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Clan Matheson

Fac et spera (Do and hope)

The Mathesons (Gaelic MacMhathain) were settled in Lochalsh in Wester Ross from an early period, and members of the family held the office of constable of Eilean Donan Castle: Kenneth MacMathan is recorded as constable in 1263, and John Matheson held the office under Mackenzie, 9th of Kintail. The chief's line bought Bennetsfield on the Black Isle about 1688, and the chiefship lay with that branch from the early 18th century. The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists Major Sir Alexander Matheson of Matheson, Bt. as chief.

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Clan Matheson Crest

Clan Matheson Crest

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Personalized Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration ZY89

Personalized Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Bagpiper Ornament

Matheson · Modern

Personalized Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration VT53

Personalized Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

Matheson · Ancient

Matheson Weathered Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Matheson Weathered Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Matheson Weathered Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Bagpiper Ornament

Matheson · Weathered

Matheson Hunting Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Matheson Hunting Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Matheson Hunting Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions...
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From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

Matheson · Hunting Modern

Personalized Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration FD95

Personalized Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions...
From £16.00 GBP
£20.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

Matheson · Hunting Ancient

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament SV41 Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Christmas Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament SV41 Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Christmas

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament - Matheson Modern Tartan

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you an excuse to dress up your home with all of the lovely ornaments we associate with the holiday season. With so many...
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  • Matheson Modern Tartan

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament

Matheson · Modern

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Round Ceramic Ornament UP57 Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Tartan Christmas Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Round Ceramic Ornament UP57 Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Tartan Christmas

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Round Ceramic Ornament - Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Round Ceramic Ornament One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you an excuse to dress up your home with all of the lovely ornaments we associate with the holiday season. With so many different...
From £15.00 GBP
From £15.00 GBP
  • Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan

Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Hunting Ancient

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Leather BagClan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Leather Bag, view 2

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Leather Bag - Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Clan

Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Clan Leather Bag Product Details: PU leather material is luxurious - genuine - smooth Size 29cm x 20cm x 10.5cm helps girls to hold the whole world Above all, this is an indispensable fashion item with cool and personality The...
£48.00 GBP
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  • Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Clan

Tartan Bag

Matheson

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Bow Tie

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Bow Tie - Matheson Modern Tartan Clan

Matheson Modern Tartan Clan Bow Tie Product detail: Unique item with your custom design can be worn on various occasions, such as weddings,'anniversaries, and birthday parties. 100% polyester satin, silky and durable. Adjustable neckband fits neck sizes 11.5' to 20' Flat measurement without knot:...
£27.00 GBP
£27.00 GBP
  • Matheson Modern Tartan Clan

Tartan Bow Tie

Matheson

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Crest TumblerClan Matheson Modern Tartan Crest Tumbler, view 2

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Crest Tumbler - Matheson Modern Tartan Clan

Matheson Modern Tartan Clan Crest Tumbler Product Detail: Matheson Modern Tartan Crest Tumbler Introducing our Tartan Tumbler, a perfect companion for your daily hydration needs. This mobile tumbler comes with a slide lid and an ideal size, providing convenience as you enjoy your refreshing...
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  • Matheson Modern Tartan Clan

Tartan Tumbler

Matheson

Matheson Modern tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Matheson crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Matheson Modern tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Matheson crest

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Matheson Modern Tartan

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Matheson Modern tartan with the crest badge of Clan Matheson printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in the centre....
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP
  • Matheson Modern Tartan

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Matheson · Modern Tartan

Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Matheson crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Matheson crest

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan Matheson printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP
  • Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Matheson · Hunting Ancient Tartan

Matheson Ancient tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Matheson crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Matheson Ancient tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Matheson crest

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Matheson Ancient Tartan

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Matheson Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan Matheson printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in the centre....
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP
  • Matheson Ancient Tartan

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Matheson · Ancient Tartan

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Matheson Modern tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Matheson" on the Santa hat

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Matheson Modern tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Modern

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Matheson" on the Santa hat

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan. The white fur band of the hat...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Hunting Ancient

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Matheson Ancient tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Matheson" on the Santa hat

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Matheson Ancient tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Ancient

Christmas piper ornament in the Matheson Modern tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Matheson Modern tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Matheson Modern tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Modern

Christmas piper ornament in the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper,...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Hunting Ancient

Christmas piper ornament in the Matheson Ancient tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Matheson Ancient tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Matheson Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

Matheson · Ancient

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Matheson Modern tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Matheson Modern tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Matheson Modern tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and our designers...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Matheson · Modern

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £6.00

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Matheson · Hunting Ancient

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Matheson Ancient tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Matheson Ancient tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Matheson Ancient tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and our designers...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £6.00

