Nova Scotia Province Canada Tartan Collection
Nova Scotia Province Canada Tartan Collection
Celebrate Nova Scotia with the first regional tartan ever made in Canada — blue for the sea, white for granite and surf, green for the evergreens, gold for the Royal Charter and red for the lion of the flag.
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About the Nova Scotia Tartan
Nova Scotia's tartan has a good claim to be the first of its kind: designed by Bessie Murray of the Halifax Weavers' Guild, it was first shown in 1953 on the kilt of a shepherd figure in a display at a breeders' convention in Truro. The design was so admired that it was taken up as the province's own, registered at the Court of the Lord Lyon, and confirmed in law by the Nova Scotia Tartan Act of 1963.
It is a district tartan rather than a clan sett — it belongs to the province and to everyone connected with it, and it opened the way for the provincial and territorial tartans that followed across Canada.
Nova Scotia Tartan Pattern and Colours
Each colour carries its meaning: blue for the sea that surrounds the province, white for its granite rocks and surf, dark green for the evergreen forests, gold for the Royal Charter that gave Nova Scotia its name, and red for the lion rampant on the provincial flag.
Nova Scotia Heritage
Nova Scotia means New Scotland, a name given by Royal Charter in 1621, and no part of Canada wears its Scottish inheritance more openly: the province flies a flag based on the saltire, its coat of arms carries a Scottish lion, and its Gaelic tradition survives in Cape Breton and the eastern mainland.
Highland Scots came in great numbers from the late eighteenth century, many of them cleared from their own glens, and settled Pictou, Antigonish and Cape Breton. Alongside them the province holds Mi'kmaq, Acadian, African Nova Scotian and Loyalist communities, each with a long story of its own on this coast of harbours, tides and fishing grounds.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for Nova Scotians at home and away, Pictou, Antigonish and Cape Breton families, Highland Scots descendants, Gaelic speakers and anyone who wants a tartan that names the province.
- ✓ Nova Scotians at home and abroad
- ✓ Pictou, Antigonish and Cape Breton roots
- ✓ Highland Scots and Gaelic heritage
- ✓ Pipe bands and Highland games
- ✓ Maritime and Canadian gifts
- ✓ Sea blue and lion red style
How to Wear Nova Scotia Tartan
Nova Scotia tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. Its blue and red palette is bright and easy to pair for provincial occasions, family gatherings and everyday wear.
Nova Scotia Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Nova Scotia provincial tartan, who may wear it and what its colours mean.
Is the Nova Scotia tartan a clan tartan?
No — it is the official provincial tartan, so anyone with a Nova Scotia connection may wear it.
Who designed it?
Bessie Murray of the Halifax Weavers' Guild, whose design was first shown in 1953 at a breeders' convention in Truro.
Was it the first Canadian regional tartan?
It is generally reckoned the first, and it opened the way for the provincial and territorial setts that followed.
What do the colours mean?
Blue for the sea, white for granite and surf, green for the evergreens, gold for the Royal Charter and red for the lion of the flag.
What does Nova Scotia mean?
New Scotland — the name given by Royal Charter in 1621.
Who can wear it?
Anyone with roots in or affection for Nova Scotia — it belongs to the province, not to a family.
Wear the Nova Scotia Tartan
Discover Nova Scotia tartan clothing, accessories and gifts — sea blue, evergreen and the red lion of New Scotland.
View Nova Scotia Tartan