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This summer the classic tartan prints are having a revival. A throwback to the 90’s days when Cher, Dionne and Tai wore those matching tartan skirt and jacket twinsets in Clueless; and the likes of Nirvana were rocking the grungy tartan flannel shirt, this summer has seen the timeless tartan prints make a comeback. Earlier this month former Doctor Who starlet Billie Piper made a statement and stepped out in a classic red tartan dress, which brought mostly positive reactions from the press and online fashion bloggers who commended her on the overall boldness of her look. Donning a full-length, oversized maxi dress - matched with red platform wedge heels and crochet clutch bag - Billie was attending the premier of London Road at south London’s Ritzy cinema. Although not exactly the most figure-flattering dress we’ve seen, she somehow managed to pull it off with minimalist hair and make-up. I think it was her unwavering confidence that made her carry it well. Top-to-toe tartan is not for the faint hearted, so we can only applaud you Billie! Only last week Rita Ora was also showing off her wild side in head-to-toe tartan as she posed for a photoshoot with renowned photographer Rankin for Hunger TV. In homage to Cher from Clueless, Rita donned a super-fitted matching yellow tartan trouser and cropped jacket set, as well as a punky, bold, long, red tartan jacket and grey fitted trousers. Think 1995 Alexander McQueen couture and Vivienne Westwood. Nice work Rita! In honour of this summer’s classic tartan revival, we’ve selected our gorgeous Harris Tweed ‘Mandy’ jacket to firmly put you right on trend with Billie and Rita. Tailored to perfection, this is a great statement piece that will also stand the test of time right through until winter. With a limited edition Harris Tweed certified paisley pattered lining, velvet lined collar and a velvet three-button cuff detail; we recommend teaming with a pair of fitted jeans and flat brogues for a fresh, modern take on a classic preppy look. And to go the extra mile (and be the envy of every dog walker in the park), team it with the adorable Harris Tweed matching jacket for your pooch. The lightweight and breathable nature of the tweed will keep your canine pal toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. So, in the words of Cher, there’s no need to be ‘ensemble-y challenged’ this summer - take your take on the classic tartan!

Your winter jackets wrapped up: our top picks It’s that time of year again. Dark nights, chilly mornings and…dare I even say it… (gasp)…the countdown to Christmas. What a thought. Soon they’ll be little hopping Father Christmases everywhere and Mariah Carey every five minutes on the radio. Brace yourselves. I stretched it out as long as possible this year, but last week I gave in. The same week the heating went on. The lightweight jackets and macs went back into the wardrobe for another year and the winter wardrobe came out. I’m not quite there yet with donning the gloves and scarves, but I’m definitely not braving it in my beer jacket anymore. Or at least, I need to be drinking a lot more beer to feel warm! We all get that feeling every year don’t we? We go to examine our winter stock, reaching far into the darkest depths of our wardrobes for last year’s staple winter coat and assess the situation. And the outcomes usually fall into three camps. The first being: “Was I really wearing that last year (rusty orange really isn’t my colour)?” The second: “I know it doesn’t fit/has a stain on it/the cuffs are fraying, but it’ll do for another year”. And finally: “Why didn’t that get binned off last year – it’s had its day”. If you’re anything like me, if I like something, I buy it in every colour and wear it until it has holes in the elbows. Last winter I fell in love with the Harris Tweed woolen blazer collection; and my wife adored the ‘Kate’ checked jacket. And although I say it every year, the range of original Harris Tweed designs just keeps getting better and better. Every season there is always an added twist or a new detail to make it different from the last collection. No two pieces are ever the same. This season they’ve come up trumps again and, in my opinion, the arrival of two key (master) pieces tops it: the stunning (and both limited edition!) Murdo and Stuart designs. Crafted in a Brown Barley Twist Harris Tweed, the Murdo stands out with its contrasting autumn mustard yellow lining, slanted hip pockets and ticket pocket. Look even closer and it has the classic brown elbow patches, genuine leather buttons and – of course – the label of authentic Harris Tweed. I can definitely see this as a timeless winter weekender, teamed with a pair of dark green cords or moleskin trousers. Additionally, the Stuart hits the mark for me because of its sheer versatility. Made using Plain Grey Harris Tweed, the co-ordinated fleur-de-lis silver lining is something very, very special indeed. Charcoal elbow patches and genuine leather buttons finish it off, to make this my favourite ‘all-round’ piece of the current season: a genuine ‘must-buy’ and one that will definitely be making an appearance in my new winter wardrobe. For the ladies, my favourite jacket this season is the classic red duffle coat. Also available in black, it’s fully lined with two front pockets and the definitive toggle fastenings. Team with black skinny jeans and flat boots for a chic, cosy daytime look. My wife has one on order. Be sure to check out all our latest winter coats and jackets at TSKC, as well as our Harris Tweed range. Remember we ship all over the world, so don’t miss out on your very own piece of Scotland, wherever you are!

