Polaris
Polaris Tartan Collection
Celebrate the Polaris tartan — a modern Scottish sett designed in Argyll in 1964, its deep navy and ocean green shot through with royal blue and gold, and named for the North Star.
- Featured
- Most relevant
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
About the Polaris Tartan
The Polaris tartan is a modern commemorative sett rather than a clan or family tartan. It was designed in 1964 by Alexander MacIntyre of Strone in Cowal, Argyll, for the American naval personnel then stationed at the Holy Loch on the Firth of Clyde, and it takes its name from Polaris, the North Star — the mariner's guiding light.
Each colour in the sett carries a meaning: the deep navy stands for the naval uniform, the dark green for the depths of the ocean, and the royal blue and gold overchecks for the two alternating crews of a ship. Today the tartan is best known as the dress of the Pipes and Drums of the United States Naval Academy.
Polaris Tartan Pattern and Colours
Polaris is a handsome dark sett: a ground of deep navy blue and dark green, crossed by fine overchecks of royal blue and bright gold. The effect is sober and formal, lifted by the gold line — a tartan that looks as well with a blazer as with full Highland dress.
Polaris Tartan Heritage
In the early 1960s an American naval squadron was based at the Holy Loch, a sea loch off the Firth of Clyde near Dunoon in Argyll, and for some thirty years the base and the Cowal towns lived side by side. The idea of a tartan for the men serving there came from the squadron's commodore, Captain Walter F. Schlech, and the design was entrusted to a local man, Alexander MacIntyre of Strone.
The sett was named for Polaris — the North Star, the fixed point by which sailors have steered for centuries, and also the name of the missile programme carried by the submarines then based on the loch. Woven in Scotland and recorded in the tartan registers, Polaris outlived the base itself: it is worn today by the Pipes and Drums of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and by many with a naval or Cowal connection.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for those with naval service or family in their story, for Cowal, Dunoon and Argyll connections, for pipers and drummers, and for anyone who wants a handsome dark tartan that belongs to no single clan.
- ✓ Naval and maritime families
- ✓ Cowal, Dunoon and Argyll connections
- ✓ Pipe band and Highland dress
- ✓ Scottish-American heritage
- ✓ Modern tartan gifts
- ✓ Dark navy and gold style
How to Wear Polaris Tartan
Polaris tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. Its dark navy ground is formal and easy to pair, making it a smart choice for everyday wear, ceremonial occasions and meaningful gifts.
Polaris Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Polaris tartan, its origins and why this design matters for tartan shoppers.
Is Polaris a clan tartan?
No — Polaris is a modern commemorative tartan rather than a clan or family sett, so anyone may wear it.
Who designed the Polaris tartan?
Alexander MacIntyre of Strone in Cowal, Argyll, designed it in 1964.
What do the colours mean?
Navy for the naval uniform, dark green for the depths of the ocean, and royal blue and gold overchecks for the two alternating crews.
Why is it called Polaris?
For the North Star, the mariner's guide, and for the naval programme associated with the base at the Holy Loch where it was made.
Who wears Polaris tartan today?
It is worn by the Pipes and Drums of the United States Naval Academy, and by people with naval, Cowal or Argyll connections.
Who can wear the Polaris tartan?
Anyone. As a commemorative rather than a clan tartan, Polaris is open to all who like its design or share its associations.
Wear the Polaris Tartan
Discover Polaris tartan clothing, accessories and gifts — a dark navy and gold sett from the Cowal shore, named for the star that guides at sea.
View Polaris Tartan Clothing