In the Oscar Nominated 'The King's Speech' the story of King George VI of Britain, the King played by Colin Firth is pictured wearing a kilt. Critics have pointed out the historical inaccuricies in the choice of tartan, unfortunately Momentum Pictures selected a kilt believed to be from Co. Kerry which only dates back to 1997. For Firth, who played the royal lead, wearing the kilt was one of the highlights of the film "I enjoyed wearing the kilt. I wish I had an excuse to wear it more, but I'm not quite Scottish enough to get away with it." So what would have been a good choice? The Balmoral tartan, designed by Prince Albert in 1953, was known to be a popular choice for the Royal Family at the time. The Balmoral Tartan can only be worn by members of the royal family. Balmoral tartan
Emma Watson wore a stunning tartan dress to the GQ Men of the year awards in London last night, 6th September. Her Plaid number was designed by Alexander McQueen, for his McQ brand. The 21 year old Harry potter actress and model chose the wool puff ball creation from the McQ autumn 2011 collection. Teamed with a black leather jacket and spiked heels this gave the tartan dress an edgy look. Alexander McQueen took great pride in his Scottish ancestry and often incorporated tartan into his designs. Take a look at some more of his creations below.
Scene America has a strong Scottish Diaspora; with familial ties dating back several generations. Evidence suggests that this sense of Scottishness is growing. In 2005 around 300 Highland Games were held in North America, there were 150 clan societies and around 1,900 pipe bands. Highland dancing too has increased in popularity - today there are over 200 Scottish dancing groups in the US. Pipe bands and highland dancers come together to celebrate their roots and provide entertainment at Highland games. The size of such games dwarfs similar events in Scotland. With the largest US games attracting more than 30,000 attendees. Scottish Americans have also introduced a number of customs of their own such as the Kirkin o’ the Tartan whereby tartans are blessed in a church. The military use of tartan and the idea of the highland warrior are all very much a part of Scots American’s sense of identity, at Highland games there are a large number of dirks, broadswords, claymores and targes on display. Another integral part of Americans Scottish identity is that Scottish ancestors were driven out by force after the Jacobite uprising which led to the Highland clearances by the British. Given the resonance of the highland warrior it is not surprising that American visitors looking to connect with their roots make a trip to the Highlands. Figures from Visit Scotland, show that the majority Americans visit the Highlands and Grampians. Visitors are generally interested in seeing the important battlefield in the Jacobite struggle such as the Field of Culloden, as well as taking in highland events in Scotland. They also have a chance to buy traditional items that are made in Scotland such as the iconic Harris Tweed and made to measure kilts in the family tartans. In Scotland too such symbols are key to a sense of heritage, with most Scots proudly displaying their family tartan at weddings, graduations and other formal events, as well as identifying with a particular clan.
The ‘Fergus’ a new addition to the iconic Harris Tweed range. This new style is twenty- per cent lighter than the traditional Harris Tweed jackets, it also has different style elements including two slanted pockets and horn buttons. As you would expect from a jacket from Harris Tweed the tailoring is superb and you the guaranteed that the jacket has been made in the Outer Hebrides from local wool. Harris See the full range
Just Buying a kilt package rather than individual items is a great way to get kilted out. There are many options whether you’re looking for something formal like a Prince Charlie or Argyll outfit with an 8-yard kilt or a casual outfit like a ghillie shirt and 5-yard kilt. With each of our packages we have carefully selected complementary accessories, but don’t worry that you need me constrained by this. There a wide range of choices within each package so you get achieve the look you want. Additionally you can request equivalent items from our large range instead of those in the package – please ask for details. One of the best features of a package is the price! If you look at what each contains you will notice that the cost of buying all of the items individually would work out to be considerably more expensive so it’s certainly worth considering this option.
If you already have you outfit staples like jacket and kilt a nice way to liven up your outfit is an accessory pack, like kilt packages this is an economical way to buy several items. Accessory packs also make great gifts for first time kilt buyers and also for best men at a wedding as a memento which can be worn on the big day and many other occasions as well!
