Borthwick
Borthwick Tartan Collection
Celebrate a clan of castle and crusade with the Borthwick collection — the lords of mighty Borthwick Castle in Midlothian, whose Moor's-head crest recalls a crusader's blow and whose motto declares Qui Conducit, "he who leads."
- Featured
- Most relevant
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
About the Borthwick Tartan
Clan Borthwick is a Lowland Scottish clan among the oldest in the land, taking its name from the lands by the Borthwick Water in Roxburghshire before settling in Midlothian. Tradition traces the family's arrival in Scotland to the late 11th century, with the household of Saint Margaret. A clan with its own chief — the Lord Borthwick — and its great seat at Borthwick Castle, the Borthwicks have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Borthwick name, descend from Midlothian, or simply admire a clan of crusaders and castle-builders, this collection brings the Borthwick tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Borthwick Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Borthwick tartan is a distinctive modern sett, built on grey and black with fine white lines and bold bands of red and green. Its quiet, slate-toned ground lifted by clan colours gives it a refined and unmistakable look, fitting for one of Scotland's oldest noble names. A dress version was later created for special occasions.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Borthwick tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Borthwick family in all its spellings, descendants of Midlothian and the Borders, those drawn to Scotland's great medieval castles, and anyone proud of an ancient clan with a living chief.
- Borthwick family members
- Midlothian & Border roots
- Borthwick Castle heritage
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Borthwick Clan Heritage
The clan's famous crest — a Moor's head — recalls Sir William Borthwick, who in 1330 rode with the party carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce toward the Holy Land and, attacked by Moors in Spain, is said to have struck down their leader. Thomas de Borthwick held lands near Lauder by 1357, and by 1410 Sir William Borthwick held the Midlothian lands he named Borthwick. The first Lord Borthwick built mighty Borthwick Castle around 1430, its walls thirteen feet thick at the base.
The Borthwicks stood at the centre of Scottish affairs: the 4th Lord fell with James IV at Flodden in 1513; Mary, Queen of Scots took refuge at Borthwick Castle and fled it disguised as a page-boy; and the family held for the Royalists when Cromwell besieged the castle in 1650. After the direct line faltered, the chiefship was revived, and in 1986 Major John Borthwick of Crookston was recognised as Lord Borthwick and chief. The motto Qui Conducit means "he who leads."
Borthwick Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Borthwick tartan, who can wear it, and why Borthwick products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Borthwick tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Borthwick, a distinctive modern sett of grey and black with white lines and bold red and green bands. A dress version also exists.
Who can wear the Borthwick tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Borthwick name and for anyone with Midlothian or Border ancestry.
Why is there a Moor's head on the crest?
It recalls Sir William Borthwick, who while carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce toward the Holy Land in 1330 is said to have struck down a Moorish leader in Spain.
Does Clan Borthwick have a chief?
Yes. The chief is the Lord Borthwick, a title revived in 1986 when Major John Borthwick of Crookston was recognised as Borthwick of that Ilk.
What is Borthwick Castle?
Borthwick Castle, in Midlothian, is the clan's historic seat — one of Scotland's largest and best-preserved medieval castles, built around 1430.
Is Borthwick tartan a good gift?
Yes. Borthwick products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Borthwick Heritage in Style
Discover Borthwick tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Borthwick Castle and the clan's commanding motto, Qui Conducit.
View Borthwick Tartan Products