Ancient Tartan
ModernTartan
The tartan has a red stripe which is flanked on both sides by green, then should follow a white stripe then a black stripe. The tartan is well documented, appearing in the earliest collections and certified by the Chief, with his seal and signature, in the archive of the Highland Society of London. (C. 1816). The Clan Tartan, in its present form, was woven by Wilson’s of Bannockburn at the beginning of the 19th century and recorded in the firms pattern books dated 1819. The Colquhouns have two accepted tartans, the ancient and modern. Both are the same, the variation is in the tones of the colours. |
Ancient Tartan |
ModernTartan |
A chief of the Colquhoun was issued a command by the King to seize the well-fortified Dumbarton Castle. He wrote the King back in French, the accepted universal language of the time, "Si Je Puis" (If I can). The chief gathered a group of men close to him and hid them in the woods outside of Dumbartons gates. Then he lured a red stag by the gates chased by two greyhounds. The starving garrison in the castle opened the gates to chase the stag, whereupon the clansmen rushed the castle and captured it for the King. This was the only time in the history of Dumbarton Castle that it was taken, and without bloodshed. It is not sure exactly which Colquhoun chief accomplished this task. Some sources say John Colquhoun 10th of Luss under King James I who wanted the castle taken from the too powerful Lennox family in 1424. Other sources say it was Sir Robert 2nd de Colquhoun, who lived 1220 -1280 A.D. |
 |