Cunningham
Cunningham Tartan Collection
Celebrate a great Ayrshire clan with the Cunningham collection — the family of Kilmaurs and the Earls of Glencairn, patrons of Robert Burns, whose unicorn crest declares Over Fork Over.
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About the Cunningham Tartan
Clan Cunningham is a great Lowland clan whose name comes from the district of Cunningham in northern Ayrshire. The family rose from a grant of the lands of Kilmaurs to the Fleming Warnebald in the 12th century, and became one of the foremost houses of the south-west as Earls of Glencairn. A clan with its own chief once more — Cunninghame of Corsehill, recognised in 2013 — the Cunninghams have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Cunningham name, descend from Ayrshire, or simply admire a clan of soldiers, reformers and patrons of poetry, this collection brings the Cunningham tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Cunningham Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Cunningham tartan is a bold and handsome sett built on a bright red ground crossed with deep green and lined with navy and white — striking, warm colours that have long been associated with the clan and its Earls of Glencairn, fitting for an old and powerful Ayrshire family.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Cunningham tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Cunningham family in all its spellings, descendants of Ayrshire, those with Glencairn or Ulster-Scots roots, and anyone drawn to a great clan of the Scottish Lowlands.
- Cunningham family members
- Ayrshire roots
- Glencairn & Corsehill branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Cunningham Clan Heritage
Harvey Cunningham of Kilmaurs fought for Alexander III against the Norwegians at the Battle of Largs in 1263, and had his lands confirmed in reward. The Cunninghams supported Robert the Bruce, gaining the lands of Lamburgton in 1321, and through the marriage of Sir William Cunningham to the Denniston heiress added Finlaystone and Glencairn. In 1488 Alexander Cunningham was created Earl of Glencairn — only to fall that same year beside James III at the Battle of Sauchieburn.
For generations the Cunninghams feuded fiercely with their neighbours the Montgomeries, and rose high in the affairs of the nation: the 5th Earl was a leading reformer and friend of John Knox, the 9th raised a rising for Charles II and became Lord Chancellor, and the 14th was the generous patron of Robert Burns, who mourned him in the "Lament for James, Earl of Glencairn." The crest is a unicorn's head, and the motto Over Fork Over.
Cunningham Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Cunningham tartan, who can wear it, and why Cunningham products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Cunningham tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Cunningham, a bold red sett with green, navy and white — striking colours long associated with the Earls of Glencairn.
Who can wear the Cunningham tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Cunningham name and for anyone with Ayrshire ancestry.
What does the motto "Over Fork Over" mean?
By tradition it recalls an ancestor who hid a king under hay with a fork; it may also reflect the family's office as Masters of the King's stables. The crest is a unicorn's head.
Who were the Earls of Glencairn?
The chiefly line of Clan Cunningham, created in 1488. The 14th Earl was the famous patron of the poet Robert Burns.
Does Clan Cunningham have a chief?
Yes. After the chiefship lay dormant from 1796, Sir John Cunninghame of Corsehill was recognised as chief by the Lord Lyon in 2013.
Is Cunningham tartan a good gift?
Yes. Cunningham products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Cunningham Heritage in Style
Discover Cunningham tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Kilmaurs, the Earls of Glencairn and the clan's motto, Over Fork Over.
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