Clan Forbes: History, Tartan & Scottish Heritage Uncovered

Have you ever encountered the name Forbes or Clan Forbes and wondered about its story? This isn’t just a surname—it’s the banner of one of Scotland’s most enduring Highland clans, echoing with pride through the centuries.

Clan Forbes has long stood as a symbol of loyalty, strength, and tradition in the Highlands of Scotland. From the windswept lands of Aberdeenshire—home to the original Forbes clan castle—to modern clan gatherings around the globe, the Forbes clan legacy continues to inspire.

Curious to know where it all began, what the Forbes tartan looks like, or why the Forbes clan history played such a unique role in Scottish history? You’re in the right place—let’s uncover the story together.

Every Scottish clan has its proud symbols, and those symbols shine brightly for Clan Forbes. The official Clan Forbes crest displays a stag’s head cabossed—bold, noble, and alert. It represents swiftness, honor, and strength, deeply tied to the Forbes clan history.

Paired with the crest is the Forbes clan motto :
“Grace me guide”.

This powerful phrase captures the spirit of divine guidance, honor, and legacy that defines the Forbes family. You’ll often see the Forbes clan coat of arms, crest, and badge proudly worn at gatherings, embroidered on kilts, or stamped on clan merchandise—a visual link between the modern world and ancient Highland values.

The origin of the Clan Forbes stretches far beyond mere genealogy—it’s wrapped in tales of Highland bravery and strategic settlement. The earliest traceable roots point to Oconachar de Forbes, who is believed to have lived during the reign of King William the Lion (late 12th century). The family name likely comes from the Gaelic word “Forba”, meaning “field” or “district”.

One enduring legend speaks of a warrior who slew a bear terrorizing the region—a tale some say explains the stag in the Forbes coat of arms. Whether fable or fact, Clan Forbes Scotland made its roots in Aberdeenshire, staking their claim in the northeast Highlands.

Closely tied to this homeland is Strath Don (or Strathdon), a scenic Aberdeenshire valley along the River Don, with Bellabeg village at its heart. This land is central to Forbes' heritage—Lonach, a hill here, is the clan’s historic war cry. In the past, members rallied at Lonach Hill, marked by an ancient cairn and boundary stone. Today, the annual Lonach Highland Gathering keeps this tradition alive, bringing Clan Forbes members and visitors together from around the world.

The story of Clan Forbes is one of resilience, ambition, and legacy—a clan that not only survived Scotland’s turbulent past but thrived in the heart of it. From the early medieval skirmishes to Enlightenment politics, the Forbes name became synonymous with loyalty and leadership.

So, where does it all begin? The earliest mention of the Forbes clan in Scotland dates back to the 13th and early 14th centuries. The family likely took their name from the lands of Forbes in Aberdeenshire—a name thought to derive from the Gaelic "Forba", meaning "a field" or "district".

By the 1300s, Clan Forbes had already established themselves as landholders and local nobles. They gained royal favor by supporting Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Their loyalty to the crown laid the foundation for centuries of growing power and influence in the northeastern Highlands.

During this period that their seat, the Forbes clan castle of Castle Forbes, rose in prominence on the River Don, marking them as a clan of real substance.

In 1445, Alexander Forbes was created the 1st Lord Forbes, elevating the clan into the Scottish peerage. That might not sound like much today, but this title was a powerful political upgrade at the time. It made the Forbeses the first clan in Scotland to be recognized with a hereditary lordship, long before many others caught up. To this day, Lord Forbes remains the oldest title in the Scottish peerage, which a direct descendant still holds.

This rise wasn’t just about lands and castles. The Forbes clan began building a reputation as fierce warriors and shrewd political players in the Highland power structure.

But with great power came great enemies.

During the 1500s, Clan Forbes became embroiled in one of Scottish history's bloodiest and most notorious clan rivalries—against the powerful Gordons of Huntly. This wasn't a petty dispute. It was a full-blown feud that spanned generations, leading to violent clashes, burned castles, and countless lives lost.

Why the feud? It came down to land, politics, and pride. Both families were prominent forces in Aberdeenshire, and each wanted dominance. The Gordons were Catholics and often aligned with the French-backed factions, while the Forbeses were Protestant and more supportive of the Reformation and English ties.

These battles weren’t just private matters. They influenced alliances in the Scottish court, tipped the power scales, and echoed in Parliament. The struggle between these two clans was so severe that it even drew royal attention—and occasional royal attempts to broker peace.

Speaking of plaid, let’s talk tartan.

The Forbes tartan is a striking design composed of dark green, navy, and black with crisp white accents. It reflects both elegance and subtle strength, much like the clan itself.

There are several variations of the Clan Forbes tartan, including: 

• Modern Forbes Tartan – bold, with intense colors.

• Ancient Forbes Tartan – lighter, with softer tones, reflecting natural dyes.
  Dress Forbes Tartan – a brighter variation used for formal wear.

Each pattern tells a story, connecting today’s wearers with centuries of Highland tradition. The Forbes clan plaid symbolizes identity and pride, whether on a kilt, scarf, or clan blanket.

• Forbes of Pitsligo – The most famous member, Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Pitsligo, was a Jacobite who fought at the Battle of Culloden.

• Forbes of Culloden – Known for Duncan Forbes, a key figure in British law and governance.

• Forbes of Newe – This line produced military leaders and established links with the British Empire.

The following surnames are considered clan Forbes septs, meaning individuals with these names may be entitled to wear the Forbes tartan and consider themselves clan kin:

• Bannerman

• MacFarquhar

• Fordyce

• Findlay

• Farquharson (Note: also a prominent Highland clan in their own right but with early Forbes ties).

The clan Forbes septs show how Forbes influence extended beyond bloodlines, uniting families through loyalty and shared heritage.

• Berrie, Berry, Boyce, Boyes

• Fobbs, Fobes, Forbes, Forbis, Forbus, Forbush

• Furbish, Faubus, Furbus, Furbrush

• Lumsden, Fordyce

• MacOuat, MacQuattie, MacWatt

• Mechie, Mekie, Meldrum, Michie

• Middleton

• Walter, Walters, Waters

• Watson, Watt, Watts, Watters, Wattie

Despite the decline of the clan system after the 18th century, Clan Forbes has not disappeared—in fact, its identity is thriving globally.

The current chief, Malcolm Forbes, 23rd Lord Forbes, remains one of the few clan chiefs to sit in the House of Lords. The Castle Forbes estate in Aberdeenshire still proudly welcomes guests and Forbes clan members worldwide.

Many Clan Forbes Society chapters have sprung up in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. These groups organize gatherings, Highland games, genealogy projects, and tartan parades to keep the spirit alive.

Even in modern pop culture, the Forbes name continues to appear—from historical fiction to real-world legacy families (hello, Forbes Magazine). But it constantly circles back to Scotland, where the story began.

Ready to wear your heritage with pride? Whether you're a Forbes by name or by spirit, there's no better way to celebrate your roots than with our Forbes tartan collection. From everyday clothing to cozy home decor, unique accessories, and even stylish footwear, we've got everything you need to show off your clan Forbes pride in bold Highland style.

Explore the collection below and find the perfect piece that speaks to your Forbes heart.

Clan Forbes is more than a name—it’s a legacy of courage, leadership, and resilience. From medieval warriors to modern professionals, the spirit of the Forbes family lives on in the tartan they wear, the crest they display, and the history they proudly protect.

Whether you’re a direct descendant or inspired by the Highlands, Clan Forbes invites you to be part of its ongoing story.

So why not wrap yourself in tartan, raise a glass of whisky, and toast to a name that still stands tall after centuries? Grace me guide—always.