Clergy
Clergy Tartan Collection
Honour the men of the cloth with the Clergy collection — Scotland's only occupational tartan, worn by ministers and priests in quiet shades of blue, black and grey, the ancient sett from which the Clark tartan itself descends.
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About the Clergy Tartan
The Clergy tartan is unique among Scottish setts — often described as the only true occupational tartan, worn not by a clan or family but by men of the cloth, the ministers and priests of Scotland. Sometimes called the "Priest" tartan, it follows the old rule that Highland clergy should wear Highland dress but in no bright colours, and so is woven in quiet, dignified shades of blue, black and light grey.
This collection celebrates the Clergy tartan and its place in Scotland's spiritual heritage, bringing this distinctive sett into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for ministers, for those who serve the church, and for the Clark family with whom it shares its very name.
Clergy Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Clergy tartan is a restrained and elegant sett of soft blue and black with a fine line of light grey — deliberately free of the bright reds and greens of the clan tartans, in keeping with the modest dress thought fitting for the clergy. There are blue and green variations, but all hold to the same quiet, reverent character.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Clergy collection is a meaningful choice for ministers and priests of every denomination, for those who serve the church, for the Clark and Clerk family who share its clericus root, and for anyone drawn to a tartan of faith and vocation.
- Ministers & clergy
- Ordinations & church services
- Clark & Clerk family
- Kirkin' o' the Tartan
- Ordination & retirement gifts
- Dignified everyday wear
Clergy Tartan Heritage
The Clergy tartan shares its very name and origin with the surname Clark: both come from the Latin clericus, the root of both "cleric" and "clerk." For this reason the Clark family long wore the Clergy sett as their own, and in many old works the same pattern is given both names. Today the Clark family tartan is usually woven in brighter shades, to distinguish the family from the muted tartan of the clergy.
The tartan has been worn by Scottish churchmen across the denominations — Presbyterian, Catholic and Episcopal alike, for it has never been restricted to any one church. A special Episcopal Clergy tartan was designed in 1966 to honour the clergy of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church in America. Whether worn at an ordination, a Kirkin' o' the Tartan, or in everyday ministry, the Clergy tartan remains a quiet emblem of faith and service.
Clergy Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Clergy tartan, who may wear it, and why Clergy products make meaningful heritage gifts.
What is the Clergy tartan?
It is Scotland's only occupational tartan, worn by ministers and priests — a muted sett of blue, black and grey, sometimes called the "Priest" tartan.
Who can wear the Clergy tartan?
It is traditionally worn by members of the clergy of any denomination. The Clark and Clerk family also wear it, through their shared root in the Latin clericus.
Why is the Clergy tartan so muted?
By old custom, Highland clergy were to wear Highland dress but in no bright colours, so the tartan avoids the vivid reds and greens of the clan setts.
How is the Clergy tartan linked to Clark?
Both "Clergy" and "Clark" come from the Latin clericus. The Clark family long wore the Clergy tartan, and the Clark sett is a brighter version of it.
Is the Clergy tartan for one church only?
No. It has never been restricted to any one denomination and is worn by Presbyterian, Catholic and Episcopal clergy alike. A special Episcopal Clergy tartan was made in 1966.
Is Clergy tartan a good gift?
Yes. Clergy products make a meaningful gift for ministers and priests, for ordinations and retirements, and for the Clark family.
Honour Faith and Vocation in Tartan
Discover Clergy tartan apparel, accessories and gifts — honouring Scotland's only occupational tartan, the men of the cloth who wear it, and the Clark family who share its name.
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