Ross Hunting Clan Collection

I. Introduction

Across the rolling moors and shadowed forests of Ross-shire, Clan Ross strides as a hunter of history, their legacy etched in the earthy threads of their Hunting tartan. As Clann Anndrais, they have tracked their path through Scotland’s wild heart, their story a blend of martial prowess and Highland pride. This essay explores their journey, a tale of pursuit and perseverance woven into the greens and browns of their clan garb.

II. Origins of Clan Ross

Ross, from Gaelic ros—"headland"—names a clan born of the northern coast. Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt, a priest’s son turned warrior, claimed the earldom in 1234, knighted by Alexander II for quelling Moray’s unrest. From this fusion of faith and fight, the Rosses emerged, their lands a hunting ground between firths, their roots deep in Gaelic soil.

III. Historical Evolution of Clan Ross

A. Medieval Foundations

The Rosses hunted power in medieval Scotland, their earldom a prize won by Fearchar’s blade. William II, Earl, balanced loyalties in the independence wars, capturing Bruce’s kin in 1306 to secure his place under English eyes, yet later turning to Scotland’s cause.

B. Highland Rivalries

The 15th century brought feuds with the Mackays, a 1496 summons by James IV forcing peace under Argyll’s watch. The Balnagown Rosses rose as the earldom waned, their castle a lair for Highland hunts and governance.

C. Tartan’s Call

The Hunting tartan, with its practical hues of green-based tartan with orange overchecks and brown, emerged in the 19th century, a garb for stalking game and honoring the clan’s rugged past—a banner for the hunters of Ross-shire.

IV. Clan Ross Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The juniper-clasped hand of the crest evokes the hunt’s sanctity, a symbol of strength and Highland purity.

B. Clan Motto

Spem Successus Alit—"Success Nourishes Hope"—reflects the hunter’s creed: triumph fuels the chase, a truth lived by generations.

V. Clan Ross Hunting Tartan

The Clan Ross Hunting Tartan is a green-based tartan with orange overchecks, designed for camouflage and practical hunting attire, and is available in modern and ancient color variations. Revived in the Victorian era, it adorns kilts and sashes at gatherings, a vibrant tie to the clan’s hunting heritage.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan Ross

A. Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt (d. circa 1251)

Fearchar hunted rebellion to win his earldom, his prowess the clan’s first quarry.

B. David Ross, 12th of Balnagown (d. 1711)

A royalist in the civil wars, David’s hunt for Stuart glory cost him dear, yet his line endured.

VII. Conclusion

With their Hunting tartan, Clan Ross stalks the annals of Scotland’s past, a clan of hunters whose legacy thrives in the Highlands’ embrace. Theirs is a tale of pursuit— of land, honor, and hope—forever tracked in the threads of their storied weave.