News, Events & Updates from Lochcarron of Scotland

One of the first things that people tend to associate with Scotland is tartan. Although it’s a national treasure, many of us are unaware of the history behind tartan. With this in mind, we take a closer look into what it is, its origins, and its presence in today’s world.

Commonly associated with Scotland, tartan is a woven cloth consisting of interlacing threads creating a pattern. This pattern is known as the sett. Tartan is recognised all over the world as a symbol of Scottish heritage.

Think ‘Scotland’ and you probably imagine three things: haggis, bagpipes and kilts. Although these are stereotypes, they undoubtedly form part of the nation’s identity and history.

At Lochcarron of Scotland, we are always looking for ways to celebrate all things tartan and Scottish! National Tartan Day does just that.

This Grant 1714 tartan was recently reconstructed by Peter Macdonald, tartan historian, and honorary Head of Research at The Scottish Tartan’s Authority from studies of Richard Waitt’s portraits of the Laird of Grant’s Piper and Champion from 1714. This historic tartan is one of the earliest tartans on record predating the Battle of Culloden 1745 and the later 19th century tartans and is believed to be the only historic early 18th century tartan to have been re-created and registered by a Clan Chief.

Kilts can be pleated to either the sett or the stripe. The pleats showcase the tartan pattern and the type of kilt pleating you choose can have a big impact on the final appearance of your highland wear outfit. If you are unsure of the difference between the two styles of pleating, finding it difficult to choose or even picturing how your kilt would look, we have created this guide exploring the two techniques.

Today, kilts can be worn in whatever way you wish and it is acceptable if you decide not to stick with the traditional highland wear look. Whether you are still deciding on the type of kilt you want or looking to make the most out of your current kilt and wear it to more than the occasional formal event. We have provided inspiration on how to adapt your outfit it to suit your personal style and create a more casual look.

The quaich is an iconic Scottish item steeped in tradition, representative of a shared experience in uniting clans, demonstrating trust and a sense of belonging. Discover more about the heritage of the quaich and why sipping a dram from this special Scottish cup is part of many celebrations in Scotland today.

Incorporating a tartan sash in your ladies’ highland dress outfit is a great way to show off your Scottish clan heritage and leaves you looking your best for that special event. If you are interested in how to style your sash traditionally or looking for inspiration for a more contemporary look, we have created this guide of some of the different ways you can wear your sash to fit your style.

This year Lochcarron of Scotland are sponsoring the Cycling Souters, a team of cyclists local to the Selkirk community where our mill is based in the Scottish Borders. The Souters are preparing to embark on a tough charity challenge this year, cycling from Selkirk to Italy to help Rob Wainwright deliver the match ball for the six-nation Italy v. Scotland rugby match taking place in Rome’s Stadio Olympico on the 9th of March 2024.