Clan MacBean (MacBain): Warriors of Clan Chattan, Defenders of the Highlands, and the Legacy of the Battle Champion of Perth
Clan MacBean, also spelled MacBain, McBain, MacBeath, MacBane, is a distinguished Highland clan with deep roots in Inverness-shire and proud membership in the historic Clan Chattan Confederation. Known for their loyalty, fierce warrior tradition, and their legendary hero at the Battle of the North Inch (1396), the MacBeans have played a bold and colourful role in Highland history.
Their motto, “Touch Not a Catt Bot a Targe”—shared through their Chattan allegiance—evokes courage, unity, and the defensive pride of a warrior clan.
Origins and Early History
1. Early Celtic Roots
The name MacBean derives from the Gaelic:
Mac Bheathain
meaning “Son of Beathan / Son of Life.”
Beathan was an early Celtic personal name common among:
Picts
Northern Gaels
Monastic scholars
This gives Clan MacBean a very ancient Gaelic heritage.
2. Early Settlement
The earliest MacBeans likely hailed from:
Lochaber
Strathdearn
Lands east of Loch Ness
They later settled prominently along:
Dores
Dunlichity
Inverness-shire’s hills and straths
3. Joining Clan Chattan
The MacBeans became a key member of the Clan Chattan Confederation, a powerful Highland alliance led by Clan Mackintosh.
Within this alliance, the MacBeans served as:
Swordsmen
Archers
Elite warriors
Trusted allies in internal clan conflicts
The Legendary Feat of Gillies MacBean
A highlight of MacBean history is the heroic tale of:
Gillies MacBean (MacBain)
one of the battle champions selected to fight in the famous:
Battle of the North Inch (1396)
a trial combat between 30 warriors of Clan Chattan and 30 of Clan Cameron.
Gillies MacBean:
Fought with extraordinary skill and ferocity
Slain many Cameron warriors single-handedly
Died on the field as a Highland champion
His bravery made the MacBeans revered within Clan Chattan and Highland tradition.
Territories and Clan Seats
1. Kinchyle (Inverness-shire)
The traditional seat of Clan MacBean.
The chiefs held these lands from the early medieval period until the 18th century.
2. Dores Parish
MacBeans were long established around:
Loch Ness
Dunlichity
Aldourie
3. Tomatin & Strathdearn
Many cadet families settled in the rich pastures of Strathdearn.
4. North America
Following the Jacobite risings, large MacBean populations established themselves in:
Nova Scotia
New England
The Carolinas
Upper Canada
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A cat holding a dagger, taken from the wider Clan Chattan symbolism.
Motto:
“Touch Not a Catt Bot a Targe”
Meaning: “Do not touch the cat without a shield.”
The “cat” refers to the wildcat symbol of Clan Chattan—fierce, defensive, and dangerous if provoked.
Badge:
The clan’s plant badge is red whortleberry, symbolising:
Highland resilience
Tradition
Clan unity
Arms of the Chief:
Typically display:
A cat rampant
Dagger or targe symbolism
Red and gold colouring
MacBean Tartans
Clan MacBean tartans include:
MacBean (Modern)
Blue and green base with red overchecks.
MacBean (Ancient)
Lighter, vegetable-dye tones.
MacBain / MacBean Hunting
More muted earth tones suitable for Highland dress.
These tartans reflect the clan’s Highland roots and Chattan identity.
Branches and Septs of Clan MacBean
Clan MacBean historically includes several related surnames:
MacBain / MacBean (chief line)
MacVean
McElvain / MacElvain
Bean / Beann
Bain / Bayne (some, though many Bains belong to a separate Ross-shire lineage)
Important family branches:
MacBeans of Kinchyle (chiefs)
MacBeans of Tomatin
MacBeans of Faillie
Alliances & Clan Associations
Primary Alliance
Clan Chattan Confederation
Which includes:
Mackintosh (leaders)
Shaw
MacPherson
Davidson
Farquharson
The Chattan alliance was one of the strongest military unions in Highland Scotland.
Other Historical Allies
Clan Fraser
Clan Grant
Clan Cameron (intermittent rivalry turned to occasional alliance)
Feuds and Conflicts
1. Chattan vs Cameron Rivalry
MacBeans fought in multiple battles:
North Inch (1396)
Several skirmishes in Lochaber
Rights disputes over lands and cattle
2. Clan Chattan Internal Disputes
Involving:
Mackintosh–MacPherson tensions
Competing claims for lands
3. Jacobite Risings
The MacBeans were active supporters of:
The 1715 Jacobite Rising
The 1745 Rising, under the leadership of the Mackintoshes
Following Culloden, many MacBeans emigrated or were displaced.
MacBeans in Warfare & Service
1. Medieval and Clan Warfare
MacBeans served as Highland infantry renowned for:
Swordsmanship
Courage in close combat
Loyalty to the Chattan Confederation
2. Jacobite Service
MacBeans fought at:
Prestonpans
Falkirk
Culloden
3. Modern Military Service
Large numbers of MacBeans served in:
The Black Watch
Seaforth Highlanders
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Canadian and American regiments
Notable MacBeans in History
Gillies MacBean
Famous Chattan champion of 1396.
Major Hector MacBean
Distinguished officer of the Gordon Highlanders.
Lt. Col. John MacBean
Reorganiser of Clan MacBean in the 20th century and founder of the modern Clan MacBean Centre.
James MacBain
Premier of Victoria, Australia (late 19th century).
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Current Chief:
James Hugh Bain MacBain,
21st Hereditary Chief of Clan MacBean.
Clan Society:
Clan MacBean is highly active, with societies in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Clan Heartlands:
Inverness-shire
Strathdearn
Dores & Dunlichity
Clan MacBean Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: MacBean / MacBain / MacBeath
Region: Highland (Inverness-shire)
Chief: James Hugh Bain MacBain
Crest: Wildcat holding a dagger
Motto: Touch Not a Catt Bot a Targe
Badge: Red whortleberry
Tartans: MacBean Modern, Ancient, Hunting
Feuds: Cameron, Chattan internal disputes
Notable Figures: Gillies MacBean, James MacBain
Status: A proud clan within the powerful Clan Chattan Confederation
Conclusion
Clan MacBean embodies the warrior spirit of the Scottish Highlands—brave, loyal, and forged in the heat of battle. From their heroic champion at the North Inch to their steadfast support of the Jacobite cause and their continued global presence, the MacBeans remain a clan of fierce pride and lasting heritage.
Their motto, “Touch Not a Catt Bot a Targe,” continues to represent a lineage ready to defend its honour with courage and dignity.