Table of Content
Introduction
Scottish tartan is one of Scotland’s most famous cultural symbols, instantly recognizable by its checkered patterns and deep historical roots. While many associate tartan with kilts and clan heritage, its story goes far beyond fashion and tradition.
Did you know tartan dates back thousands of years and was once banned in Scotland? In this article, we’ll uncover 30 incredible facts about Scottish tartan that you (probably) never knew!
30 Surprising Facts About Scottish Tartan’s Legacy
1. Tartan Has Been Around for Thousands of Years
While many associate tartan with Scottish clans, evidence of tartan-like fabrics predates Scotland by thousands of years. The Cherchen Man, a 3,000-year-old mummy found in China’s Taklamakan Desert, wore tartan-like leggings, proving the pattern’s ancient origins.
The earliest known tartan found in Britain is the Falkirk Tartan, discovered inside a Roman coin pot in 1933 near the Antonine Wall. Dating back to 300 AD, this checkered wool fabric is considered an early example of Scottish weaving.
2. The Glen Affric Tartan is the Oldest "True Tartan"
While the Falkirk Tartan is ancient, it doesn’t meet the full definition of tartan because it only has two colors.
The Glen Affric Tartan, discovered in a Highland peat bog, is the oldest surviving Scottish tartan. Carbon-dated between 1500-1600 AD, this fabric features multiple colors woven into a symmetrical crisscross pattern, making it Scotland’s oldest official tartan.
3. The Word "Tartan" Has an Unclear Origin
The exact origins of the word "tartan" are unknown, but historians believe it comes from:
The Old French word "tertaine," means a type of cloth.
The Spanish word "tiritana," referrs to a patterned fabric.
The first recorded use of "tartan" in Scotland dates back to the 1500s.
4. Tartan Was Once Restricted by Law
After the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, tartan became a symbol of Scottish resistance. In response, the British government passed the Dress Act of 1746, restricting Highland dress, including tartan.
Tartan was only allowed in British military regiments like the Black Watch.
Highlanders caught wearing tartan were considered rebels and faced arrest or punishment.
The ban was lifted in 1782, but tartan was no longer everyday Highland attire by then.
5. Tartan vs. Plaid – What’s the Difference?
In Scotland, "tartan" refers to a specific woven pattern of intersecting stripes, while "plaid" traditionally means a large piece of tartan fabric worn over the shoulder, like a cloak. However, in the United States and other countries, "plaid" and "tartan" are often used interchangeably, which can confuse.
Scottish meaning: Tartan = pattern , Plaid = fabric or garment .
American meaning: Plaid = Tartan (used as a general term for checked patterns).
Interestingly, in Welsh, the word "Plaid" means "party" (as in a political party or celebration).
Still confused about tartan vs plaid? 🤔 Discover the key differences you need to know in our detailed guide! 👉 Tartan vs Plaid: Key Differences You Need to Know Explained
6. Tartan Day is Celebrated Worldwide
April 6th is Tartan Day, an international celebration of Scottish heritage. The date marks the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland’s independence.
In 2008, U.S. President George W. Bush officially declared April 6th as National Tartan Day in the U.S. Australia and New Zealand celebrate Tartan Day on July 1st, marking the repeal of the 1746 Dress Act.
7. Queen Elizabeth II's Personal Tartan Was the Royal Stewart
The Royal Stewart Tartan is among the most famous tartans associated with the House of Stewart. It was known as the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II and is still considered the official royal tartan today.
Ironically, in the 1970s, punk rockers like The Sex Pistols adopted the Royal Stewart Tartan as an anti-establishment symbol, rebelling against the monarchy.
8. Tartan is the Only Fabric Protected by an Act of Parliament
While tartan itself is not legally protected, Harris Tweed, a fabric closely related to tartan, is the only fabric governed by an Act of Parliament.
The Harris Tweed Act of 1993 states that genuine Harris Tweed must be:
✅ Made from pure virgin wool
✅ Dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides
✅ Handwoven by the weaver in their home
9. There Are Over 7,000 Registered Tartans
The Scottish Register of Tartans (SRT), established in 2008, is the official database that records and preserves tartan designs. It currently contains over 7,000 unique tartans, adding new ones regularly.
