Ruthven Tartan Collection
Ruthven Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan Ruthven with a Scottish tartan tied to Huntingtower by Perth — a family of Norse-Norman descent whose fortunes rose and fell with the crown, under the plain motto Deid Schaw, "Deeds Show."
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About the Ruthven Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records Ruthven as a Clan/Family tartan. The Ruthven sett is a distinctive design of purple and blue crossed with green and black, an uncommon and dignified palette, worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan Ruthven is a Scottish clan long seated in Perthshire, at the castle now called Huntingtower. The name is of Norse-Norman origin, and the clan motto Deid Schaw, in old Scots "deeds show," makes Ruthven tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
Ruthven Tartan Pattern and Colours
Ruthven tartan is recognised for its distinctive purple and blue ground crossed with green and black — an unusual and handsome palette among Scottish setts. Ancient shades appear softer, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
Ruthven Heritage
The Ruthvens held lands in Perthshire from the twelfth century, and their castle of Ruthven — two towers standing close together, now known as Huntingtower — rose beside the road west of Perth. The family were made Lords Ruthven in 1488 and later Earls of Gowrie, and stood high in the affairs of the realm through the turbulent sixteenth century.
In 1582 the first Earl led the Raid of Ruthven, holding the young James VI at the castle for the better part of a year; he was executed for it two years later. In 1600 the third Earl and his brother died in the affair at Gowrie House in Perth known as the Gowrie Conspiracy, after which Parliament forfeited the family and abolished the very name, ordering the castle to be called Huntingtower. The ban was later lifted, and the name survives today, borne by the Lords Ruthven of Freeland.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for Ruthven descendants, related families, Perth and Perthshire heritage lovers and anyone looking for a distinctive purple Scottish tartan with a dramatic history behind it.
- ✓ Ruthven family and descendants
- ✓ Perth and Perthshire roots
- ✓ Huntingtower heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Distinctive purple tartan style
How to Wear Ruthven Tartan
Ruthven tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The distinctive purple palette is a striking choice, suitable for everyday heritage wear, formal Scottish events and meaningful family gifts.
Ruthven Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about Ruthven tartan, Huntingtower Castle and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the Ruthven tartan?
Ruthven is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan — a distinctive purple and blue sett with green and black.
What is the Ruthven clan motto?
The motto is Deid Schaw, old Scots for "deeds show."
Where is Clan Ruthven from?
From Perthshire, with the family castle west of Perth — known since 1600 as Huntingtower.
Why was the castle renamed?
After the events at Gowrie House in 1600, Parliament forfeited the family and ordered that Ruthven Castle be called Huntingtower.
Was the Ruthven name really banned?
Yes — Parliament abolished the name in 1600; the ban was lifted in later years and the name endures today.
Who can wear Ruthven tartan?
People with Ruthven ancestry, related families or a respectful connection to the clan can wear Ruthven tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan Ruthven
Discover Ruthven tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Huntingtower, Perthshire and the motto Deid Schaw.
View Ruthven Tartan Clothing