MacLeay (McLeay) Tartan Collection
MacLeay Family Tartan Collection
Celebrate the MacLeay name with a Scottish heritage tartan — the old name of the Highland physicians, kin of the Livingstones of Appin and Lismore, worn with the Livingstone or Stewart of Appin tartan.
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About the MacLeay Family Tartan
The MacLeay name — also MacLea, MacLay and McClay — comes from the Gaelic, traditionally read as Mac an Léigh, "son of the physician," recalling a famous hereditary medical kindred; scholars also trace it to Mac Dhunnshleibhe, "son of Donn Slèibhe." The MacLeays of Lorn and Appin anglicised their name to Livingstone, and are the Highland Livingstones of Lismore. Those of the name are most fittingly matched with the Livingstone or Stewart of Appin tartan.
David Livingstone, the great missionary and explorer, was of the MacLeays of Appin. This collection brings a fitting Scottish tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts, honouring an old name of the western Highlands.
MacLeay Tartan Pattern and Colours
Worn with the Livingstone tartan, this collection draws on warm colours of gold and green crossed with black — the gold recalling the gilded staff of Saint Moluag kept on Lismore, fitting for the old physician-kindred of Lorn and Appin.
MacLeay Heritage
The MacLeays were long at home in Lorn and Appin in Argyll, and on the Isle of Lismore, where a branch of the kindred became the hereditary keepers of the Bachuil Mor, the crozier of Saint Moluag. By the 17th century many of the Lismore MacLeas had taken the name Livingstone, and the clan is today known as the Highland Livingstones.
The MacLeays followed the Stewarts of Appin, and fought in the Appin Regiment; at Culloden in 1746 the young Donald Livingstone famously saved the Appin banner from the field. From the western Highlands the MacLeay and Livingstone name spread across Scotland and the world — carried, most famously, by the explorer David Livingstone, son of the MacLeays of Appin.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for those of the MacLeay, MacLea and McClay name, Livingstone kin, families with Lorn, Appin or Lismore roots, and anyone who wishes to honour the old name of the Highland physicians.
- ✓ MacLeay and MacLea family
- ✓ Lorn, Appin and Lismore roots
- ✓ Highland Livingstone kin
- ✓ Family gatherings and reunions
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Gold and green tartan style
How to Wear MacLeay Tartan
A MacLeay heritage tartan, worn as Livingstone or Stewart of Appin, works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts — easy to style for everyday heritage wear, family occasions and meaningful gifts.
MacLeay Family Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the MacLeay name, the tartan its members wear and why it matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
Does MacLeay have its own tartan?
MacLeay is a form of MacLea, or Highland Livingstone, so it is most fittingly worn with the Livingstone or Stewart of Appin tartan.
What does the name MacLeay mean?
It is traditionally read as "son of the physician," from a famous hereditary medical kindred, though scholars also trace it to Mac Dhunnshleibhe.
Is MacLeay the same as Livingstone?
Yes — the MacLeays of Lorn and Appin anglicised their name to Livingstone, and are the Highland Livingstones of Lismore.
Is David Livingstone connected?
Yes — the great explorer David Livingstone was of the MacLeays of Appin.
Who can wear the MacLeay tartan?
Anyone of the MacLeay, MacLea or McClay name, or of Livingstone kin, can wear the Livingstone or Stewart of Appin tartan.
Is MacLeay tartan a good gift?
Yes. A heritage-tartan MacLeay product makes a meaningful gift for the family and for those honouring their Highland roots.
Carry the MacLeay Name with Pride
Discover Livingstone and Stewart of Appin tartan clothing, accessories and gifts for the MacLeay family — honouring Lorn, Appin and the old Highland physicians.
View MacLeay Tartan Clothing