Bisset
Bisset Tartan Collection
Celebrate an ancient Norman name with the Bisset collection — the builders of Beauly Priory and the castles of the Aird, a clan whose hardy motto declares Abscissa Virescit, "that torn down re-grows."
- 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 Bisset Tartan
Clan Bisset is a Scottish clan of Norman origin, brought north when William the Lion returned from captivity in England, accompanied by the Bisey or Byset family. Settling first in Moray and the Aird around Beauly, the Bissets grew into powerful landholders, building a string of great castles. Recognised by the Lord Lyon, Bisset is an armigerous clan and also a sept of Clan Fraser of Lovat, with its own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Bisset name, descend from Moray or the Aird, or simply admire a clan of ancient and storied lineage, this collection brings the Bisset tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Bisset Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Bisset tartan is a dark, dignified sett of deep green and blue crossed with black and lifted by a fine line of red — sombre, northern colours fitting for an ancient family of the Aird and the lands around Beauly and the Beauly Firth.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Bisset tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Bisset and Bissett family, descendants of Moray, the Aird and Aberdeenshire, members and septs of Clan Fraser of Lovat, and anyone drawn to an ancient Norman-Scottish clan.
- Bisset & Bissett family
- Moray & the Aird roots
- Clan Fraser of Lovat kin
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Bisset Clan Heritage
From their northern lands the Bissets built or held a remarkable string of castles — Beaufort, Beauly, Lovat, Erchless, Redcastle and Kilravock among them — and John Byset founded Beauly Priory for the Valliscaulian order in 1230. Walter Bisset of Aboyne established a preceptory of the Knights Templar at Maryculter near Aberdeen. But in 1242, after Walter was accused — perhaps unjustly — of the murder of the Earl of Atholl at a Haddington tournament, he and his nephew John were banished from Scotland.
From the exiled John Bisset sprang the MacEoin Bissets of the Glens of Antrim in Ireland, while in Scotland the Bissets of Lessendrum in Aberdeenshire held their lands from the 14th century until the 20th. The Bissets' Highland inheritance passed by marriage to the Frasers of Lovat, making Bisset a sept of that great clan. The motto Abscissa Virescit — "that torn down re-grows" — perfectly captures a family that endured exile and loss yet survived.
Bisset Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Bisset tartan, who can wear it, and why Bisset products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Bisset tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Bisset, a dark sett of green and blue with black and a fine red line — a dignified pattern for an ancient Norman-Scottish clan.
Who can wear the Bisset tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Bisset or Bissett name, for Fraser of Lovat kin, and for anyone with Moray or Aird ancestry.
Where do the Bissets come from?
Clan Bisset is of Norman origin, coming to Scotland with William the Lion and settling in Moray and the Aird around Beauly, where they built many castles.
What does the motto "Abscissa Virescit" mean?
It means "that which is torn down re-grows" — a fitting motto for a family that survived exile and the loss of its lands.
Is Bisset connected to Clan Fraser of Lovat?
Yes. The Bissets' Highland lands passed by marriage to the Frasers of Lovat, and Bisset is recognised as a sept of Clan Fraser of Lovat.
Is Bisset tartan a good gift?
Yes. Bisset products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Bisset Heritage in Style
Discover Bisset tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Beauly, the Aird and the clan's enduring motto, Abscissa Virescit.
View Bisset Tartan Products