Clan Bain (Bain Tartan)

1. About Clan Bain (Bain Tartan)

2. Clan Bain History (Bain Tartan)

The Clan Bain is unrelated to the MacBain or MacBean families. In actuality, the clan is closely related to Clan MacKay in Scotland's far North West.

Clan MacKay separated into two divisions in 1427 as a result of an internal conflict. The clan's elderly chef Angus Du Mackay and his second son were on one side, and his cousins Morgan Neilson and Niel Neilson MacKay were on the other.

This second group was supported by Clan Sutherland members, which was extremely offensive to the former chief because the Sutherlands had long been the Clan's adversaries.

The final combat between the two factions took place at Drumnacoub, which was close to Kyle of Tongue.

The battle was a failure for the MacKay leadership because in addition to the death of Angus the chief, Morgan and Niel were also killed.

In fact, only a small number of each side's around 3,000 soldiers survived the fierce conflict. Nevertheless, Angus' side prevailed, and his line maintained the chiefship.

Following the conflict, Niel Deilson McKay's son John Bain MacKay changed his last name to John Bain and founded the Bain family.

Moving from Sutherland to Caithness, where John's mother had been relocated for her own protection, he was joined by his family and allies.

The oldest son, John, formed the Bains of Caithness and Haddingtonshire. The second son, William, founded the Bains of Clyth.

John married in 1436 and had four sons. Alexander, the third son, founded the Bains of Tulloch and Dingwall, and Donald, the fourth son, relocated to Galloway.

The name can be spelled in a number of different ways; initially Bane, it was later changed to Bain, and the Tulloch branch also used Bayne. But they all descend from the same parent.

In the Register of All Arms and Bearings in the Court of the Lord Lyon, around 1673, Bain of Tulloch entered the arms.

Before selling the castle and estate to his cousin Henry Davidson in 1762, Kenneth Bayne held the Bayne's seat at Tulloch Castle near Dingwall for more than 200 years.

In Caithness and farther north in Orkney and Shetland, the surname is still widely used.

3. Clan Bain Tartans

The Bain tartan can only be woven as a Special Weave because it is not a stock weave. If you are interested in this, please get in touch with us.

Since Bain belongs to the Clan MacKay, he can don this tartan. The MacGregor tartan is also worn because Bain is a known pseudonym of MacGregor from the Proscription.

Created by Wick-based Trudi Mann for Robert Bain of Lybster, Caithness. It was chosen as the family tartan for all Caithness-based Bains (regardless of spelling).

Details and thread count from March 2004 by Trudi Mann. It has not yet been woven as of August 2004, however Elliots of Selkirk may be working on it. BW changed the name of this from Bains of Cathness in November 2007.

MacKay Modern

MacGregor Modern

4. Clan Bain Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Bain Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

4.2 Clan Bain 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.

Bain Arms

5. Clan Bain Places & People

5.1 Clan Bain Places

Map roughly showing the lands of Clan Bain in the Highlands.

5.2 Clan Bain People

5.2.1 Alexander Bain (11 June 1818 – 18 September 1903)

In the British school of empiricism, Alexander was a Scottish philosopher and educator who made significant contributions to the fields of psychology, linguistics, logic, moral philosophy, and educational reform.

He was a key figure in developing and implementing the scientific method in psychology and founded Mind, the first journal of psychology and analytical philosophy.

At the University of Aberdeen, where he also held professorships in moral philosophy and English literature and was twice elected Lord Rector, Bain was the first Regius Chair in Logic's inaugural class and Professor of Logic.

5.2.2 Thomas Charles John Bain (29 September 1830, Graaff-Reinet – 29 September 1893)

Thomas worked as a road engineer in South Africa. Over the course of a career spanning from 1848 to 1888, Bain, a prolific road building pioneer, was in charge of planning and building more than 900 km of roads and mountain passes, many of which are still in use today.

These routes through the mountain ranges connecting the interior of the old Cape Colony in South Africa with the narrow coastal plain were crucial in allowing access to the country's extensive hinterland.

5.2.3 Alexander Bain (12 October 1810 – 2 January 1877)

Alexander, a Scottish engineer and inventor, was the one who created and patented the electric clock first. He set up the railway telegraph connections connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh.

7. Clan Bain: Uncovering the Rich History and Symbolism of the Bain Tartan

When I was younger, I used to enjoy browsing through gift shops that sold Scottish clan-themed items.

Being proud of my Scottish heritage and having the surname 'Bain,' I would always search for the Bain name, hoping to find items specifically associated with my clan.

However, to my disappointment, I could never find any clan merchandise solely dedicated to the Bain Clan.

I assumed that our surname 'Bain' was associated with the Clan MacBain/McBean, but through extensive research into our genealogy and family history, I discovered that this assumption was incorrect.

