Forsyth
Forsyth Tartan Collection
Honour a clan of resilience with the Forsyth collection — the men of peace who fought at Bannockburn and rose again from ruin, keepers of Ethie Castle, under the steadfast motto Instaurator Ruinae, "A Repairer of Ruin."
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About the Forsyth Tartan
Clan Forsyth is an old Scottish clan whose name may come from the Gaelic Fear Sithe, "man of peace," or from a Norman ancestor, Forsach. The Forsyths won their lands through loyalty and valour, and their motto, Instaurator Ruinae, "a repairer of ruin," speaks of a family that has risen again and again through the centuries. A clan with its own chief, Forsyth of that Ilk, Baron of Ethie, the Forsyths have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Forsyth or Forsythe name, descend from Stirlingshire or Angus, or simply admire a clan of endurance, this collection brings the Forsyth tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Forsyth Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Forsyth tartan, said to have been designed by the botanist William Forsyth in 1795, is a handsome sett of green and blue crossed with black and lifted by fine lines of red and white — dignified colours fitting for a clan whose plant badge is the golden Forsythia, the flowering shrub that carries the family name around the world.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Forsyth tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Forsyth and Forsythe family, descendants of Stirlingshire and Angus, those with Ethie or Dykes connections, and anyone drawn to a clan of resilience and renewal.
- Forsyth & Forsythe family
- Stirlingshire & Angus roots
- Ethie & Dykes branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Forsyth Clan Heritage
Robert de Fauside set his name to the Ragman Roll in 1296, and his son Osbert de Forsyth distinguished himself fighting for Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314, for which he was granted lands at Sauchie in Stirlingshire. The family prospered around Stirling, one of them being made Constable of Stirling Castle in 1368, and Alexander Forsyth fell at Flodden in 1513. The motto Instaurator Ruinae was won for the family's services at the Battle of Dykes.
Many of the clan's records were destroyed by Cromwell's soldiers, and for some three hundred years the Forsyths had no recognised chief. Then in 1978 the Lord Lyon confirmed Alistair Forsyth of that Ilk, Baron of Ethie, as chief of the clan; he restored the ancient Ethie Castle in Angus, one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland. The botanist William Forsyth gave his name to the Forsythia; the crest is a crowned griffin, and the motto Instaurator Ruinae.
Forsyth Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Forsyth tartan, who can wear it, and why Forsyth products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Forsyth tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Forsyth, a green and blue sett with black, red and white, said to have been designed by the botanist William Forsyth in 1795.
Who can wear the Forsyth tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Forsyth or Forsythe name and for anyone with Stirlingshire or Angus ancestry.
What does the motto "Instaurator Ruinae" mean?
It means "a repairer of ruin" — fitting for a clan that has risen again through many centuries; it was won for services at the Battle of Dykes.
Is the Forsythia flower named after the clan?
Yes. The golden Forsythia shrub, the clan's plant badge, is named after the Scottish botanist William Forsyth.
Who is the chief of Clan Forsyth?
The chief is Forsyth of that Ilk, Baron of Ethie, recognised by the Lord Lyon in 1978, whose seat was the historic Ethie Castle in Angus.
Is Forsyth tartan a good gift?
Yes. Forsyth products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Forsyth Heritage in Style
Discover Forsyth tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Ethie Castle, the golden Forsythia and the steadfast motto Instaurator Ruinae.
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