Cheyne
Cheyne Tartan Collection
Honour a Norman name of the north-east with the Cheyne collection — the family of Inverugie and Caithness, Great Chamberlains and bishops, a sept of Clan Sutherland, under the patient motto Patientia Vincit.
- 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 Cheyne Tartan
The Cheyne name — found in old records as le Chen — is of Norman origin, from Quesnay in Normandy, the name said to mean "oak plantation." The family came to Scotland in the reign of William the Lion and rose to great power in the north-east and in Caithness. An armigerous family recognised as a sept of Clan Sutherland, the Cheynes wear the Sutherland tartan, or a district tartan of their Aberdeenshire home.
This collection celebrates the Cheyne name and its Norman and northern heritage, bringing the Sutherland tartan into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for those who carry the name or trace their line to Inverugie, Buchan and Caithness.
Cheyne & Sutherland Tartan Colours
Worn through the Sutherland connection, the collection draws on the dark Sutherland sett — a dignified pattern of deep green and blue crossed with black, in the old Black Watch style — sombre, northern colours fitting for a family long seated in Aberdeenshire and the far county of Caithness.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Cheyne collection is a meaningful choice for the Cheyne family in all its spellings, descendants of Aberdeenshire, Buchan and Caithness, Clan Sutherland kin, and anyone drawn to an old Norman-Scottish family of the north.
- Cheyne family members
- Aberdeenshire & Caithness roots
- Clan Sutherland kin
- Family gatherings
- Birthday & holiday gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Cheyne Family Heritage
The Cheynes built Inverugie Castle near Peterhead in the 12th century, and from 1267 Sir Reginald le Chen served as Great Chamberlain of Scotland, holding Inverugie along with vast estates in Caithness. His kinsman Henry le Chen was Bishop of Aberdeen for forty-six years, and in 1320 a Sir Reginald set his seal to the Declaration of Arbroath. The family held Ackergill and Berriedale in Caithness and Esslemont in Aberdeenshire among many other lands.
When the male line of Inverugie failed, the great Cheyne inheritance passed through heiresses to the Keiths and the Sutherlands, carrying the family's northern estates into those powerful houses — the link that makes Cheyne a sept of Clan Sutherland. The name endured in the north-east through many cadet branches, and the motto Patientia Vincit, "patience conquers," speaks to a family that outlasted the centuries.
Cheyne Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Cheyne name, the tartan its members wear, and why Cheyne products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
Does Cheyne have its own tartan?
Cheyne is an armigerous family and a sept of Clan Sutherland, so members traditionally wear the Sutherland tartan, or a district tartan of their Aberdeenshire home.
What clan is Cheyne a sept of?
Cheyne is recognised as a sept of Clan Sutherland, through the marriage of Cheyne heiresses into the Sutherland and Keith families.
Where does the Cheyne name come from?
It is of Norman origin, from Quesnay in Normandy, and is found in old records as le Chen. The family came to Scotland under William the Lion.
What does the motto "Patientia Vincit" mean?
Patientia Vincit is Latin for "patience conquers," a fitting motto for a family of great endurance through the centuries.
Who can wear the Cheyne (Sutherland) tartan?
Anyone of the Cheyne name, or with Sutherland kinship, can wear the Sutherland tartan — as can those with Aberdeenshire or Caithness roots.
Is Cheyne tartan a good gift?
Yes. Sutherland-tartan Cheyne products make a meaningful gift for the Cheyne family and for those with north-east or Caithness heritage.
Carry the Cheyne Name with Pride
Discover Sutherland tartan apparel, accessories and gifts for the Cheyne family — honouring Inverugie, Caithness and an old Norman name under the motto Patientia Vincit.
View Cheyne Tartan Products