Let me say first off that tartan is not a very old identifier of ones clan. In fact there are ten or more Fergus(s)on tartans to my knowledge (and similar numbers for most other Scottish clans). There seem to be a number of reasons such a plethora. Firstly, with the Fergus(s)on families spread across much of Scotland, it seems reasonable that different branches of the clan would be more inclined to adopt their own colours than those of another branch.

Secondly, most of the modern tartans, I'm afraid, bear little resemblance to the plaids worn by ancient Scottish warriors. This is in part due to the fact that many of the dyes available now were simply not available in centuries past. In addition, some historians believe that the plaids worn by clan members were originally more of a symbol of rank within a clan than actual clan membership, with more vivid colours indicating higher ranks.

Finally, after the crushing of the rebellious Scots at Culloden in 1746 at the hands of the English army, the wearing of clan symbols, including clan colours, was outlawed and punishable by death. Tartans only became legal again in the late nineteenth century largely because Queen Victoria liked them (Sigh!). This caused resurgence of interest in tartans throughout Scotland and abroad but at the same time, it was a chance for the clans once again to redefine or readopt symbols of their heritage. Alas though, much of the heritage was lost in the generations between Culloden and Queen Victoria.

A few words about tartan No.1 depicted above and its close relatives. The Ferguson of Balquidder tartan (with an additional band of blended royal blue) and the one above, closely resemble the MacLaren tartan. This may be coincidence, or it may be because both these clans followed the Murrays of Atholl whose tartan is very similar. It is also possible that Fergusons of Balquidder simply copied the Murray tartan, making a couple of minor distinguishing alterations.