Clan Matheson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Matheson · Ancient

Clan Matheson crest in the centre of a stained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with the Matheson Modern tartan behind the thistleStained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with a gold bagpipe emblem and the Matheson Modern tartan behind the thistle

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper A stained-glass style tree topper: Scotland's thistle, framed in gold, standing in front of a round window of the Matheson Modern tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose your design:...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan Matheson Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Matheson · Modern

Clan Matheson crest in the centre of a stained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan behind the thistleStained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with a gold bagpipe emblem and the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan behind the thistle

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper A stained-glass style tree topper: Scotland's thistle, framed in gold, standing in front of a round window of the Matheson Hunting Ancient tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan Matheson Hunting Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Matheson · Hunting Ancient

Crest & Motto

Clan Matheson Crest Badge & Motto

The motto of Clan Matheson is Fac et spera (Do and hope). It appears on the Clan Matheson crest badge: the chief’s heraldic crest set inside a strap and buckle that carries the motto.

In Scotland a crest belongs to the chief, not to everyone with the surname. Clan members may wear the crest badge, with the crest inside the strap and buckle, to show that they belong to the clan. The plain crest without the strap remains the chief’s own.

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Tartan Identity

Clan Matheson’s Tartans

Matheson tartan swatch

Matheson

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Personalised gifts, apparel and heritage decor for Clan Matheson.

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The Matheson Story

  1. 1263

    Kenneth MacMathan, constable of Eilean Donan, named in the record of Haakon IV's campaign[4]

  2. 1411

    Mathesons fight under Donald of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw[4]

  3. 1427

    Chief Alastair Matheson arrested by James I at Inverness and beheaded in Edinburgh[4]

  4. 1539

    John Matheson, constable, killed defending Eilean Donan against the MacDonalds of Sleat[4]

  5. c.1688

    John (Ian Mor) Matheson buys Bennetsfield on the Black Isle[4]

  6. 1851

    Sir Alexander Matheson buys back the Lochalsh barony[4]

  7. 1882

    Matheson Baronetcy of Lochalsh created for Alexander Matheson[3][6]

  8. 1975

    Colonel Bertram Matheson of Matheson dies childless; his successor as chief was chosen by tanistry[3]

Clan Matheson Crest & Plant Badge

Plant badgeBroom

Visit the Matheson Homeland

Map of Scotland with Matheson places marked

Eilean Donan Castle, Kintail, Highland

Category A listed castle in the parish of Kintail. John Matheson was constable here under Mackenzie, 9th of Kintail, and was killed defending it against the MacDonalds of Sleat in 1539.[5][4]

Map outline: Natural Earth (public domain). Pins use official Historic Environment Scotland grid references.

Clan Matheson Today

ChiefMajor Sir Alexander Matheson of Matheson, Bt., listed as chief of Clan Matheson by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
Clan societyClan Matheson Society

Surnames linked to Clan Matheson

These family names are connected with Clan Matheson. Each list says who records the link.

Listed by the clan society or COSCA

  • Bairnson
  • MacBirnie
  • MacBurnie
  • MacMahon
  • MacMath
  • MacMathon
  • MacMhathain
  • Mahon
  • Massey
  • Mathewson
  • Mathie
  • Mathieson
  • Mathison
  • Mathyson
  • Matthews
  • Matthewson
  • Moannach

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Questions about Clan Matheson

Is Clan Matheson connected to Eilean Donan Castle?

Yes. Kenneth MacMathan is recorded as constable of Eilean Donan in 1263, and John Matheson was constable under Mackenzie, 9th of Kintail, and was killed defending the castle against the MacDonalds of Sleat in 1539.

Who is the Matheson chief?

The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists Major Sir Alexander Matheson of Matheson, Bt.

What is the Matheson motto?

Fac et spera, Latin for 'Do and hope'.

What happened to the Matheson chiefship in 1975?

Colonel Bertram Matheson of Matheson died without children. According to the Clan Matheson New Zealand history, the next chief was chosen by tanistry, the practice by which a chief nominates his heir during his lifetime.

Where are the Matheson lands?

Lochalsh in Wester Ross, where the family also held Balmacara and Fernaig; COSCA additionally lists Shinness in Sutherland. A later branch held Bennetsfield on the Black Isle.

Sources

  1. Find a clan: Matheson, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  2. Members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
  3. Matheson Baronetcies and Chiefship, Clan Matheson Society (New Zealand)
  4. Clan Matheson, Electric Scotland
  5. Eilean Donan Castle (LB7209), Historic Environment Scotland
  6. Debrett's Peerage, Baronetage, Knightage and Companionage: Matheson of Lochalsh (creation 1882), Debrett's (page scan, Wikisource)