Pattern Named for a Scottish County: A Journey Through the Tapestry of Place

Are you captivated by the rich tapestry of Scottish history and culture? The enchanting landscapes and vibrant traditions of this land have inspired countless patterns, each echoing a unique story. One particularly fascinating category explores patterns named after specific Scottish counties, revealing a deeper connection between design and place. Dive into the world of these patterns, discovering their origins, meanings, and enduring legacy.
1. **Aberdeenshire:** A county in northeastern Scotland known for its rolling hills, dramatic coastline, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Abair Deth" meaning "mouth of the Dee," referencing the River Dee that flows through the region. The Aberdeenshire pattern often features motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna, such as thistles, heather, and stags.
2. **Angus:** A county in eastern Scotland, historically known as "Forfarshire." Angus is derived from the Gaelic "Aonghas," meaning "one strength." The Angus pattern frequently incorporates elements symbolic of the county's rich agricultural past, including wheat sheaves, barley, and farm animals.
3. **Argyll:** A historic county in western Scotland, encompassing a vast and scenic region. The name derives from the Gaelic "Earra Ghaidheal," meaning "land of the Gaels." The Argyll pattern often reflects the dramatic landscape, featuring swirling lines reminiscent of ocean waves, rugged mountains, and lush valleys.
4. **Ayrshire:** A county in southwestern Scotland known for its rolling hills, coastline, and dairy industry. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Aodh" meaning "fire" and "Sior" meaning "lord," referencing the legendary warrior king Aodh. The Ayrshire pattern commonly incorporates elements inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
5. **Banffshire:** A county in northeastern Scotland known for its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, and rich fishing heritage. The name derives from the Gaelic "Baile nan Fidh" meaning "town of the woods." The Banffshire pattern often showcases motifs representing the region's natural beauty, including seabirds, whales, and the iconic "Bennachie" mountain.
6. **Berwickshire:** A county in southeastern Scotland, bordering England. The name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Berwic," referring to a fortified settlement. The Berwickshire pattern typically incorporates elements inspired by the county's agricultural heritage, including wheat sheaves, barley, and farm animals.
7. **Caithness:** A county in northern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, and rich fishing heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Cat" meaning "battle" and "ness" meaning "headland," referencing the region's strategic location. The Caithness pattern frequently showcases motifs representing the local wildlife, such as seabirds, whales, and otters.
8. **Clackmannanshire:** A small county in central Scotland, known for its historic industries and dramatic landscape. The name derives from the Gaelic "Clagmannan," meaning "a place where the clag [mud] flows." The Clackmannanshire pattern often features motifs inspired by the local landscape, including rolling hills, rivers, and the iconic "Ochil Hills."
9. **Dumfriesshire:** A county in southwestern Scotland, known for its rolling hills, rivers, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Dùn Phris," meaning "fort of the priory," referencing the historic monastery at Dumfries. The Dumfriesshire pattern typically incorporates elements inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
10. **East Lothian:** A county in southeastern Scotland, known for its coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Old English "East-Lodone," meaning "eastern Lowland." The East Lothian pattern often features motifs inspired by the local landscape, including rolling hills, coastline, and the iconic "Bass Rock."
11. **Edinburghshire:** A historic county in southeastern Scotland, encompassing the city of Edinburgh. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Eadainburgh," meaning "Edwin's fortress." The Edinburghshire pattern frequently incorporates elements inspired by the city's architecture, including the iconic "Edinburgh Castle" and the "Royal Mile."
12. **Fife:** A county in eastern Scotland, known for its coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Fìob" meaning "pipe," referencing the region's musical traditions. The Fife pattern commonly showcases motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
13. **Forfarshire:** A historic name for the county of Angus. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Forfar," meaning "place of the fir trees." The Forfarshire pattern often incorporates elements inspired by the county's agricultural heritage, including wheat sheaves, barley, and farm animals.
