Kerr
Kerr Tartan Collection
Honour a great riding clan of the Borders with the Kerr collection — the left-handed lairds of Ferniehirst and Cessford, Wardens of the Middle March, under the defiant motto Sero Sed Serio, "Late But In Earnest."
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About the Kerr Tartan
Clan Kerr is one of the great riding clans of the Scottish Borders, its name thought to come from the Old Norse kjarr, "marsh or copse," brought north by families of Norman stock. Two great houses arose — the Kerrs of Ferniehirst and the Kers of Cessford — rivals as often as kin, who between them dominated Roxburghshire and served as Wardens of the Middle March. A clan with its own chief, the Marquess of Lothian, and its own bold red tartan.
Whether you bear the Kerr, Ker or Carr name, descend from the Borders, or simply admire a great riding clan, this collection brings the Kerr tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Kerr Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Kerr tartan is one of the boldest of the Borders — a striking sett built on a rich red ground crossed with deep green and black, a confident pattern fitting for a clan that rode hard, struck hard and answered to no one lightly on the old frontier.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Kerr tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Kerr, Ker and Carr family, descendants of Roxburghshire and the Borders, those with Ferniehirst or Cessford connections, and anyone drawn to a great Border clan.
- Kerr, Ker & Carr family
- Roxburghshire & Border roots
- Ferniehirst & Cessford branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Kerr Clan Heritage
The Kerrs are famous as the left-handed clan: by tradition many were "Kerr-handed," and Ferniehirst Castle was built with its spiral stairs turning the reverse way, so that a left-handed swordsman defending them held the advantage. At the Battle of Ancrum Moor in 1545 the Kerrs turned the day for Scotland — from which came the motto Sero Sed Serio, "late but in earnest." The clan's long feud with the Scotts, which claimed lives at Melrose in 1526 and in Edinburgh in 1552, was healed at last by marriage.
The two great lines rose to the highest honours: the Kerrs of Ferniehirst became Marquesses of Lothian, chiefs of the name, seated in time at Monteviot by the Teviot; the Kers of Cessford became Dukes of Roxburghe, whose line, as Innes-Ker, also carries the chiefship of Clan Innes. The crest is the sun in his splendour, and the motto Sero Sed Serio.
Kerr Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Kerr tartan, who can wear it, and why Kerr products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Kerr tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Kerr, a bold red sett crossed with deep green and black — one of the most striking tartans of the Borders.
Who can wear the Kerr tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Kerr, Ker or Carr name and for anyone with Border ancestry.
Why are the Kerrs called the left-handed clan?
By tradition many Kerrs were left-handed, and Ferniehirst Castle's spiral stairs were built turning the reverse way to favour a left-handed defender.
What does "Sero Sed Serio" mean?
It is Latin for "late but in earnest," recalling the Kerrs' decisive intervention at the Battle of Ancrum Moor in 1545.
Who is the chief of Clan Kerr?
The chief is the Marquess of Lothian, of the house of Ferniehirst; the Cessford line became the Dukes of Roxburghe.
Is Kerr tartan a good gift?
Yes. Kerr products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Kerr Heritage in Style
Discover Kerr tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Ferniehirst, the Wardens of the March and the motto Sero Sed Serio.
View Kerr Tartan Products