Cameron Tartan
Pattern Overview
Clan: Cameron
Motto: Aonaibh Ri Chéile (Unite)
Primary Colors: Red, green, yellow, and black
History and Significance
The Cameron of Erracht tartan is a striking pattern with a red and green base accented by yellow stripes. It is one of the more colorful and eye-catching clan tartans. The Cameron Highlanders, one of the most distinguished regiments in the British Army, wore this tartan from 1793 until the regiment's amalgamation in 1961.
Clan Cameron is based in Lochaber in the western Highlands. The chiefs are styled "Cameron of Lochiel," and the clan has a long history of military service and loyalty to the Stuart cause. The Camerons were prominent Jacobites — Donald Cameron, the "Gentle Lochiel," was one of the key clan chiefs who supported Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 1745 rising.
The Cameron of Erracht tartan was designed in the 1790s for the Cameron Highlanders regiment and is the most commonly worn Cameron tartan today. See Military Tartans for more on the regiment's history.
Wearing the Cameron Tartan
The Cameron tartan is available from Scottish tartan weavers and retailers in various fabric weights and color palettes (modern, ancient, weathered, and sometimes dress and hunting versions). It can be ordered as kilt-weight wool for traditional Highland dress, lighter wool for suits and trousers, or as accessories like ties, scarves, and sashes. The pattern is registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans.