When you think of Scotland, one of the first things that comes to mind is, invariably, tartan. Tartan has been associated with Scotland since at least the 3rd century, when a Roman artist depicted a Caledonian warrior wearing plaid trousers. The term tartan is English, and actually comes from a French word for checked cloth. The Gaelic word is ‘breacan’, and the everyday garment for a Scottish man was called a ‘breacan an philead’.
This is different from the modern short kilt, and consists of 12 yards of checked material worn round the waist, passed diagonally over the breast and left shoulder, then secured with a belt. The garment was also used as a blanket or a protection for the head in bad weather. You might recognize some our tartan from the Outlander TV series- think Jamie cutting a dash in his Fraser clan plaid!
The original tartans were simple plaids of one or two colors, with dyes from local
natural sources, such as roots, nuts and berries. People in the same area would
wear the same tartan, and so they became associated with particular clans. But
after the Battle of Culloden, the government banned the wearing of tartan as a
way to suppress Highland culture, and the practice of wearing the breacan an
philead survived in only the most remote Scottish places, especially in the
islands.
The celebrated Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott made tartan not just respectable,
but stylish again, when, in 1822, he orchestrated the citizenry to turn out in the
streets in traditional kilts, stoles, bow ties and hats- anything tartan- to welcome
King George IV. The popularity of tartan grew in the late 19th century with Queen Victoria’s adoration of all things Scottish, and official tartans are now affiliated with clans, businesses, municipalities- the list of registered tartans has grown to over 5,000, with more being added each year. If it’s not a registered tartan, it’s just plaid!
Today, tartan is more popular than ever, and is available in an infinite variety of
forms, from kilts and scarves to bags and purses to serapes and throws to caps,
ties and hats- not to mention it makes the perfect gift for ladies or men, and even kids.
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the Scotland lover in your life,
we are pleased to offer the Princess Diana Memorial Tartan line and our exclusive range of Orkney and Shetland tartans, inspired by the land and seascapes of these isles. Our most popular Christmas gift ideas include the tartan wool scarf, cap, purse or throw for both ladies and men, available in a variety of colors and designs to suit any taste and wardrobe. And speaking of Outlander, we also stock Outlander, Fraser and MacKenzie tartan designs in scarves, neckties and stoles.
With delivery to North America from only £8, as well as free gift-wrap, it’s
easy to treat your friends and family to the hottest fashion trend this season, and
every season- tartan.
This is different from the modern short kilt, and consists of 12 yards of checked material worn round the waist, passed diagonally over the breast and left shoulder, then secured with a belt. The garment was also used as a blanket or a protection for the head in bad weather. You might recognize some our tartan from the Outlander TV series- think Jamie cutting a dash in his Fraser clan plaid!
The original tartans were simple plaids of one or two colors, with dyes from local
natural sources, such as roots, nuts and berries. People in the same area would
wear the same tartan, and so they became associated with particular clans. But
after the Battle of Culloden, the government banned the wearing of tartan as a
way to suppress Highland culture, and the practice of wearing the breacan an
philead survived in only the most remote Scottish places, especially in the
islands.
The celebrated Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott made tartan not just respectable,
but stylish again, when, in 1822, he orchestrated the citizenry to turn out in the
streets in traditional kilts, stoles, bow ties and hats- anything tartan- to welcome
King George IV. The popularity of tartan grew in the late 19th century with Queen Victoria’s adoration of all things Scottish, and official tartans are now affiliated with clans, businesses, municipalities- the list of registered tartans has grown to over 5,000, with more being added each year. If it’s not a registered tartan, it’s just plaid!
Today, tartan is more popular than ever, and is available in an infinite variety of
forms, from kilts and scarves to bags and purses to serapes and throws to caps,
ties and hats- not to mention it makes the perfect gift for ladies or men, and even kids.
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the Scotland lover in your life,
we are pleased to offer the Princess Diana Memorial Tartan line and our exclusive range of Orkney and Shetland tartans, inspired by the land and seascapes of these isles. Our most popular Christmas gift ideas include the tartan wool scarf, cap, purse or throw for both ladies and men, available in a variety of colors and designs to suit any taste and wardrobe. And speaking of Outlander, we also stock Outlander, Fraser and MacKenzie tartan designs in scarves, neckties and stoles.
With delivery to North America from only £8, as well as free gift-wrap, it’s
easy to treat your friends and family to the hottest fashion trend this season, and
every season- tartan.