Scottish Tartan: Clan Identity in Thread
Marcus Aldridge·Published
Tartan: More Than a Pattern
Scottish tartan is one of the world most recognized textile traditions. Each pattern (sett) is associated with a specific clan, region, or institution.
The Dress Act of 1746
After the Jacobite rising, the British government banned Highland dress including tartan. The ban lasted 36 years. Its repeal in 1782 sparked a tartan revival.
Types of Tartan
- Dress tartan: lighter colors, for formal occasions
- Hunting tartan: muted earth tones
- Ancient tartan: lighter, faded versions of modern colors
The Tartan Registry
The Scottish Register of Tartans maintains the official record. New tartans can be registered by clans, organizations, or individuals — over 7,000 patterns recorded.
