Napier Modern

The Napiers are said to descend from the Lennox family and it's claimed that the name originated with a comment from King Alexander III (1241 - 1286) after a battle in which the great bravery of a young Lennox turned defeat into victory: "You have all done valiantly, but there is one amongst you who has nae peer." (no equal). And he commanded young Donald Lennox to change his name forthwith. There is a woven sample in the 1880 Clans Originaux and it was also documented in the 1906 W & A K Johnston's 'Tartans of the Clans & Septs of Scotland" but there is also said to be a slightly different version in the Highland Society Collection. The Napiers are usually regarded as a Sept of the MacFarlanes but the tartan shows similarities with the MacDonald. In this graphic, the blue has been lightened to show sett. Sample in STA Johnston Collection. D C Stewart's Nomindex says "NO Napier tartan recognised by Lord Napier." and goes on to quote a letter from The Rt.Hon Lord Napier & Ettrick, 24th September 1984 "My family do not wear the kilt and do not really have a tartan although I suppose the MacFarlane and Lennox go together." A slightly confusing situation!