The Grant 1714 | by Peter E MacDonald, Tartan Historian and honorary Head of Research at The Scottish Tartan’s Authority.
The concept of clan tartans can be dated to the middle of the Highland Revival period and the desire by the Highland Society of London that the ‘Tartans, Plaids, and Banners’ of the clans ought to be preserved’. As a result, in 1815 the Secretary, General David Stewart of Garth, wrote to the (Highland) chiefs asking them to submit a piece of their tartan certified by the chief’s stamp. It is not known whether the chief of the Grants was included, but if he was, he did not submit a specimen and there is no Grant tartan in the early collection. The Clan Grant tartan is also worn by the Drummonds and a specimen of the tartan was submitted by their chief as the Drummond tartan in 1822.
By contrast, before the 19th century people generally wore what they liked, could afford, or was available. The idea of uniformity was not generally a consideration and based on surviving examples from the first half of the 18th century, red; blue and green based patterns appear to have been popular. The Grant 1714 tartan fits into this style of patterns and possibly reflects the red and green tartan requested to be worn for the muster in 1704.
There can be no doubt that many such tartans were lost as a result of the Act of Proscription (the Dress Act) which, following the collapse of the last Jacobite Rising, banned the wearing of Highland Clothes (but not tartan per se) in 1746. As a result, the number of early surviving tartans is relatively small, fewer than 50 of the over 12,000 setts recorded by The Scottish Tartans Authority. Amongst their rare patterns only one, the so-called Glen Affric tartan, pre-dates the 18th century. Most specimens are associated with the ’45 era whereas several other early patterns are taken from earlier portraits, the Grant 1714 and other Grant portrait painted by Richard Waitt are notable amongst these for their clarity.
Reconstructing the Grant 1714 Tartan
In the autumn of 2023, I was contacted by the chief who was interested in re-introducing the tartan worn in Waitt's Grant portraits of the Laird of Grant’s Piper and Champion. Both Hank Grant and I were of the opinion that, whilst there were some differences between the two portraits, this was down to artistic licence and that they were intended to reflect the same tartan. It was agreed that I would proceed on that basis. Fortunately, both portraits were on display at the National Museum of Scotland and it was possible to make a detailed examination of both. I was also able to examine the unattributed portrait held at the Inverness Museum that was also by the same artist and which I belief to have been a trial for the later portraits. The detailed examination and comparison of the piper and champion portraits enabled me to extract a workable pattern (sett) and the likely colours involved.
Paintings of Alister Mohr Grant, the Laird's Champion and William Cumming, the Laird's Piper on display at the National Museum of Scotland. Photograph credited to Duncan McGlynn.
Having arrived at the sett and colours, I then refined the shades to reflect those that were typical of those used in the first half of the 18th century. Working with Lochcarron of Scotland, yarns were selected and a trial run produced to confirm the design which has been well received by all those that have seen it. Working on the presumption that the two portraits showed the same tartan, the Scottish Register of Tartans have revised and combined their entries for both to reflect this interpretation/reconstruction. In addition, because the tartan has not been previously commercially produced, it has been possible to register it as a protected design with the UK Intellectual Property Office - Design number: 6358684.
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 greatly impact the final appearance of your highland wear outfit. If you are unsure of the difference between these 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. Each method has its appeal, so it is important to consider the occasion you would wear your kilt (such as a wedding) and the preferred look you desire for your kilt.
Pleating To Sett
The ‘sett’ refers to the order and number of coloured threads that make up the repeating pattern in the tartan fabric. Each woven tartan has a different sett, giving each tartan design a distinctive appearance.
Pleating your kilt to sett involves folding the pleats so the pattern aligns seamlessly throughout, matching the tartan sett. This creates a continuous pattern appearance across the kilt, therefore the design should look the same in the front as the back.
To sett is the traditional and most common way to pleat the kilt and is typically worn in this style by the public. This method creates a classic and timeless appearance, showing off the unique design of the tartan. It is ideal for formal events but also creates a versatile look that is suitable to be worn casually.
However, this method takes more time and fabric to produce, in comparison with to stripe, as the kiltmaker must match the method tartan pattern precisely with each pleat. As each sett in every tartan is different, the size of the pattern depends on the chosen tartan, which in turn affects the number of pleats. The average kilt requires between 25 – 34 pleats and the kiltmaker should be able to determine the correct amount for each kilt. If there are too few or too many extra pleats this could ruin the look of the kilt.
Pleating To Stripe
The second pleating method is to stripe which involves pleating the kilt in such a way that a vertical stripe in the pattern is running down the centre of the length of the pleat. This is usually the most prominent stripe in the design, however, any vertical stripe in the pattern of any width or colour can be the focus. These can be spaced out evenly or irregularly. Unlike to sett, this method will leave the front of your kilt looking distinctively different from the back.
Another stripe in the tartan sett is used as a pivot for the pleat fold with the highlighted stripe centred in the pleating. This helps with accuracy and effectiveness when a kilt is pleated to stripe.
It is important to note that not all tartans suit the to stripe appearance, so ensure you choose your tartan first and then decide which pleating method you prefer. Likewise, what stripe you choose to highlight in the pleated folds can drastically impact the appearance of the kilt and the colours that will be emphasised in the back. This can be true for varying stripes from the same tartan! We have a few examples from an Auld Scotland tartan kilt showing the difference in appearance depending on the stripe centred in the pleats.
The main advantage of pleating your kilt to stripe is that it creates a bold and striking look, incorporating a modern take on the traditional kilt design. Generally, kilts pleated to stripe would be worn in military kilts due to the uniform appearance of the stripe. However, it is your personal preference how you decide to have your kilt pleated, and both techniques are equally acceptable methods.
We hope this guide on pleating to sett and to stripe helped you understand the difference and can make a more informed decision regarding what style you want for your kilt. No matter which method you choose, wearing this sophisticated, traditional garment with such a rich heritage will leave you looking and feeling amazing on any occasion you decide to don your kilt outfit.
Ready to take the next step? Have a look at our selection of kilts! At Lochcarron of Scotland we offer the option for either pleating to sett or to stripe for kilts made from our Medium Weight Braeriach fabric or our Heavy Weight Strome cloth. If you need more help with your kilt our team are happy to assist you with any questions.
Auld Scotland Tweed Kilt Pleated to Sett
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.
A kilt is definitely an investment piece, however it is very versatile and stylish. 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. Celebrate Scottish culture with your kilt for a smart but everyday look that still honours your heritage.
When to Wear a Casual Kilt
A celebration which is not quite formal would be the ideal opportunity to wear your kilt in a more casual manner, this may include social gatherings, stag nights, sporting events, outdoor festivals, and highland games. Here in the Scottish Borders, a casual kilt outfit could be sported to the upcoming local Rugby 7s.
Kilts create a sophisticated and fashionable appearance yet are simple and comfortable to wear, only applying little pressure to the body which should feel like a cuddle around your navel. Our Lochcarron kilts perfect to wear in a more relaxed everyday manner. We offer a made-to-measure kilt making service to ensure you find the style of kilt that is right for you.
Kilt Weights
At Lochcarron of Scotland we offer three different fabric weights to choose from for your kilt:
Our kilt weights | Lightweight Reiver Tartan (left) | Mediumweight Braeriach Tartan (centre) | Heavyweight Strome Tartan (right)
For a contemporary, casual kilt look, we would recommend our 100% new pure wool Lightweight Reiver Kilts. This machine sewn traditional 5-yard kilt makes a perfect casual approach to traditional Scottish Highland dress and ideal for warmer climates.
Our 8-yard Braeriach Kilt, made in 100% new pure wool, is our mediumweight fabric option, suitable for warmer climates but still achieves traditional Scottish Dress and made using traditional kilt making techniques.
The heavyweight kilt we offer is our 100% Scottish wool 8-yard Strome Kilt. This fabric makes the ideal kilting cloth, woven in the traditional weight to achieve authentic Scottish Dress. These kilts are crafted using truly respected and classic craftsmanship, hand sewn by highly skilled kiltmakers.
Made-to-Measure Kilt Making | Galbraith Ancient Heavyweight Tartan
Although our traditional heavier weight kilts – Braeriach and Strome - are more suitable for formal occasions, they can be worn in a more casual setting depending on how they are styled. Traditional woollen kilts can feel heavy for everyday occasions but can still be incorporated into a casual outfit after your special event.
Benefits of a Wool Kilt.
Wool a versatile fibre that should keep you comfortable while wearing your kilt. Wool is a far more efficient fibre than other natural and man-made fibres. It is natural, sustainable, renewable, and once no longer require will naturally biodegrade.
Wool is a very durable fibre making our kilts strong and long lasting, designed to last at least a generation. Wool products are easy to care for. They require less washing, maintains shape and colourfastness, efficient in absorbing sweat, locking odour molecules and its waxy coating makes it relatively stain resistant.
Another desirable quality of wool is that it is a hygroscopic fibre. This means that as the moisture in surrounding atmosphere rises and falls the structure of the fibre enables it to absorb and release water vapour, either from air or wearer’s perspiration. It is recognised as one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection. Due to these characteristics, woollen kilts are suitable changing weather conditions, breathable and weather resistant. It should keep the warmth in cold out, as well as keeping you cool in warm surroundings. Wool constantly reacting to changes in body temperature, which helps maintain the wearer’s comfort in their kilt in cold and warm weather. Have a look at The Campaign for Wool's Website to learn more about the benefits of wool.
How to Style your Casual Kilt Outfit
To wear your kilt casually, pair with a jumper, during the colder weather or style with a simple button-down shirt without a tie or a t-shirt during the warmer seasons. Select colours that compliment your kilt and create a fashionable look.
Your kilt hose as normal, with or without flashes depending on your style, or worn loosely worn at the shins for a casual appearance. Our kilt socks are made from a wool mix with a ribbed decoration and a diamond design at the cuff top. For footwear, choose simple shoes or boots will maintain a relaxed appearance, for a slightly dressier look finish your outfit with a pair of brogue shoes.
Accessorise
To maintain casual kilt attire, stick with simple highland wear accessories. A kilt pin would make a good addition to your outfit and would help to weigh your kilt down or why not include a simple kilt belt in your outfit.
To finish off your casual look, incorporate a day sporran. These pouches hang at the front of your kilt with a chain and are practical for carrying your items during daytime events. Our day sporrans are made completely from leather including subtle embossed details on the front featuring tassels, the perfect choice for a more casual kilt outfit. If the occasion is slightly more formal a semi dress sporran could be worn instead. Likewise, wearing a jacket and/or tie would create a more formal appearance.
Explore our day sporrans | Cairn Day Sporran (left), Tinto Day Sporran (centre), Storr Day Sporran (right)
Depending on the occasion, if you are attending an outdoor event in the autumn or winter months, consider adding a tartan scarf to complete your casual look.
Although wearing a kilt makes a statement, it can also be adapted to create a casual look that is an equally enjoyable and stylish alternative to the traditional kilt outfit. We hope our article provided you with some ideas for how you can wear your kilt after that special event and make the most of this traditional, elegant piece of Scottish dress.
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, which demonstrates trust and a sense of belonging. Discover more about the heritage of the Scottish quaich and why sipping a dram from this special cup is part of many celebrations in Scotland today.
What is a Quaich
A quaich (pronounced kway-ch) is a shallow two handled ‘loving cup’ which comes from the Gaelic word ‘cuach’ meaning ‘shallow cup’. However, it is more than a two handled cup, the quaich is a symbol for Scottish hospitality and people coming together. It has evolved from an everyday drinking vessel into the ‘cup of friendship’ and today is featured in many celebratory events in Scotland such as a wedding or a Burns Supper, where companions would each sip a dram of whisky from the vessel to commemorate the occasion.
Given the quaich's symbolic meaning and more expensive construction it has become more of a prized, ceremonial item. A few examples of this are that, traditionally, anglers toss a dram of whisky into the river from the quaich to celebrate the new salmon season, and in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, each medal winner was given a wooden quaich as a gift.
Heritage and Wedding Tradition
It is uncertain when quaichs were initially used but can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Initially, it is believed scallop shells were used given their shallow base, a similar structure to the quiach. However, we know that they were first utilised as drinking cup in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the 17th century.
The reason this type of vessel is used is that is must be held by two hands. Alongside the practicality and comfort of the quaich having two handles, this design allows it to be shared and easily passed between one person and another, symbolising trust. Historically, when welcoming a stranger from an opposing clan into your home, they would be offered a drink from the quaich. The host would drink first (to show the liquor was not poisoned) and then pass the vessel over. Two hands holding the quaich meant no hands were holding a weapon. Likewise, centuries ago, marriages would bring two clans together who were potentially rivals and drinking with two hands on the quaich demonstrated trust in the opposing clan and a mark of honour and respect.
Traditionally during a wedding, the bride drinks from the quaich first and then the groom, with the clan leaders each taking a drink afterwards. This tradition is thought to have first taken place in 1589 when King James VI and Princess Anne of Demark were married and is still a part of Scottish weddings today. After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom each share their first drink (usually a dram of whisky) as a married couple from the quaich. The couple each take a drink and then will usually pass the quaich around to any guests who would like to drink from the cup. Drinking from the same vessel signifies the couple’s intimacy, sealing their bond and the union between two family clans.
Have look at our blog post 15 Scottish Wedding Traditions to Include in your Wedding Day for more Scottish wedding tradition ideas that you can include in your special day.