The main variations in Tartan styles are Ancient, Modern, Hunting, Dress and Weathered/Muted. Often people think this means they are different tartans altogether when in fact it is the same tartan, but with a different colour scheme. The tartan is woven using, for example, the weaver's own ancient or modern colour palette. Ancient: Softer shades are used; reds tend to be orange. The weaver tries to imitate natural dyes used in the old days, often referred to as vegetable dyes although some also came from minerals and animals. Modern: Brighter, darker and more intense shades are used. Reds, yellows, blues and greens are strong and bright. Whereas dark blues, blacks and bottled greens tend to be quite dark. These hues were made possible thanks to new chemical dyes invented in the 19th century. Hunting: These tartans were traditionally worn when going out hunting. For this purpose, the colours were chosen to match the woodland background. Greens and browns are the strongest colours on these tartans. Weathered/Muted: The palette of colours are chosen to try to imitate tartans which have been exposed to sun, rain and wind. Back in time, the kilts worn by Scots would have endured the harsh Scottish weather and terrain, and would therefore gain a worn and aged look. Dress: These tartans are commonly associated with Highland Dance and are inspired by 18th century women's fashion. An abundance of white thread is commonly used to make up the design. Dress Gordon is the most popular tartan in this range as it is used in various fashion items.

The Evolution of Scottish Golf Apparel Dressing for a golf match requires you to know the appropriate clothing. What has been considered appropriate golf apparel has often depended on the time period. “Proper golf attire” is in constant evolution. In 17th century Scotland, the birthplace of golf, players wore clothing to battle the harsh Scottish weather. Men wore knickerbockers or short pants that ended below the knee and heavy tweed jackets. Shirts with starched collars and neck ties were also worn along with study shoes and tweed caps or elaborate hats. In the 1920s, golfers ditched the heavy tweed jackets and opted instead for knitted cardigans and V-neck sweaters. Upper-class players began wearing ‘plus four’ knickers, which covered the knee with four additional inches of length. Rising golf stars Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones were the trendsetters back in those days and helped set the style tone for the golfing world. Men realised during the 1950s that the tradition of wearing their trousers tucked into their socks was no longer fashionable. A more relaxed and less formal attire was introduced resembling outfits worn today. Short sleeve polo shirts and khaki trousers were in vogue. Cardigan sweaters continued to be popular during cooler days. In the 1960s, nylon and polyester were the ruling fabrics, usually in brown, orange and yellow. Ban-Lon shirts and nylon windbreakers were a must-have. Bold prints and large collars dominated the fairways during the late 60s and early 70s . Tom Weiskopf rocked many of the most daring looks of the era. The age of sponsorship changed the look of golf during the 1990s and celebrities give the game a new coolness. Clothing makers from Levi's to Tommy Hilfiger jumped into the game. Payne Stewart brought back the Scottish-links look, with dandified knickers and tartan sweaters. On the other hand, with the democratization of the sport, acid colors, long shorts and slouchy shirts became fashionable. Sneakerlike golf shoes compete with old-time saddle shoes.

Harris Tweed Fun Facts As the name suggests, Harris Tweed is handwoven from pure virgin wool in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, mainly in the isles of Harris and Lewis, the Uists, Benbecula and Barra. The original tweed was called 'Clò-Mòr', meaning 'big cloth' in Gaelic, which was manufactured by hand by local people from their own wool in their cottages during winter evenings. In the late 18th century, handmade cloth, including rough tweed, was exported to mainland Scotland and traded by the Islanders along with other goods such as dry hides, goat and deer skins. By this time, the development of tweed as we know it really took off. Modern tweeds evolved to have different variations, the material is lighter in weight and there is a variety of different designs. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, tweed got a makeover from designers such as Chanel with her Linton Tweed suits. Harris Tweed is protected by the Harris Tweed Act 1993 which strictly outlines the conditions in which the cloth can genuinely be made. Every 50 metres of Harris Tweed is checked by an inspector from the Harris Tweed Authority before being stamped by hand with the Orb Mark. There are three mills operating on the islands although the tweed is woven by hand in homes of local crofters. There are thousands of different patterns and the possibilities are almost endless. However, there are over 4000 commonly used patterns and colour combinations in the official pattern books. Because of the fabric’s rugged and heavy design, Harris Tweed is wind and water resistant, making it perfect for weather protection during country outings and sports. Internationally acclaimed designers Ralph Lauren and Vivienne Westwood use tweed for their collections year after year. In 2012, the weavers and mills of the Harris Tweed industry produced one million metres of Harris Tweed. The famous tweed remains in vogue and a regular feature in both High Street stores and in couture collections.

