Spence (Spens)
Spence Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan Spens with a Scottish tartan tied to Lathallan in Fife — keepers of the royal larder and kin of the old Earls of Fife, under the motto Si Deus Quis Contra.
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About the Spence Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records Spens — also spelled Spence — as a Clan/Family tartan. The Spens sett is a handsome design of green and blue crossed with black and lifted by fine lines, a cool and dignified pattern, worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan Spens is a Scottish clan of Fife, whose chief is Spens of Lathallan. The name comes from the office of the spence, the keeper of the larder or dispenser of provisions in a great household, and the motto Si Deus Quis Contra, "if God be with us, who is against us," makes Spence tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
Spence Tartan Pattern and Colours
Spens tartan is recognised for its green and blue ground crossed with black and lifted by fine lines — cool, dignified colours of the Fife country and the coast of the Forth. Ancient shades appear softer, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
Spence Heritage
The name arose from an office of the medieval household: the spence was the room where provisions were kept, and the man who kept it, the dispenser, gave his name to his descendants. The chiefly family, the Spens of Lathallan in Fife, claim descent from the old Celtic earls of Fife, and held their lands in the East Neuk for many generations.
The name is carried in one of the best known of all Scottish ballads, the old poem of Sir Patrick Spens, the sailor sent on a fatal voyage at the king's command — a story sung for centuries though its hero cannot be traced in record. Spences and Spenses served in the wars and in the burghs of Fife, and the chiefship continues as Spens of Lathallan.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for Spence and Spens descendants, related families, Fife and East Neuk heritage lovers and anyone looking for a cool green and blue Scottish tartan.
- ✓ Spence and Spens family
- ✓ Lathallan and Fife roots
- ✓ East Neuk and Forth heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Green and blue tartan style
How to Wear Spence Tartan
Spence tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The cool palette is easy to style, making it suitable for everyday heritage wear, formal Scottish events and meaningful family gifts.
Spence Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about Spence tartan, Lathallan and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the Spence tartan?
Spens, also spelled Spence, is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan — a green and blue sett.
What does the name Spence mean?
It comes from the spence, the larder or store of a great household, and from the officer who kept it.
Are Spence and Spens the same name?
Yes — Spence and Spens are forms of the same Fife name.
Who is the chief of Clan Spens?
The chief is Spens of Lathallan, whose family held lands in the East Neuk of Fife.
Who was Sir Patrick Spens?
The hero of one of Scotland's best known old ballads, a sailor sent on a fatal voyage; he cannot be traced in the records.
Who can wear Spence tartan?
People with Spence or Spens ancestry, related families or a respectful connection to the clan can wear Spens tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan Spens
Discover Spens tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Lathallan, the East Neuk of Fife and the motto Si Deus Quis Contra.
View Spence Tartan Clothing