14. **Inverness-shire:** A historic county in northern Scotland, encompassing the city of Inverness. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Inbhir Nis," meaning "mouth of the Ness," referencing the River Ness that flows through the region. The Inverness-shire pattern typically incorporates elements inspired by the dramatic landscape, featuring mountains, lochs, and the iconic "Loch Ness."
15. **Kincardineshire:** A historic county in northeastern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Cinnchairdean," meaning "headland of the cairn," referencing the historic burial mound. The Kincardineshire pattern often showcases motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
16. **Kinross-shire:** A small county in central Scotland, known for its scenic lochs and rolling hills. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Cinn Rois," meaning "head of the moor," referencing the region's location. The Kinross-shire pattern typically features motifs inspired by the local landscape, including lochs, hills, and the iconic "Loch Leven."
17. **Kirkcudbrightshire:** A county in southwestern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Cille Chuilbhrighd," meaning "church of St. Bride." The Kirkcudbrightshire pattern often incorporates elements inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
18. **Lanarkshire:** A county in central Scotland, known for its industrial heritage and rolling hills. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Lannraig," meaning "the place of the bog," referencing the region's wetlands. The Lanarkshire pattern typically showcases motifs inspired by the local landscape, including rolling hills, rivers, and the iconic "Campsie Fells."
19. **Midlothian:** A county in southeastern Scotland, encompassing the city of Edinburgh. The name is derived from the Old English "Middel-Lodone," meaning "middle Lowland." The Midlothian pattern often incorporates elements inspired by the city's architecture, including the iconic "Edinburgh Castle" and the "Royal Mile."
20. **Moray:** A county in northeastern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Mòr-Aig," meaning "great bay," referencing the Moray Firth. The Moray pattern typically features motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
21. **Nairnshire:** A county in northeastern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Nairn," meaning "place of the river," referencing the River Nairn. The Nairnshire pattern often showcases motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
22. **Orkney:** A group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland. The name is derived from the Old Norse "Orkneyjar," meaning "seal islands." The Orkney pattern frequently incorporates elements inspired by the local wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and whales.
23. **Peeblesshire:** A county in southeastern Scotland, known for its rolling hills, rivers, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Peebles," meaning "place of the pebbles," referencing the region's geology. The Peeblesshire pattern typically showcases motifs inspired by the local landscape, including hills, rivers, and the iconic "Tweed Valley."
24. **Perthshire:** A county in central Scotland, known for its dramatic mountains, scenic lochs, and rich history. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Perth," meaning "place of the pear tree," referencing the region's orchards. The Perthshire pattern often incorporates elements inspired by the local landscape, including mountains, lochs, and the iconic "Ben Nevis."
25. **Ross and Cromarty:** A historic county in northern Scotland, encompassing a vast and scenic region. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Ros" meaning "promontory" and "Cromarty" meaning "crooked bay." The Ross and Cromarty pattern commonly features motifs inspired by the dramatic landscape, including mountains, lochs, and the iconic "Loch Maree."
26. **Roxburghshire:** A county in southeastern Scotland, bordering England. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Roc-Sruigh," meaning "rocky hill," referencing the region's landscape. The Roxburghshire pattern typically showcases motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
27. **Selkirkshire:** A county in southeastern Scotland, known for its rolling hills, rivers, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Sileig," meaning "shepherd," referencing the region's pastoral tradition. The Selkirkshire pattern often incorporates elements inspired by the local landscape, including hills, rivers, and the iconic "Ettrick Forest."
28. **Shetland:** A group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland. The name is derived from the Old Norse "Hjaltland," meaning "island of the seals." The Shetland pattern frequently incorporates elements inspired by the local wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and whales.
29. **Stirlingshire:** A county in central Scotland, known for its historic castles and dramatic landscape. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Sruileadh," meaning "wilderness," referencing the region's early forested state. The Stirlingshire pattern typically features motifs inspired by the local landscape, including hills, rivers, and the iconic "Stirling Castle."
