Baillie (Bailey)
Baillie Tartan Collection
Honour a great Lowland name with the Baillie collection — the family of Lamington, Polkemmet, Jerviswood and Dochfour, from Lanarkshire to Loch Ness, whose green tartan and starlit motto declare, Quid Clarius Astris.
Baillie (Bailey) Tartan Long Sleeve T-Shirt with Family Crest and Scottish Thistle Vibes Sport Style
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About the Baillie Tartan
The Baillie tartan belongs to one of Scotland's great Lowland families, whose name comes not from the deposed Balliol kings but from the office of bailie or bailiff. First recorded with William de Baillie in Lothian in 1311, the family rose through the Baillies of Lamington in Lanarkshire and spread to Polkemmet, Jerviswood, and as far north as Dochfour by Loch Ness. The most commonly worn Baillie tartan, a green sett, was designed in 1937 for the Baillies of Polkemmet.
Whether you carry the Baillie or Bailey name, descend from the Lowlands, or simply admire a tartan with a noble history, this collection brings the Baillie sett into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Baillie Tartan Pattern & Colours
The most popular Baillie tartan, the Polkemmet green, is based on the MacKenzie sett but distinguished by three fine white lines on the green rather than a single stripe. The result is a deep, dignified pattern of green and blue with black, red and yellow — a tartan as rich and layered as the family's many branches.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Baillie collection is a meaningful choice for the Baillie and Bailey family in all its branches, descendants of Lanarkshire, the Lothians and the Inverness area, and anyone drawn to a great Lowland name woven through Scottish history.
- Baillie & Bailey family
- Lamington & Polkemmet branches
- Lanarkshire & Lothian roots
- Family gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Baillie Family Heritage
From William de Baillie of Hoprig, knighted by David II and granted the barony of Lamington in 1368, the family branched widely. One son, Alexander Baillie, was rewarded with the lands of Dunain and Dochfour and made Constable of Inverness Castle, carrying the name into the Highlands, where the Baillies of Dochfour hold an estate by Loch Ness to this day. Cuthbert Baillie of Carphin served as Lord High Treasurer to James IV, and a Baillie fought for Mary, Queen of Scots, at Langside in 1568.
The family gave Scotland many notable figures: Robert Baillie of Jerviswood, executed in 1684 and honoured as a patriot of the Covenant; Lady Grizel Baillie, the celebrated songwriter who as a girl smuggled food to her hidden father; and General William Baillie, a Covenanter commander. The crest, a boar's head, and the motto Quid Clarius Astris — "what is brighter than the stars?" — crown a family of remarkable reach.
Baillie Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Baillie tartan, who can wear it, and why Baillie products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Baillie tartan?
It is the family tartan of the Baillies. The most commonly worn is the Polkemmet green sett, designed in 1937 and based on the MacKenzie tartan but with three fine white lines on the green.
Who can wear the Baillie tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Baillie or Bailey name and for anyone with Lanarkshire, Lothian or Inverness-area ancestry.
Does the name come from the Balliol kings?
No. Despite the similarity, Baillie derives from the office of bailie or bailiff, not from the unpopular Balliol kings — a common but mistaken assumption.
What does the motto "Quid Clarius Astris" mean?
It means "what is brighter than the stars?" — the motto of the Baillies of Polkemmet, paired with a crest of a boar's head.
What are the main Baillie branches?
The principal branches are the Baillies of Lamington, Polkemmet, Jerviswood and Mellerstain, and Dochfour and Dunain near Loch Ness.
Is Baillie tartan a good gift?
Yes. Baillie products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Baillie Heritage in Style
Discover Baillie tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Lamington, Polkemmet and Dochfour, and the starlit motto Quid Clarius Astris.
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