Leslie
Leslie Tartan Collection
Honour a great clan of the north-east with the Leslie collection — the Earls of Rothes, sprung from a Hungarian prince, under the tenacious motto Grip Fast.
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About the Leslie Tartan
Clan Leslie is an old Scottish clan whose progenitor was Bartolf, a nobleman of Hungary who came to Scotland in 1067 in the train of Margaret, later queen of Malcolm III, and married the king's sister, Princess Beatrix. He built a castle at Lesselyn in Aberdeenshire, from which the clan takes its name. A clan with its own chief, the Earl of Rothes, and its own tartan, the Leslies carry the famous motto Grip Fast.
Whether you bear the Leslie name, descend from Aberdeenshire or Fife, or simply admire a great clan of Scottish history, this collection brings the Leslie tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Leslie Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Leslie tartan is a bold and handsome sett of deep red crossed with black and lifted by fine lines of yellow — warm, striking colours fitting for a great clan, the red long read as valour, the black as strength, and the gold as prosperity.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Leslie tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Leslie family and its branches, including the Leslies of Rothes, Balquhain and Leven, descendants of Aberdeenshire and Fife, and anyone drawn to a great clan of Scottish history.
- Leslie family & branches
- Aberdeenshire & Fife roots
- Rothes & Balquhain lines
- Clan gatherings & Highland games
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Leslie Clan Heritage
The motto Grip Fast is said to spring from Bartolf himself: helping Queen Margaret across a dangerous river on horseback, he bade her "grip fast" to his belt, and the three buckles of the Leslie arms recall the deed. Sir Andrew Leslie fought for Robert the Bruce, and by marriage to an Abernethy heiress brought the red lions into the arms. In 1457 George Leslie was created Earl of Rothes, and the chiefs have held that title ever since.
The 3rd Earl of Rothes fell at Flodden in 1513, and the 4th was a commissioner at the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots. Greatest of the soldier Leslies was Alexander Leslie, a Field Marshal in the Swedish service who returned to lead the Covenanters and was created Earl of Leven, while his kinsman David Leslie defeated Montrose at Philiphaugh. The crest is a demi-griffin, symbol of wisdom and strength, and the motto Grip Fast.
Leslie Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Leslie tartan, who can wear it, and why Leslie products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Leslie tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Leslie, a bold red sett with black and yellow — warm, striking colours of a great north-eastern clan.
Who can wear the Leslie tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Leslie name and its branches, and for anyone with Aberdeenshire or Fife ancestry.
What does the motto "Grip Fast" mean?
It means "hold tight," from the tale of Bartolf bidding Queen Margaret grip fast to his belt as he carried her across a river; the three buckles of the arms recall it.
Where does the Leslie name come from?
From the lands of Lesselyn in Aberdeenshire, held by Bartolf, the Hungarian-born progenitor of the clan, from the 11th century.
Who is the chief of Clan Leslie?
The chief is the Earl of Rothes; the clan's great branches included Rothes, Balquhain and Leven.
Is Leslie tartan a good gift?
Yes. Leslie products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, Highland games, birthdays and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Leslie Heritage in Style
Discover Leslie tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Rothes, the Earls of Leven and the tenacious motto Grip Fast.
View Leslie Tartan Products