What to wear for Burns Night depends very much on the type of event that you are going to attend. For a formal event, the dress code is usually a Kilt and Prince Charlie jacket complete with all the usual accessories such as a Sgian Dhub, Sporran and Ghillie Brogues. The tartan of your kilt should represent the traditional pattern of your ancestor’s clan. If you're not of Scottish descent and want to wear a kilt, we recommend more universal tartans such as Black Watch or Royal Stewart. For those who don’t wish to wear a kilt, tartan trews are a suitable alternative. For the ladies, a full length Tartan Skirt can be worn with a matching tartan top or plain top. Another option could be a lovely evening dress with a Tartan Sash to give your outfit a Scottish touch. A more informal Burns Supper will not require traditional highland wear, how you dress is entirely up to you. You can choose to wear something with a subtle touch of Scottish fashion by wearing a kilt, or some garments made of Harris Tweed, a tartan bow tie or some ribbon. Have a look at the Burns Night Essentials page on our website to find everything you need for a fantastic Burns Night celebration!

Great Scottish Clans Most Scottish clans have their own tartan pattern, usually dating back from the 19th century, which is incorporated by its members into kilts and other clothing. Clans generally identify with geographical areas originally controlled by their founders, sometimes with an ancestral castle and clan gatherings. Let’s have a look at the history of some of Scotland’s most famous clans: Mackenzie At the height of their influence, the Mackenzie clan was the 4th most powerful clan in Scotland, with lands extending from the Isle of Lewis in the west to Ross on the east coast of the mainland. Their ancestry goes back to the 12th century. They acted as royal agents for a number of Scottish kings – being in effect the monarchy’s strong men in the north. The first castle to be associated with the Mackenzie clan is the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle. The home of the present clan chief is castle Leod in Strathpefer. Throughout history, they were loyal to the Stuart monarchy, supported Mary Queen of Scots during her brief reign and stood by the Jacobite cause after the Stuart dynasty was forced into exile. The four main tartans associated with the Mackenzie clan are: the Mackenzie, Mackenzie Dress, Mackenzie Hunting, and Mackenzie Millennium. Campbell The main Campbell territories are in Argyll, as well as across Angus, Ayrshire, Moray, Perthshire and even stretches down into Northumberland. The clan’s main seat is Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne. However, many other castles across Scotland have Campbell connections. By the 13th century, they were one of the main forces on Scotland's western seaboard, thanks in part to their huge fleet of galleys. Between the 12th and 15th centuries, they emerged as one of the most powerful families in Scotland, with a wide sphere of influence and authority that stretched from Edinburgh to the Hebrides and western Highlands. Although mills produce many fabrics based on the Campbell tartan, the Clan Chief recognizes only four: the Campbell (more commonly known as the Black Watch), Campbell of Breadalbane, Campbell of Cawdor, and Campbell of Loudoun. Stewart The Stewart Clan is not just one clan but several major branches evolving from the descendants of various High Stewards of Scotland. The first and main seat of the Stewarts was in Renfrewshire. They were of Norman origins, migrating from Brittany through England to Scotland by the 12th century. They took the name Stewart as a surname, which was derived from High "Steward," the official name for the person in charge of the household and treasury of the King, many of which eventually became Kings and Queen of Scotland and England. The French variant Stuart is sometimes used in place of Stewart, there being no "w" in the French alphabet. Clan Stewart dominated Scotland from the Highlands to the Lowlands, from the Hebrides to the islands of Orkney and Shetland, as well as England and beyond for three and a half centuries. Apart from the royal house of Stewart, the three main branches of the clan that settled in the Highlands during the 14th and 15th centuries were the Stewarts of Appin, Stewarts of Atholl and Stewarts of Balquhidder. Nowadays, the Earls of Galloway are considered the senior line of the clan. The Royal Stewart Tartan is the best known tartan of the royal House of Stewart, as well as being the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. MacDonald The Norse-Gaelic Clan MacDonald is one of Scotland’s largest clans. Their ancestors were Lords of the Isles and their main stronghold was at Loch Finlaggan on Islay where they held their court. The clan’s official seat is Armadale Castle but there have been many others associated with the clan, especially within the Isle of Skye. For almost 400 years they ruled the seas and built an empire big enough to challenge Scotland's kings. There are also numerous branches to the Clan, amongst others the Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan MacAlister. Nowadays, there are more than half a million MacDonalds worldwide and there are at least 27 different tartans associated with the clan.

