Chisholm
Chisholm Tartan Collection
Celebrate a proud Highland clan with the Chisholm collection — the family of Strathglass and Erchless Castle, of whom it was said only the Pope, the King and The Chisholm may bear the title "The," under the motto Feros Ferio.
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About the Chisholm Tartan
Clan Chisholm is a Highland Scottish clan, though its roots lie in the Borders: the name, of Norman and Saxon origin, comes from the lands of Chisholm in Roxburghshire, recorded on the Ragman Roll of 1296. In the 14th century the family moved north, and through marriage to the heiress of Erchless gained their great Highland seat in Strathglass. A clan with its own chief — The Chisholm — the Chisholms have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Chisholm name, descend from Strathglass, or simply admire a clan of fierce Highland pride, this collection brings the Chisholm tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Chisholm Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Chisholm tartan is a bold and handsome sett built on a bright red ground crossed with green and lined with blue and white — a vivid, warm pattern drawn from the Vestiarium Scoticum. A hunting version, in which the bright red is softened to brown, was created for those who found the red too vivid for the field.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Chisholm tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Chisholm family in all its spellings, descendants of Strathglass and the Aird, those with Nova Scotia roots, and anyone drawn to a proud and ancient Highland clan.
- Chisholm family members
- Strathglass & Aird roots
- Nova Scotia heritage
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Chisholm Clan Heritage
Robert de Chisholme was taken prisoner at Neville's Cross in 1346, then ransomed to become Constable of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Sheriff of Inverness. His son Alexander married Margaret, heiress of Erchless, and from that union Clan Chisholm was founded in Strathglass. The Chisholms were famous cattle-raiders — in 1498 Wiland Chisholm of Comar carried off scores of oxen, cattle, sheep and swine from Clan Rose — and staunchly Catholic, holding to the old faith through the Reformation.
Loyal Jacobites, the Chisholms came out in 1715 and 1745. At Culloden, Roderick Og Chisholm led the clan's small regiment and fell with most of his men. After the defeat, three Chisholms — Alexander, Donald and Hugh — were among the faithful who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape; Hugh vowed never again to shake another man's hand after parting from the Prince, and kept his word for life. The crest is a hand holding a dagger transfixing a boar's head, and the motto is Feros Ferio.
Chisholm Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Chisholm tartan, who can wear it, and why Chisholm products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Chisholm tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Chisholm, a bold red sett with green, blue and white drawn from the Vestiarium Scoticum. A hunting version softens the red to brown.
Who can wear the Chisholm tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Chisholm name and for anyone with Strathglass or Inverness-shire ancestry.
Where does the Chisholm name come from?
From the lands of Chisholm in Roxburghshire, of Norman and Saxon origin. The family moved north to Strathglass in the 14th century.
Why is "The Chisholm" called "The"?
By proud tradition, only three on earth may use the definite article in their title: the Pope, the King and The Chisholm — the chief of the clan.
What does the motto "Feros Ferio" mean?
It means "I am fierce with the fierce," paired with a crest of a hand holding a dagger transfixing a boar's head.
Is Chisholm tartan a good gift?
Yes. Chisholm products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Chisholm Heritage in Style
Discover Chisholm tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Erchless Castle, Strathglass and the clan's fierce motto, Feros Ferio.
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