Official Tartans of the Clan Campbell

  • Tartan is a plaid that represents something. This concept is uniquely Scottish, but has been adopted by other nations.
  • A tartan originally represented a clan. Today, tartans exist to represent families, countries, cities, areas, states, provinces and even companies.
  • Clan tartans came about as the result of a scam perpetrated by two brothers. Almost two hundred years later, they are now a tradition.
  • In the case of clan tartans, only the clan Chief may decide what constitutes a clan tartan!
  • There are only four authorized Clan Campbell tartans, which may be viewed below.
  • All members of Clan Campbell may wear the blue, green and black Campbell tartan.

Campbell
This is the crest badge and tartan of the main house of Clan Campbell, headed by Mac Cailein Mòr. Notice the boar's head crest, and the Chief's motto on the strap. All Campbells and associated families may wear this badge and tartan. But people who know that they come from one of the younger houses of Clan Campbell may wear that badge and tartan also.

Campbell of Loudoun
This is the crest badge and tartan of the first of the younger houses of Clan Campbell, the Campbells of Loudoun. The badge is a double headed eagle with the motto, I Bide My Time.

Campbell of Breadalbane
This is the crest badge and tartan of the Campbells of Breadalbane, also called the Glen Orchy Campbells. The badge is a boar's head with the motto, Follow Me.

Campbell of Cawdor
This is the crest badge and tartan of the Campbells of Cawdor. The badge is a swan with a crown, with the motto, Be Mindful.