Construction of the Quaich
Early quiachs were initially constructed from either one piece of wood what was hollowed out using a lathe or made from multiple narrow staves of wood, creating a shape similar in design to a barrel. Sometimes different colours of wood were used and alternated to enhance the appearance of the quaich. The drinking implement could be bound in silver, brass or steel and often fitted with a silver mount. The two handles or ‘lugs’ (the Scottish word for ears) were made from wood or silver. Although, some examples of surviving early quaich designs were made completely from silver and engraved with Gaelic mottos, they were not commonly made from silver until the 19th century when the quaich became a more treasured item.
Only a few of the earlier wooden quiachs remain, but many of the later silver vessels survived, and these being more extravagant in design are highly sought after by collectors. In the present day, they continue to be made in a variety of materials including silver, brass, pewter, copper, and wood and can feature bespoke embellishments in the design such as clan crests or mottos. At Lochcarron of Scotland, we stock 3” quaichs made of polished pewter with decorative handles either in a Celtic knot or thistle design, hand-made in the finest plated pewter.
Celtic Knot Design (left), Thistle Design (right) made from polished pewter.
Whisky | The Traditional Drink for the Quaich
Whisky is Scotland’s beloved national drink and a symbol of Scottish history and heritage. There is a strong connection between a having a dram of whisky and companionship and this is noted by prominent Scottish writers and poets. For example, Burn’s love for whisky is referenced in his 1785 poem ‘Scotch Drink’ which honours the role of whisky in the life of the everyday man and a ‘dram’ is described in the late Iain Bank’s book 'Raw Spirit' as ‘a measure of whisky that is pleasing to both guest and host’, representing the comfort and the bond created by sharing a dram of whisky. Similarly, a dram of whisky is typically drunk from a quaich to bless a marriage. The contents are filled with possibilities through their sweet and bitter taste representing the couple’s journey that is still to come through their shared life together. Whisky is the traditional choice for the quaich, but today any drink can be used.
Burns Check Bowhill 100% Lambswool Scarf
The quaich is rich in tradition and symbolism, and a cherished keepsake that can be handed down through the generations. So why not add some Scottish heritage to the occasion with this beautiful and practical piece that will create special memories with your friends and family for years to come.
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. The sash is a versatile product and there are multiple different ways to wear it. 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.
When did the Sash Originate
The origins of the sash remain unclear, but it is believed to have derived from the tradition of women wearing an arisaid – a popular item of regional dress in the 18th century for women in the Scottish Highlands. This garment was made from two lengths of tartan fabric, wrapped around the waist and draped over the shoulders, to provide comfort and warmth. The cloth could then be fastened together at the front with a pin or brooch.
What is a Sash
A sash is a lightweight scarf, usually longer than a regular scarf which is draped around the torso. Sashes are typically made in the tartan of the wearer’s family clan and can be secured with a pin or brooch. They are considered a decorative feature to enhance your evening look and is often worn with traditional Scottish dress at a Ceilidh, Burns Supper or other formal event. It is also a great way for brides and the wedding party to add some tartan into their formalwear.
Traditionally, sashes are made from wool, although today can be produced in many different fabrics. At Lochcarron of Scotland, we make our Tartan Sash and Mini Rosette Sash in our 100% pure new wool Light Weight Reiver Tartan Fabric. Our sashes are made-to-order, available in over 500 authentic Scottish tartans, all woven at our mill in the Scottish Borders. Although, if you would like a more personalised touch for your sash, you can create your own exclusive tartan through our Tartan Design Service.
How to Style your Sash
The traditional way to wear your sash is to the wrap the material around your left hip and draw up into a cross on the right shoulder, fastening with a pin or brooch.
If keeping with tradition is important, it should be noted that wearing a sash draped over the left shoulder instead of the right is only worn by the wife of the clan chief. However, sources differ in the correct way to wear your sash and today this rule is just for guidance. In the present day there is more flexibility in what size of sash you wear and how you decide to style it is a matter of personal preference. This is often the side that allows the dominant hand to move more freely.
Another option for your sash is to wear it draped over the right shoulder crossing at the hip on the left side of the body, pinning together with a brooch. This style was thought to be how women would wear their sash if they were married but not wearing their husband’s clan tartan.
Alternatively, you can tie your sash in knot at the hip if this is your preferred look.
For a more contemporary feel, why not create the look of an Obi - a sash or belt worn in Japan to secure a kimono. Start by wrapping your sash around your waist two or three times, depending on the length of your material, and tie a knot at your hip on the side of your preference.
The Mini Rosette
There are many kinds of sashes available other than a regular sash. If you prefer a smaller sash another popular choice is the Mini Rosette Sash. This sash is secured on the upper chest and worn over the top right shoulder, allowing the material to drape down the back.
The Mini Rosette leaves much of the front of the dress free of the sash and is easier for moving around in, particularly when dancing. This type of sash has grown in popularity for less formal occasions but what sash you decide to wear is your choice.
Accessorise your Sash with a Brooch or Pin
Brooches add an additional layer of Scottish pride and come in multiple different sizes and styles. Explore our range of brooches and add the finishing touch to your highland wear outfit. We offer traditional Celtic Knot brooches as well as more contemporary styles, all made in polished pewter.
Part of our selection of brooches | Celtic Knot Brooch (left) | Stag Brooch (centre) | Thistle Brooch (right)
We hope our guide gave you some ideas of how to style your tartan sash and encouraged you to decide to include a sash as part of your evening attire. Explore what we have to offer here at Lochcarron and add a hint of Scottishness to your look with a sash, elevating your outfit at every formal occasion for years to come.
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. We are delighted to be able to show our support as a sponsor for this challenging venture the team are pursuing.
Some of the Cycling Souters visited our Selkirk mill before they set off on their challenging charity cycle in March.
Branding Content for their Cycle to Rome
The group are undertaking this cycle to raise funds in the memory of ex Scotland lock and Scottish Borders rugby legend, Doddie Weir, who suffered with Motor Neuron Disease. Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a rare condition that impacts the brain and nerves, progressively damaging the nervous system, which causes muscle weakness.
The donations the Souters raise from this campaign will be donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, an organisation, founded by Doddie Weir and his trustees. The charity is working towards a world free of MND by funding vital research into the disease. With Doddie’s local connections and the 11 members also being former rugby players, including Scotland Internationals Gordon Hunter and Iwan Tukalo - member of Scotland’s 1984 and 1990 Grand Slam-winning sides - the work the charity do is very important to them. In 2022, the team cycled from BT Murrayfield to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in 48 hours to deliver the ball for the Wales v. Scotland rugby match and raised over £20,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The main goal of this new challenge is to raise as much money as possible for the charity, with the hope of surpassing the previous £20,000 total in fundraising.
Souters meeting Gavin Hastings in Cardiff in 2022, having completed the Doddie Cup 500 and helped to deliver the match ball from Murrayfield to the Principality Stadium.
