Arbuthnot
Arbuthnott Tartan Collection
Celebrate a clan of unbroken lineage with the Arbuthnott collection — a Kincardineshire family of the Bervie Valley, seated at Arbuthnott House for twenty-four generations, whose peacock crest bears the motto Laus Deo.
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About the Arbuthnott Tartan
Clan Arbuthnott is a Lowland Scottish clan whose name comes from the lands of Arbuthnott — old Aberbothenoth, "the mouth of the stream below the noble house" — in Kincardineshire, in the historic Mearns. Remarkably, those lands have stayed with the same family for more than twenty-four generations, and Arbuthnott House remains the chief's seat today. The Arbuthnott tartan was registered with the Lord Lyon in 1962 and is based on the famous Black Watch sett.
Whether you bear the Arbuthnott name, descend from the Mearns, or simply admire a tartan rooted in the Black Watch tradition, this collection brings the Arbuthnott tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Arbuthnott Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Arbuthnott tartan is based on the dark Black Watch sett of bottle green, navy blue and black, distinguished by fine red overstripes that lift the pattern. It is a dignified, deep-toned tartan whose red lines give the clan both a sombre Highland-style ground and a touch of warmth.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Arbuthnott tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Arbuthnott and Arbuthnot family, descendants of Kincardineshire and the Mearns, and anyone drawn to a clan of unusually unbroken lineage with a tartan in the Black Watch tradition.
- Arbuthnott & Arbuthnot family
- Kincardineshire & Mearns roots
- Black Watch tartan admirers
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Arbuthnott Clan Heritage
The lands of Arbuthnott came to the family through Hugh, possibly of the Swinton kindred, who married Margaret Olifard, heiress of Arbuthnott and sister of Osbert Olifard "the Crusader," in the reign of William the Lion. The name itself was first borne by Philip de Arbuthnott in the 14th century. His son Hugh was implicated in the notorious 1420 killing of John Melville, sheriff of the Mearns — an affair for which the laird was later pardoned.
In 1641 Sir Robert Arbuthnott was created Viscount of Arbuthnott and Lord Inverbervie by Charles I, and the chiefly line continues today in Keith Arbuthnott, 17th Viscount of Arbuthnott. The crest, a peacock's head, and the motto Laus Deo — "Praise God" — crown a family that also produced Dr John Arbuthnot, the physician and satirist who was friend to Swift and Pope in 18th-century London.
Arbuthnott Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Arbuthnott tartan, who can wear it, and why Arbuthnott products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Arbuthnott tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Arbuthnott, registered with the Lord Lyon in 1962 and based on the Black Watch sett — bottle green, navy and black with fine red overstripes.
Who can wear the Arbuthnott tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Arbuthnott or Arbuthnot name and for anyone with Kincardineshire or Mearns ancestry.
What does the name Arbuthnott mean?
It comes from the old place-name Aberbothenoth, usually read as "the mouth of the stream below the noble house," after the lands on the Bervie in Kincardineshire.
What does the motto "Laus Deo" mean?
Laus Deo is Latin for "Praise God." It is paired with the chief's crest of a peacock's head, worn by clan members on their crest badge.
Does Clan Arbuthnott have a chief?
Yes. The chief is Keith Arbuthnott, 17th Viscount of Arbuthnott and Lord Inverbervie, whose family has held Arbuthnott House for over twenty-four generations.
Is Arbuthnott tartan a good gift?
Yes. Arbuthnott products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations, especially for those with Mearns roots.
Celebrate Your Arbuthnott Heritage in Style
Discover Arbuthnott tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour the Bervie Valley, Arbuthnott House and the clan's enduring motto, Laus Deo.
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