Whether it’s a wedding, a first rugby match or a day out at the Highland games kilt outfits are loved by kids and look gorgeous. Some children’s items are sized by age for example a kilt for 2-3 year olds rather than in inches as adult sizes. As such if your child is tall of big for their age it’s worth asking the place you are buying from to actually measure the items so that you can get the best fit. When purchasing a child’s kilt you have three main choices. Buying a kilt in a standard tartan you can opt for a pre made or off the peg kilt which is also an economical option. For those extra special occasions such as wedding where you are looking for a specific tartan a made to measure tailored kilt can be made in any tartan as long as it is not a restricted tartan. A made to measure kilt also guarantees a superb fit as it is made to the exact measurements of your child. A further option is you buy a kilt is to have a few alterations made, if you ask around this can be relatively inexpensive. For example if you ask a tailor to hem the bottom of the kilt this can be let down as your child grows and provides extra years of use. This also works well if a child is inheriting a kilt from an older sibling. If your child has sensitive skin and finds wool itchy a kilt made from another fabric such as polyviscose is a great alternative to the traditional wool kilt. Polyviscoise is made from polyester and viscose and is softer than wool, but looks and feels very similar. Another advantage is that it is machine washable, invaluable for small children! Along the same lines when hiring a kilt or kilt outfit for your little one taking our insurance, usually around an extra five pounds covers you against accidental damage and provides piece of mind. Hire A Prince Charlie jacket is popular for formal events such as weddings and christenings. The jacket teamed with a wing collar shirt and bow tie looks very smart. For a more casual look a Ghillie shirt is a rugged option perfect for outdoor events, sporting occasions and hot climates. Wearing a kilt is a sign of belong to a clan or family, and is an important tradition to pass onto the youngest member of the family who will relish the chance to get dressed up for a special occasion.
Le kilt, veritable embleme de l'Ecosse, est une tenue traditionnelle porte principalement par des hommes. Il est generalement fabrique en laine et a plusieurs couleurs et quadrillages ce qu'on appelle "Tartan". Chaque tartan a son propre nom et tres souvent il appartient a un "clan" ou une famille. Cette tenue est compose : Du kilt : jupe plisse qui s'arrette au niveau des genoux. D'un sporran : petite sacoche en cuir ou en fourrure, accroche a la taille. D'un sgian dubh : petit couteau place dans la chaussette droite. De ghillie brogues : chaussures dont les lacets sont long et laces de maniere a former un triangle isocele. D'une chemise ou d'un pull et d'une veste. Le kilt est aussi le symbole des nations Celtes. En effet, l'Irlande ont eux aussi leurs kilts, tout comme le Pays de Galles ou la bretagne en France. Mais ceux ci sont beaucoup moins repandus. Le kilt etait surtout porte lors d'evenement important comme les mariages par exemple mais aujourd'hui il se porte pour toute occasion ou en simple tenue decontracte dans la vie de tout les jours. La tradition veut aussi que l'homme portant le kilt n'ai aucun sous vetement en dessous. Tradition assez drole et pourtant prise tres aux serieux en Ecosse. Et meme les stars s'y mettent. Sean Connery, d'origine Ecossaise, c'est lui aussi montre en public avec la tenue traditionelle de son pays. James McAvoy aussi porte frequement le tartan des Johnston, clan de sont grand pere. Rendez-vous sur www.the scotlandkiltcompany.co.uk pour decouvrir les differentes tenues traditionelles Ecossaises.c
History, tradition and romance make Scotland the ultimate wedding location. Unlike any other country in the world under Scottish law you can get married anywhere you want as long as the dignity of the occasion isn’t compromised. This is because it’s the person who conducts the wedding ceremony rather than the venue that is licensed. As such you can add to the joy of your big day by choosing a stunning location that is personal to you. A golden beach, historic castle or beautiful gardens are just a few of the options available. White heather is a traditional Scottish token of good luck for weddings and can be incorporated into the bride and grooms outfits. A Scottish Quaich, known as ‘the loving cup’ brings the guests together and involves them into the ceremony. Following the marriage ceremony a Quaich is filled with whisky and passed by the bride to the guests so they can raise a glass in celebration. The traditional toast is Slainte Mhath meaning ‘to your health’ in Scots Gaelic. The Quaich can then be offered to the piper as a ceremonial dram in return for a traditional blessing. Traditional Scottish outfits add a touch of splendour the proceedings. The male members of the party usually wear a clan tartan and a kilt jacket with a piece of lucky white heather in the lapel. Accessories include a dirk and sporran. A kilt pin bearing the clan crest and motto can also be added. As a mark of honour, best men may where the clan tartan of the groom’s family. National tartans such as Flower of Scotland, Spirit of Scotland are also popular. Alternatively if each of the male members wishes to wear their own family tartan this add