The Souters are aiming to cover all the costs of their 2024 trip before they set off, therefore 100% of the funds raised will go directly to the charity. The group has set up a JustGiving Page, please do make a donation if you possibly can.
The Route to Rome
Their ride will begin in their hometown of Selkirk on the 3rd of March and finish in Rome on the 8th of March 2024. Over the course of their six-day ride they will be travelling 1500 miles and an average of 280 miles each day. During their ride they will be supported by a back-up crew following their journey in camper vans. The Souters will be cycling in relay teams throughout and will be meeting up with other groups of charity cyclists who are setting off from different points across the UK.
The route they will take was planned by ex-Selkirk rugby player Allen Jamieson. Departing from Market Place in Selkirk at 8:00 am on Sunday March 3rd, the group will be cycling 90 miles to Newcastle to catch the overnight ferry to Amsterdam. They hope other cyclists will join them on their Grand Départ with the opportunity of completing a 25 mile or 50 mile route.
The Souters cycling jersey design for the All Roads Lead to Rome challenge.
The Route Breakdown
Day 1: Selkirk to Newcastle for overnight ferry to Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam to Northern France
Day 3: Northern France to Bourg-en-Bresse
Day 4: Bourg-en-Bresse to Monaco
Day 5: Monaco to Pisa
Day 6: Pisa to Rome
Upon completion they will enjoy a celebratory Limoncello with all the other participants. Then on Saturday 9th of March, the day of the six-nations match, the Cycling Souters will join other Scottish participants to honour the memory of Doddie Weir by marching from Piazza del Popolo to the Stadio Olympico.
Iwan Tukalo climbs Bottom Swire near Ettrickbridge, Selkirk
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
The late Doddie Weir OBE was a famous face in rugby in Scotland. Throughout his outstanding career he played for the Melrose Rugby club, the Newcastle Falcons and later internationally, achieving 61 caps for the Scotland national team, and representing in the British and Irish Lions squad on their tour in South Africa in 1997.
The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation was established in 2017 by Doddie Weir and his trustees in response to the Scotland and British Lion’s frustration at the lack of support for those suffering with MND. With there being no effective treatments and limited access to clinical testing there was no hope in finding a way to fight the disease. Doddie Weir was diagnosed with MND in 2016 and sadly passed away from MND at the age of 52 in November 2022.
Gordon Hunter and Iwan Tukalo with Gavin Price an MND sufferer.
The foundation continues in his legacy and are dedicated to freeing the world of MND, pursuing this goal by funding the most efficient research. They have already donated millions of pounds for targeted MND research projects and are committed to continue to invest in research to find new treatments and knowledge to help improve the lives of those impacted by MND and ultimately find a cure.
The Cycling Souters at Ettrickbridge, Selkirk
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.
Lochcarron is a beautiful village, with a population of around 900, found in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated on the west coast, this two-mile area is home to the most stunning scenery in the British Isles, particularly Loch Carron and its flame shell reef (now a marine protected area) and beautiful landscapes including the Torridon mountains, Strathcarron hills and Applecross peninsula. It is a great location for hiking, climbing munros, watersports, attending art workshops and viewing wildlife: red squirrels, pine martens, deer, eagles, otters and seals can all be discovered here.
So if you’re planning your trip to Lochcarron or you’re already here, we have created a list of the best things to do in Lochcarron, the hidden gem of Wester Ross.
1. Strome Castle
Steeped in history, Strome Castle was built in the 1400’s. It was believed to be a tower house, tactically situated to guard the north side of the Strome Narrows, near the mouth of Loch Carron. The castle was seized by different clans over the years, in 1539 it was taken over by James V to the Macdonalds of Glengarry. They fought with their neighbours, the Mackenzies of Kintail, to keep control of the castle. However, it was eventually blown up by the Mackenzie clan in 1602 after they besieged the castle.
Strome Castle
Now, all that remains is the ruins of this once defiant building. Set on a rocky cliff, surrounded by sharp drops to the shore. This castle has fantastic views of the Loch and has an archaic atmosphere that allows the imagination to run wild to a time before us.
2. Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop
We couldn’t devise a list of recommended things to do in Lochcarron without including ourselves. When visiting Scotland, it would be rude not to dabble in the delights of tartan.
Our Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop recently moved in May 2023, we are now a part of the creative community in Ribhauchan, Strathcarron, Wester Ross, just off the North Coast 500.
Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop
Situated in this scenic location, you will find our store hosts a wide range of tartans, all woven within our mill in Selkirk, luxury knitwear, kilts, and tweed clothing complemented beautifully with just the right accessories. We stock high quality Scottish products in a variety of natural fibres including wool, cashmere, lamora, mohair and lambswool. If you are looking for bespoke, premium made-to-measure highland wear, contact our store to arrange a private measuring and fitting appointment and our team with help you get everything you need for the occasion.
3. Calum’s Seal Trips
A short drive away from Lochcarron is the town of Plockton. This is home to Calum’s Seal Trips, the longest established boat trip operator in Skye and Lochalsh.
Your experienced guide and crew will take you aboard the Sula Bheag vessel for a 1-hour sea safari, providing you with the best views of the water of Loch Carron and the chance to spot and photograph seals, otters, dolphins and porpoises.
Loch Carron
During your trip you will pass Duncraig Castle and Heron Island and witness the Applecross mountains in Wester Ross, the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye and travel north towards the Torridon mountains. The trip finishes with a tour around the harbour and the opportunity to take pictures of Plockton from the water.
Plus, if you are unlucky and don't spot any seals you will get the trip for free!
4. Balnacra Pottery
Balnacra Pottery is a bustling, working pottery studio run by artist Vicky Stonebridge. Vicky creates and sells a wide range of pottery and art from the studio alongside running a busy schedule of pottery and craft classes and workshops. She is particularly interested in ancient history of the Highlands and many of her designs reflect this, you may sometimes also find her doing living history as a Pict, recreating ancient pottery, and firing techniques.
Balnacra Pottery
The studio and shop is located in the former 18th Century blacksmiths building at Ribhuachan. There is a wide range of pottery and art to suit all pockets, some decorative, quirky, or traditional and functional, and you will also usually be able to see the potter at work! The pottery colour palette is always inspired by the stunning views and changes with the seasons.
They are open from March until Christmas, 5 or 6 days a week, where their friendly team will be happy to welcome you and your pet dogs.
5. Kyle Railway Line
Many people travel far and wide to experience the wonders of the Kyle Railway line. The train passes through the Lochcarron area, travelling from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, taking approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. During your journey, you will witness the highland scenery, the Torridon Peaks in the north, views of the Isle of Skye and Loch Alsh as you travel along the south coast.
