Johnstone (Johnston)
Johnstone Tartan Collection
Honour a great Border clan with the Johnstone collection — the lords of Annandale and Wardens of the West March, riders ever ready for the fray, under the watchful motto Nunquam Non Paratus, "Never Unprepared."
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About the Johnstone Tartan
Clan Johnstone is one of the great riding clans of the Scottish Borders, long dominant in Annandale in Dumfriesshire. The name is territorial — "John's toun," the settlement of an early John — and the clan rose to hold the earldom of Annandale and Hartfell. A clan with its own chief and its own tartan, the Johnstones were fierce defenders of the frontier and Wardens of the West March.
Whether you bear the Johnstone or Johnston name, descend from Annandale, or simply admire a great Border clan, this collection brings the Johnstone tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Johnstone Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Johnstone tartan is a handsome sett of deep green and blue crossed with black and lifted by fine lines — cool, dignified colours fitting for a hardy Border clan of the hills and dales of Annandale, whose badge is the red hawthorn.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Johnstone tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Johnstone and Johnston family, descendants of Annandale and Dumfriesshire, those with Lockerbie or Lochwood connections, and anyone drawn to a great Border clan.
- Johnstone & Johnston family
- Annandale & Dumfriesshire roots
- Lockerbie & Lochwood ties
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Johnstone Clan Heritage
The Johnstones held Annandale from early times, their stronghold at Lochwood, and rose to great power on the frontier, providing many a Warden of the West March — the king's guardians of the border with England. For generations they waged a long and bloody feud with their great rivals the Maxwells, a struggle for mastery of the south-west that stained the whole Border country.
The feud reached its terrible climax at the Battle of Dryfe Sands in 1593, where the Johnstones routed a far larger Maxwell force and Lord Maxwell himself was slain — one of the greatest clan battles ever fought on the Borders. The chiefs rose to be Earls of Annandale and Hartfell, a title borne by the chief to this day. The crest is a winged spur, ever ready to ride, the badge red hawthorn, and the motto Nunquam Non Paratus.
Johnstone Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Johnstone tartan, who can wear it, and why Johnstone products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Johnstone tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Johnstone, a deep green and blue sett with black — cool colours recalling their Annandale home.
Who can wear the Johnstone tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Johnstone or Johnston name and for anyone with Dumfriesshire ancestry.
What does "Nunquam Non Paratus" mean?
It is Latin for "never unprepared" — a fitting motto for a Border clan always ready to defend its own.
What was the Battle of Dryfe Sands?
A great clan battle of 1593 in which the Johnstones routed the Maxwells and Lord Maxwell was killed, the climax of their long feud.
Is it spelled Johnstone or Johnston?
Both are used; Johnstone is the usual form of the Border clan of Annandale, while Johnston is common too, including a separate northern family.
Is Johnstone tartan a good gift?
Yes. Johnstone products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Johnstone Heritage in Style
Discover Johnstone tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Annandale, the Wardens of the March and the motto Nunquam Non Paratus.
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