Erskine
Erskine Tartan Collection
Celebrate a great clan of guardians with the Erskine collection — the Earls of Mar and Kellie, keepers of Stirling Castle and guardians to Scotland's young kings, under the thoughtful motto Je Pense Plus, "I think more."
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About the Erskine Tartan
Clan Erskine takes its name from the barony of Erskine in Renfrewshire, on the south bank of the River Clyde, from an ancient British name meaning "green rising ground." Held by Henry de Erskine in the reign of Alexander II, the family rose to become one of the greatest in Scotland, inheriting the ancient Earldom of Mar — one of the oldest Celtic earldoms of all. A clan with its own chief, the Earl of Mar and Kellie, the Erskines have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Erskine name, descend from Renfrewshire or Mar, or simply admire a clan entrusted with the care of kings, this collection brings the Erskine tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Erskine Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Erskine tartan, recorded in the Vestiarium Scoticum of 1842, is a bold and handsome sett of deep red crossed with green and lined with black — warm, dignified colours fitting for a clan of earls and royal guardians. The ancient shades soften to mossy green and a warmer red, the modern to bottle green and scarlet.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Erskine tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Erskine family, descendants of Renfrewshire and the ancient land of Mar, those with Alloa or Kellie connections, and anyone drawn to a great clan of Scottish history.
- Erskine family members
- Renfrewshire & Mar roots
- Alloa & Kellie branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Erskine Clan Heritage
The Erskines were staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce, to whom they were bound by marriage, and Sir Robert de Erskine rose under David II to be Keeper of Stirling Castle and Lord Great Chamberlain of Scotland. Through marriage the family inherited the great Earldom of Mar, and was raised to the peerage as Lord Erskine in 1467. Alexander, 3rd Lord, built Alloa Tower in 1497; Robert, 4th Lord, fell beside James IV at Flodden in 1513.
For five generations the Erskines were guardians of Scotland's royal children, including the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, whom they conveyed safely to France in 1547, and the young James VI. Mary restored the Earldom of Mar to the 6th Lord, and the Earldom of Kellie followed in 1619. The 6th Earl, "Bobbing John," led the Jacobite rising of 1715. The crest is a hand holding a dagger, the badge a red rose, the motto Je Pense Plus.
Erskine Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Erskine tartan, who can wear it, and why Erskine products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Erskine tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Erskine, a bold red sett with green and black, recorded in the Vestiarium Scoticum of 1842.
Who can wear the Erskine tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Erskine name and for anyone with Renfrewshire or Mar ancestry.
What does the motto "Je Pense Plus" mean?
It is French for "I think more" — reflecting the clan's reputation for wisdom and thoughtful counsel as guardians and advisers to the crown.
Were the Erskines really guardians of kings?
Yes. For five generations the Erskines were entrusted with the care of Scotland's royal children, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and James VI.
Who is the chief of Clan Erskine?
The chief is the Earl of Mar and Kellie; the clan's historic seat was Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshire.
Is Erskine tartan a good gift?
Yes. Erskine products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Erskine Heritage in Style
Discover Erskine tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Mar, the guardians of kings and the thoughtful motto Je Pense Plus.
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