Brian Wilton Tartan Historian

Fun fact about tartan! Not all Scottish tartans are family tartans. Some tartans were designed to replicate specific plants, the geography of an area or a specific place in Scotland. For example the Hebridean Heather tartan, the Highland Granite tartan or the Corryvreckan tartan which is used in this video. Designed to imitate the colours of the Corryvreckan strait, a stretch of water between the islands of Jura and Scarba in the inner Hebrides of Scotland known for it's dangerous whirlpools. Th

On this Tartan Day, let's embark on a fascinating journey through the ages of tartan! From its humble beginnings to its iconic status today, tartan has woven itself into the fabric of Scottish culture. Dating back centuries, tartan has evolved alongside Scotland's history, reflecting changes in fashion, society, and identity. From the ancient plaid portions found in the Scottish Highlands to the regimental tartans of the clans, each pattern tells a unique story of heritage and tradition. As we c