Tartan Basics
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it's Hey! for The Tartan and Ho! for The Tartan! The stamp
o' the Hielands from Skye to Dundee; And it's proud I am bearing The Tartan I'm wearing, The pride o' my Clan and The Tartan for me! |
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The
Tartan |
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Tartans Native to Scotland & Ireland, the tartan is a plaid that is specific to a clan, family or district. Though its origins are shrouded in history, it is likely that the clan tartan we know today evolved from the district tartan. Consider that the local weaver would produce a length of cloth and the residents of that area would all wear the same plaid. Since clans & families also tended to be regional, the tartan would then come to represent the family in that area. If you already know your Scottish clan, just check the Tartan List for availability & variety. For an explanation of tartan varieties, scroll down. |
What's your Tartan?If you cannot find a surname on the Tartan List, there is still a good chance that it may be a "sept" of another clan. There are two types of septs: a family that was related by blood or marriage to a clan; or a family that sought the protection of a clan. Some examples of Scottish surnames and their clans: |
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If you're interested in buying something & don't know your tartan, you can E-Mail a surname and we will research it for you, but PLEASE check the Tartan List for your name before you e-mail us. If it turns out that the name does not have a clan connection, there are still tartan possibilities like: District Tartans: If you don't have a tie to a particular clan, there is the option of a District Tartan. You could choose the geographic area where the family lived, or even an area that has a special meaning. For instance, if golf is a favourite pastime, you might choose the St. Andrews Tartan; a memorable trip to Edinburgh could be reason to select the tartan for that fabulous city. Irish County Tartans: There are tartans for the Counties & Provinces of Ireland, the Irish National Tartan & a handful of Irish Family Tartans. Choosing by Colour: If you would like to select a tartan that matches your decor, give us the colour information on the room -- furniture, walls, floor covering, etc. We'll work together to find a fabric that will suit the room. |
Tartan Varieties
Tartan is an art form -- emotive and subjective. District Tartans |
| A Tartan may come in a variety of colourways. These basic tartan variations may also combine for more complex Tartans such as Dress Stewart Muted Tartan, or Hunting MacRae Ancient Tartan. | |
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Modern: These are the bright, rich colours that most people associate with the Scottish Tartan--navy blue, scarlet, hunter green. They were woven after the development of aniline dyes in 1860, and are still the most popular today. Swatch: Cameron of Erracht Modern |
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Ancient (Old Colours): These are the softer & lighter colours produced by the natural dyes made with vegetable, animal & mineral matter, that were in use before 1860. For instance, the navy and red in a Modern tartan would be a medium blue and orange in Ancient colours. Swatch: Cameron of Erracht Ancient |
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Muted: Muted tartans are a recent development using softer shades of the Modern colours that still retain a rich tone. For instance, the navy of the Modern tartan is a dusty blue in the Muted tones, and the hunter green is a deep sage. They are quite elegant. Swatch: Cameron of Erracht Muted |
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Dress: Dress tartans were used for more formal occasions and are sometimes made by changing the background colour of a clan tartan, usually to white. Dress tartans can also be red dominant or even yellow. Swatch: Gordon Dress |
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Hunting: Hunting tartans were used for sport or everyday wear. Dark colours were predominant so the wearer would blend in with the environment. They typically use green & blue, sometimes brown, with small amounts of the brighter colours. Swatch: Fraser Hunting Ancient |
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Weathered & Reprodution: Designed to look like the fabric has been left exposed to sun and rain for a long time. The colours are very faded. Swatch: MacNaughton Weathered |
Scottish Tartans - Irish Tartans