the sense of many families coming together to support the marriage and looks very colourful. While a kilt is the most common attire for the male members of the party at a Scottish wedding other options include wearing a tartan bow tie, a tartan waistcoat with a lounge suit or tartan trews are attractive alternatives. If getting married in a warm climate a Ghillie shirt, worn with or without a waistcoat is a more casual, rugged look perfect for an outdoor wedding. The groom also has the option of wearing a fly plaid which is worn under the epaulette of the jacket and secured with a plaid brooch. Tartan is also usually incorporated into the brides outfit and can include a tartan sash or tartan ribbons adorning the wedding dress. A tartan inset into the brides train or a tartan dress are both stunning options. Tartan ribbons can also be included into the bridal bouquet. Lucky white heather is a popular choice for jacket lapels and corsages. A highland piper resplendent in full highland dress adds to the grandeur of the occasion,they can play as the guests arrive, as the couple emerge after the ceremony and during the cutting of the cake. Traditionally a piper will hand his dirk to the couple of the cutting of the cake. A piper can also play for the couples first dance, a traditional Scottish reel and also when the other guests take to the floor. Tying the know originated from a custom thought to have been established in pagan times whereby the bride and groom would tear off a piece of their wedding clan tartans and join them together as a symbol of their unity. Following the exchange of vows the groom often pins a sash of his tartan on the right shoulder of the bride to show they are now part of the clan. Alternatively a groom wearing a fly plaid can offer it to the bride to be worn over her shoulders as a shawl. The Luckenboth broach, usually silver, features two intertwined hearts is worn by either the bride or groom. It can then be pined to the blanket of their firstborn for good luck. After the wedding ceremony a much loved tradition called the scrabble takes place, whereby the groom throws a handful of coins from his pocket or sporran outside the church and children eagerly gather them. A Scottish wedding can incorporate wonderful traditions that celebrate the Scottish heritage of the bride and groom and their union.
Scotland’s national flag is thought to be the oldest in the world. Know as the Saltire or St Andrews Cross it consists of a white diagonal saltire set against a blue background. The shape of the Saltire takes its shape from the cross on which St Andrew Scotland’s patron saint was crucified. Its use came into being as a result of an important Scottish victory. Under the High King of Alba an Army made up of Picts and Scots attempted to take land in what is now East Lothian from the Angles Saxons – land which was still part of Northumberland at that time. This was no easy feat, as the opponent Angles Saxons forces were much greater in number. It is said that on the eve of battle St Andrew appeared in a dream to the High King and assured him of victory and that in the morning of the battled white clouds formed a white cross in the sky. And so inspired he was able to lead his men to victory and the Saltire was adopted as a powerful symbol of the emerging nation of Scotland. In regular use from the 14th century, it wasn’t until the 16th century that the Saltire was placed against a coloured background. At the union of Scottish and English parliaments in 1707 the Scottish Saltire was incorporated into the design of the Union flag. Despite this its use dwindled until the near the end of the 20th century. Today the Saltire is Scotland’s official national flag. In 2003 Scottish politicians, following consultation with the office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms among others, made recommendations that the same shade of blue (pantone 300) be used for all Saltire flags. However as it is a voluntary rather than a statutory code there are no consequences for using a different shade of blue, although most do stick to the recommended celestial blue. The Scottish Government ruled that the Saltire should fly from all its buildings from 8am until sunset, apart from on UK national days when the union flag should be flown. On St Andrews Day it is common for embassies across the UK to fly the Saltire. And Northern Ireland the Saltire is used to celebrate Ulster-Scotch heritage. The Saltire is displayed by the Scottish Division of the British Army as well as the Scots Guards regiments, on combat and transport vehicles. In the battle for "hearts and minds" in Iraq, the Saltire was used by the British Army as a means of distinguishing troops belonging to Scottish regiments from other coalition forces, in the hope of fostering better relations with the civilian population. As well as being one of the key components of the Union Flag a similar design is used in other countries. In Canada, for example, an inverse representation of the Saltire blue on a white background, with the shield from the Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland. Together form the flag of the Nova Scotia (New Scotland) in Canada. Nova Scotia was the first colonial venture of Scotland into the Americas. The Saltire is proudly displayed at sporting events and often features on traditional highland wear items, including sporrans, plaid brooches, socks, cufflinks and buckles.