Clan Macdonald
Motto: Per Mare
Per terras (By sea and land)
Plant Badge:
Heather
Lands: The
Western Isles / Highlands / Island. Armdale Castle on the Isle of
Skye is the location of the Donald Centre and Museum of the
Isles.
Clan Macdonald, also known as Clan Donald, is a clan with a long
and fierce history. Their first chief, named Somerled, was born in
1113, and was a skilled warrior, driving the Vikings out of their
position of power in the west. It is rumoured that Somerled
invented the rudder, and this invention helped Somerled and his
followers defeat the Viking raiders at sea. The motto of Per Mare
Per Terras (By sea and land), is fitting for the Macdonalds, as
they were formidable warriors at sea and on land, fighting with
Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn, as well as fighting in the Battles
of Harlaw and Bloody Bay.
There are more than forty tartans associated with Clan
Macdonald. The tartan seen on this postcard is an example of the
Modern Macdonald tartan. The red, blue, and green colours have been
used by this clan for many years, and are called "old colours."
Over one hundred clans wear Macdonald tartan, making it one of the
most well- known of the Scottish tartans.
Object no :
N. TAR 4 Clan Macdonald Front, N. TAR 4 Clan Macdonald Back
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
NA
Materials :
NA
Location :
NA
Accession number :
N.TAR 4
Copyright :
Dumfries & Galloway Council