Darroch
Darroch Tartan Collection
Honour a clan of oak and isle with the Darroch collection — the "sons of the oak" of Jura and Islay, kin to Clan Donald and chiefs of Gourock, under the watchful motto Be Watchful.
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About the Darroch Tartan
The Darroch name has a double root: from the Gaelic Macdara, "son of the oak" — reflected in the three oak trees of the chief's arms, from the lands of Darroch near Falkirk — and, in the West Highlands, from the islanders of Jura and Islay who formed part of the great Clan Donald. Recognised as a clan in its own right with its own chief, the Darrochs as a Hebridean kindred of Clan Donald wear the MacDonald of Sleat tartan.
Whether you bear the Darroch name, descend from Jura, Islay or Stirling, or simply admire a clan of the western isles, this collection brings the MacDonald of Sleat tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts for the Darroch kindred.
Darroch & MacDonald of Sleat Colours
Worn through the kinship with Clan Donald, the collection draws on the MacDonald of Sleat tartan — a handsome sett of deep blue and green crossed with black and lifted by lines of red and white — the colours of the Lords of the Isles, fitting for a kindred of Jura and Islay beneath the MacDonald banner.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Darroch collection is a meaningful choice for the Darroch family, Clan Donald and MacDonald kin, descendants of Jura, Islay and Gourock, and anyone drawn to a clan of the oak and the western isles.
- Darroch family members
- Jura & Islay roots
- Clan Donald & MacDonald kin
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Darroch Clan Heritage
On Jura and Islay the Darrochs were known as the Clann Domhnuill Riabhaich, the "brindled" MacDonalds — a name that set them apart from the fair-haired islanders called dath buidhe, from whom the name Bowie comes. In 1623 the kindred bound themselves to Sir Donald MacDonald, 1st Baronet of Sleat, as their overlord and protector, and the chief's Gaelic patronymic became McIllreich. Around Stirling, meanwhile, John Darroch was baillie of the burgh as early as 1406.
In the later 18th century Duncan Darroch, born on Jura, made his fortune in Jamaica and returned to buy the barony of Gourock in 1784, being recognised by the Lord Lyon as chief of the name. His descendants, the Darrochs of Gourock, served with distinction in the Highland regiments, and the chiefship continues to this day. The chief's arms show a three-masted ship among three oak trees, and the motto is Be Watchful.
Darroch Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Darroch name, the tartan its members wear, and why Darroch products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
Does Darroch have its own tartan?
Darroch is recognised as a clan but, as a Hebridean kindred of Clan Donald, the name is most fittingly worn with the MacDonald of Sleat tartan.
What does the name Darroch mean?
From the Gaelic Macdara, "son of the oak" — hence the three oak trees in the chief's arms. In the isles it comes from dath riabhach, "brindled."
What clan is Darroch connected to?
On Jura and Islay the Darrochs were part of Clan Donald, bound to the MacDonalds of Sleat, while also being recognised as a clan in their own right.
Does Clan Darroch have a chief?
Yes. The chief descends from the Darrochs of Gourock, recognised by the Lord Lyon since the late 18th century.
Who can wear the Darroch tartan?
Anyone of the Darroch name, or with MacDonald or Clan Donald kinship, can wear the MacDonald of Sleat tartan.
Is Darroch tartan a good gift?
Yes. Darroch products make a meaningful gift for the Darroch family, MacDonald kin and anyone with Hebridean heritage.
Celebrate Your Darroch Heritage in Style
Discover MacDonald of Sleat tartan apparel, accessories and gifts for the Darroch family — honouring Jura, Islay, the kinship with Clan Donald and the motto Be Watchful.
View Darroch Tartan Products