Kennedy
Kennedy Tartan Collection
Honour the Kings of Carrick with the Kennedy collection — the great clan of the Ayrshire coast, kin to Robert the Bruce and lords of Culzean, under the wise motto Avise La Fin, "Consider the End."
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About the Kennedy Tartan
Clan Kennedy is one of the great clans of the south-west, long dominant in Carrick on the Ayrshire coast. Of old Celtic stock, the Kennedys were kin to Robert the Bruce, whose mother was Countess of Carrick, and their power in the region was such that they were called the "Kings of Carrick." A clan with its own chief, the Marquess of Ailsa, and its own tartan, the Kennedys carry the motto Avise La Fin.
Whether you bear the Kennedy name, descend from Ayrshire and Galloway, or simply admire a great clan of the west, this collection brings the Kennedy tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Kennedy Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Kennedy tartan is a handsome sett of deep green and black crossed with blue and lifted by fine lines of gold and red — rich, dignified colours fitting for the lords of Carrick, whose cliff-top castle of Culzean looks out over the Firth of Clyde toward the rock of Ailsa Craig.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Kennedy tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Kennedy family and its kin, descendants of Carrick, Ayrshire and Galloway, those with Culzean or Cassillis connections, and anyone drawn to a great clan of the west.
- Kennedy family & kin
- Carrick & Ayrshire roots
- Culzean & Cassillis ties
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Kennedy Clan Heritage
The Kennedys rose with the old earldom of Carrick, kin to the Bruces, and John Kennedy of Dunure acquired Cassillis, which became the designation of the chiefs. Gilbert was created Lord Kennedy in the 15th century, one of the regents in the minority of James III, while his brother James Kennedy, the great Bishop of St Andrews, founded St Salvator's College and was among the wisest statesmen of his age. David, 3rd Lord Kennedy, was created Earl of Cassillis in 1509, and fell with his king at Flodden in 1513.
The Kennedys' mastery of the south-west was fierce as well as proud, marked by long feuds with neighbouring families and between their own branches of Cassillis and Bargany. In gentler centuries the chiefs built the magnificent Culzean Castle, Robert Adam's masterpiece on the Ayrshire cliffs, and were created Marquesses of Ailsa in 1806, taking their title from Ailsa Craig out in the Firth. The crest is a dolphin, and the motto Avise La Fin, "consider the end."
Kennedy Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Kennedy tartan, who can wear it, and why Kennedy products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Kennedy tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Kennedy, a deep green and black sett with blue, gold and red — rich colours of the lords of Carrick.
Who can wear the Kennedy tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Kennedy name and for anyone with Ayrshire or Galloway ancestry.
What does "Avise La Fin" mean?
It is old French for "consider the end" — wise counsel to weigh the outcome of every deed before it is done.
Is Kennedy Scottish or Irish?
Both nations have the name: the Scottish Kennedys were the great clan of Carrick, while the Irish Kennedys are the Ó Cinnéide of Munster, kin of Brian Boru — the stock of the famous American family.
Who is the chief of Clan Kennedy?
The chief is the Marquess of Ailsa, of the house of Kennedy of Cassillis; the clan's most famous seat is Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coast.
Is Kennedy tartan a good gift?
Yes. Kennedy products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Kennedy Heritage in Style
Discover Kennedy tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Carrick, Culzean and the wise motto Avise La Fin.
View Kennedy Tartan Products