The train can be boarded at Strathcarron Railway Station in Lochcarron, travelling in either direction, so why not spend a day in Kyle of Lochalsh? The journey is only 45 minutes from Strathcarron station, allowing you to travel alongside the scenic shores of Loch Carron. Upon your arrival in Kyle of Lochalsh station, you can view the Kyle Station Museum and uncover the story of the Kyle Harbour, West Coast fishing and the Kyle Line Railway.
This railway journey has even been featured on Michael Palin’s TV show ‘Great Railway Journeys of the World’ due to the array of fantastic views of the Highlands.
6. Attadale Gardens
Enthusiastic gardeners will be in their element in Attadale Gardens. Located in Wester Ross, just 6 miles away from Lochcarron, this artist’s garden will inspire all plant lovers. Beginning in the Victorian times, this a long-established, privately-owned garden has been well cared for and developed further over the years.
Attadale Gardens
The 20-acre garden offers a variety of water gardens, hidden sculptures throughout, views of the herb and Japanese gardens and you can explore the woodlands during your visit. If you would like to purchase plants you will have the opportunity to from the polytunnel in the kitchen garden.
7. Carron Pottery
Originally an old School and Schoolhouse dating from 1860, Carron Pottery was converted into a pottery shop in the 1970s and over the last 30 years has been owned by Rob and Jan Teago. Rob works as the full-time potter and Jan manages the shop. The pottery business has developed by the introduction of new colours, patterns and glazes and incorporating local resources such as using marine clay from the River Carron.
Spend time in their Craft Shop where they display their pottery pieces and various Scottish crafts and in the rear of the shop you can watch the potters at work! See ceramics from all around Scotland, glass and woodcraft, Scottish silver jewellery, postcards and in the back of the shop, they have a selection of books, cushions, blankets and rugs and hats, providing perfect unique gift options. Alongside this, above the pottery shop you can view the work of local and Scottish artists in their gallery.
8. Freedom Framery
Discover the heart of artistic expression in the picturesque highlands of Scotland at Freedom Framery and Gallery. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes, their gallery showcases a wide collection of local arts and crafts, capturing the essence of Scotland's vibrant creative spirit.
Freedom Framery
Freedom Framery and Gallery craft exquisite, bespoke picture frames that transform your cherished memories into timeless works of art. Whether you're seeking to adorn your home with the finest local artwork or looking to enhance your own masterpieces with handcrafted frames, Freedom Framery and Gallery is your destination for creativity and craftsmanship in Lochcarron. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the artistry and splendour of the Highlands, stop by and visit their shop.
9. Lochcarron Golf Club
There is no better way to enjoy a wonderful game of golf than on a golf course situated in a beautiful spot in the Highlands. Lochcarron has a nine-hole golf course measuring roughly 3,605 yards and is suited to golfers of all stages. However, this course is no ordinary golf course. It provides some unusual challenges to golfers such as avoiding the lochside on the first few holes and playing against the tempestuous winds.
10. Kiki's Craft Corner
Kiki's Craft Corner is a haven for fibre and textile enthusiasts, providing supplies for heritage-based crafts from patchwork to spinning, felting, and knitting. Their focus is on their customers. They offer advice, hold workshops, repair and service sewing machines, knitting machines, and spinning wheels.
Kiki's Craft Corner
When you visit their store, you will be surrounded with colourful fabrics and fibres, inspiring your own craft project or work of art. You can find the perfect yarn, which is hand-spun in Lochcarron, or a quilt to take home as a reminder of the magic of the lochs, mountains, skies, and colours of the Highlands.
11. See the Highlands
A breath-taking view is never far away for anyone staying in Lochcarron. However, if you want to explore more of the highlands, contact ‘See The Highlands’ where you can book a private taxi tour of the Scottish Highlands.
Beinn Alligin
Based in Lochcarron, Wester Ross, See The Highlands tours are conducted by a North Highland expert, John McCormack, who offers private, guided tours, providing a wealth of historical information about the North Highlands of Scotland.
His vehicle seats 8 passengers and the tour can be personalised to your own preferences and requirements depending on what attractions you would like to see. He is able to pick you up from right outside your accommodation, take you anywhere you have requested to visit in the Highlands and return you to the place of your choosing.
Lochcarron Landscape
Alongside all of our suggestions for attractions to visit, the surrounding villages have a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and a range of accommodations and camp sites. Furthermore, The North Coast 500 passes through Lochcarron, which is the ideal place to start your journey into the Highlands.
Lochcarron is a beautiful location, and there is something here for everyone. We hope our list of things to do has inspired you to visit. For more information have a look at Destination Lochcarron and organise your trip to Lochcarron today!
Lochcarron is a beautiful village, with a population of around 900, found in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated on the west coast, this two-mile area is home to the most stunning scenery in the British Isles, particularly Loch Carron and its flame shell reef (now a marine protected area) and beautiful landscapes including the Torridon […]
The final woven tartan with the coloured yarns used in weaving the design. Picture: Phil Wilkinson
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 a very unique tartan created for His Majesty and the significance of this timeless tradition.
HERITAGE | LOCHCARRON
Lochcarron of Scotland is a renowned Scottish weaving mill dating back to 1947. With a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the production of premium quality authentic tartan and textiles, Lochcarron has become a global ambassador for Scottish heritage. The company offers a wide range of products, Scottish and British Wool being at the fore. Everything is meticulously crafted in Scotland, in the town of Selkirk in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
The craftsmanship involved in our tartan weaving is second to none. Each tartan is skillfully woven, and the process involves multiple stages, dyeing, winding, warping, weaving. At Lochcarron we are committed to preserving Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and are dedicated to quality and authenticity that ensures each tartan created is a piece of living history.
DESIGNING | THE KING CHARLES III TARTAN
The Scottish Tartans Authority designed the green, blue and red tartan earlier this year to mark the occasion of The Coronation and in recognition of His Majesty’s fondness of the Scottish Highlands.
The unique design presented to His Majesty, is based on the Balmoral tartan sett which dates from c.1850 and continues to be worn by The King and members of The Royal Family today. The new tartan has been officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans that is administered by the National Records of Scotland.
The Strome premium kilt cloth, woven in 100% Scottish wool, includes a central triple stripe motif (one broad and two narrow) which is a feature of Royal tartans previously worn by His Majesty including the Duke of Rothesay, Duke of Rothesay Hunting and Lord of the Isles Hunting tartans. The colours are matched to the natural dyes of 18th century tartan specimens in the collection of The Scottish Tartans Authority.
The woven tartan design. Picture: Phil Wilkinson
THE SCOTTISH TARTANS AUTHORITY
The Scottish Tartans Authority was formed as a Scottish Charity in 1995 dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting Scottish Tartans and Highland Dress, their respective origins, history, manufacture, use and development.
