Ainslie
Ainslie Tartan Collection
Honour a proud Border name with the Ainslie collection — a Roxburghshire family of Dolphinstone and crusading knights, whose steadfast motto rings out, Gude in Need.
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About the Ainslie Tartan
The Ainslie family belongs to the Scottish Borders, settled from the medieval period around Dolphinstone near Jedburgh in Roxburghshire. The name is of Old English origin — from a place-name such as Annesley or Ainsley, read as "a hermitage wood" or "a solitary glade" — and the family took root as Border landholders, knights and, in time, crusaders. The Ainslies are an armigerous family, and their tartan carries the warm, reiver-country character of the Borders.
This collection celebrates the Ainslie name and its Border heritage, bringing the Ainslie tartan into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for those who carry the name or trace their line to old Roxburghshire.
Ainslie Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Ainslie tartan carries a warm Border palette of deep red and green crossed with navy and fine white lines — rich, grounded tones in keeping with the rolling reiver country of Roxburghshire from which the family springs.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Ainslie collection is a meaningful choice for the Ainslie family and its variants — Ainsley, Aynsley and Ainslee — for descendants of the Scottish Borders, and for anyone drawn to a Roxburghshire name with a crusading past.
- Ainslie family members
- Ainsley & Aynsley variants
- Scottish Borders roots
- Clan & Border gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Ainslie Family Heritage
The Ainslies were established in the Borders by the early 13th century, holding the barony of Dolphinstone near Jedburgh. Between roughly 1248 and 1254, Robert de Ainslie, Baron of Dolphinstone, joined his kinsman Patrick, Earl of Dunbar and March, on crusade to the Holy Land — an exploit reflected in the family arms. Two Ainslies appear in the Ragman Roll of 1296, and although the family lost its lands for opposing Robert the Bruce, William de Ainslie later regained Dolphinstone under Robert II in 1377.
The crest, an arm grasping a scimitar issuing from a cap of maintenance, recalls those crusading exploits, while the motto Gude in Need — "good in time of need" — speaks to Border loyalty. Later Ainslies ranged widely: Robert Ainslie was a close friend and travelling companion of Robert Burns, and General Charles de Ainslie led the 93rd Highlanders — the famous "Thin Red Line" — at Balaclava in 1854.
Ainslie Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Ainslie name, its tartan, and why Ainslie products make meaningful Scottish Border gifts.
What is the Ainslie tartan?
It is the tartan of the Ainslie family of the Scottish Borders, a warm Border sett of red and green with navy and white lines, worn by those of the Ainslie name and its variants.
Who can wear the Ainslie tartan?
Anyone can wear it, and it is especially meaningful for people of the Ainslie, Ainsley, Aynsley or Ainslee name, or with roots in the Scottish Borders.
Where does the Ainslie name come from?
From an Old English place-name such as Annesley or Ainsley, meaning a "hermitage wood" or "solitary glade." The family settled around Dolphinstone in Roxburghshire.
What does the motto "Gude in Need" mean?
It means "good in time of need" — a Scots motto for a Border family, paired with a crest of an armoured arm grasping a scimitar that recalls the family's crusading past.
Is Ainslie tartan a good gift?
Yes. Ainslie products make a thoughtful gift for the Ainslie family, Border descendants, and anyone celebrating Roxburghshire or Scottish heritage.
Are there variants of the Ainslie name?
Yes. Common variants include Ainsley, Aynsley and Ainslee, all sharing the same Border origins around Dolphinstone and Jedburgh.
Wear Your Ainslie Border Heritage
Discover Ainslie tartan apparel, accessories and gifts — celebrating a Roxburghshire family of Dolphinstone, crusading knights and a steadfast Border motto.
View Ainslie Tartan Products