Yes, there is a Blair tartan. The tartan is a specific plaid pattern associated with the Blair family. Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Each tartan is uniquely defined by its thread count and color scheme. This tartan is one of the many tartan patterns associated with different Scottish clans and families. It is a part of the Scottish cultural heritage and is often used in traditional Scottish dress, such as kilts. The tartan is a significant symbol of Scottish identity and is often linked to specific clans or regions. The Blair Tartan, like other tartans, has its own unique design and color scheme, making it distinct and recognizable within the broader tradition of tartan patterns.

What is the history behind Blair tartan?

This tartan has a deep-rooted history in Scotland, with the name "Blair" derived from the Gaelic word "Blar," meaning field or plain. The Blair tartan is associated with the Blair clan, which is a Lowland Scottish clan. The Blair surname is first recorded in the early 1200s, with two principal families: Blair of Blair from Ayrshire and Blair of Balthayock from Perthshire. The Blairs of Blair were granted the Barony of Blair in Ayrshire by King William I of Scots, while the Blairs of Balthayock can trace their ancestry back to Stephen de Blair, who held lands in the Parish of Blair in Gowrie, now named Blairgowrie. The two families long contested for the chieftainship of this entire clan until King James VI affirmed that the eldest male of either family would have precedence over the younger to the chieftainship,

Where is the Blair family from?

The Blair family is of Scottish origin, with the surname first appearing in Scotland in the 12th and early 13th centuries. The name Blair is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "blàr," which means "plain," "meadow," or "field," frequently a "battlefield". The Blairs of that Ilk (also called the Blairs of Blair) in Ayrshire and the Blairs of Balthayock in Perthshire are two ancient Scottish families claiming the name Blair. The Irish Blairs are primarily descended from Scots who settled in Northern Ireland in earlier centuries. Therefore, this family is Scottish, although there are also Irish Blairs who are descendants of Scottish settlers.

Who is the chief of the clan Blair?

Clan Blair is an armigerous clan, which means that the clan is registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon but does not currently have a recognized chief. Blair Castle was the seat of the Clan for more than 800 years, and the first part of the castle was built around 1105. The name has been spelled in 16 different ways, but only three survive today: Blair, McBlair, and Bleher. The clan's motto is "Amo Probos," which means "Love the Virtuous".

What is the Blair clan motto? And what does Blair’s family crest mean?

The Blair family motto, "Amo Probos," translates to "I love the virtuous," while the variant motto, "Virtute tutus," means "By virtue safe". The Blair family crest features a stag lodged properly, symbolizing strength and vigilance.

The Blair clan is divided into two main families: Blair of Blair from Ayrshire and Blair of Balthayock from Perthshire. These families have no common ancestor, and their early arms bear no affinity to each other. The Blair of Blair coat of arms consists of a saltire sable (black cross) on a field argent (silver) containing nine mascles (lozenges) of the first (silver), while the crest is a stag lodged proper. The Blair of Balthayock coat of arms features a dove with wings expanded, symbolizing peace and purity.

Who are the Blairs of Balthayock?

The Blairs of Balthayock are a Scottish clan that can trace their ancestry back to Stephen de Blair, who held lands in the Parish of Blair in Gowrie, now named Blairgowrie, in the 12th century. They have several cadet branches, including the Blairs of Ardblair, Bendochy, Balgillo, Balmyle, Pittendreich and Lethendy, Glasclune, Denhead, Over Durdie, Melginch, Balgray, Friarton, Gairdrum, Ballathie, Blair burgesses of Dundee, and the Blair family in France. The Blairs of Balthayock and the Blairs of Blair long contested to be recognized for the chieftainship of the entire Blair clan until King James VI affirmed in 1658 that "The eldest male of either of the two Families would have precedency over the younger to the Chieftainship."

What are the colors of the Blair tartan?

This tartan is a modern family tartan with green, navy blue, black, and red colors. The term "modern" refers to the shade of the colors, which are usually darker. The thread count was taken from a hand-colored tartan strip that had been in James Mackinlay's collection created in the 1920s-30s. There is no evidence that the colors of this tartan have any specific symbolic meaning. However, in general, certain colors in Scottish tartans have traditional meanings. For example, green sometimes represents prairies or forests, blue can represent lakes and rivers, and yellow might stand for various crops.

How can I accessorize the Blair tartan?

To accessorize this tartan, you can create a coordinated and stylish look with the following accessories:

• Matching Kilt: Start with a Blair tartan kilt, which is a traditional Scottish clan tartan kilt featuring a bright green and blue-based tartan with orange-reddish overchecks.
• Matching Tartan Purse, Wallet & Handbags: Look for accessories in matching tartan, such as purses, wallets, and handbags, to complement your outfit.
• Face Mask: Consider a tartan face mask in the tartan pattern for a coordinated and practical accessory.
• Hats and Caps: Pair your kilt with a matching tartan hat or cap for a complete look.
• Sporran: Choose a sporran with elements that complement the colors and style of this tartan.
• Bow Tie, Neck Tie, Fly Plaid, Cufflinks: Opt for bow ties, neckties, fly plaids, and cufflinks in colors that complement this tartan for a polished look.