Tartans in the register fall into several categories:
Clan Tartans – Representing Scottish families and lineages.
District Tartans – Associated with specific geographical regions in Scotland.
Corporate Tartans – Designed for businesses, including whisky brands, sports teams, and retail companies.
Fashion Tartans – Created for modern design purposes, often unrelated to any specific heritage.
Famous Celebrity Tartans include: Elvis Presley, Sean Connery, and David Bowie.
10. The Ogilvie Tartan is the Most Complex to Weave
The Ogilvie Tartan, also known as Drummond of Strathallan, is the most intricate tartan design ever created.
It features an astonishing 96 color changes, making it one of the most challenging tartans to weave by hand.
The tartan dates back to 1812 and is associated with the Ogilvie family, one of Scotland’s noble lineages.
Because of its complexity, it requires highly skilled weavers and takes significantly longer to produce than a standard tartan.
11. Princess Diana Has Her Memorial Tartan
Following the passing of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, a special tartan was created in her honor by Lochcarron of Scotland, one of the country's most famous tartan manufacturers.
- The Princess Diana Memorial Tartan features pale blue and white, with black and red accents, reflecting the Royal Stewart Tartan elements while incorporating softer tones to symbolize Diana’s grace and elegance.
The design includes the colors of the Union Jack, paying tribute to her role as the "People’s Princess" and her connection to the British royal family.
The tartan is available for public wear, meaning anyone who wishes to honor Princess Diana’s memory can incorporate it into their attire.
12. Tartan Has Been to the Moon
Scottish tartan has traveled to many places worldwide, but it has also traveled beyond Earth itself! In 1969, Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon, brought a piece of MacBean Tartan to honor his Scottish ancestry.
Alan Bean was a descendant of the MacBean Clan, a historic Highland family known for their warrior heritage.
The tartan traveled aboard the "Yankee Clipper" command module and later descended to the lunar surface in the "Intrepid" lunar module.
After returning to Earth, Bean kept the tartan as a personal memento, and in 2016, it was auctioned off as a rare space artifact.
In a letter accompanying the auction, Alan Bean wrote:
"I hereby certify that the accompanying piece of MacBean tartan traveled to the moon with Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon, and me in our command module ‘Yankee Clipper’ and then down to the Ocean of Storms with Pete and me in our lunar module ‘Intrepid.’ The MacBean tartan remained on ‘Intrepid’ during our 33-hour stay on the lunar surface. The tartan has been in my personal collection since my return to Earth."
13. The First Color Photograph Featured a Tartan Ribbon
14. The Film Braveheart Has Its Own Tartan
The 1995 movie Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson, featured custom tartan designs, but historians confirm:
Tartan did not exist in Scotland during the 13th century, the period in which Wallace lived.
Kilts, as seen in the film, did not become common in Scotland until the 16th century, about 300 years after Wallace’s time.
The tartan designs in Braveheart were entirely fictional, created by costume designers for visual impact rather than historical accuracy.
15. Almost Every Canadian Province Has Its Own Tartan
Canada has a strong Scottish heritage; almost every province and territory has its official tartan.
The first official Canadian tartan, the Nova Scotia Tartan, was designed in 1953 and became the first provincial tartan in the world.
In 2011, the Canadian government recognized the Maple Leaf Tartan as Canada’s national tartan, symbolizing the changing seasons with its red, green, gold, and brown hues.
Quebec is the only province without an official tartan, although there is an unofficial Plaid of Quebec.
16. Irn-Bru Has Its Own Tartan
Scotland’s famous soft drink, Irn-Bru, known for its bright orange color and unique taste, has its official tartan.
Originally created in 1969 as the Barr Tartan, named after A.G. Barr, the company that produces Irn-Bru.
In the 1990s, the Irn-Bru Tartan was redesigned and officially renamed to match the drink’s iconic orange and blue branding.
The tartan is registered with the Scottish Tartans Society and is sometimes used in Irn-Bru marketing campaigns.
