Allison
Allison Tartan Collection
Honour the Allison name with this collection — a sept of Clan MacAlister and Clan Donald from Kintyre and Knapdale, carried west and worldwide with its own distinctive blue-and-green tartan.
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About the Allison Tartan
The Allison name is generally traced to MacAlister — from the Gaelic Mac Alasdair, "son of Alasdair" — with the family originating in North Kintyre and Knapdale in Argyll. Allison (also spelled Alison) is recognised as a sept of both Clan MacAlister and the wider Clan Donald, and so its members may wear MacAlister or MacDonald tartans. The name also carries its own distinctive Allison tartan, which originated with a collector in the 1930s.
This collection celebrates the Allison name and its west-Highland kinship, bringing the Allison tartan into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for those who carry the name or trace their roots to Kintyre, Knapdale and the Clan Donald world.
Allison Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Allison tartan is built on blue and green with thick black lines, two red lines and fine yellow and white stripes — a rich, layered sett with the depth and contrast of the wider Clan Donald tartan family from which the name springs.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Allison collection is a meaningful choice for the Allison and Alison family, members and septs of Clan MacAlister and Clan Donald, descendants of Kintyre and Knapdale, and anyone proud of a name woven into the great west-Highland kindred.
- Allison & Alison family
- Clan MacAlister kin
- Clan Donald kin
- Kintyre & Knapdale roots
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Allison & MacAlister Heritage
As a sept name, Allison shares the story of Clan MacAlister, the earliest branch to split from Clan Donald and descended from Alasdair Mòr, a 13th-century descendant of Somerled, Lord of Argyll. The MacAlister heartland was the Kintyre peninsula, and from North Kintyre and Knapdale the name Allison emerged among the clan's followers. The origin of the name is debated — some link it instead to "Ellis" or "son of Alice" — but the strongest Scottish tradition ties it to MacAlister.
Through their MacAlister and Clan Donald kinship, Allisons belong to one of the great Gaelic kindreds of the western seaboard, whose chiefs were the MacAlisters of Loup. The Allison family motto is often given as Veritas Vincit — "truth prevails" — and the name has since spread far from Argyll across the Scottish and Ulster diaspora, carried by emigrants to America and beyond.
Allison Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Allison name, the tartans its members wear, and why Allison products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
Does Allison have its own tartan?
Yes. There is a distinctive Allison tartan dating from the 1930s. Because Allison is a sept of Clan MacAlister and Clan Donald, members may also wear MacAlister or MacDonald tartans.
What clan is Allison associated with?
Allison is a sept of Clan MacAlister, and through it of the wider Clan Donald. The name is generally traced to MacAlister, from the Gaelic for "son of Alasdair."
Where does the Allison name come from?
The strongest Scottish tradition traces it to MacAlister in North Kintyre and Knapdale. Other accounts link it to "Ellis" or to "son of Alice," so its origin is debated.
What are the Allison tartan colours?
The Allison tartan combines blue and green with thick black lines, two red lines and fine yellow and white stripes — a rich sett in the Clan Donald style.
Who can wear the Allison tartan?
Anyone of the Allison or Alison name, or with MacAlister or Clan Donald kinship, can wear the Allison tartan — as can those who appreciate the pattern.
Is Allison tartan a good gift?
Yes. Allison products make a great gift for the Allison and Alison family, MacAlister and MacDonald kin, and anyone celebrating Kintyre or west-Highland heritage.
Celebrate the Allison Name and Clan Kinship
Discover Allison tartan apparel, accessories and gifts — honouring Kintyre, Knapdale and a name woven into Clan MacAlister and the great Clan Donald.
View Allison Tartan Products