown, but they also boast many iconic members with Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie to name a few. From the Clan origins to its tartans, seats and societies, we'll explore it all as part of our Clan of the Month celebrations.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary Stuart, most famously known as Mary, Queen of Scots, is arguably one of the most talked about figures in Scottish history! She became Queen the moment she was born, and was one of the most sought after romantic partners when she was a young woman due to her illustrious charm, intelligence and beauty. Discover more about this famous Queen and the other famous members of Clan Stewart on the Tartan Blog.
Clan Castles
Castle Stuart
Located on the banks of the Moray Firth, not far from Inverness, Castle Stuart was given to James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray by his half-sister, Mary, Queen of Scots in 1561, making this a very important piece of Stewart history. Discover the story of the other Stewart Castles on the Tartan Blog.
Clan Stewart
Tartan Poll
There are over 30 tartan variants available for the Stewart Clan, From Modern and Hunting to Ancient and Weathered, with gorgeous green, red and even blue tartans, this Clan is truly spoilt for choice. But which is your favourite Stewart Clan Tartan? Vote now!
Clan Stewart
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Stewart? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Stewart Clan Knowledge now!
ScotlandShop On The Sofa
Interview with Marjorie Stewart
Marjorie Stewart, is a member and dancer from the New York and Vancouver based Highland Dance group - Shot of Scotch. Marjorie talks about her background in dance and how she celebrates her Clan heritage. We, like Marjorie, of course love all things Scottish, and what could be more fitting than the combination of the beautiful kilts & piping coming together through traditional Highland Dance.
The Stewart Society
Located on Edinburgh's George Street is The Stewart Society office, a place where members of the society can visit for help and advice with their Stewart family research, they even have a library and small museum filled with information about the Clan for you to browse. Membership is open to all who bear the name Stewart (any spelling), anyone with a special connection to the family or a special interest in their history.
Monja's Minute
Clan Stewart
Learn more about Clan Stewart history and how to spot a member of the clan. Learn about the linage of the original 'Stuarts'. Expand your knowledge in just one minute!
Clan Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus (Courage grows strong at a wound)
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