Barr Tartan Men's Sleeveless Suit Vest
17. The Balmoral Tartan Was Designed by Prince Albert
The exclusive Balmoral Tartan, designed by Prince Albert in 1853, is only worn by the British royal family and the Queen’s piper.
The tartan features a distinctive grey pattern with black and red lines, inspired by the granite landscapes of Royal Deeside, where Balmoral Castle is located.
It is one of the few restricted tartans—it can only be worn by members of the British royal family and the Queen’s piper.
18. Tartan: A Symbol of Military Pride
Tartan has a strong military legacy, especially in Scottish regiments like the Black Watch, where it symbolized discipline and bravery. Today, armed forces worldwide—including Canada, Australia, and the U.S.—honor Scottish heritage by incorporating tartan into their uniforms, especially in ceremonial parades and pipe bands. More than just fabric, tartan remains a mark of strength and tradition in military history.
19. Tartan Can Be Found in Punk Fashion
In the 1970s, the punk movement, led by The Sex Pistols, deliberately subverted tartan’s upper-class and royal associations, transforming it into a symbol of rebellion.
- Punks specifically chose the Royal Stewart Tartan, the British monarchy, to make a bold anti-establishment statement.
Tartan trousers, skirts, and jackets were worn in ripped, mismatched, or altered forms, often accessorized with studs, chains, chains, and safety pins to reject traditional fashion norms.
This rebellious use of tartan flipped its meaning—once a symbol of royalty and military order, it became a badge of defiance and counterculture.
Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May wore a Black Watch tartan suit at the 2013 Conservative Party Conference and again for her 2017 Brexit speech.
20. Tartan Kilts Come in Different Weights
Kilts made from tartan fabric are categorized by weight, affecting how they drape and move:
- 10oz – Lightweight, used for scarves and ties.
- 12-13oz – Medium weight, ideal for warm weather.
- 16oz – Heavyweight, traditionally used for formal kilts and colder weather.
Most formal Highland kilts are made from medium or heavy-weight tartan for a more structured and traditional look.
21. Elvis Presley Has Two Tartan Designs
Elvis Presley had Scottish ancestry, and in 2004, two tartans were created in his honor:
Presley of Lonmay Tartan – Inspired by Elvis’s Scottish roots in Aberdeenshire, featuring green, grey, black, light blue, and yellow.
Presley of Memphis Tartan – Inspired by the American flag, featuring red, white, blue, and a gold stripe to represent Elvis’s gold records.
22. Scotland’s Oldest Comic Character Has His Tartan
Oor Wullie, one of Scotland’s most beloved comic strip characters, received a special tartan in 2010 to mark 75 years in print.
The design is based on the Black Watch Tartan.
It features silver-grey (inspired by Wullie’s bucket) and yellow (representing his blonde hair).
23. A Tartan Kilt Should Reach the Middle of the Kneecap
For proper Highland dress etiquette, a tartan kilt should:
✅ End at the middle of the kneecap – Too short or too long is considered incorrect.
✅ Be worn with a sporran (small pouch) for practicality and tradition.
✅ Include knee-high socks and garters to complete the look.
Incorrectly worn kilts are often mocked in Scottish culture, as wearing one too long or too short is seen as a fashion faux pas.
24. Only Clan Chieftains Can Wear Eagle Feathers
A common mistake among tartan wearers is adding eagle feathers to their bonnets (Scottish hats).
Only clan chieftains are permitted to wear eagle feathers in their bonnets.
Three feathers indicate a high chief who leads multiple clans or holds higher authority within Scottish nobility.
Regular clan members should not wear feathers, as it could be seen as disrespectful or misleading.
Incorrectly worn kilts are often mocked in Scottish culture, as wearing one too long or too short is seen as a fashion faux pas.
25. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Used Tartan for Interior Design
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert loved Balmoral Castle, their Scottish retreat. To reflect their passion for Scotland, they incorporated tartan into interior design:
Carpets – Used the Royal Stewart Tartan (red tartan).
Curtains – Featured the Hunting Stewart Tartan (green tartan).
Upholstery – Used the Dress Stewart Tartan (white tartan).
This trend popularized tartan home décor, influencing Victorian-era interior design across Britain.
