1. About Clan Bannerman (Bannerman Tartan)

2. Clan Bannerman History (Bannerman Tartan)

Similar to other Scottish names like Armstrong and Turnbull, Bannerman has a connection to a historical event.

The King's forces had gathered on the banks of the Spey where a rebel army had gathered on the opposite side somewhere in the late 11th and early 12th century, under the rule of either Malcolm III or Alexander I.

The Spey is a swift river even when the water level is low, therefore the rebels felt secure as the water level rose. The King was instructed to wait for the river to recede before attempting to cross to confront the rebel army.

The monarch, however, was so enraged by the sight of the rebels that he jumped into the river to confront them. Sir Alexander Carron, the king's chamberlain, recognized the danger to the king and pursued him on horseback while carrying the royal banner.

The rest of the King's troops crossed the river after spotting the standard being carried across it and routed the rebels. Sir Alexander Carron was given the title of hereditary Standard Bearer to the King in recognition of his bravery and quick thinking.

At suitable ceremonies, his descendants continue to enjoy the privilege and fly the Scottish royal banner.

The lands of Clyntrees, Waterton, and Welltown were given to the Bannerman family by David II in 1367. The Abbott of Kinloss later gave the family territory west of Aberdeen in 1370.

The Gordons and Forbes engaged in bitter clan wars in the North East of Scotland during the end of the 16th century. In the midst of this bloody struggle, the Bannermans first sided with Clan Forbes.

Margaret Bannerman, however, wed George Gordon of Haddo, a descendant of Sir John Gordon, in 1608. Sir John, a devoted follower of King Charles I, was put to death for rejecting the National Covenant.

The King was also supported by Alexander Bannerman of Pitmedden, who nearly lost his estates in the civil war. When Charles II made Sir Alexander Bannerman a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1682 as a reward for his devotion, his circumstances improved during the restoration.

During the first Jacobite revolt, Alexander's son Patrick sided with the Stuarts and the "Old Pretender," James Francis Edward Stuart. Alexander was knighted by James VIII in 1715, but once the Jacobite movement was put down, he was given the death penalty. Thankfully, he managed to flee to France.

The juvenile pretender Charles Edward Stewart was nonetheless backed by the Bannermen when he arrived in Scotland. Sir Alexander, the second baronet's son, joined the Jacobites in Stirling in 1745 with 160 other men, fought beside the Prince till Culloden, and then fled via the north to France.

Due to their Jacobite ties, Sir Alexander Bannerman, fourth Baronet, was compelled to sell the Elsick estates in the aftermath. When Sir Alexander Bannerman, the former governor of the Bahamas, acquired the estates in 1851, the family received them back.

From 1905 to 1908, Sir Campbell Bannerman served as the Liberal Party's prime minister. After Arthur Balfour resigned in 1905, he was appointed prime minister by Edward VII.

He was in charge of appointing David Lloyd George and Herbert Asquith, two of the most well-known prime ministers in the nation, to the government. In 1908, Asquith succeeded him, and he passed away a short time after.

Scottish rugby hero John Bannerman earned 39 caps for his country. In 1967, he was created a life peer and named Lord Bannerman of Kidonan. He passed away in 1969.

The Cameron Highlanders were home to the thirteenth Baronet. After serving in the war, he trained as a Russian interpreter and then taught at Gordonstoun and Fettes College in Edinburgh. Currently, the chief is his son.

3. Clan Bannerman Tartans

As a sept of Clan Forbes, Bannermans can opt to wear Forbes tartans since there is no officially recognized Bannerman tartan.

Forbes Ancient

Forbes Modern

4. Clan Bannerman Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Bannerman Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

Crest Description:
A demi man in armour holding in his right hand a sword, Proper

4.2 Clan Bannerman Coat of Arms

Note on Coats of Arms: A coat of arms is given to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist.

With the exclusions listed above, the weapons depicted below are personal weapons. The only person authorized to use these weapons is the grantee.

5. Clan Bannerman Places & People

5.1 Helen Bannerman (1862-1946)

Helen Bannerman, who was born in Edinburgh in 1862, spent her early years in Madeira, where her father served as a pastor.

