Clan Chattan
Clan Chattan (Chattan Tartan)
Gaelic Name: Clann Gillacatan
Crest: A cat salient, Proper
Motto: Touch not the cat but a glove
Origin of Name: Clan of the cats
Badge: Red whortleberry
Region: Highlands
Clan Chief: Malcolm K MacKintosh of Clan Chattan
1. Chattan Clan History
The 'Clan of the Cats' wasn't just one big family but more like a group of families, kind of like a community vibe. Some of them were related, and some weren't, but they all banded together under this cool wildcat symbol. It's like their way of saying, "Hey, we're all part of the same crew."
A painting depicting Cluny MacPherson, the chief at the time, circa 1873.
"Many folks reckon that the name Chattan owes its origins to Saint Cattan. The story goes that his servant, the big shot of Ardchattan’s abbey lands, dubbed himself Gillichattan Mor, and that's where the first clan chief came into play.
Back in Malcolm II’s day, the family held down lands at Loch Arkaig and Glenloy, with Torcastle serving as the chief's HQ.
Come 1291, Eva, the only kid of the sixth chief Dougall Dall, tied the knot with Angus, sixth Laird of MacKintosh. Angus snagged the title of Captain of Clan Chattan, but there was a bit of a squabble over whether Eva could pass on the chiefship.
The MacPhersons argued that their lineage from Clan Chattan chief Muireach in 1173 gave them dibs on being chiefs. This debate rumbled on for two centuries.
Angus and Eva also got caught up in a land tiff that lasted a whopping four hundred years. With Angus Og of Islay breathing down their necks, Angus decided to pack up from Torcastle and relocate to Rothiemurchus.
That's when the Camerons swooped in, claiming the Arkaig lands were up for grabs and moving right on in.
By the 14th century, Clan Chattan had morphed into a coalition. Alongside the MacPhersons, the crew included the MacPhails, MacBeans, Cattanachs, MacKintoshs, and their offshoots like the Shaws, MacCombies, Ritchies, MacThomas', and the Farquharsons.
Then there were other crewmates like the Davidsons, MacAndrews, MacGillivrays, MacLeans of Dochgarroch, MacIntyres of Badenoch, and the MacQueens of Pollochaig.
After the 1745 uprising, Clan Chattan took a beating, and the MacKintoshs rose to the top of the pile.
2. Chattan Tartans
The Chattan tartan has its place in Logan's 'The Scottish Gael,' where he notes, "the chief also wears a particular tartan of a very showy pattern," and even provides an illustration. This particular tartan belongs to none other than the Chief of Clan MacKintosh.
Clan Chattan stands as a union of several Clans, including the key Clans of MacKintosh, MacGillivray, MacBean, Shaw, MacThomas, MacLeans of Dochgarroch, Macpherson, Farquharson, Davidson, MacPhail, MacQueens of Strathdearn, and the MacIntyres in Badenoch.
It's available in various weights like lightweight, medium weight old & rare, and heavyweight.
Threadcount R/48 K4 W4 G12 W4 Y4 R4 K4 R4 Y4 W4 A12 K4 R6 W/4
Chattan
3. Chattan Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Chattan Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A cat salient, Proper
3.2 Clan Chattan Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, except in cases of civic or corporate arms. Contrary to popular belief, there is no concept of a "family coat of arms." Each coat of arms is personal, and only the individual to whom it is granted has the right to use it.
Chattan Standard
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The captain of Clan CHATTAN
Or, a lymphad, Azure, sails furled, Proper, and flagged, Gules, its oars in saltire
4. Chattan Places & People
5. Associated Names
Clan Chattan comprises a coalition of clans, including the primary clans of:
MacKintosh MacGillivray MacBean Shaw MacThomas Macleans of Dochgarroch Macpherson Farquharson Davidson MacPhail MacQueens of Strathdearn MacIntyres in Badenoch