In fact, I found that the Clan Bain is actually a sept of the Clan Mackay and has no affiliation with the MacBain/McBean clan.

In my journey of discovery, I also learned about the unique crest and Coat of Arms of the Bain Clan, as well as the absence of a distinct tartan.

This article aims to explore the history, symbolism, and significance of the Bain Tartan, shedding light on the picturesque landscape it represents and guiding those passionate about Scottish heritage to the perfect destination for clan tartans and accessories.

8. Clan Bain and its Relationship with the Clan Mackay

8.1 The Origins of Clan Bain

The Clan Bain traces its origins back to the Scottish Highlands, specifically the Northern Highlands, where the ancestors of the clan settled.

The name 'Bain' itself derives from the Gaelic word "ban," meaning "fair" or "pale." This name came to distinguish the members of the clan, emphasizing their distinctive fair complexions.

8.2 The Acrimonious Split between the Clan Bain and the Clan Mackay

In the 15th century, an acrimonious split occurred between the Clan Bain and the Clan Mackay.

This separation resulted from a dispute over leadership, leading to a complete separation between the two clans.

The Clan Mackay became dominant in the region, while the Clan Bain sought its own path.

9. The Clan Bain Crest and Coat of Arms

9.1 The Clan Bain Crest

Every Scottish clan has its own crest, serving as a symbol of pride and visual representation of its heritage.

The Clan Bain proudly displays its own crest, depicting a sheaf of wheat with a cross above it. This crest represents the agricultural roots of the clan, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

9.2 The Coat of Arms of the Baynes of Tulloch

Within the Clan Bain, a sect known as the Baynes of Tulloch holds its own Coat of Arms, distinct from the clan's crest.

The Coat of Arms of the Baynes of Tulloch features a griffin rampant, symbolizing courage and nobility, as well as a motto that translates to "Faith and Conquest."

10. The Concept and Significance of Tartans

10.1 The Definition of Tartans

Tartans are woven cloth patterns that represent Scottish clans. Each tartan has its own unique combination of colors and design, reflecting the distinct identity and heritage of a particular clan.

Tartans are often associated with Scottish kilts and are worn by members of the respective clans to display their pride and connection to their ancestral roots.

10.2 The Absence of a Bain Tartan

While the Clan Bain has its own crest and Coat of Arms, interestingly, it does not have its own tartan.

The absence of a specific Bain Tartan can be attributed to the historical split between the Clan Bain and the Clan Mackay, as well as the smaller size and lesser prominence of the Clan Bain as compared to other Scottish clans.

11. The Symbolism and Design of the Bain Tartan

11.1 The Description of the Bain Tartan

Although the Clan Bain does not have its own tartan, members often wear the Bain Tartan, which is predominantly associated with the sept of the Clan MacKay.

The design of the Bain Tartan features a dark blue and forest green background with yellow, white, and red stripes.

Notably, the yellow stripes have a slight curve, while the red and white stripes are thinner than the other colors. The overall design of the tartan is symmetrical, with a repeating pattern of four threads in each color.

11.2 The Symbolism of the Bain Tartan

The colors and design of the Bain Tartan hold symbolic significance, representing the picturesque landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

The dark blue symbolizes the vast sky, while the forest green represents the rolling hills.

The yellow, white, and red stripes symbolize the abundance of flowers and heather found in the Highland terrain. Wearing the Bain Tartan proudly demonstrates a connection to the beauty and natural wonders of Scotland.

12. Scottish Kilt: Celebrating Scottish Heritage with Quality Tartans and Accessories

For those passionate about kilts and Scottish heritage, Scottish Kilt offers the perfect destination to celebrate and embrace their cultural roots. Scottish Kilt is renowned for its focus on quality and craftsmanship, providing custom-made kilts, tartan scarves, and stylish sporrans.

Their collection includes a wide range of high-quality tartans, such as the Bain Tartan, along with various other clan and sept tartans.

Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to showcase your Scottish pride, Scottish Kilt ensures that you can find the perfect tartan and accessories to enhance your connection to your ancestral heritage.

13. Conclusion

Uncovering the history and symbolism of the Bain Tartan has shed light on the unique heritage of the Bain Clan within the broader context of Scottish clans.

Though the Clan Bain does not have its own tartan, the Bain Tartan, associated with the sept of the Clan MacKay, serves as a source of pride for clan members, symbolizing their connection to the Scottish Highlands and the beauty of its landscape.

By exploring the rich history and significance of the Bain Tartan, we can embrace our Scottish heritage and proudly display our cultural roots through the traditional attire of kilts and clan tartans.

Scottish Kilt, with its commitment to quality and exquisite craftsmanship, stands as the ideal destination for those seeking authentic clan tartans and accessories to truly immerse themselves in Scottish tradition.

So, let us wear the Bain Tartan with pride and honor the legacy of the Clan Bain within the tapestry of Scottish history.