The origins of tartan:In the past every Scottish  family had a tartan pattern that was unique to that family. The colours  of the tartan were obtained from  the plants that grew locally.

Clans, kilts and  tartan are a 19th century invention which developed into an enormous  cult in the Victorian era.    You decide!

In around 1822  two  brothers, claiming to be descendants of of Bonny Prince Charlie  and calling themselves Sobieski Stewart, began compiling a register  of clan tartans. From their Vestiarium Scoticum and other works are   drawn, with a few exceptions, the setts worn to this day by the majority  of Highland clans.

Some individual  and clan tartans may have existed in the 18th century or earlier, but  until the raising of  the Highland Regiments it seems that most Highlanders  wore belted plaids in whichever colours they fancied or best blended  withe the landscape.

It was specifically  directed by General Wade that  "the plaid of each company is to  be as near as they can be of the same sort and colour" A number  of clans, particularly the Campbells, began wearing the blue, black  and green of the  Government colours as their own. Other clans added  colours of their own to these colours, the Gordons added a yellow stripe,  for example.

Wearing the tartan:

 

• wear the tartan that is associated with your surname
• anyone who has  the name of a sept or dependant of the clan itself, has the priveledge  of wearing the clan tartan. Septs are descendants from the Chief by  the female line and who, consequently,  bear a different surname. The  Celtic tradition includes a strong element of descent through and  loyalty to the mothers line. Almost without exception, the core clan  was augmented by dependant  and associated families who either sought  the protection of the clan at some point in history, or were tenants  or vassals of the clan chief chief. These are known as dependants  of the clan.
• Where there  is not an association to the surname the tartan appropriate to the  district from which the family originated can be worn. District tartans  are the oldest of our tartans, from which  the clan tartans have probably  developed. They have been widely adopted by exiled Scots throughout  the world.
• wear the general  tartans, such as Pride of Scotland or Millenium, or even the Black  Watch pattern...unless you are pro- Stuart.
• where there  is a choice of tartan available, the choice is yours, but remember  that by sporting that tartan you are proclaiming your allegiance and  your loyalty may be tested!

Tartan Setts and patterns:

Some setts are termed  "Ancient" but these are usually simply  the Clan Tartan in  lighter shading and are sometimes referred to as natural dyes.

Some setts are  termed "Hunting" and are usually darker hues, browns and greens,  which offered camouflage to  the wearer on hunting trips.

Some setts are  termed "Dress" and are often brighter colours. These became  popular in the Victorian era where it became the customer to wear dress  tartans after  6pm.