The first knitters in Scotland were highly paid craftsmen of the 16th and 17th centuries. Knitting then became an important occupation among the general population during the mid 17th and 18th centuries. There is an ancient rural tradition of spinning, weaving and knitting; entire families were involved in making sweaters, accessories, socks, stockings, etc. Knitting was sometimes the only way in which the inhabitants of poor regions were able to earn money. Little equipment was needed, it could be practiced by both men and women, and it was a skill that could be passed down the generations. Different areas had their own distinctive style of knitting and/or a particular garment for which they were known for. Woolen sweaters were popular and important garments for the fishermen of the Scottish islands  because the natural oils in the wool protected them against the harsh winter weather they encountered while out fishing. However, over the years, the entire Scottish hand-knitting industry declined dramatically due to a variety of reasons, especially the loss of trade to the American Colonies and the increasing industrialisation of spinning and processing wool. One of the most well known examples of traditional Scottish kniting, which has been practised continuously by generations to this day, is the Fair Isle Knitting, which requires double-pointed needles , known locally as wires, along with a special padded knitting belt. This style of knitting uses a limited palette of five colours and never more than two colours in any one row, and most patterns consist of small motifs repeated across the piece. A small quantity of exclusive hand-spun, hand-knitted items are still made on the Isle, as well as a number of high quality hand-frame garments. Nowadays, there has been a revival in the popularity of crafts like knitting, crochet and weaving, especially in the Scottish Highlands. Also, knitting is one of the most relaxing and calming activities you can do. As they say, keep calm, and keep knitting!

What tourists and visitors are sometimes not aware of, is that this beautiful city with romantic views and green landscape is believed to be one of the UK's most haunted locations. Edinburgh has a grizzly history of battles, grave robbers, serial killers and executions, not to mention the true story of the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare. There are endless stories to be told about ghost infested places, weird phenomena and spooky paranormal activities that happen all over the Auld Reekie. However, Edinburgh's Old Town is by far the most haunted part of the city. Edinburgh Castle is said to be most haunted place in all of Scotland. Inumerous paranormal occurrences have been reported, some visitors even claim to have seen a phantom piper, a headless drummer, spirits of former prisoners, even the ghost of a wandering dog... There is a series of underground tunnels that connect the castle to the Royal Mile, possibly even to the Palace of Holyrood House. Several hundreds years ago, when the tunnels were first discovered, they sent a piper to explore and navigate this underground city. He played the bagpipe so that his progress could be tracked by those above, however, all of a sudden, the piping stopped. When they sent a rescue team to look for him, they found no trace, he had simply vanished. No clue of what happened to him was ever found... Except for his ghost who to this day still haunts these underground tunnels, and his music can sometimes be heard near the castle and on the streets above the tunnels. Needless to say, these dark and damp passageways are nowhere you would want to wander in by yoursel at night. Other spooky places worth a visit if you’re looking to feel some chills down your spine are the Banshee Labyrinth, the White Hart Inn and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

As many of you may know, the purple Thistle is Scotland's national flower. It was first adopted as the country's emblem during the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286). As legend goes, an invading Norse army attempted to sneak on Scottish shores unoticed one fateful night. One of the Norsemen, who was walking barefoot, had the misfortune of stepping on a Thistle, making him cry out in pain and consequently alerting the Scots of their presence. Sources suggest this happened during the Battle of Largs. In honour of this victory, the plant became known as the Guardian Thistle and subsequently the national symbol of Scotland. The earliest official recorded use of the Thistle flower was on silver coins issued in 1470 during the reign of James III. It was then incorporated into the Royal Arms of Scotland in the early 16th century. Another legend associated with this prickly flower is that of the noble Order of the Thistle. King Achius is said to have founded the Order in the 9th century, consisting of 13 Knights including himself. The main emblems are the Thistle and St Andrew holding a saltire. Their motto is Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin for "No one provokes me with impunity"). Although it has had its ups, downs and changes throughout history, the Order is now firmly anchored in Edinburgh's St Giles Cathedral. Biologically speaking, this lovely flower thrives in most of the Scottish territories, especially in the Highlands. This proud and regal plant can grow to a height of five feet and has no natural enemies because of the vicious spines that cover and protect it. Just like the country it represents, it is of a dramatic beauty like no other!