30. **Sutherland:** A county in northern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, and vast wilderness. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Sùdainn," meaning "south," referencing the region's position relative to the northern isles. The Sutherland pattern commonly incorporates elements inspired by the local landscape, including mountains, lochs, and the iconic "Ben Hope."
31. **West Lothian:** A county in southeastern Scotland, known for its rolling hills, rivers, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Old English "West-Lodone," meaning "western Lowland." The West Lothian pattern often showcases motifs inspired by the local landscape, including hills, rivers, and the iconic "Linlithgow Palace."
32. **Wigtownshire:** A county in southwestern Scotland, known for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and rich agricultural heritage. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Baile nan Uig," meaning "town of the bay," referencing the region's location. The Wigtownshire pattern typically incorporates elements inspired by the local flora and fauna, including thistles, heather, and sheep.
33. **Zetland:** A historic name for the Shetland Islands. The name is derived from the Old Norse "Hjaltland," meaning "island of the seals." The Zetland pattern frequently incorporates elements inspired by the local wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and whales.
34. **Aberdeenshire Thistle:** This pattern features a stylized thistle, the national flower of Scotland, with its prickly leaves and purple blossoms. The thistle symbolizes resilience, strength, and the county's agricultural heritage.
35. **Angus Wheat Sheaves:** This pattern showcases a cluster of wheat sheaves, representing the county's rich agricultural past. The wheat sheaves symbolize abundance, prosperity, and the bounty of the land.
36. **Argyll Waves:** This pattern features swirling lines that resemble ocean waves, reflecting the county's dramatic coastline. The waves symbolize the power and beauty of the sea, as well as the region's maritime heritage.
37. **Ayrshire Sheep:** This pattern incorporates a stylized sheep, representing the county's dairy industry and pastoral tradition. The sheep symbolizes gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
38. **Banffshire Seabirds:** This pattern features stylized seabirds, such as gulls and puffins, reflecting the county's rich fishing heritage. The seabirds symbolize freedom, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
39. **Berwickshire Wheat Sheaves:** This pattern showcases a cluster of wheat sheaves, representing the county's agricultural heritage. The wheat sheaves symbolize abundance, prosperity, and the bounty of the land.
40. **Caithness Otters:** This pattern features stylized otters, reflecting the county's rich wildlife and its proximity to the sea. The otters symbolize playfulness, resourcefulness, and the connection to nature.
41. **Clackmannanshire Ochil Hills:** This pattern showcases the iconic Ochil Hills, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its rugged beauty. The hills represent strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
42. **Dumfriesshire Heather:** This pattern incorporates stylized heather, representing the county's rolling hills and its natural beauty. The heather symbolizes resilience, strength, and the connection to the land.
43. **East Lothian Bass Rock:** This pattern features the iconic Bass Rock, a seabird sanctuary, symbolizing the county's dramatic coastline and its natural beauty. The rock represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
44. **Edinburghshire Edinburgh Castle:** This pattern showcases the iconic Edinburgh Castle, symbolizing the county's rich history and its architectural grandeur. The castle represents strength, resilience, and the city's enduring legacy.
45. **Fife Sheep:** This pattern incorporates a stylized sheep, representing the county's agricultural heritage and its pastoral tradition. The sheep symbolizes gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
46. **Forfarshire Wheat Sheaves:** This pattern showcases a cluster of wheat sheaves, representing the county's agricultural heritage. The wheat sheaves symbolize abundance, prosperity, and the bounty of the land.
47. **Inverness-shire Loch Ness Monster:** This pattern features a stylized Loch Ness Monster, representing the county's iconic lake and its legendary creature. The monster symbolizes mystery, wonder, and the region's allure.
48. **Kincardineshire Heather:** This pattern incorporates stylized heather, representing the county's rolling hills and its natural beauty. The heather symbolizes resilience, strength, and the connection to the land.
49. **Kinross-shire Loch Leven:** This pattern showcases the iconic Loch Leven, symbolizing the county's scenic beauty and its peaceful atmosphere. The loch represents serenity, tranquility, and the connection to nature.
