Gordon Tartan
Modern from Houston
The Gordon surname traces its origins to Berwickshire, a historic county in Scotland now forming part of the Scottish Borders Council Area. According to legend, King Malcolm Canmore granted the family lands in 1057—placing the Gordons in Lowland Scotland even before the Norman invasion. The name itself is believed to derive from the Barony of Gordon in the Merse, and the earliest recorded member of the family was Richer de Gordum. Later, Adam Gordon received a royal grant for the lands of Coldstream, situated along the River Tweed, which remained with the family for generations.
The Gordon Highlanders regiment was founded in the spring of 1794, originally named the 100th Regiment of Foot. It was raised by Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon, who recruited heavily from his family estates. The Duke’s wife, the spirited Duchess Jean—known for her charm—famously offered a kiss to any man willing to enlist, making recruitment both effective and memorable.
Renumbered as the 92nd Regiment of Foot in 1798, the Gordon Highlanders went on to distinguish themselves in numerous military campaigns, including battles in the Netherlands, Egypt, Denmark, and the Peninsular War. Their service culminated in their participation in the decisive Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Through these engagements, they earned a reputation as one of the most disciplined and reliable regiments in the British Army.
After two centuries of proud service, the Gordon Highlanders were merged on 17 September 1994 with the Queen’s Own Highlanders, forming the 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons). In 2006, as part of a major restructuring of the British Army, this battalion became part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, now known as 4 SCOTS (4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland). The legacy of the Gordon Highlanders continues through this modern regiment, whose members have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying forward a proud tradition of courage and service.
The Gordon family motto is “Bydan”, meaning “Abiding”—a testament to their enduring presence in Scottish history.
The Top 10 Scottish Tartans
Black watch
Ancient from House of Edgar
Royal Stewart
Modern from House of Edgar
Macleod
Ancient MacLeod from Houston
Macdonald
Ancient from House of Edgar
Anderson
Muted from House of Edgar
Campbell
Ancient from Houston
MacGregor
Modern from Houston
MacKenzie
Ancient from Houston
Gordon
Modern from Houston
Fraser
Ancient from Loch Carron
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