Cockburn
Cockburn Tartan Collection
Honour an old Border name with the Cockburn collection — the family of Langton and Ormiston in the Berwickshire Borders, Keepers of the Great Seal, whose crowing-cock crest declares Accendit Cantu, "he rouses us with song."
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About the Cockburn Tartan
Clan Cockburn is a Lowland Border clan whose name comes from a place near Duns in Berwickshire — with a playful link to the "cuckoo" that gives the crowing cock of the clan crest. Ancient vassals of the Earls of March, the Cockburns rose to hold great Border estates at Langton and Ormiston. An armigerous clan today, without a chief at present, the Cockburns have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Cockburn or Coburn name, descend from the Borders, or simply admire an old riding family of the March, this collection brings the Cockburn tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Cockburn Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Cockburn tartan, dating from the Napoleonic era, is a dignified sett of red crossed with green and black and lifted by fine lines of white — warm, traditional Lowland tones fitting for an old Border clan of soldiers, judges and reformers.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Cockburn tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Cockburn and Coburn family, descendants of Berwickshire and the Borders, those with Langton or Ormiston roots, and anyone drawn to an old Border clan of distinction.
- Cockburn & Coburn family
- Berwickshire & Border roots
- Langton & Ormiston branches
- Common Ridings & gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Cockburn Clan Heritage
Piers and Thomas de Cockburn set their names to the Ragman Roll in 1296. Sir Alexander de Cockburn married the daughter of Sir William de Vipont, who fell at Bannockburn, and through her the lands of Langton in Berwickshire came to the family. In 1390 Sir Alexander Cockburn of Langton was made Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, and his son was created Hereditary Great Usher of Scotland — high offices that marked the family's standing.
Sir William Cockburn of Langton fell at Flodden in 1513, and the family stood loyally for Mary, Queen of Scots, losing Skirling Castle for her cause in 1568. The name gave Scotland many notable figures: Lord Cockburn, judge and central figure of the Scottish Enlightenment; Admiral Sir George Cockburn, who escorted Napoleon into exile on St Helena; and Alison Cockburn, poet of "The Flowers of the Forest." The crest is a crowing cock, the motto Accendit Cantu.
Cockburn Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Cockburn tartan, who can wear it, and why Cockburn products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Cockburn tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Cockburn, a red-based Lowland sett with green, black and white, dating from the Napoleonic era.
Who can wear the Cockburn tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Cockburn or Coburn name and for anyone with Berwickshire or Border ancestry.
Where does the Cockburn name come from?
From a place near Duns in Berwickshire, with a traditional link to the "cuckoo" reflected in the crowing cock of the clan crest.
Why is there a cock on the crest?
It is a play on the name Cockburn — a heraldic pun, or "canting" — paired with the motto Accendit Cantu, "he rouses us with song."
Does Clan Cockburn have a chief?
Cockburn is an armigerous clan, without a chief at present; the chiefly line of Langton sold its estates in 1671.
Is Cockburn tartan a good gift?
Yes. Cockburn products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Carry the Cockburn Name with Pride
Discover Cockburn tartan apparel, accessories and gifts — honouring Langton, the Berwickshire Borders and the clan's spirited motto, Accendit Cantu.
View Cockburn Tartan Products