She later took private instruction in Edinburgh and graduated from St. Andrews University. In 1889, she travelled to India after getting married to Will Bannerman, an army doctor.

While there, she authored a book called "Little Black Sambo" that was essentially two illustrated letters to her two daughters who were still living in Scotland.

Due to some dubious copyright advice, the author sold the book's rights, which led to the publication of subpar copies with new drawings that gave the book a racist tint that was not intended in the original.

The Story of Little Babaji, a re-illustrated version that was published in 1996, was illustrated by Fred Marcellino, who noticed that the story itself had no overtly racial undertones.

Before she passed away in Edinburgh at the age of 84, she authored an additional nine children's books.

5.2 John MacDonald, Lord Bannerman of Kildonan (1902-1969)

John Macdonald, a Glasgow native, earned 37 rugby caps for Scotland. He was president of An Comunn Gaidhealach and a well-known broadcaster and advocate for the Gaelic language. He also wrote numerous Gaelic songs.

In 1967, he was appointed a life peer.

7. Clan Bannerman: Guardians of the Royal Standard

Standard bearers have played a crucial role in Scottish history, carrying the banners and flags that signified the presence and authority of the reigning monarch.

Among the esteemed clans that held this honorable position, Clan Bannerman stands out as one of the most prominent.

For centuries, they faithfully guarded and displayed the royal standard, forging a captivating legacy that continues to captivate the imagination and admiration of many.

8. Origins of Clan Bannerman: Carriers of the King's Banner

The roots of Clan Bannerman can be traced back to the early medieval period in Scotland. The clan takes pride in their ancestral role as carriers of the King's Banner, a responsibility that was passed down through generations.

As the keepers of such a significant symbol of power and authority, the Bannermans became deeply intertwined with the monarchy and earned a reputation for their loyalty and bravery.

9. Legends of Bravery: Conquering Rebels with the King

Throughout history, Clan Bannerman proved their mettle on the battlefield, standing alongside Scottish monarchs in the face of rebellion and invasion.

Their unwavering loyalty and exceptional valor were instrumental in securing victories for the crown, and their name became synonymous with courage and honor on the frontlines.

10. Sir Alexander Carron and the Hereditary Title of Standard Bearer

One of the most notable figures in Clan Bannerman's history is Sir Alexander Carron, who held the hereditary title of Standard Bearer.

This prestigious position ensured that the clan maintained its duty of safeguarding the royal standard at all times.

Sir Alexander Carron's lineage played a pivotal role in upholding the clan's reputation as fierce defenders of the monarchy and its symbols of power.

11. Expansion and Acquisitions: Grants of Land in Aberdeenshire

As a reward for their loyal service and unwavering commitment, Clan Bannerman was granted extensive parcels of land in Aberdeenshire.

These acquisitions not only solidified the clan's influence and prosperity but also provided them with a stronghold from which to defend their territory and support the monarchy.

12. Entangled in Fierce Feuds: Clan Gordon vs. Clan Forbes

Despite their unwavering loyalty to the crown, Clan Bannerman found themselves entangled in a fierce and long-standing feud between Clan Gordon and Clan Forbes.

This bitter conflict, rooted in rivalries over power, land, and influence, tested the loyalties of many Scottish clans, including Clan Bannerman.

13. The Name Bannerman: Synonymous with Elite Knights Banneret

The name Bannerman became synonymous with elite knights banneret, a special rank granted to knights who carried the king's banner into battle.

This esteemed title further solidified Clan Bannerman's position as a premier clan of Scottish aristocracy, representing the pinnacle of military prowess and loyalty to the monarchy.

14. A Journey Through Time: Unraveling the Fascinating Legacy

14.1 10th and 11th Centuries: Origins of Clan Bannerman

In the early centuries, Clan Bannerman emerged as a noble Scottish family with a strong allegiance to the monarchy.

Their involvement in carrying the king's banner can be dated back to this period, establishing their role as standard bearers and guardians of the royal standard.

14.2 The Mighty River Spey: A Path to Victory

The strategic location of Clan Bannerman's lands along the mighty River Spey played a significant role in their military successes.

The river acted as a natural boundary and provided both protection and access to crucial routes, enabling the clan to navigate and conquer their foes effectively.

