Scottish Tattoos - Designs and Ideas

Tattoo art frequently borrows its designs and ideas from cultural heritage of ancient folks. Like tribal tattoos originate from Native American and Polynesian art, Scottish tattoos date back to time immemorial when brave warriors from the British Isles adorned their skin to show off their courage and specify battles they have won.

Since the beginning of the 17th century Scottish tattoos were used by military men and firefighters as a rule, and incorporated symbols connected with these occupations, helmets and so on. There’ were also memorial tattoos that were done by friends of a fallen person and as other R.I.P. tattoos they featured his name, dates of birth and death.

Scottish Tattoos - Designs and Ideas

The interest towards Scottish tattoos has risen over the past twenty years. It is true about Scottish Gaelic as well, the native language of this land (though English is widely spoken there). That’ why many people want to include scripts in Gaelic into their tattoo designs, but here it is important that you know the exact meaning of this or that phrase. Dictionaries can be helpful here, or if you have a friend who’s a native speaker ask him or her for help.
Scottish Tattoos - Designs and Ideas


Scottish tattoos may incorporate clan symbols, for there’re 13 such symbols referring to each of 13 regions of Scotland. You may also look at a plaid design and use it as a base for your tattoo. Celtic cross tattoo design is frequently asked nowadays, but decide for it provided that it is really important for you and check its symbolism as well.


There’re also Gaelic tattoos and historical Scottish tattoos. The national symbol of Scotland is thistle; the saint patron of Scotland is St. Patrick. Therefore, you may incorporate thistle, four-leaf clover or a horseshoe into you Scottish tattoo design.