Clan Colquhoun
Clan Colquhoun (Colquhoun Tartan)
Gaelic Name: Maca’Chobaich
Crest: A hart’s head couped Gules, attired Argent
Motto: Si Je Puis (If I can)
Origin of Name: Placename, Dunbartonshire
Badge: Hazel
Lands: Loch Lomond-side
Clan Chief: Malcolm Colquhoun of Luss Bt
1. Colquhoun Clan History
In 1241, during Alexander II's reign, Malcolm, Earl of Lennox, bestowed the lands of Colquhoun in Dunbartonshire upon Humphrey of Kilpatrick. Humphrey’s son, Ingram, is the first recorded individual to adopt Colquhoun as his surname.
Around 1368, Luss, nestled on the banks of Loch Lomond, came into possession of Sir Robert Colquhoun through marriage. Since then, the chiefship has been associated with Colquhoun and Luss.
Sir Robert's grandson, Iain Colquhoun of Luss, tied the knot with Margaret, daughter of the Earl of Lennox. When James I (depicted top) returned from English captivity in 1424, he sought retribution against the uncooperative Lennox clan.
Lennox's standing was severely weakened, and Iain of Luss seized the opportunity to curry favor with the King by capturing Dumbarton Castle from Lennox.
Remains of Rossdhu Castle built by Sir John Colquhoun in 1457
By 1427, he held the position of Sheriff of Dumbarton, and by 1439, he had passed away, much like his King, met by the hands of those he had wronged.
As reparation, James II bestowed upon Sir Iain, Colquhoun’s grandson, the status of a free barony for Luss. This status remained unchanged until the events of the Rising of 1745.
In 1603, Luss fell victim to marauding MacGregors, leading to a fierce clash resulting in the defeat of five hundred Colquhoun men, including three hundred on horseback, by four hundred MacGregor warriors at Glen Fruin.
More than two hundred Colquhoun men met their demise when the MacGregors, attacking from both front and rear, drove the horsemen onto the soft ground of the Moss of Auchingaich.
This event led to the proscription of the Clan Gregor.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that the age-old animosity between the clans was put to rest. At Glen Fruin, where the massacre occurred, the chiefs of Clan Gregor and Colquhoun came together, shook hands, and reconciled.
In 1625, the 11th Laird of Luss, Sir John Colquhoun, was granted the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia. However, seven years later, he mysteriously vanished alongside Lady Catherine Graham, his wife’s sister. Accused of employing witchcraft and sorcery in his pursuit of her, he wisely chose never to return to clear his name.
Today, the family's seat is in the grand mansion of Rossdhu.
2. Colquhoun Clan Tartans
The Colquhoun tartan has its roots in the renowned Wilson's of Bannockburn tartan. It joined the Cockburn collection in 1810, and a sample was dispatched to the Highland Society of London around 1816, bearing the signature and seal of the Chief.
The term 'ancient' denotes lighter dye shades, while 'modern' signifies darker hues.
Threadcount B/4 K4 B32 K32 W4 G32 R/8
Colquhoun Modern
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Colquhoun Ancient
3. Clan Colquhoun Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Colquhoun Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A hart’s head couped Gules, attired Argent
3.2 Clan Colquhoun Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
According to Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is bestowed upon an individual, except in cases of civic or corporate arms. The concept of a "family coat of arms" does not exist; instead, each coat of arms is personal to the individual granted it. Only the specific individual conferred with these arms has the legal right to utilize them.
COLQUHOUN of that Ilk and Luss
Argent, a saltire engrailed, Sable
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Arms of Sir Ivor Colquhoun BT
4. Clan Colquhoun Places & People
4.1 Clan Colquhoun Places
The Colquhoun clan has deep-rooted ties to various locations across Scotland, both past and present. These places hold significant historical connections to the clan and are emblematic of its enduring legacy.
4.1.1 Luss, Argyll and Bute
Luss is a picturesque village situated on the western shore of Loch Lomond, traditionally considered the ancestral home of the Colquhoun clan. The Colquhouns of Luss played a prominent role in the area's history and were associated with the nearby Luss Parish Church.
4.1.2 Rossdhu House
Located near Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond, Rossdhu House served as the principal seat of the Colquhouns of Luss. This historic mansion, set amidst stunning scenery, was a symbol of the clan's power and influence in the region.
4.1.3 Dumbarton Castle
Situated atop a volcanic rock overlooking the River Clyde, Dumbarton Castle has historical connections to the Colquhoun clan. The castle's strategic location made it a key stronghold, and the Colquhouns were among its custodians at various points in history.
4.1.4 Colquhoun Castle
While no longer standing, Colquhoun Castle was once a formidable fortress located near Luss. It served as the seat of the Colquhouns of Luss and played a significant role in the clan's history.
Clanlands: Throughout the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, there are numerous landscapes and landmarks associated with the Colquhoun clan. From the mist-covered mountains to the tranquil lochs, these clanlands evoke the spirit of Colquhoun heritage and provide a sense of connection to the past.
4.2 Clan Colquhoun People
Robert Colquhoun (1914-62)
After attending the Glasgow School of Art, Colquhoun, hailing from Kilmarnock, earned prestigious traveling scholarships with his expressive portrait drawings. He had the opportunity to study in Italy in 1937 and 1939. Influenced by Jankel Adler, Colquhoun shifted from Neo-Romantic landscapes to figure work, marking his most significant period from 1944 to 1947.
During this phase, his artwork, akin to Picasso's somber depictions, portrayed individuals in states of melancholy and despair. Subsequently, the consistency of his artistic output fluctuated, compounded by his struggles with alcoholism.
However, he regained his stride when commissioned to design sets and costumes for the Scottish Ballet's rendition of Massine's 'Donald of the Burthens' in 1951. His work for George Devine on 'King Lear' at Stratford in 1953 also garnered acclaim.
At the Glasgow School of Art, Colquhoun formed a lifelong professional and romantic partnership with Robert MacBryde, collectively known as "the two Roberts."
Tragically, Robert Colquhoun passed away in 1962 at the age of 47, a victim of his battle with alcoholism.
5. Associated Names
The following names are recognized as septs or associated names affiliated with Clan Colquhoun:
Cowan, Ingram, Kilpatrick, King, Kirkpatrick, Laing, McCowan, McMain,McManus, McLintock, and McOwan.