50. **Kirkcudbrightshire Sheep:** This pattern incorporates a stylized sheep, representing the county's agricultural heritage and its pastoral tradition. The sheep symbolizes gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
51. **Lanarkshire Campsie Fells:** This pattern showcases the iconic Campsie Fells, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its rugged beauty. The fells represent strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
52. **Midlothian Edinburgh Castle:** This pattern showcases the iconic Edinburgh Castle, symbolizing the county's rich history and its architectural grandeur. The castle represents strength, resilience, and the city's enduring legacy.
53. **Moray Thistle:** This pattern features a stylized thistle, the national flower of Scotland, with its prickly leaves and purple blossoms. The thistle symbolizes resilience, strength, and the county's agricultural heritage.
54. **Nairnshire Heather:** This pattern incorporates stylized heather, representing the county's rolling hills and its natural beauty. The heather symbolizes resilience, strength, and the connection to the land.
55. **Orkney Seals:** This pattern features stylized seals, representing the county's wildlife and its coastal heritage. The seals symbolize wisdom, grace, and the connection to the sea.
56. **Peeblesshire Tweed Valley:** This pattern showcases the iconic Tweed Valley, symbolizing the county's scenic beauty and its rich history. The valley represents serenity, tranquility, and the connection to nature.
57. **Perthshire Ben Nevis:** This pattern showcases the iconic Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural grandeur. The mountain represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
58. **Ross and Cromarty Loch Maree:** This pattern showcases the iconic Loch Maree, a scenic loch known for its beauty and tranquility, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural grandeur. The loch represents serenity, peace, and the connection to nature.
59. **Roxburghshire Thistles:** This pattern features stylized thistles, the national flower of Scotland, with their prickly leaves and purple blossoms. The thistles symbolize resilience, strength, and the county's agricultural heritage.
60. **Selkirkshire Ettrick Forest:** This pattern showcases the iconic Ettrick Forest, a historic forest known for its beauty and tranquility, symbolizing the county's rolling hills and its natural grandeur. The forest represents serenity, peace, and the connection to nature.
61. **Shetland Seabirds:** This pattern features stylized seabirds, reflecting the county's rich wildlife and its coastal heritage. The seabirds symbolize freedom, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
62. **Stirlingshire Stirling Castle:** This pattern showcases the iconic Stirling Castle, symbolizing the county's rich history and its architectural grandeur. The castle represents strength, resilience, and the city's enduring legacy.
63. **Sutherland Ben Hope:** This pattern showcases the iconic Ben Hope, a dramatic mountain known for its rugged beauty, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural grandeur. The mountain represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
64. **West Lothian Linlithgow Palace:** This pattern showcases the iconic Linlithgow Palace, symbolizing the county's rich history and its architectural grandeur. The palace represents strength, resilience, and the city's enduring legacy.
65. **Wigtownshire Sheep:** This pattern incorporates a stylized sheep, representing the county's agricultural heritage and its pastoral tradition. The sheep symbolizes gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
66. **Zetland Seals:** This pattern features stylized seals, representing the county's wildlife and its coastal heritage. The seals symbolize wisdom, grace, and the connection to the sea.
67. **Aberdeenshire Highland Cow:** This pattern showcases the iconic Highland Cow, symbolizing the county's agricultural heritage and its rugged beauty. The cow represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the land.
68. **Angus Barley:** This pattern features stylized barley, representing the county's rich agricultural past. The barley symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and the bounty of the land.
69. **Argyll Mountains:** This pattern showcases the iconic mountains, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its rugged beauty. The mountains represent strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
70. **Ayrshire Thistle:** This pattern features a stylized thistle, the national flower of Scotland, with its prickly leaves and purple blossoms. The thistle symbolizes resilience, strength, and the county's agricultural heritage.
