MacDowall (McDowall) Tartan Collection
MacDowall Tartan Collection
Honour the old lords of Galloway with the MacDowall collection — the family of Garthland, sprung from the ancient Celtic princes of the south-west, under the defiant motto Vincere vel Mori, "To Conquer or Die."
MacDowall (McDowall) Crest Tartan Long Sleeve Polo Shirt Inspired by the Freedom of Scottish Warrior
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About the MacDowall Tartan
Clan MacDowall is an old clan of Galloway in the south-west of Scotland, claiming descent from Fergus and the ancient Celtic Lords of Galloway, who ruled that land as a princedom of their own. The name, like MacDougall, comes from the Gaelic dubh-gall, "dark stranger," but the MacDowalls are a distinct Galloway line, long seated at Garthland in Wigtownshire. A clan with its own tartan, the MacDowalls carry the motto Vincere vel Mori.
Whether you bear the MacDowall, McDowall or MacDowell name, descend from Galloway, or simply admire an old princely line of the south-west, this collection brings the MacDowall tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
MacDowall Tartan Pattern & Colours
The MacDowall tartan is a handsome sett of deep red and green crossed with blue and black — warm, dignified colours fitting for an old and princely family of the green hills and sea-coasts of Galloway in the far south-west.
Who Is This Collection For?
The MacDowall tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the MacDowall, McDowall and MacDowell family, descendants of Galloway, those with Garthland or Wigtownshire connections, and anyone drawn to an old princely line of the south-west.
- MacDowall & McDowell family
- Galloway & Wigtownshire roots
- Garthland & Freugh ties
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
MacDowall Clan Heritage
The MacDowalls sprang from the old Celtic Lords of Galloway, who ruled the south-west as a all-but-independent princedom before the Scottish crown brought it to heel. Long seated at Garthland in Wigtownshire, they were leaders among the fierce and proud people of Galloway, holding lands and power in that distinctive corner of Scotland for many centuries.
In the Wars of Independence the MacDowalls at first stood against Robert the Bruce, and Dougall MacDowall captured the king's brothers Thomas and Alexander Bruce in 1307; but in later years the clan made its peace with the crown, and the MacDowalls of Garthland flourished as lairds of Galloway. The name spread through the south-west and to Ulster, and across the seas. The motto is Vincere vel Mori.
MacDowall Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the MacDowall tartan, who can wear it, and why MacDowall products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the MacDowall tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan MacDowall, a deep red and green sett with blue and black — dignified colours of old Galloway.
Who can wear the MacDowall tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the MacDowall, McDowall or MacDowell name and for anyone with Galloway ancestry.
Are the MacDowalls the same as the MacDougalls?
No — both names come from the Gaelic dubh-gall, "dark stranger," but the MacDowalls are a distinct Galloway line, sprung from the old Lords of Galloway.
Where does the MacDowall name come from?
From the Gaelic dubh-gall, "dark stranger"; the clan claims descent from the ancient Celtic Lords of Galloway, seated at Garthland.
What does "Vincere vel Mori" mean?
It is Latin for "to conquer or die" — a defiant motto fitting for the proud old family of Galloway.
Is MacDowall tartan a good gift?
Yes. MacDowall products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your MacDowall Heritage in Style
Discover MacDowall tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Galloway, Garthland and the defiant motto Vincere vel Mori.
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