MacPherson (McPherson) Tartan Collection
MacPherson Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan MacPherson with a Scottish tartan tied to Badenoch and Cluny — a leading clan of the great Clan Chattan, under the wary motto Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove.
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About the MacPherson Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records MacPherson as a Clan/Family tartan. The MacPherson name is famous for several setts, above all the distinctive grey dress MacPherson — a cool grey ground with black, red and white — alongside red dress and green hunting versions, all worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan MacPherson, from the Gaelic Mac a' Phearsain, "son of the parson," sprang from an old ecclesiastical family and became a leading clan of the Clan Chattan confederation, seated in Badenoch. The clan motto Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove makes MacPherson tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
MacPherson Tartan Pattern and Colours
The MacPherson name is best known for the striking grey dress tartan, cool and elegant with black, red and white; there are also a bold red dress MacPherson and a green hunting MacPherson. Ancient shades appear softer, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
MacPherson Heritage
The MacPhersons trace their descent from Muireach, the parson of Kingussie, and rose to be one of the principal clans of Clan Chattan, the great confederation of the central Highlands. Clan tradition holds that Robert the Bruce granted them the lands of Badenoch as a reward for helping to destroy his enemies the Comyns. The MacPherson chiefs, styled Cluny, long disputed the leadership of Clan Chattan with the Mackintoshes.
The clan's great hero is Ewen MacPherson of Cluny, who led the clan for Prince Charles in the '45. After Culloden he hid for nine years in "Cluny's Cage," a hidden shelter on Ben Alder, protected by his people despite a fortune offered for his capture, before escaping to France. The clan's emblem, like the rest of Clan Chattan, is the wildcat, and the motto Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove. The clan museum stands at Newtonmore in Badenoch.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for MacPherson and McPherson descendants, Clan Chattan kin, related Gillies and MacLeish families, Badenoch heritage lovers and anyone looking for a distinctive grey or bold red Scottish tartan with deep Highland meaning.
- ✓ MacPherson and McPherson family
- ✓ Badenoch and Cluny roots
- ✓ Clan Chattan heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Distinctive grey tartan style
How to Wear MacPherson Tartan
MacPherson tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The elegant grey dress sett is a distinctive choice, while the red and green versions offer bolder looks, ideal for everyday wear, formal events and meaningful gifts.
MacPherson Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about MacPherson tartan, the grey dress sett and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the MacPherson tartan?
MacPherson is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan, famous for its distinctive grey dress sett, with red and green versions too.
Why is the MacPherson dress tartan grey?
The elegant grey dress MacPherson — grey with black, red and white — is one of the most distinctive of all setts, long associated with the clan.
What is the MacPherson clan motto?
The MacPherson motto is Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove, shared with the wildcat clans of Clan Chattan; the crest is a wildcat.
Where is Clan MacPherson from?
From Badenoch in Inverness-shire, in the central Highlands; the chiefs were styled Cluny, and the clan museum is at Newtonmore.
Who was Cluny MacPherson?
Ewen MacPherson of Cluny led the clan in the '45 and hid for nine years in "Cluny's Cage" on Ben Alder before escaping to France.
Who can wear MacPherson tartan?
People with MacPherson or McPherson ancestry, Clan Chattan kin or a respectful connection to the clan and Scottish heritage can wear MacPherson tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan MacPherson
Discover MacPherson tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Badenoch, Cluny and the wary motto Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove.
View MacPherson Tartan Clothing