Adair
Adair Tartan Collection
Celebrate the borderlands of Galloway with the Adair collection — a loyal Lowland family of Kinhilt and Dunskey whose motto, Loyal au Mort, rings out "faithful unto death."
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About the Adair Tartan
The Adair family belongs to Galloway in south-west Scotland, now part of Dumfries and Galloway. The name is generally traced to Edgar — recorded as "Edzear" — with Thomas Edzear granted the lands of Kildonan in the Rinns of Galloway by King Robert the Bruce. An armigerous family with no recognised chief, the Adairs are associated with Clan Maxwell and traditionally wear the Maxwell tartan.
This collection honours the Adair name and its rugged Galloway heritage, bringing the Maxwell tartan into apparel, accessories, home decor and gifts for those who carry the name or trace their roots to the Scottish south-west and Ulster.
Adair & Maxwell Tartan Colours
Worn through the Maxwell connection, the collection draws on the Maxwell Red tartan — a bright red ground crossed with bottle green and a strong black band, the bold and warm Lowland sett long recorded for the family.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Adair collection is a meaningful choice for the Adair family, descendants of Galloway, kin of Clan Maxwell, and anyone with ties to Scotland's south-western borderlands or to Scots-Irish Ulster.
- Adair family members
- Galloway & Dumfries roots
- Clan Maxwell kin
- Scots-Irish heritage
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Adair Family Heritage
The Adairs rose as landed gentry of Galloway, with the Adairs of Kinhilt building Dunskey Castle near Portpatrick in the early 16th century and also holding the Castle of St John in Stranraer. Family tradition links them to the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond in Ireland, and the Adairs kept strong ties on both sides of the Irish Sea, later joining the Plantation of Ulster as the Adairs of Ballymena.
The crest, a man's head couped, and the motto Loyal au Mort — "faithful unto death" — speak to the family's reputation for loyalty in turbulent times. John Adair, the celebrated Scottish surveyor and mapmaker, carried the name into the world of science. As an armigerous family, the Adairs wear Maxwell tartan to mark their clan association.
Adair Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Adair name, the tartan its members wear, and why Adair products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
Does Adair have its own tartan?
As an armigerous family, Adair is associated with Clan Maxwell and members traditionally wear the Maxwell tartan to show their clan connection.
Where is the Adair family from?
From Galloway in south-west Scotland, now part of Dumfries and Galloway, with strong historical connections to Ireland and the Ulster Plantation.
What does "Loyal au Mort" mean?
It means "faithful unto death," a motto matched by the Adair crest of a man's head couped — a striking emblem of loyalty.
Where does the name Adair come from?
It is generally traced to the name Edgar, recorded as "Edzear"; Thomas Edzear was granted the lands of Kildonan in the Rinns of Galloway by Robert the Bruce.
Who can wear the Adair (Maxwell) tartan?
Anyone of the Adair name, or with Galloway or Maxwell ties, can wear it — as can anyone who appreciates the bold Maxwell pattern.
Is Adair tartan a good gift?
Yes. Maxwell-tartan Adair products make an ideal gift for the Adair family, Galloway descendants and those celebrating Scots-Irish heritage.
Wear Galloway's Loyal Adair Heritage
Discover Maxwell tartan apparel, accessories and gifts for the Adair family — celebrating Galloway roots, border castles and a motto of loyalty unto death.
View Adair Tartan Products