Barclay
Barclay Tartan Collection
Celebrate a clan of chamberlains and soldiers with the Barclay collection — the Norman family of Towie, Mathers and Urie in the north-east, who gave Scotland statesmen, Quakers and a Russian field marshal, under the motto Aut Agere Aut Mori.
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About the Barclay Tartan
Clan Barclay is a Lowland Scottish clan of Norman origin, descended from the de Berkeleys who came to Britain at the Conquest and moved north to Scotland in the 12th century. Granted lands in the north-east, the Barclays built their power at Towie, Mathers, Gartly and Urie in Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire. By 1165 Sir Walter de Berkeley was Chamberlain of Scotland, and the family has held a place near the heart of Scottish affairs ever since.
Whether you bear the Barclay name, descend from the north-east, or simply admire a clan of soldiers and statesmen, this collection brings the Barclay tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Barclay Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Barclay tartan, in its hunting form, is a quiet, dignified sett of soft green and blue with black and a fine white stripe — muted, heathery tones that evoke the Aberdeenshire hunting grounds of the clan. Brighter dress versions also exist, but the green hunting sett remains the most widely worn.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Barclay tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Barclay family and its many spellings — including Berkeley and Barkley — for descendants of Aberdeenshire and the Mearns, and for anyone drawn to a clan whose reach ran from Scotland to the courts of Europe.
- Barclay & Berkeley family
- Towie, Mathers & Urie branches
- Aberdeenshire & Mearns roots
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Barclay Clan Heritage
From Sir Walter de Berkeley, Chamberlain of Scotland in the 12th century, the Barclays rose through royal service. Sir David Barclay was a close companion of Robert the Bruce, present at many of his battles, while the Barclays of Mathers married into the powerful Keith Marischals in 1351. Towie Barclay Castle, rebuilt in 1593, stood as the family's great Aberdeenshire stronghold, though a local legend of a curse led to its sale in the 18th century.
The clan produced extraordinary figures: Robert Barclay of Urie, the celebrated Quaker apologist; David Barclay, whose descendants helped found Barclays Bank in London; and Field Marshal Prince Michael Barclay de Tolly, descended from a Towie branch settled in the Baltic, who commanded the Russian armies against Napoleon in 1812. The crest, a hand holding a dagger, and the motto Aut Agere Aut Mori — "either action or death" — capture the clan's decisive spirit.
Barclay Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Barclay tartan, who can wear it, and why Barclay products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Barclay tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Barclay. The hunting version is a muted green and blue sett with black and white; brighter dress versions also exist.
Who can wear the Barclay tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Barclay name and its variants, such as Berkeley and Barkley, and for anyone with north-east Scottish roots.
Where do the Barclays come from?
Clan Barclay is of Norman origin, descended from the de Berkeleys who came to Britain at the Conquest and moved north to Scotland, settling in Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire.
What does the motto "Aut Agere Aut Mori" mean?
It means "either action or death" — a bold, decisive motto paired with a crest of a hand holding a dagger.
Is Barclays Bank connected to the clan?
Yes, by descent. David Barclay, of the Barclay of Urie line, was among the family whose descendants helped found Barclays Bank in London.
Is Barclay tartan a good gift?
Yes. Barclay products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Barclay Heritage in Style
Discover Barclay tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Towie, Mathers and Urie, and the clan's decisive motto, Aut Agere Aut Mori.
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