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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> MacKintosh-Chattan

MacKintosh-Chattan Clan Tattoos - There are many theories on the origin of this unique group of families which did not follow the ordinary pattern of other Scottish clans, but rather became a community or confederation, consisting of various descendents of the original ancestors. They were distinguished by the wildcat which figures prominently in their heraldry. One theory states they came from the Catti, a tribe of Gauls driven out by the Romans; another says they took their name from Catav in Sutherland. The most widely accepted, however, says they descended from Gillichattan Mor, the great servant of St. Cattan. Gillichattan was probably the co-arb, or baillie, of the abbey lands of Ardchattan.

The Camerons, claiming that the lands around Arkaig had been abandoned, occupied them by right of conquest. Thereafter a long and bitter feud was fought between the Camerons and the Clan Chattan which lasted until 1666. In 1370, 400 Camerons made a raid into Badenoch but while returning home with their spoils they were met at Invernahavon by a strong force of Mackintoshes supported by MacPhersons & Davidsons. The Camerons were defeated, but the battle was the origin of the feuding between the MacPhersons and the Davidsons.

Clan MacKintosh-Chattan Motto:

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests,