Galbraith
Galbraith Tartan Collection
Honour the Children of the Britons with the Galbraith collection — the ancient kindred of the Lennox, sprung from the old Britons of Strathclyde, whose muzzled-bear badge declares Ab Obice Suavior, "Gentler for the Obstruction."
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About the Galbraith Tartan
Clan Galbraith is one of the most ancient kindreds of Scotland, its very name — from the Gaelic gall Breathnach, "the foreign Briton" — marking its descent from the old Britons of the Kingdom of Strathclyde, distinct from both Gael and Angle. In Gaelic they are Clann a' Bhreatannaich, "Children of the Britons." Centred in the Lennox by Loch Lomond, with their stronghold on the isle of Inchgalbraith, the Galbraiths are an armigerous clan with their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Galbraith name, descend from the Lennox or Loch Lomond, or simply admire a clan of the ancient Britons, this collection brings the Galbraith tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Galbraith Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Galbraith tartan is a handsome sett of green and blue crossed with black and lifted by fine lines of red and white — earthy, dignified colours that echo the wooded braes and shining waters of the Lennox, the clan's ancient homeland by Loch Lomond. The same sett is known in some records as Russell, Mitchell or Hunter.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Galbraith tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Galbraith family and its kin, including the Russells, Mitchells and Breckenridges, descendants of the Lennox and Loch Lomond, and anyone drawn to a clan of the ancient Britons.
- Galbraith family & kin
- Lennox & Loch Lomond roots
- Russell & Mitchell branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Galbraith Clan Heritage
The first chief is reckoned to be Gilchrist Bretnach, "Gilchrist the Briton," who married a granddaughter of the first Earl of Lennox in the 12th century. Sir William Galbraith, the fourth chief, was one of the leaders who in 1255 seized the government of Scotland and freed the young King Alexander III from the grip of the Comyns; his son Sir Arthur, the fifth chief, supported Robert the Bruce and married a sister of the "Good" Sir James Douglas.
From about 1320 the chiefs held Culcreuch Castle in the Fintry hills, one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland. The clan's long story ended in misfortune: Robert Galbraith of Culcreuch, the seventeenth chief, fell into feud and lawlessness, lost the clan's lands, and fled to Ireland before 1642. The chiefship has lain dormant since about 1700. The badge is a muzzled bear's head, and the motto Ab Obice Suavior.
Galbraith Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Galbraith tartan, who can wear it, and why Galbraith products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Galbraith tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Galbraith, a green and blue sett with black, red and white, also recorded under the names Russell, Mitchell and Hunter.
Who can wear the Galbraith tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Galbraith name and for anyone with Lennox or Loch Lomond ancestry.
What does the name Galbraith mean?
It comes from the Gaelic gall Breathnach, "the foreign Briton," marking the clan's descent from the ancient Britons of Strathclyde.
What does the muzzled bear on the badge mean?
The muzzled bear, with the motto Ab Obice Suavior, "gentler for the obstruction," suggests a once-fierce clan tamed by restraint.
Does Clan Galbraith have a chief?
Galbraith is an armigerous clan; the chiefship has been dormant since about 1700, after the seventeenth chief lost the clan's lands.
Is Galbraith tartan a good gift?
Yes. Galbraith products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Galbraith Heritage in Style
Discover Galbraith tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour the Lennox, the ancient Britons and the motto Ab Obice Suavior.
View Galbraith Tartan Products