Drawing room in Balmoral Castle. By Hulton Archive/Getty Images.
26. Tartanware: The Victorian Trend of Tartan-Patterned Everyday Objects
During the Victorian era, tartan became so popular that manufacturers began producing Tartanware—everyday objects decorated with tartan patterns. Some of the most popular Tartanware items included:
Jewelry boxes
Snuffboxes
Hand mirrors
Stationery and notebooks
Made-to-order tartan soft toys
This trend was fueled by Queen Victoria’s obsession with Scotland, making tartan a symbol of sophistication and culture.
27. The Scottish Tartans Museum is Located in the USA
While Scotland is home to many tartan exhibitions, the Scottish Tartans Museum is located in Franklin, North Carolina, USA.
Founded in 1988 by the Scottish Tartans Society, the museum explores tartan's history, cultural significance, and production.
It is a hub for Scottish Americans and hosts Highland games and tartan-related events.
28. Tartan Became Popular in North America Thanks to Advertising
Although tartan arrived in North America with Scottish immigrants in the 18th century, it gained widespread popularity through advertising and folklore.
Paul Bunyan and Tartan: In the early 20th century, advertising executive William B. Laughead created the Paul Bunyan legend, dressing him in a red-and-black plaid shirt, reinforcing tartan’s association with rugged masculinity and loggers.
Pendleton Mills and Tartan Shirts: In 1924, Pendleton Mills released iconic tartan flannel shirts, which became a fashion staple for loggers, cowboys, and outdoor workers.
Pendleton shirts were so popular that a young band named The Pendletones adopted the name—before they later became The Beach Boys!
29. The Most Famous Scottish Tartan is the Black Watch
The Black Watch Tartan, originally worn by the Royal Highland Regiment, is one of the most widely recognized and worn tartans worldwide.
Its dark green and navy checkered design was originally used for British military uniforms.
Unlike most clan tartans, anyone can wear the Black Watch Tartan, making it one of the most accessible tartans in the world.
Black Watch Tartan Cotton T-shirt with Alba Gu Brath Regal Lion Emblem
30. You Can Register Your Tartan!
Want your tartan? You can officially register a new tartan with the Scottish Register of Tartans for a £70 fee. This allows you to:
✅ Name your tartan.
✅ Choose your colors and patterns.
✅ Have it officially recognized in tartan history.
Many celebrities, companies, and organizations have registered their tartans, adding to the ever-growing list of unique tartan designs!
Conclusion
Scottish tartan is more than just fabric—it’s a timeless emblem of tradition, resilience, and cultural pride. Tartan has left a lasting mark on history, from its ancient origins and royal connections to its unexpected journey to space.
Whether you wear a tartan kilt, decorate your home with tartan blankets, or simply admire its rich legacy, this iconic pattern remains a cherished part of Scotland’s culture and tradition.
Want to own a piece of Scottish history? Browse our authentic tartan collection and find the perfect design for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is tartan important to Scotland?
Tartan became a symbol of Scottish identity, particularly after the 16th century, despite bans following the Jacobite rising of 1745 under the Dress Act 1746. The 19th-century Highland Revival popularized tartan globally, associating it with Highland dress and the Scottish diaspora.
What do Scottish tartan patterns represent?
Tartans are one of the most recognizable symbols of Scotland, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the nation. These crisscrossed patterns of colored threads, traditionally made from wool, are associated with family heritage, clan loyalty, and Scottish identity.
What is the most famous Scottish tartan?
Most famous is Royal Stewart tartan, originally designed for Queen Victoria. Then there's Black Watch tartan, commemorating Scotland's most famous regiment. Other examples include Macleod Dress or 'Loud Macleod' to its fans. Lindsay, which is so popular, is almost public property.
Why was tartan banned in Scotland?
After the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, the British government restricted tartan through the Dress Act 1746 to suppress Highland culture. The ban was lifted in 1782.
Teresa Finn
As someone with a deep passion for clan heritage, especially the intriguing world of tartans and their rich traditions, I'm here to be your companion on this exciting journey. Together, we'll delve into the depths of clan history, uncovering the stories behind these vibrant tartans and making every connection to your heritage more meaningful.
