Campbell Tartan

The origin of the name Campbell is thought to be both Celtic and Norman French. The Celtic source is from Dairmid O'Duine, called wry mouth, an Irish warrior chief. The Norman connection is that Dairmid as a widower is thought to have travelled to France and married to an heiress called Beauchamp whose name he adopted. The Latin of Beauchamp is Campobello and Campbell came from this. In the middle ages the Campbells became established in the Highlands and Hebrides growing into a major clan. They were successfully involved in Scottish politics greatly increasing their power. The tartan was adopted by General Wades Watch companies formed in 1725 but was thought to be a Campbell Hunting tartan because four of the companies were commanded by Campbell. It was also adopted by the Black Watch formed in 1739 and was used by those loyal to the government during the 'proscribed period' (1746-1782).This tartan is a can be used by anyone with or without a clan.