Clan Chattan: The Mighty Highland Confederation of Lions, Warriors, and One of Scotland’s Most Formidable Clan Alliances
Clan Chattan is not a single clan, but one of the most powerful and legendary Highland confederations in Scottish history—uniting multiple clans under one banner for war, defence, honour, and survival. Known for their fierce warriors, proud traditions, and the iconic wildcat emblem, the Clan Chattan Confederation dominated Highland politics for centuries, leaving a legacy of courage, unity, and heroic deeds.
Their motto, “Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove,” remains one of the most famous in all of Scotland—an unmistakable warning of the claws beneath the surface.
Origins and Early History
1. An Ancient Pictish–Gaelic Alliance
The origins of Clan Chattan stretch back to early Celtic times, with most traditions tracing descent from:
Gillichattan Mór, “The Great Servant of Saint Catan,”
a powerful figure in the 11th–12th centuries.
2. A Confederation, Not a Single Bloodline
Clan Chattan grew into a grouping of multiple clans, some blood-related, others bonded through:
Mutual defence
Strategic marriage
Land alliances
Protection agreements
This created one of the strongest political forces in the central Highlands.
Member Clans of the Chattan Confederation
1. Clans of Direct Descent (“Old Clan Chattan”)
Clan MacPherson (principal bloodline)
Clan Cattanach
Clan MacBean / MacBain
Clan MacGillivray
Clan MacLeary
Clan MacPhail
2. The Confederated Clans
Clans who later joined through alliance or protection:
Clan Mackintosh (overall historical leaders of the confederation)
Clan Shaw
Clan Farquharson
Clan MacThomas
Clan Davidson
Clan MacQueen
Clan MacIntyre of Badenoch
Clann Dhai (Davidsons)
Clans associated with the Badenoch region
At its height, Chattan was a massive coalition of over 20 clans and septs, united for strength in a dangerous Highland world.
Territories and Clan Seats
The Clan Chattan Confederation dominated regions such as:
Badenoch
Strathnairn
Strathdearn
Moy
Loch Laggan
Glenfeshie
Invernahavon
Key strongholds include:
1. Moy Hall (Clan Mackintosh)
Traditional headquarters of the confederation.
2. Cluny Castle (Clan MacPherson)
Seat of the MacPherson chiefs.
3. Dun da Lamh
An early hillfort associated with Pictish-era ancestors.
4. Laggan & Invereshie Strongholds
Central territories for member clans.
These estates formed a huge block of influence across the central Highlands.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
The wildcat, symbolising:
Ferocity
Independence
Highland cunning
Clan unity
Motto:
“Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove”
Meaning:
Do not provoke the wildcat unless its claws are sheathed—a fierce warning to enemies.
Badge:
The confederation plant badge is red whortleberry (bilberry).
Arms:
Traditional Chattan arms feature:
Wildcats
Swords
Claws unsheathed
Heraldic shields used by different sub-clans
Clan Chattan Tartans
Although each member clan has its own tartans, Confederation tartans include:
Clan Chattan Tartan
A bold red, green, and navy sett with black accents.
Clan Chattan Chief’s Tartan
Reserved for the chief of the confederation.
Related Tartans
Member clans wear:
Mackintosh tartans
MacPherson tartans
Davidson tartans
MacBean tartans
MacGillivray tartans
Farquharson tartans
MacThomas tartans
These tartans reflect the confederation’s diversity.
Feuds, Battles & Rivalries
1. Battle of Invernahavon (1370)
A major internal dispute between the Davidsons and MacPhersons during a conflict with the Camerons.
2. Clan Chattan vs. Clan Cameron
One of the most legendary and long-lasting feuds in Highland history:
Fought over land, cattle, and rights in Badenoch
Involved many raids and battles
Eventually ended in negotiated peace in later centuries
3. Battle of the North Inch (1396)
A famous clan battle staged by King Robert III in Perth:
30 warriors of Clan Chattan vs. 30 of Clan Cameron/Clan Quhele
One of Scotland’s most iconic medieval combats
Clan Chattan emerged victorious
4. Rivalries with Clan Gordon
Over influence in the northeast.
5. Tensions with Clan Comyn
During the Wars of Independence.
The Chattan Confederation was known for unity against outside threats, even when internal rivalries simmered.
Clan Chattan in Warfare
1. Wars of Scottish Independence
Chattan clans fought for:
Robert the Bruce
The defence of the central Highlands
Strategic strongholds in Badenoch
2. Medieval Raids & Border Wars
The confederation became renowned for:
Swift, fierce warriors
Strong cavalry from Mackintosh lands
Skilled archers and swordsmen
3. The Jacobite Risings
Chattan provided crucial warriors:
1715 Rising
Most clans supported the Jacobite cause.
1745 Rising
The MacPhersons strongly supported Prince Charles
The Mackintoshes were split, with Lady Anne Mackintosh famously raising the Jacobite banner
Chattan troops fought fiercely at Culloden, forming part of the right wing
4. Later Military Service
Members served in:
The Black Watch
The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
The Seaforth Highlanders
Regiments across the British Empire
Notable Figures of Clan Chattan
Gillichattan Mór
The founding ancestor and spiritual figure of the confederation.
Clan Mackintosh Chiefs
Longtime leaders of the entire confederation.
Ewen MacPherson of Cluny (“Cluny MacPherson”)
One of the most famous Jacobite leaders, known for:
His hiding after Culloden
Resistance to government forces
Legendary courage
Lady Anne Mackintosh (“Colonel Anne”)
A heroic female Jacobite commander who raised Chattan troops in 1745.
Farquharson leaders
Influential warriors and chieftains of the Dee valley.
Members across law, military, and politics
The Chattan clans have produced:
Highland sheriffs
Military generals
Poets
Explorers
Political leaders
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Current Chief of Clan Chattan:
John Mackintosh of Mackintosh,
Chief of:
Clan Mackintosh
Clan Chattan Confederation
Clan Centre:
The Clan Chattan Association, active in:
Scotland
North America
Australia
Europe
Modern Presence:
Descendants of Chattan clans are widespread, especially in:
Scotland
Canada
USA
Australia
New Zealand
Each sub-clan maintains its own traditions while honouring the shared Chattan identity.
Clan Chattan Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Clan Chattan Confederation
Region: Badenoch, Strathnairn, Inverness-shire
Seat: Moy Hall (chief); Cluny Castle (MacPherson)
Chief: Mackintosh of Mackintosh
Crest: Wildcat
Motto: Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove
Badge: Red whortleberry
Tartans: Clan Chattan tartan + sub-clan tartans
Allies: Mackintosh, MacPherson, Farquharson clans
Feuds: Cameron, Comyn, Gordon
Notable Figures: Cluny MacPherson, Colonel Anne Mackintosh
Status: Fully recognised Highland confederation
Conclusion
Clan Chattan is one of Scotland’s most remarkable historical alliances—a powerful confederation of clans bound by loyalty, honour, and the fierce spirit of the Highland wildcat. From legendary medieval battles to pivotal roles in the Jacobite Risings, the clans of Chattan have shaped Scottish history for over 800 years. Their motto, “Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove,” remains a warning of their unity, strength, and indomitable pride.
Today, members of the Chattan Confederation around the world continue to celebrate a heritage defined by courage, tradition, and the unbreakable bond of the clans.