John McLeish, Chair of The Scottish Tartans Authority, said:
“Our iconic national cloth has a distinct style and evokes deep feelings of belonging, making it the best-known and best-loved fabric in the world. We are honoured that His Majesty has agreed that a new tartan should be created in his name. The King Charles III tartan now takes its place in the history books. It was a great privilege to be at Braemar to witness His Majesty wearing the tartan for the first time”
WEAVING | THE KING CHARLES III TARTAN
Weaving tartan is a meticulous and intricate process. Each design is carefully crafted to reflect its own unique characteristics.
White undyed wool is the starting point, we dye the white yarn in our dyehouse to match the approved colours for the tartan design. We use a recipe to create the correct quantity of dyestuffs and colours to create the shades which are mixed with water and fed into the dyepot. The mixture is pumped by perforated rods through the yarn, which have been wound onto springs to allow the dye liquor to perforate through the yarn to give a level dyeing. Once the yarns are dyed and dried, they are organised for weaving. The yarn is fed into the warp creel in the correct order for the pattern design and to the required length. The ends of the yarn are then passed through the reed to comb the yarn, removing any knots. While maintaining a uniform tension and density of the yarn, the warp threads, now a sheet of uniformly spaced yarn, are wound onto the warping drum.
Undyed yarn (left) and yarn in the dyepot (right), after dyeing.
The four colours of dyed yarn used in weaving the King Charles III tartan. Picture: Phil Wilkinson.
When warping is complete, the warp is tied and transferred onto the beam. The warp is then fixed in the back of the loom where the beam can rotate freely and supply the warp to the front of the loom. Each single warp thread is drawn in through the eye of the wire heddles in the shafts, which move to create the interlacings in the structure. During the weaving process, the shafts and threads are lifted and lowered in the order that they have been fed through the heddles, determining how the weft yarn interlaces with the warp to create the woven fabric. Therefore, the pattern must be followed carefully to ensure there are no mistakes. Once the warp is set up on the loom, the rapier can transport the weft yarn across the warp, allowing it to interlace with the warp threads to create woven fabric. The first 30 cms of every order produced are checked and approved before weaving progresses. A facemark is inserted to indicate the face of the cloth. Everything woven at Lochcarron is inspected by our darners to ensure that the pattern, the colours and the weave (the construction of the cloth) is correct. Any faults are mended, knots are pulled to the back and in scarves, opened and threaded into the woven construction. We darn at this stage when the construction is quite open and before the cloth is finished. When the final fabric is complete, it is then sent to the finishers where it will move through different wet and dry processes until the final quality is achieved, ensuring the fabric is fit for purpose.
Weaving the tartan on the specially adapted single-width loom.
Winding the warp onto the warping drum.
Darning the woven cloth. Picture: Phil Wilkinson
The King Charles III tartan is made in our premium heavy-weight Scottish wool Strome cloth. Strome was finally decided upon as the most suitable due to several factors, the main considerations being, this quality of fabric is woven in 100% Scottish wool, the other the use of the specially adapted single-width loom which is capable of reproducing historical details particularly, within the selvedge, or kilt edge. This is a traditional finished edge that is found at the bottom of a kilt. This is not hemmed but created by weaving with a weft thread that moves back and forth across the warp/width continuously, turning on the warp edge in such a way that binds the edges of the cloth perfectly which prevents unravelling. As the sett included a traditional herringbone selvedge, only this was the ideal loom to be used to produce the fabric. Once the kilt was produced the selvedge would be located at the bottom of the kilt, creating a subtle but bespoke woven detail. A further advantage of the herringbone selvedge is that it creates a slightly thicker edge and is more freeing, giving the fabric flow and movement. This characteristic was often found on rural Highland cloth from the 18th century, however with the development of mass production in the early 19th century, was no longer incorporated and is unusual to find today.
Close up of each edge of the fabric for comparison, the unfinished edge (left) and the herringbone selvedge (right). Pictures: Phil Wilkinson
The Scottish yarn is a blend of wool from the Cheviot and Romney Marsh sheep. The wool is sourced solely in Scotland, through the British wool depot in Selkirk, giving us regional traceability to wool grown on our doorstep. This supports our ethical and sustainable journey in using responsibly sourced wool, and in championing British and Scottish farmers. The Scottish wool also helps in combination with simple finishing to give the cloth a traditional handle of a tartan woven before the 1950s.
Our role involved helping to prepare for the process of weaving the cloth, working with the Scottish Tartans Authority, we were provided with the artwork, thread counts and colours from the design concepts.
A key aim of the project was to closely represent cloth from the 18th century, it was important that the colours replicated the softer hues from traditional natural dyes of this time. Therefore, it was necessary that the colours from the artwork designs on CAD (Computer Aided Design) were matched exactly with the shade of yarn. The shades in the King Charles III tartan were influenced by tartan specimens from the 18th century located within The Scottish Tartans Authority's collection.
CAD image of the final design.
Different layout options with the chosen colours were also edited on CAD. These options were then shown by the Scottish Tartans Authority to His Majesty, who has been involved and consulted throughout the journey of this tartan, His Majesty made the final design selection.
Heritage was of key prominence within the design process and therefore important to incorporate traditional features of royal tartans. The pattern was influenced by royal tartans which feature a central stripe motif (one broad and two narrow) that have been worn previously by His Majesty, including the Duke of Rothesay Hunting tartan which he wore when he visited Lochcarron of Scotland on the 6th of July 2023. During his visit, the King was able to see first-hand the tartan designed for him weaving on the loom and engage with the skilled craftspeople responsible for producing the tartan.
Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving at Lochcarron of Scotland in July 2023 and the King viewing his tartan being woven in our mill. Pictures: Phil Wilkinson
The final woven fabric was to be made into a kilt therefore the sett and the pattern repeat size were carefully considered to ensure the design pattern for the front of the kilt would be perfect.
The final woven fabric. Pictures: Phil Wilkinson
The King Charles III tartan made its first public appearance when King Charles III wore his new kilt at the Braemar Gathering on Saturday 2nd Of September 2023.
Braemar Gathering 2023 Aberdeenshire Scotland. Picture: Derek Ironside / Newsline Media
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 a very unique tartan created for His Majesty and the significance of this timeless tradition.
We welcomed Susie Finlayson at our Lochcarron of Scotland Visitor Centre, Selkirk on the 6th of September with the tapestry panel for the Galashiels Interchange Panel Project. Holding this event allowed many of our colleagues and visitors to get involved and add a stitch to the beautiful panel.
Picture: Phil Wilkinson / Lochcarron
The Interchange Panel Project
The aim of the project is to create a hand stitched panel to be featured in the Galashiels Interchange building. The project is commissioned by the Border’s Railway Community Partnership, funded by Cross Country Trains and will link the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels with the Border’s railway. The railway being a common method of transport for visitors to the Scottish Borders.
