Turnbull Tartan Collection
Turnbull Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan Turnbull with a Scottish tartan tied to the Rule Water and Bedrule in Roxburghshire — a Border clan whose very name is a deed, under the motto I Saved the King.
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About the Turnbull Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records Turnbull as a Clan/Family tartan. The Turnbull sett is a bold and handsome design of red crossed with green and black, a warm pattern of the Border country, worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan Turnbull is a Border clan of Roxburghshire, today an armigerous clan. The crest is a bull's head and the motto I Saved the King — both recalling the famous story from which the name is said to come, making Turnbull tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
Turnbull Tartan Pattern and Colours
Turnbull tartan is recognised for its bold red ground crossed with green and black — warm, striking colours of the Border country. Ancient shades appear softer and lighter, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
Turnbull Heritage
The historian Hector Boece told the tale that a man named William of Rule saved Robert the Bruce from a charging bull by seizing it and wrestling it down, and that the king rewarded him with lands and the new name Turnbull. Scholars think it more likely that the name comes from the Old English Trumbald, meaning strongly bold — and in Teviotdale it is still often said as Trummell. Either way, the arms bear bulls' heads and the motto keeps the story alive.
William called Turnbule received a charter from Robert the Bruce near Philiphaugh in 1315, and the family held broad lands in the Rule valley, with Bedrule Castle as their chief seat and Fatlips Castle at Denholm among their towers. As one of the riding families of the Middle March they knew the hard justice of the Border: James IV came to the Rule valley in 1511, and Bedrule was burnt by English raiders in the Rough Wooing of the 1540s. Sir William Turnbull, Bishop of Glasgow, founded that city's university in 1451.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for Turnbull descendants, related families, Roxburghshire, Jedburgh and Border heritage lovers and anyone looking for a bold red Scottish tartan with a memorable story behind it.
- ✓ Turnbull family and descendants
- ✓ Rule Valley and Roxburghshire roots
- ✓ Bedrule and Fatlips heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Bold red tartan style
How to Wear Turnbull Tartan
Turnbull tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The bold red palette makes a striking statement, suitable for everyday heritage wear, formal Scottish events and meaningful family gifts.
Turnbull Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about Turnbull tartan, Bedrule and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the Turnbull tartan?
Turnbull is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan — a bold red sett with green and black.
What is the Turnbull clan motto?
The motto is I Saved the King, and the crest is a bull's head — both recalling the family's founding story.
Is the story of the bull true?
It was told by the historian Hector Boece in the sixteenth century; scholars think the name more likely comes from the Old English Trumbald, "strongly bold".
Where is Clan Turnbull from?
From the Rule valley in Roxburghshire, with Bedrule Castle as the chief seat and Fatlips Castle near Denholm among their towers.
Does Clan Turnbull have a chief?
It is an armigerous clan today, without a chief recognised at present.
Who can wear Turnbull tartan?
People with Turnbull ancestry, related families or a respectful connection to the clan can wear Turnbull tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan Turnbull
Discover Turnbull tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Bedrule, the Rule Water and the motto I Saved the King.
View Turnbull Tartan Clothing