Elphinstone
Elphinstone Tartan Collection
Honour a clan of bishops and lords with the Elphinstone collection — the family of East Lothian who founded a university and served kings, Lords Elphinstone and kin to a queen, under the thoughtful motto Cause Causit.
- Featured
- Most relevant
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
About the Elphinstone Tartan
Clan Elphinstone takes its name from the village of Elphinstone near Tranent in East Lothian, the name first appearing in the early 13th century. By tradition the family descends from a Flemish knight, or from "Alpin's tun," and rose to great prominence as Lords Elphinstone. A clan with its own chief, the Lord Elphinstone, seated of old at Elphinstone Tower and later at Airth and Kildrummy, the Elphinstones have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Elphinstone name, descend from East Lothian or Stirlingshire, or simply admire a clan of scholars, soldiers and statesmen, this collection brings the Elphinstone tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Elphinstone Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Elphinstone tartan is a dignified sett of soft purple and green crossed with black and lifted by fine lines of white — rich, noble colours fitting for an old clan of lords and bishops, raised high in the church and state of Scotland over many centuries.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Elphinstone tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Elphinstone family, descendants of East Lothian and Stirlingshire, those with Lord Elphinstone or Keith connections, and anyone drawn to a clan at the heart of Scotland's church and crown.
- Elphinstone family members
- East Lothian & Stirlingshire roots
- Airth & Kildrummy branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Elphinstone Clan Heritage
Sir John de Elphinstone married Margaret Seton, a niece of Robert the Bruce, raising the family to prominence in the 14th century. The clan's greatest churchman was William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, who founded the University of Aberdeen, with King's College, in 1500. His kinsman Alexander was created 1st Lord Elphinstone, and fell beside James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513; his son fell at Pinkie in 1547.
For centuries the Elphinstones served crown and country: the fourth Lord was Lord High Treasurer, George Keith Elphinstone rose to be Admiral Viscount Keith, and the family held Kildrummy Castle and Airth. In modern times the 16th Lord Elphinstone married Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon, sister of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, binding the clan once more to the royal house. The crest is a lady rising from a coronet, and the motto Cause Causit, "cause caused it."
Elphinstone Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Elphinstone tartan, who can wear it, and why Elphinstone products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Elphinstone tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Elphinstone, a purple and green sett with black and white — noble colours for an old clan of lords and bishops.
Who can wear the Elphinstone tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Elphinstone name and for anyone with East Lothian or Stirlingshire ancestry.
Where does the Elphinstone name come from?
From the village of Elphinstone near Tranent in East Lothian, recorded from the early 13th century.
Who founded the University of Aberdeen?
William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, founded the University of Aberdeen, with King's College, in 1500.
Who is the chief of Clan Elphinstone?
The chief is the Lord Elphinstone, head of this ancient family long seated in East Lothian and Stirlingshire.
Is Elphinstone tartan a good gift?
Yes. Elphinstone products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Elphinstone Heritage in Style
Discover Elphinstone tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour East Lothian, the founder of Aberdeen's university and the motto Cause Causit.
View Elphinstone Tartan Products