Home > Clan Douglas Tartan

Douglas Tartan

Clan Chief: His Grace Archibald Douglas, The 1st Duke of Douglas.
Scottish Gaelic: Dùbhghlas.
Year: between 1175 and 1211
Motto: Jamais arrière[a], Tender and true, Forward.
Slogan: "A Douglas! A Douglas!"
War cry: Clar Innes
Region: Lowlands.
District: Lanarkshire, Lothian, Scottish Marches, Angus, Moray, Galloway and Dumfriesshire.

Douglas Tartan Castles

Aberdour Castle, Balvenie Castle, Berwick Castle, Bonkyll Castle, Bothwell Castle, Bowhill House, Cranshaws Castle, Dalkeith Castle, Douglas Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, Grangemuir House, Hawthornden Castle, Hermitage Castle, Hume Castle, Kilspindie Castle, Langenstein Castle, Lennoxlove House, Loch Leven Castle, Lochindorb Castle, Morton Castle, Newark Castle, Neidpath Castle, Ormond Castle, Roxburgh Castle, Rydboholm Castle, Sandilands Castle, Stjärnorp Castle, Strathaven Castle, Strathendry Castle, Tantallon Castle, Threave Castle, Timpendean Tower, Whittingehame Tower.

Douglas Tartan Facts:

1. The name "Douglas" is derived from the Gaelic "Dubhghlas," meaning "dark stream" or "dark river." It is believed to refer to the Douglas Water in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

2. Sir James Douglas, also known as "Good Sir James" or the "Black Douglas," was a prominent medieval Scottish knight and military leader. He played a crucial role in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

3. Members of Clan Douglas served in foreign military services, including the Polish Army, during the 17th century. The Douglas Dragoons were known for their military prowess.

4. The character of Macbeth in William Shakespeare's play is based on a historical figure, Macbeth, who was the son of the 6th Earl of Douglas.

5. The "Black Dinner" in 1440 was a tragic event where the young Earl of Douglas and his brother were invited to dine with the young king, James II. The dinner ended in their arrest and subsequent execution, leading to a power shift.

6. The 4th Earl of Morton, a member of Clan Douglas, held the hereditary position of "The Queen's Champion" in the 16th century. This role involved ceremonial duties, including challenging any who questioned the queen's honor.

7. The Douglases held the title of Lords of Galloway in the medieval period, consolidating their influence over a significant portion of southwestern Scotland.

8. Clan Douglas was known as the "Clan of Kings" due to its close ties to the Scottish monarchy and its members' positions as advisers and guardians to the kings of Scotland.