Picture: Phil Wilkinson / Lochcarron
The stitching of the panel is led by Susie Finlayson, a hand embroiderer based in the Scottish Borders. Susie has been engaging with individuals, venues and local schools across the Borders and Edinburgh where members of the community can add a stitch to the panel. Once you have added your stitch, there is a book where you can record your name to share your contribution. So far over 1000 people have gotten involved. This includes Her Majesty Queen Camilla who added a stitch when she visited Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh while the King and Queen were touring Scotland during Holyrood Week. Currently, Susie has been stitching the tapestry for 18 months and it is due to be completed and hung by Easter 2024, where it will be framed and displayed in the Galashiels Interchange.
Picture: Phil Wilkinson / Lochcarron
About Susie
Susie has over 40 years’ experience in cross stitch but only started to embroider while volunteering for a project at the Great Tapestry of Scotland in 2011, where she became a stitcher. This led to a complete career change from working in IT. Now, she has her own business teaching embroidery techniques, through hosting workshops and she is currently on the board of trustees for the SWI (Scottish Women’s Institutes).
The Tapestry Panel
The tapestry is in two halves and the total length, once completed, will be 2 metres in length by 1 ½ metres wide. The fabric used is Linen Union, a robust, durable material making it difficult to rip/damage and Appletons Crewel wool is used in the stitching of the panel. Although referred to as a tapestry, as Susie described, the panel is not necessarily a tapestry but surface embroidery crewel work.
The Panel Design
The panel has been designed by Andrew Crummy MBE, designer from the Great Tapestry of Scotland. The design was drawn out on paper, in colour and a lightbox was used to trace the design onto the tapestry. Currently not all the imagery has been added to the piece and the side sections will been hand-drawn in as the design development progresses.
Susie discussed the inspiration behind the imagery used in the panel. The Tapestry tells the story of the journey taken by the Border’s railway from Edinburgh to the Galashiels Interchange and local surroundings, showcasing the people’s story of Galashiels. The design composition features the main figure at the top of the stairs, she becomes the landscape, following the railway journey which then turns into weaving loom when reaching Galashiels, linking to the Great Tapestry of Scotland. The composition incorporates distinctive features you may witness on your railway journey and the imagery in the sections down either side of the tapestry piece will correlate to each train station on the Borders Railway.
The tapestry is all about telling little stories. Susie showed where she incorporated the rugby score into the trees when Scotland bet England earlier this year and described that in the section where she had stitched the Leaderfoot Viaduct, little details will be included in the panel to reference Indiana Jones since some of the scenes were filmed there, for example his whip. This creates lots of hidden intricate details in the stitching you have to look closely to find, you will always spot something new you didn’t notice before each time you view the final piece.
There is still time to get involved, if you would like to join in and arrange a stitching session, please contact Susie and add a stitch!
We welcomed Susie Finlayson at our Lochcarron of Scotland Visitor Centre, Selkirk on the 6th of September with the tapestry panel for the Galashiels Interchange Panel Project. Holding this event allowed many of our colleagues and visitors to get involved and add a stitch to the beautiful panel.
As the world's leading manufacturer of tartan, we feel it is important to adapt and develop with what is becoming one of the most important influencing factors of modern times, environmental sustainability. And our 100% Scottish Wool Strome Kilt premium quality cloth does just that!
Launched in 2021, this major project at Lochcarron of Scotland took around 2 years of planning and development. Our traditional 16oz cloth is the perfect handle for creating authentic Scottish kilts, so it was only natural for its next step, sourcing 100% British Wool. This was in fact, 70-80% Scottish wool, sourced from Cheviot sheep and 20-30% British-farmed Romney Marsh sheep. Quickly working with our first deliveries of British Wool, the months that followed involved converting the fibre into stocks of Strome tartan. Combining yarn from our previous Strome cloth and our all-new British Wool reduced unnecessary waste of resources with the aim of soon manufacturing a 100% British Wool Strome tartan. By making this change, we were converting between 20-25% of the wool yarn that we purchase to Scottish sources.
As of April 2023, we have sourced fleece from Scottish-farmed Romney Marsh sheep allowing us to complete the journey towards creating a 100% Scottish wool product. We are delighted to get to this point in improving our ethical and sustainable journey. From farm to fabric, fleece to fashion we are supporting Scottish and British woolgrowers and British manufacturing without compromising quality, supply or service. Watch the journey of how we make our Scottish Wool Strome Kilt Cloth on YouTube and read on to learn more about the production of this truly Scottish fabric.
The Environmental Benefits of Wool
At Lochcarron of Scotland, we have a good starting point, already we use a lot of wool in our manufacturing process. Wool is one of the world's most sustainable fibres as it is biodegradable AND renewable. It doesn’t deplete natural resources, if there is grass for sheep to eat, wool will continue to grow naturally. Every year, sheep in the UK grow between 1 and 3 kgs of raw wool, which for the animal’s health must be sheared. Therefore, it would be a shame not to make the most of it!
Longevity of Natural Fibres
Another advantage is the longevity of wool. On average, products made from wool can last considerably longer than those made from other fibres. It is highly durable and can withstand a lot of wear, as well as being breathable and easy to wear. It is a material that requires less washing, just hanging the garment up allows the moisture to evaporate and remove odours. Furthermore, wool has the ability to react to changes in your body temperature, as an active fibre, it helps you stay warm when it's cold and keeps you cool when it is warm.
There is no season that wool is not suitable for, so be sure to maximise the sustainability of your wardrobe with wool. And remember, wools long lifespan means that it can often be reused and recycled.
Fleece at the British Wool Grading Depot.
How Wool Biodegrades
Wool fibres have natural properties that allow them to perform differently from other fibres. We already know that wool is a 100% natural and renewable fibre, but it can also biodegrade. Exposed to living things such as soil, fungi and bacteria, the natural proteins in wool begin to break down into its environment without harming its surroundings or contributing to pollution. Wool manages to release essential nutrients back into the soil. This process can take as little as three to four months, depending on the environmental conditions. The warmer and wetter conditions are, the quicker the process.
The Campaign For Wool
British Wool
Operating since 1950, British Wool handles the collection, hand grading and core testing on every bale of wool they receive as well as the marketing and sales of wool throughout the UK. Owned by around 35,000 sheep farmers in the UK, all the wool they process is from British farms. They have eight grading depots across the UK and can process wool from all UK wool producers irrespective of type, location, and quantity.
Bags of fleece at the British Wool Grading Depot.
Their operations follow six key values which include: being kind to animals, environmental sustainability, quality assurance, traceability, social responsibility, and use of non-mulesed wool. Their main objective is to increase demand of sustainable British Wool and ensure farmers receive the highest possible profit for their wool. They do this by adding value to the wool through grading and selling the wool at auctions during the year, operating on behalf of their members. Their board consists of nine farmers, who represent nine different regions in the UK, they oversee the activities of the organisation. This ensures British Wool are looking out for their members best interests.
