| CLANS. Scottish clans were beginning to be formalised in the early 14th century, at the time of Robert the Bruce. Since then the number of clans has multiplied. Nearly all the later clans started out as septs. SEPTS were families that were regarded as loyal to the clan. They were either related by blood, or obtained protection from the clan. |
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| A Scottish Tartan was a distinction of rank or position. It was not identified by weave but by the number of colours in the weave. Seven for a Chief. six for a poet; five for a chieftain; three for an officer rank, two for a farmer and one for a servant. Eventually, clans or families adopted their own tartan, using a all the natural colours avaiable around them. The methods used to produce the dyes were frequently secret, only known to the weavers . |
| The Sinclairs were the ancient and powerful Earls of Caithness. |
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