Clan MacFarlane: History, Tartan, Crest & Modern Pride

Have you ever heard of a Scottish clan so bold that the full moon was jokingly called their lantern? That’s the kind of legendary status Clan MacFarlane holds in Highland history. Descended from the ancient Earls of Lennox and rooted in the wild beauty between Loch Long and Loch Lomond, the Clan MacFarlane (McFarlane) was as fearless as it was fiercely loyal.

But they weren’t just warriors. They were protectors of heritage, passionate Highlanders. From cattle raids to royal battles, from tartan traditions to diaspora journeys, the story of Clan MacFarlane is one of resilience, rebellion, and pride. So let’s take a trip into the heart of this iconic Highland family.

The Clan MacFarlane crest is striking—a demi-savage holding a broadsword in one hand and pointing to a crown with the other. It’s not just artistic flair. It’s a bold symbol of loyalty to Scotland’s royal line. This crest was awarded after the clan's fearless role in the Battle of Langside in 1568, where Chief Andrew MacFarlane and 300 clansmen turned the tide against Mary Queen of Scots.

Their motto? “This I’ll Defend”. It’s not just words—it’s a way of life. It reflects the clan’s readiness to protect their people, their crown, and their honor, even in the face of certain danger.

Ever wondered where the name MacFarlane comes from? Like many Gaelic names, it’s steeped in history and linguistic beauty. The name derives from “Mac Phàrlain”, meaning “son of Parlan. And Parlan? He was the son of Malduin, who aided Robert the Bruce in his quest for Scottish independence. Some say Parlan may have fought at Bannockburn himself.

While some believed "Parlan" was linked to Bartholomew, modern linguistics and historical records suggest otherwise. Instead, it’s more likely that “Parlan” stems from “Partholán”, a name from Irish myth meaning “spirit of the sea waves.” Pretty poetic for a warrior clan, right?

From the very beginning, the MacFarlanes gained a reputation as bold Highland reivers. Their rallying cry, “Loch Slòigh” —meaning “Loch of the Host”—was enough to chill the bones of their wealthier neighbors. These weren’t simple cattle thieves. They were tactical nighttime raiders, so infamous that locals called the full moon “MacFarlane’s Lantern” —because that’s when the clan would strike.

Their piobaireachd, or war pipe tune, was called “Thogail nam Bò” (To Lift the Cows We Shall Go) —blunt, honest, and very MacFarlane.

But the clan’s identity wasn’t built on raids alone. It was forged in loyalty to Scotland’s crown. At Bannockburn in 1314, the MacFarlanes stood beside Robert the Bruce, likely led by Malduin MacFarlane, proving their devotion not just through words, but through blood.

This battle wasn’t just about land. It was about freedom, and the MacFarlanes showed exactly where their allegiance lay.

The 1500s brought deep loss. At the Battle of Flodden in 1513, the 11th Chief and many clan members fell. Just decades later, during the catastrophic Battle of Pinkie Cleugh (1547), Chief Duncan and his uncle were also killed alongside countless warriors.

These battles were devastating, but the MacFarlanes pressed on—because that’s what they’d always done. Through sorrow came strength, and through loss, legacy.

No moment captured the MacFarlane spirit more than the Battle of Langside. When Queen Mary rose against the Crown, the MacFarlanes threw their lot in with the Regent, James, Earl of Moray. Led by Chief Andrew MacFarlane, 300 clansmen charged the Queen’s flank, helping to rout her forces and capture enemy standards. That valor didn’t go unnoticed.

As a reward, the clan was granted its iconic clan Macfarlane crest —a demi-savage holding a broadsword and pointing to an imperial crown—alongside the motto “This I’ll Defend”. And they lived by it every day.

But loyalty didn’t always guarantee peace. In 1592, the clan was outlawed, accused of murder, cattle theft, and general lawlessness. Whether the charges were fair or politically motivated remains a matter of debate, but the result was clear: exile.

The MacFarlanes were forced to retreat to islands in Loch Lomond, including Inveruglas and the legendary Island I Vow. Even there, danger followed. Their island homes were burned twice—during Cromwell’s invasion.

Still, they rebuilt.

As the centuries turned, so did the clan’s fortunes. Their once-rebellious image gave way to leadership, scholarship, and cultural pride. In the early 1700s, John “Mòr” MacFarlane, his son Andrew, and grandson John ushered in a period of growth.

They built Arrochar House, symbolizing a new chapter—not just survival, but success.

Even Walter MacFarlane, the 20th Chief, left his mark—not on the battlefield, but in the annals of Scottish history. A brilliant antiquarian, Walter preserved records and genealogies that historians still rely on today. His legacy was knowledge—and that’s a different kind of power.

There’s something magical about a tartan. It’s not just a pattern—it’s an identity woven into cloth. The Macfarlane clan tartan is no exception. Known for bold colors and traditional symbolism, it comes in various forms:

• Clan MacFarlane Modern & Ancient: Red-based with green and navy, evoking strength and Highland fire.

• Clan MacFarlane Hunting Tartan: Earthy greens and browns—ideal for woodland wear and Highland sports.

• Clan MacFarlane Dress Tartan: A more refined version, often worn at formal gatherings.

• Clan MacFarlane Black & White Mourning Tartan: Symbolic and rare, worn in somber remembrance.

Today, the Clan MacFarlane tartan continues to be proudly worn on kilts, scarves, ties, and dresses—not just in Scotland, but worldwide by those honoring their ancestry.

Did you know you could be part of Clan MacFarlane without even bearing the name? That’s right—through septs, or allied family names, the clan extended its reach far beyond Arrochar. Variants include:

• MacFarlane, McFarlane, MacFarland, McFarland

• MacWalter, MacNide, MacInally, Weir, Webster, Parlin, Weaver

If one of these names is in your family tree, chances are you’ve got clan Macfarlane genealogy running through your veins. It’s a connection to centuries of courage and culture—one worth exploring.

When the clan lost its lands in 1767 and the last MacFarlane chief died without an heir in 1866, many believed the clan's story had come to an end. But in truth, it was just beginning a new chapter, across oceans and continents.

During the Plantation of Ulster, many MacFarlanes settled in Ireland. Others fled persecution or poverty, landing in North America. That’s how the MacFarlane name evolved—to McFarland, MacFarlan, and even further adaptations.

Today, MacFarlanes can be found in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and beyond. From Hunstown House in Dublin to small towns in Appalachia, the MacFarlane spirit lives on.

Even without a currently recognized chief, Clan MacFarlane thrives thanks to passionate descendants. The International Clan MacFarlane Society, reestablished in 1973, is more active than ever, hosting events, supporting research, and preserving the legacy.

So, what does it mean to be a MacFarlane today? It means carrying the torch of Highland heritage—whether you’re wearing a clan MacFarlane tartan kilt at a Highland Games, sharing your family’s story, or carrying quiet pride in your roots. And what better way to keep that connection alive than by weaving it into your everyday life?

That’s exactly why we’ve created a full collection of MacFarlane tartan-inspired apparel and accessories—so you can celebrate your clan wherever you go, in comfort and style.

To be part of Clan MacFarlane is to belong to a lineage of warriors, rebels, scholars, and survivors. It's about defending your values, embracing your heritage, and standing tall—even in exile.

Whether you trace your roots directly to Clan Macfarlane Castle at Inveruglas, or simply fell in love with the clan Macfarlane tartan at a festival, you're part of something remarkable.

So go ahead—wear the tartan. Tell the stories. Shout “Loch Slòigh!” to the sky. Because the MacFarlane spirit still burns—and it always will.