71. **Banffshire Bennachie:** This pattern showcases the iconic Bennachie mountain, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural grandeur. The mountain represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
72. **Berwickshire Farm Animals:** This pattern showcases stylized farm animals, such as sheep, cows, and horses, representing the county's agricultural heritage. The animals symbolize gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
73. **Caithness Whales:** This pattern features stylized whales, reflecting the county's rich wildlife and its proximity to the sea. The whales symbolize wisdom, grace, and the connection to the ocean.
74. **Clackmannanshire River Forth:** This pattern showcases the iconic River Forth, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its historic importance. The river represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
75. **Dumfriesshire Sheep:** This pattern incorporates a stylized sheep, representing the county's agricultural heritage and its pastoral tradition. The sheep symbolizes gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
76. **East Lothian Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
77. **Edinburghshire Royal Mile:** This pattern showcases the iconic Royal Mile, symbolizing the county's rich history and its architectural grandeur. The mile represents strength, resilience, and the city's enduring legacy.
78. **Fife Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
79. **Forfarshire Farm Animals:** This pattern showcases stylized farm animals, such as sheep, cows, and horses, representing the county's agricultural heritage. The animals symbolize gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
80. **Inverness-shire Loch Ness:** This pattern showcases the iconic Loch Ness, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural grandeur. The loch represents serenity, peace, and the connection to nature.
81. **Kincardineshire Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
82. **Kinross-shire Rolling Hills:** This pattern showcases the iconic rolling hills, symbolizing the county's scenic beauty and its peaceful atmosphere. The hills represent serenity, tranquility, and the connection to nature.
83. **Kirkcudbrightshire Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
84. **Lanarkshire River Clyde:** This pattern showcases the iconic River Clyde, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its historic importance. The river represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
85. **Midlothian Arthur's Seat:** This pattern showcases the iconic Arthur's Seat, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The mountain represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
86. **Moray Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
87. **Nairnshire Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
88. **Orkney Seabirds:** This pattern features stylized seabirds, reflecting the county's rich wildlife and its coastal heritage. The seabirds symbolize freedom, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
89. **Peeblesshire River Tweed:** This pattern showcases the iconic River Tweed, symbolizing the county's scenic beauty and its rich history. The river represents serenity, tranquility, and the connection to nature.
90. **Perthshire Highland Lochs:** This pattern showcases the iconic Highland Lochs, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural grandeur. The lochs represent serenity, peace, and the connection to nature.
91. **Ross and Cromarty Mountains:** This pattern showcases the iconic mountains, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its rugged beauty. The mountains represent strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
92. **Roxburghshire Sheep:** This pattern incorporates a stylized sheep, representing the county's agricultural heritage and its pastoral tradition. The sheep symbolizes gentleness, fertility, and the abundance of the land.
93. **Selkirkshire River Ettrick:** This pattern showcases the iconic River Ettrick, symbolizing the county's scenic beauty and its rich history. The river represents serenity, tranquility, and the connection to nature.
94. **Shetland Whales:** This pattern features stylized whales, reflecting the county's rich wildlife and its proximity to the sea. The whales symbolize wisdom, grace, and the connection to the ocean.
95. **Stirlingshire Wallace Monument:** This pattern showcases the iconic Wallace Monument, symbolizing the county's rich history and its cultural significance. The monument represents strength, resilience, and the city's enduring legacy.
96. **Sutherland Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
97. **West Lothian River Almond:** This pattern showcases the iconic River Almond, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its historic importance. The river represents strength, resilience, and the connection to nature.
98. **Wigtownshire Coastal Landscape:** This pattern showcases the iconic coastline, symbolizing the county's dramatic landscape and its natural beauty. The coastline represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
99. **Zetland Seabirds:** This pattern features stylized seabirds, reflecting the county's rich wildlife and its coastal heritage. The seabirds symbolize freedom, resilience, and the connection to the sea.
100. **Aberdeenshire Granite:** This pattern showcases the iconic granite, symbolizing the county's rugged beauty and its architectural heritage. The granite represents strength, resilience, and the connection to the land.