14.3 Late 14th Century: Lands Granted by King David II

During the late 14th century, King David II granted additional lands to Clan Bannerman, solidifying their position and influence in Aberdeenshire.

These grants further elevated the clan's status and ensured their continued duty as standard bearers and protectors of the royal lineage.

14.4 Additional Land in the Western Region of Aberdeen

In addition to their holdings in Aberdeenshire, Clan Bannerman acquired additional land in the western region of Aberdeen.

This expansion strengthened their presence and fortified their control over strategic territories, ensuring the security of the monarchy and their own position within the Scottish aristocracy.

14.5 16th Century Feuds: Clan Gordon and Clan Forbes

During the 16th century, Clan Bannerman found themselves caught in a fierce feud between Clan Gordon and Clan Forbes.

The bitter disputes over power and land brought turmoil and challenges, testing the resilience and loyalty of Clan Bannerman and forcing them to navigate treacherous political landscapes.

15. The Role of Standard Bearers: Symbol of Military Prowess

Standard bearers played a pivotal role in Scottish military strategy, acting as the physical embodiment of the army's strength and determination.

Clan Bannerman's standard bearers displayed the royal standard, instilling a sense of courage and unity in their fellow soldiers while striking fear and uncertainty into the hearts of their enemies.

16. Insights into Clan Bannerman's Legacy

16.1 The Importance of Carrying the King's Standard

Carrying the king's standard was a significant responsibility bestowed upon Clan Bannerman.

The act of bearing the royal banner showcased the clan's allegiance to the monarchy, instilled a sense of pride and honor in the members, and acted as a rallying point for the troops in the heat of battle.

16.2 The Bannerman Tartan: A Symbol of Clan Identity

Like many Scottish clans, Clan Bannerman has its own tartan, a specific pattern of colors and stripes that represent their unique identity.

The Bannerman tartan serves as a visual symbol of the clan's heritage, unity, and pride in their role as standard bearers.

16.3 Immense Prestige and Honor: The Standard Bearer's Role

Serving as a standard bearer bestowed immense prestige and honor upon Clan Bannerman.

This noble duty brought them into close proximity with the reigning monarch, elevated their social status and influence, and represented their unwavering commitment to the crown and the nation.

16.4 Clan Bannerman Today: Carrying on the Tradition

While the role of standard bearers may have evolved over the centuries, Clan Bannerman remains deeply connected to their illustrious heritage.

Today, the clan continues to honor and uphold their historical legacy, showcasing their commitment to preserving Scottish traditions and their enduring connection to the monarchy.

17. Frequently Asked Questions about Clan Bannerman

17.1 What was the significance of carrying the king's banner?

Carrying the king's banner held immense significance for Clan Bannerman. It symbolized their allegiance to the monarchy, their bravery on the battlefield, and their role as protectors of the royal lineage.

17.2 How did the Bannermans become involved in feuds between other clans?

Clan Bannerman's involvement in feuds between other clans, such as Clan Gordon and Clan Forbes, was often a result of their strategic alliances, territorial disputes, and the complexities of Scottish politics during various periods in history.

17.3 Is the Bannerman family still involved in military affairs?

While the role of standard bearers has evolved over time, the Bannerman family continues to carry on their military legacy and maintain a strong connection to Scottish military traditions.

17.4 What is the Bannerman Tartan, and what does it represent?

The Bannerman Tartan is a specific pattern of colors and stripes that represents the clan's unique identity. It serves as a visual symbol of the clan's heritage and their role as standard bearers.

17.5 Are there any notable members of Clan Bannerman throughout history?

Clan Bannerman has a rich history, with many notable members who played significant roles in Scottish politics, military affairs, and safeguarding the monarchy.

Some of these individuals include Sir Alexander Carron and other illustrious ancestors who held the hereditary title of Standard Bearer.

18. Conclusion

The captivating legacy of Clan Bannerman as Scottish standard bearers is a testament to their unwavering loyalty, bravery, and commitment to the monarchy.

Through centuries of service and sacrifice, they have forged a lasting reputation as defenders of the royal standard and symbols of military prowess.

Today, their legacy lives on, as Clan Bannerman continues to honor their heritage, preserving Scottish traditions, and carrying on the tradition of being the guardians of the royal standard.