Fraser Tartan
Pattern Overview
Clan: Fraser
Motto: Je Suis Prest (I Am Ready)
Primary Colors: Red, green, navy blue, and white
History and Significance
The Fraser tartan features a red ground with blue and green stripes, accented with white lines. It is a distinctive and widely worn tartan, made even more popular in recent years by the Outlander book and television series, whose protagonist Jamie Fraser wears the pattern prominently.
Clan Fraser of Lovat, based around Beauly in Inverness-shire, is the principal branch. The clan played significant roles in Scottish history, including at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, where Fraser clansmen fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, was the last person to be publicly beheaded in Britain (in 1747) for his role in the Jacobite rising.
The Fraser Hunting tartan uses a darker, more muted palette suitable for outdoor wear. Both versions are popular with people of Fraser descent worldwide.
Wearing the Fraser Tartan
The Fraser 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.