Interesting Facts About Kilts

Having worked in the kilt business for a number of years I have come across some fascinating facts about the world-famous kilt and hope you find them interesting!

As Prince William plans to tie the lovely Kate a new tartan has been designed in their honour. And if the prince did want to opt for a tartan he could also choose the stately Balmoral which is limited to the queen and close relatives. There is also the Victorian tartan which was designed by queen Victoria herself, members of the Royal family who are serving in the army could also wear opt for a regimental tartan. In tribute to William's mother Lady Diana a special tartan was created with proceeds going to help a number of charities that she was supported.

While the kilt is mostly associated with Scotland and to a smaller extent Ireland and Wales, due to Scottish immigration and Scotland's overseas relationships a vast number of countries and cities have their own tartan these include, Denmark, Canada and Japan to name a few.

The Maple Leaf Tartan, has been adopted as the official Canadian tartan. "It's now an official symbol, joining with other symbols like the coat of arms and our national flag," said Dan Taylor, past president of the New Brunswick Scottish Cultural Association

And it's not just countries, religious groups have also celebrated their relationship with Scotland - in 2008 a Jewish tartan was created by a Scottish rabbi and a Singh tartan was created by the Asian community living in Scotland

Companies too have celebrated the kilt many designing their own tartan and using the feel good associations of the kilt in their marketing, these include whisky brands Glemorangie and Johnny Walker as well as global giants Microsoft, American Express and British Airways. The'Hello Kitty Tartan'was designed to mark the 35th anniversary of the brand. The Scottih Parliament marketed the devolution of power from Westminster with a Scottish Parliament Tartan.

Through not everyone has been please to see the kilt - Along with other national dress such as Sari's and kimonos the kilt students were banned from wearing it at graduation ceremonies by Cambridge University. The ban came into effect in 2005 - understandably the move was very unpopular and was even raised in the House of Commons!

For the military kilts have been an important part of their uniform. Black Watch which is still popular today was the first 'regimental' tartan to be created. Regimental Kilts remain popular both with the British Army and those of Commonwealth countries such as Canada, New Zealand Australia, and South Africa wear kilts as part of dress or duty uniform, although they have not been worn in combat since 1940.

For Burns fans around the world two tartans are available with celebrate the great man's life and works; the Burns Commerative tartan and the Burn's family tartan.

Wearing a kilt, you are part of a great cultural and histrical tradition, I hope this article has been of interest for kilt wearers and others alike. Finally you might be interested to know that world's oldest recorded tartan is the the Hunting tartan of the Clan Maclean of Duart.


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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 kilt or kilt package please get in touch www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk email info@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk Or call 0131 225 3555