Gordon
Gordon Tartan Collection
Celebrate a great power of the north with the Gordon collection — the "Cock o' the North," Marquesses of Huntly and lords of Aberdeenshire, under the steadfast motto Bydand, "Abiding."
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About the Gordon Tartan
Clan Gordon is one of the most powerful of Scottish clans, whose chiefs, the Marquesses of Huntly, were known as the "Cock o' the North." The name comes from the parish of Gordon in Berwickshire in the Borders, but the family's power shifted north to Aberdeenshire, where the lands of Strathbogie were renamed Huntly. A clan with its own chief and a rich array of tartans, the Gordons are famed for their distinctive green and blue sett with its bright yellow stripe.
Whether you bear the Gordon name, descend from Aberdeenshire, or simply admire one of the great clans of the north, this collection brings the Gordon tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Gordon Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Gordon tartan is a handsome sett of deep green and blue crossed with black — the pattern of the Black Watch — lifted by a distinctive bright yellow stripe that sets the clan apart. This is the tartan of the famous Gordon Highlanders; the Dress Gordon adds white, and the Red Gordon, or Huntly, glows with scarlet.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Gordon tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Gordon family and its many septs, descendants of Aberdeenshire, those with Huntly or Aboyne connections, and anyone drawn to a great clan of the north-east.
- Gordon family & septs
- Aberdeenshire roots
- Huntly & Aboyne branches
- Clan gatherings & Highland games
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Gordon Clan Heritage
Sir Adam de Gordon was a loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce, and served as one of the ambassadors sent to Rome to petition the Pope to lift the King's excommunication; for his service he was granted the lands of Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire, which he renamed Huntly. When the direct male line ended in 1402, the chiefship passed through the heiress Elizabeth Gordon, whose marriage to Sir Alexander Seton founded the line of the Earls of Huntly, created in the mid-15th century.
As the greatest Catholic power in the north, the Gordons waged a long and bloody feud with their Protestant neighbours the Forbeses, and rose to be Marquesses of Huntly and Dukes of Gordon. Two regiments of Gordon Highlanders carried the clan's name to fame across the world. The chief is the Marquess of Huntly, the "Cock o' the North," seated at Aboyne Castle. The crest is a stag's head, the badge rock ivy, and the motto Bydand.
Gordon Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Gordon tartan, who can wear it, and why Gordon products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Gordon tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Gordon, based on the Black Watch sett of green, blue and black with a distinctive bright yellow stripe.
Who can wear the Gordon tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Gordon name and its septs, and for anyone with Aberdeenshire ancestry.
What does the motto "Bydand" mean?
It is a Scots word meaning "abiding" or "steadfast" — sometimes read as "bide and fight" — reflecting the clan's enduring resilience.
Why is the Gordon chief called the "Cock o' the North"?
The nickname dates from the great power of the Earls and Marquesses of Huntly in the north-east, and is still used of the clan chief today.
Who is the chief of Clan Gordon?
The chief is the Marquess of Huntly, the "Cock o' the North," whose seat is Aboyne Castle in Aberdeenshire.
Is Gordon tartan a good gift?
Yes. Gordon products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, Highland games, birthdays and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Gordon Heritage in Style
Discover Gordon tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Huntly, Aberdeenshire and the steadfast motto Bydand.
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