Bain
Bain Tartan Collection
Honour the Bain name with this collection — a sept of the mighty Clan MacKay of the far north, of Tulloch Castle and the "fair" line of Strathnaver, who wear the proud MacKay tartan.
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About the Bain Tartan
The Bain name comes from the Gaelic bàn, meaning "fair" or "white," and in Scotland it is a sept of Clan MacKay, the powerful clan of the far north-west. It is important not to confuse Bain with MacBean or MacBain of Clan Chattan — a common mix-up. The Bains are a distinct line descended from the MacKays of Strathnaver, and as a sept of Clan MacKay they wear the MacKay tartan.
This collection celebrates the Bain name and its MacKay kinship, bringing the MacKay tartan into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for those who carry the name or trace their line to Caithness, Sutherland and the lands of the north.
Bain & MacKay Tartan Colours
Worn through the MacKay connection, the collection draws on the MacKay tartan — a dark, dignified sett of bottle green and blue crossed with black. It is a sombre, handsome Highland pattern fitting for a fighting clan of the far north and the Bain line that springs from it.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Bain collection is a meaningful choice for the Bain and Bayne family, members and septs of Clan MacKay, descendants of Caithness, Sutherland and Strathnaver, and anyone proud of a name rooted in the far north of Scotland.
- Bain & Bayne family
- Clan MacKay kin
- Caithness & Sutherland roots
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & holiday gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Bain & MacKay Heritage
The Bain line began with John Bain MacKay, son of Niel Neilson MacKay, in the aftermath of the Battle of Drumnacoub near the Kyle of Tongue, fought between rival MacKay factions around 1427–33. After the battle, John dropped the surname MacKay to become simply John Bain, and moved east from Sutherland into Caithness. His four sons founded the Bains of Caithness, of Clyth, of Tulloch and Dingwall, and a Galloway line.
The Bains of Tulloch, also spelled Bayne, held Tulloch Castle near Dingwall for over two hundred years and recorded arms with the Lord Lyon around 1673. The crest, an arm grasping a dagger, and the motto Et Marte Et Arte — "by strength and skill" — speak to the martial heritage of this MacKay line. As an armigerous sept of Clan MacKay, Bains today proudly share that clan's tartan and history.
Bain Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Bain name, the tartan its members wear, and why Bain products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
Does Bain have its own tartan?
Bain is a sept of Clan MacKay and so wears the MacKay tartan. There is no single universal Bain clan tartan, though some regional Bain setts have been created.
Is Bain the same as MacBean or MacBain?
No — this is a common confusion. Bain is a sept of Clan MacKay, descended from the MacKays of Strathnaver, and is unrelated to MacBean (MacBain) of Clan Chattan.
Where does the Bain name come from?
From the Gaelic bàn, meaning "fair" or "white." The line began when John Bain MacKay dropped the MacKay surname after the Battle of Drumnacoub.
What does the motto "Et Marte Et Arte" mean?
It means "by strength and skill" (or "by war and art"), paired with a crest of an arm grasping a dagger.
Who can wear the Bain (MacKay) tartan?
Anyone of the Bain or Bayne name, or with MacKay kinship, can wear the MacKay tartan — as can those with Caithness or Sutherland roots.
Is Bain tartan a good gift?
Yes. MacKay-tartan Bain products make a great gift for the Bain and Bayne family, MacKay kin and anyone celebrating far-north Scottish heritage.
Celebrate the Bain Name and MacKay Kinship
Discover MacKay tartan apparel, accessories and gifts for the Bain family — honouring Tulloch Castle, Strathnaver and a proud sept of Clan MacKay.
View Bain Tartan Products