Skip to main content

The Clan Campbell Tartan is an extremely popular and easily recognisable tartan all around the world. It is in fact one of the most popular and widely worn tartans in the world. The tartan was worn by 'The Black Watch', a group that patrolled the highlands after the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The Black Watch was made up of companies from different clans; one from Clan Fraser of Lovat, Clan Munro, Clan Grant and three from Clan Campbell. This tartan was adopted as the Black Watch's official tartan due to the number of Campbell's who were a part of The Black Watch. The Black Watch is the same sett as the Clan Campbell tartan, but dyed in darker shades. Many clan tartans are based on the Clan Campbell and Black Watch tartans and to this day it is still used by military units within the Commonwealth of Nations.

There is a strong possibility that many others wore the sett or something similar before the idea of distinctive clan tartans took hold. This tartan is worn by the present Duke of Argyll, who has approved the sett. The Campbell tartan is listed as "Tartan #1" on all of the major Scottish tartan registeries.

In 'Campbell Tartan', written by Alastair Campbell of Airds the younger in 1985, he lists the four approved Campbell tartans: the Campbell (also known as "Ancient Campbell" and "Campbell Ancient" in the marketplace), which is the same as the Black Watch; the Campbell of Cawdor; the Campbell of Beadalbane; and the Campbell of Loudoun. Of the Campbell of Argyll tartan, he writes, “This is not a pattern which has the Chief’s approval as an official Campbell tartan and purchasers should avoid it if they wish to be correct.” To be accurate, the past 7 Clan Campbell Chiefs have disavowed, some very strongly, the so called "Campbell of Argyll" tartan.

 

Clan-Campbell-Tartan-and-Crest-1.gif

Join Us!

Clan Campbell Society (N.A.)

Membership benefits include:

– A subscription to our award winning 60 page quarterly magazine, "The Journal"

– Research access to our 250,000 member genealogical database via our Genealogist

– You will receive a vote in the annual elections for members of the Clan Campbell Society (NA) Executive Council

– Special Member pricing on Clan Campbell merchandise

– Discount Member pricing on Clan Campbell Merchandise at St. Kilda USA Shop

– News of Scottish events and Scottish Highland Games Calendar

– Periodic opportunities for Group Travel to Scotland

A subscription to a monthly eNewsletter with color pictures and events information

– Free entry to Cawdor Castle, ancestral home of the Earl Cawdor, during regular open times (with valid membership card)

– Free entry to Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll Chief of Clan Campbell, during regular open times (with valid membership card)

Membership is open to all Campbells, Campbell septs, those married to a Campbell or Campbell Sept, those descended from Clan Campbell, and to those interested in learning about the Clan Campbell, Scottish history and culture, and who acknowledge Mac Cailein Mòr as their Clan Chief, as he is the Chief of Clan Campbell, the greatest family in all of Scotland! (We're a "wee bit" biased.)

Remember, those who get the most out of being a member of the Clan Campbell Society... are those who participate. We welcome you as our kinsmen to join us in our many activities.

To become a member, simply complete the online Membership Application.