Tartan of Clan Strachan


Tartan of Clan Strachan

According to the Scottish Register of Tartans, the most appropriate tartan one should wear is that which is associated with your surname. If your surname is STRACHAN, or if you fondly associate yourself with Clan Strachan, you would subsequently wear one of the following Tartans.



Strachan Tartan, Modern Sett (STA Number: 2601)
(Most popular version)

The above tartan was designed by Tony Murray in 1987. According to Kenneth Dalgliesh (Scottish World Tartan Society) it was first seen in 1999, and was registered in 2000 (ITI Number: 2601).  Tony Murray's association with Clan Strachan is uncertain, and there's been some speculation he bears no relation to Strachan at all, but is likely a tartan designer who was working for one of the mills. Regarding the significance of the colours and the design, we can only guess they are similar reasoning as the Strachan Hunting Tartan discussed below.  The Strachan Tartan, Modern Sett is most popular. 

The Clan Strachan Modern Sett, above, uses modern chemical dyes.  Chemical dyes were first used in 1782 and provide the deep and vibrant colours.

The Ancient Sett, below, has the same colours and thread count as the modern sett, above, but uses colours that represent how the tartan would appear using vegetable dyes. 

Strachan (Ancient Colours)
Strachan Family Tartan, Ancient Sett

The Reproduction Sett, below, has the same colours and thread count as the modern sett, above, but uses colours that represent how the tartan would appear using vegetable dyes and weathered over time.

Strachan (Reproduction Colours)
Strachan Family Tartan: Reproduction Colours

 

All Strachan tartans are sold online in the` Clan Strachan eStore, and are fabricated in Scotland. Also, available are kilts, trews, dresses, skirts, sashes and other highland garb.


 

Clan Strachan Hunting Tartan

Clan Strachan Hunting (STA Number : 13033)
Scottish Register of Tartans Certificate

Prior to the turn of the 21st-century, most Strachan families wore the Mar District tartan as a Family of the Tribe of Mar. For those who wish to honour their family traditions and also demonstrate their affection for Clan Strachan, on 19 January 2021, the co-Founders of the Society, Dennis Strawhun and Jim Strachan, along with Rob Strachan, Commander of Clan Strachan designed and registered the Clan Strachan Hunting tartan with The Scottish Register of Tartans  (STA Number : 13033). The small blue, red, and yellow lines represent the heraldic colours of Clan Strachan. The light green colour approximates the colour of the grass at the Mill of Strachan, while the darker green bands represent the family's association with the Tribe of Mar.  In 1357, Thomas, Earl of Mar, gave Margaret Mar, his daughter, niece, or cousin, 'consanguinee' in marriage to Adam de Strachan. With her hand, Earl Thomas of Mar granted the lands of Glenkindie, which is situated in Donside near to his own seat, the great fortress of Kildrummy Castle (Collections A&B: 618).

There are two other variants of the Strachan Hunting tartan: Ancient Sett (a darker green sett), and Reproduction (with browner tones)