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The Tartans of Clan MacNeil
There are two - and only two - Clan Macneil tartans recognized by the Chief of the
Clan, who by custom and in Scotland by law, determines what the clan tartan or
clan tartans are. These are:
1. Macneil of Barra. The tartan of the Macneils of Barra is the familiar
black, green, and blue tartan with narrow alternating white and yellow
(encased in black) stripes. (Donald C. Stewart, the Setts of the Scottish
Tartans, No. 166.) This has been that standard Macneil of Barra tartan
for well over a century.
2. Macneil of Colonsay. The tartan of the Macneils of
Colonsay, which
has also been in use for a very long period is somewhat similar, but has
two white stripes quite close together rather than alternating yellow and
white equidistant stripes (Stewart No. 168)
(The shades of these tartans vary a great deal, from very dark to very
light, and
from soft to bright. Confusion is engendered by terms like ancient and modern to
describe these differences, thereby implying that they are different tartans. They are
not. A tartan is determined by its sett, i.e. colour thread count, not by the shades of
its colours.)
The Badges of Clan MacNeil
The Clan Badges of MacNeil of Barra and Colonsay
As a member of Clan MacNeil, you are entitled to wear the Crest of the
Clan Chief
as a "Badge." The crest must be surrounded by a belt or "Garter". On
this belt is
written the motto of the Clan. In the case of Clan MacNeil of Barra, the motto in
Gaelic is "Buaidh No Bas" the motto in Latin is "Vincere
Vel Mori." Both mottos
can be translated as "Victory or Death" or "Conquer
or Die." The crest of MacNeil
of Barra is a Rock.
In the case of Clan MacNeil of Colonsay/Gigha, the Latin motto is styled as
"Vincere Aut Mori", and the crest is an upraised armoured dexter arm grasping a
dagger. Both crests are set upon a wreath or torse. In some badges the crest may
be depicted set upon a Chapeau or "Cap of Maintenance" as seen in the Arms of
the
Chief.
The Arms of the Chief of Clan MacNeil
The badge, when displayed as an ornament, wall hanging, on stationery, on
a tee
shirt, etc. by a member of the Clan should bear the Gaelic phrase "An Cirean
Ceann Cinnidh." This is closely translated as "The Crest of the Clan
Chief." This
will indicate that you are a member of the Clan and that you are not claiming the
crest as "yours", but that the right to display it is granted by your membership
in the
clan.