At the moment, British Wool is not traceable back to the individual farm. This is because the average farm size in UK is incredibly small, with only 350 sheep per farm. The UK has very traditional, small, non-intensive ways of sheep farming, and it takes a lot of different sheep farmers wool to make one auction lot, usually eight tons of a specific grade of wool (same length, strength, colour). Therefore, when the wool is graded different farmer’s wool of the same grade is combined.
British Wool do offer full regional traceability, so we know that the wool we purchase locally from their Selkirk depot was grown in the Scottish Borders, the type of sheep it came from and that it has been graded in this depot.
The Scottish Wool Process
Our Strome fabric is a 100% Scottish wool product, around 75% of the yarn is from Cheviot wool, found practically on our doorstep in the Scottish Borders, which is blended with Romney Marsh wool, now sourced from Scottish-farmed sheep. This ensures the overall fineness and colour to create the correct yarn is suitable for the cloth's intended use.
A map of our Scottish wool journey.
The Cheviot Sheep
The breed Cheviot originated in the Cheviot hills of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, first identified from around 1370. Being well suited for the rugged habitat and conditions of this challenging terrain, they have been described as a “a small hardy race”.
Formed in 1791, The British Wool Society, under the direction of Sir John Sinclair, began to investigate and conduct thorough research on different sheep breeds with the goal of enhancing the natural flock. Upon locating this breed of sheep in the Border’s Cheviot Hills and deciding that their form and fleece made them the ideal mountain sheep, Sir John Sinclair officially gave them the name Cheviot. The Cheviot became the backbone of sheep farming across many hill and mountainous regions across the UK and beyond. Being a strong breed with a long woollen fleece was both practical and beneficial with wool in high demand by the local and national textile manufacturing industry at the time. Cheviots are still farmed today across the uplands of the Borders, and we mainly use their wool in the making of our Strome fabric.
Romney Marsh Sheep
Likewise with Cheviot sheep, Romney Marsh sheep were named after the location they derived from, Romney Marsh in England, being officially acknowledged as a breed of sheep in England by the 19th century. They produce high quality fleece, thick and long which is perfect for spinning, making it a suitable wool for creating cloth. Being versatile sheep who thrive in cold and wet environments, allows them to adapt easily to the Scottish climate, enabling us to create our 100% Scottish wool Strome fabric.
Fleece at the British Wool Grading Depot
Sourcing the Fibre
Sourced from Scottish farmers, the fleece is assessed and sorted by the British Wool depot in Selkirk. They process approximately 4 million kilograms of fleece annually, coming from all over Scotland and as far south as Carlisle. Over 400,000 kilograms of the fleece they process is from Cheviot sheep.
This sorting office has relocated here in Selkirk from their depot in Galashiels and officially opened on the 2nd of August 2023. This was a big investment for British Wool but worthwhile as their previous depot in Galashiels was split into two sites which was ineffective and presented additional challenges. Now, operating from only one location they can work more efficiently, improve their service, and develop their operations to provide the best price for wool for their members. For over 70 years, British Wool has been situated in the Scottish Borders, supporting textiles and local farming industries and the new Selkirk depot is now British Wool’s largest grading depot in the UK. It features five grading tables and three packers, allowing them to sort through, at most, six million kgs of wool a year.
Grand opening of the British Wool Depot in Selkirk.
Their grading procedure ensures they achieve the highest level of quality assurance and each of their qualified graders has been trained for at least three years. The process involves their team grading each woollen fleece by hand, enabling them to establish the style and quality of the wool. This is determined by inspecting the handle, micron, colour, staple, length, and strength of the wool and separating their premium wool from grey fibre, kemp, and any vegetation. Once the wool has been graded it is now quality assured and fit for purpose.
To demonstrate their authenticity, British Wool use the ‘Shepherds Crook Mark’ logo to verify that the wool has been checked at every processing/manufacturing stage and that the wool can be traced back to British wool auctions. Providing the customer with the knowledge that their purchase has been made from genuine British wool sourced from British sheep farmers. We use this mark on all our British Wool sourced products to verify their authenticity.
Scottish Wool back at Lochcarron of Scotland
After the raw wool is graded, cleaned, and spun into tops, it is then taken to Spectrum Yarns Ltd in the heart of the Yorkshire textile centre where it is spun into yarn. Once the freshly spun yarn is delivered back to us at the Lochcarron of Scotland HQ in Selkirk, it is ready to be passed through the hands of our skilled craftspeople though dyeing, warping and weaving the yarn into the tartan fabric we produce. Once the cloth has been woven, it is then sent to our partners Schofields Textile Dryers and Finishers, based in Galashiels, for the finishing process.
When previously woven using wool from New Zealand, our kilt cloth fibre covered approximately 15,000 miles before reaching our HQ. By sourcing our wool for our Strome cloth more locally, within Scotland, we are reducing the carbon footprint of our fabric. Now, this cloth covers under 400 road miles!
Yarn in our production yarn store at Lochcarron of Scotland. Davidson Clan Modern Heavyweight Tartan weaving on the loom.
Our Scottish Wool Strome Kilt Cloth
Our Heavyweight Strome tartan fabric is available in over 400 authentic tartans in 100% Scottish wool, woven in our mill in Selkirk, Scotland. This quality of tartan material is the heaviest in our range of cloth weights and considered by many to be the best kilting fabric in Scotland, the tartan of choice for many kiltmakers and pipe bands worldwide.
Highland Granite Heavyweight Tartan Kilt being made by skilled kiltmakers.
As we improve our environmental and sustainable credentials, we want to be transparent with our customers and invite them to learn more about our sustainability aims. We are continuing to improve our ethical and sustainable journey by increasingly sourcing wool from Scottish and British farmers, providing a unique authenticity, and showcasing the very best, high quality textiles.
Let us bring a little bit of Scotland to you and the ones you love with our abundance of beautifully crafted products and accessories to make any occasion that little bit more special. From luxuriously soft cashmere accessories to expertly made kilt accessories, we always put something special into our products. All of our fabric and woollen accessories are woven at our mill in Selkirk. Shop online or in store with Lochcarron of Scotland or arrange a Private Fitting Appointment for our bespoke, tailored made-to-measure highland wear. If you are looking for a heavyweight Scottish wool kilt, then as you can see, our Strome fabric makes a perfect choice.
As the world’s leading manufacturer of tartan, we feel it is important to adapt and develop with what is becoming one of the most important influencing factors of modern times, environmental sustainability. Our 100% Scottish Wool Strome Kilt premium quality cloth does just that! As of April 2023, we have sourced fleece from Scottish-farmed Romney Marsh sheep allowing us to complete the journey towards creating a 100% Scottish wool product.