From The Highlands To The World - Tartan's Progress

It wasn't until the 18th century that tartan was woven on machines - before this date the women of each household wove the material by hand, a time- consuming provess, especially given that only small sections could be produced at a time, these were then stiched together. The move from a local 'cottage' industry to an industrial sector saw production move down from the highlands to the lowlands.

When the first tartans were created the colours used were dependent on local plants and the dyes that were available to each weaver. Because the weavers had to choose their colours from plants in their gardens and fields, tartans made in the same area were very often in the same colours. It was only with chemical dyes that manufacturers could ensure that colours were standard when each tartan was produced. Before this, for centuries, the pattern was dependent of the availability of particular plants.

The dye industry changed dramatically with the discovery of dyes which could be obtained in large amounts and cheaply from oil. The first of these was the violet dye, Analine, discovered in 1856 by W.H. Perkins. During the thirty years which followed, chemical companies discovered other similar dyes. Which produced brighter colours than the traditional plant dyes.

Tartan can be purchased in muted and ancient colours - these use checmical dyes which have been created to replicate the plant dyes used previously and provide a greater choice to the customer.

From many websites today any customer no matter where they are in the world can access a vast array of designs and have these made to their measurements and then shipped to anywhere in the world.

Scottish ancestory can be quickly discovered by using genealogy sites which provide a greater understanding of family histories. Research in family history has been revolutionised by the quality of online records and their ease of access.

As you would expect as people become more connected to their heritage they want to celebrate their ancestory and show their allegiance.

www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk is a good starting place for anyone researching their Scottish roots. The Court of the Lord Lyon, The General Register Office and the National Archives of Scotland working together have made a large number of records available at the click of a mouse. It includes Census records, Army, Navy and Air Force Registers, register of divorces and of adopted children, Scottish births, deaths and marriages occurring outside Scotland. The earliest records date from 1909

One of the most recent developments in tartan is the ability to design your own digitally. Popular with sporting clubs, businesses and families alike. Interested parties can choose the colours, thread counts and arrangements. A popular choice is to customise an existing tartan design by adding an element that reflects your own personal meaning.


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Anna Murray is Head of Marketing at The Scotland Kilt Company - a family run business based in Edinburgh. To discuss your requirements for a sporting kilt or kilt package please get in touch www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk email info@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk Or call 0131 225 3555