ONE

mapleleaf tartan - canadian nationalDue to the number of Scottish settlers in Canada, every province and territory (with the exception of Nunavut) have their own tartan. We can get a selection of these tartans in a light weight fabric perfect for ladies made to measure kilts, give us a call if you are interested. Maple Leaf, the Canadian National tartan is pictured above.

TWO

Maxwell - first colour image.  The world's first colour photograph, taken in 1861 by James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish theoretical physicist, was of a tartan ribbon. We can get tartan ribbons made to order, just give us a call.

THREE

Victoria and prince Albert with childrenQueen Victoria and prince Albert bought balmoral castle in 1948 where Prince Albert personally took care of the interior design and made great use of tartan. He utilised the red Royal Stewart and the green Hunting Stewart tartans for carpets, while using the Dress Stewart for curtains and upholstery. Furthermore, the Queen designed the Victoria tartan, and Prince Albert the Balmoral, still used as a royal tartan today. Use our tartan finder to discover the range of items we have in different Stewart tartans.

FOUR

Tartanware itemsDue to Queen Victoria's love for Scotland, tartans became more popular outside of Scotland. Clever Victorian entrepreneurs not only created new tartans, but new tartan objects called tartanware: every day objects that incorporate tartan in the design such as these Harris Tweed gifts or these made to order soft toys.

FIVE

'Fast times' painting by Bean, American astronautAlan Bean, member of the Apollo 12 crew in 1969, was fourth man to walk on the moon, but the first to bring a large swatch of tartan while doing so. To date, the swatch of MacBean tartan is the only tartan to have been to the moon and back. Macbean Modern and Macbean Ancient are available in our made to measure items.

SIX

Harris Tweed Tartan FabricTartan by Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world protected by its own Act of Parliament which decrees that genuine Harris Tweed must be made from pure virgin wool which has been dyed and spun on the islands and handwoven at the home of the weaver in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Check out our selection of Harris Tweed items.