Clan MacTaggart: Sons of the Priest, Keepers of Strathearn, and Hereditary Celtic Ecclesiastics of Medieval Scotland
Clan MacTaggart (Gaelic: Clann Mhic an t-Sagairt) is an ancient Highland and eastern-Perthshire family whose name literally means “Son of the Priest.” The MacTaggarts descend from the powerful Abbey-lairds and ecclesiastical families of Strathearn, a remarkable lineage stretching back to the early Celtic Church, the Culdees, and the medieval clerical rulers of northern Scotland.
Their legacy is unusual among Scottish clans: while many are known for warrior traditions or territorial lordship, the MacTaggarts were originally hereditary churchmen, scribes, administrators, and priest-families, many of whom later rose to martial and political prominence.
Their motto, “Pro Patria” — “For My Country” — represents centuries of loyal service to Scotland, both in church and in battle.
Origins: “Mac an t-Sagairt” — Sons of the Priest
1. The Name
MacTaggart comes from the Gaelic Mac an t-Sagairt, meaning:
“Son of the Priest.”
This refers to hereditary priestly families linked to:
The early Celtic monastic system
Pre-Norman Scottish church traditions
The Culdee communities of Argyll, Strathearn, and Moray
These ecclesiastical families often controlled:
Church lands
Local justice
Education
Monastic administration
2. Connection to the Earls of Ross
A very important historical link is the Mac an t-Sagairt line of Ross, which produced:
Fearcher Mac an t-Sagairt,
ancestor of the medieval Earls of Ross.
This makes Clan MacTaggart intimately connected to one of Scotland’s most powerful noble houses.
3. Norse–Gaelic Influence
Because the Earls of Ross blended:
Gaelic priestly heritage
Norse blood
Celtic noble descent
the MacTaggarts also inherited a hybrid Norse–Gaelic identity typical of the northern Highlands.
Territories & Early Areas of Influence
Though not a traditional territorial clan in the Highland sense, the MacTaggarts were historically associated with:
1. Strathearn
One of the primary heartlands of early Scottish ecclesiastical families.
2. Ross-shire
Directly linked to the Earldom of Ross, where Mac an t-Sagairt ancestors controlled major lands.
3. Moray & Nairn
Important centres of Celtic church settlement.
4. Argyll (Culdees)
Some MacTaggart families served as scribes or priests attached to Argyll monasteries.
5. Angus & Fife
Later spread during the 16th–17th centuries.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A griffin’s head erased, symbolising:
Vigilance
Courage
Wisdom
Ecclesiastical authority blended with martial readiness
Motto:
“Pro Patria”
“For My Country.”
Badge:
The holly, representing:
Protection
Immortality
Celtic priestly tradition
MacTaggart Tartans
The MacTaggart tartans are linked to families of the same name and their Lowland–Highland connections.
1. MacTaggart Modern
Deep greens, navy, and red overchecks.
2. MacTaggart Ancient
Softer natural dyes evoking woodland colours.
3. MacTaggart Dress
A lighter sett used for formal Highland clothing.
These represent both Highland and eastern-Scottish traditions.
Branches, Septs & Related Families
Variants of the Name:
MacTaggart
McTaggart
Taggart
Teggart / Teggert
McIntaggart
MacIntaggart
Mac an t-Sagairt (original Gaelic)
Associated or Related Lines:
Earls of Ross — the medieval ruling family descended from Mac an t-Sagairt
Priestly families of Strathearn
Culdees of Argyll and Moray
Modern Septs:
While not a large confederation, some families of Taggart descent in Ireland and Ulster share ancestry due to migration.
MacTaggarts in Scottish History
1. The House of Ross
The most significant historical figure is:
Fearcher Mac an t-Sagairt,
founder of the Earldom of Ross (13th century).
His descendants became:
Powerful Highland nobles
Military commanders
Royal supporters
This elevated the MacTaggart name across northern Scotland.
2. Ecclesiastical Power
For centuries, MacTaggart families held positions as:
Parish priests
Abbots
Scribes
Keepers of church land charters
Some served in:
Dunkeld
Brechin
Dingwall
Fortrose Cathedral
3. Warriors & Swordsmen
Despite their priestly roots, many MacTaggarts later served as:
Gallowglass soldiers
Highland regiment officers
Members of the Black Watch
Jacobite fighters (select branches)
A famous later figure is Sir John McTaggart, 19th-century baronet and MP.
Feuds, Alliances & Political Influence
Allies
Ross Clan Families
Munros (shared northern ties)
MacKenzies (through Ross-shire connections)
Campbells (in later centuries, politically)
Rivals
Clan Donald (due to Ross-shire rivalries)
Clan MacDougall (medieval conflicts)
Jacobite Involvement
Several MacTaggarts followed:
The Stuarts in 1715
The Jacobite cause in 1745 (especially northern branches)
Others remained loyal to the government depending on region.
The Diaspora & Global Spread
MacTaggarts emigrated widely from the 18th century onward to:
Canada (Ontario, Nova Scotia)
United States (Appalachia, Virginia, Pennsylvania)
Australia
New Zealand
Ulster (gallowglass roots earlier)
Modern notable descendants include:
John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart, philosopher
Sir Ian McTaggart, philanthropist
Numerous scholars, clergy, and military officers
Clan Status Today
Chiefship
Clan MacTaggart is armigerous, with no current recognised chief.
Clan Societies
Active groups exist in:
Scotland
North America
Australia
Historic Heartlands
Strathearn
Ross-shire
Moray
Argyll
Clan MacTaggart Facts at a Glance
Name: MacTaggart / McTaggart / Taggart
Gaelic: Mac an t-Sagairt
Meaning: “Son of the Priest”
Region: Strathearn, Ross, Moray, Argyll
Crest: Griffin’s head
Motto: Pro Patria
Badge: Holly
Tartans: Modern, Ancient, Dress
Status: Armigerous
Notable Ancestry: Founders of the Earldom of Ross
Conclusion
Clan MacTaggart is one of the most unusual and historically significant Scottish clans — a lineage not born from warrior chiefs or landholding barons, but from hereditary Celtic priests and early church families whose descendants rose to political and military prominence.
Their story is one of transformation: from scriptoria to battlefield, from abbey lands to Highland regiments, from ancient Strathearn to the global diaspora.
Their motto, “For My Country,” speaks to a clan whose loyalty and service shaped Scottish history in ways both spiritual and secular.
From the Culdee chapels of early Scotland to the Earls of Ross and beyond, the MacTaggart name remains a powerful emblem of Scotland’s deepest and oldest traditions.