Tartan

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.

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.

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.

Scotland’s rich cultural heritage is often celebrated through its traditional crafts and fabrics. One such craft is the art of weaving tartan, which holds a special place in the heart of the nation. At Lochcarron of Scotland we have been weaving tartan for generations, creating exquisite patterns and designs. Here, we explore the fascinating world of weaving the very unique King Charles III tartan created for His Majesty and the significance of this timeless tradition.

Lochcarron of Scotland had the honour of hosting a visit from Their Majesties King Charles III...

A short, simple guide full of our kilting...