Scotland’s relationship with tartan spans centuries, from traditional Clan tartans to modern universal tartans, Scotland is a more colourful place thanks to these simple cloth designs. There are thought to be upwards of 7,000 different tartans and variations on record which really puts the significance of tartan into perspective. While some of these tartan designs may be restricted, meaning not just anyone can buy or wear them, there is still a significant amount of choice available to the average person when it comes to finding a tartan for a new kilt or another highlandwear item. The question is, does more choice actually make things easier?
For a lot of people, buying a kilt is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. A kilt with proper care can easily last a hundred years which would allow it to be passed on to the next generation. With that notion in mind, the importance of choosing the right tartan becomes much more apparent. While for some people, a clan tartan is and always will be an obvious choice, it may not be as appropriate for others. Whether their family name doesn’t have a connection to a traditional Scottish clan or they simply don’t like their clan tartan’s design, this option isn’t always the right one. The obvious alternative is to look at universal tartans, these have no connection to Scottish clans and are often a little bit more modern in design but for some, the tartan they choose should have symbolic meaning to them over and above the look of it. With so many tartan options out there, it sometimes feels impossible to find the right one. That’s where our tartan design service can help.
Our tartan design service gives you the opportunity to come up with your very own design and have your tartan registered with The Scottish Register of Tartans. Whether you are looking to create your own family legacy or would like a tartan to represent your business or special cause, our tartan design service is an easy way to help make that happen. With the help of our experienced in-house tartan designer, we will walk you through each step of the process, from design conception to product completion. The first step is to get in touch with us through by emailing tartandesign@macgregorandmacduff.co.uk
Once you have emailed us, our tartan designer will contact you to discuss your initial ideas. Colours will be the first thing you will need to think about. Most tartans have colours of significance in their design. For example, our Harris Mist tartan has a highlight of white which represents the pristine beaches that are found on the island. Choosing meaningful colours will aid you in making a final decision on your tartan’s colour palette. Our tartan designer will then use CAD (Computer Aided Design Software) to mock up 5 different designs to bring your tartan to life. These designs will also come with yarn samples so you can envision what the final colour composition will look like. You will then be given time to review the designs and request any changes before you make your final decision.
Once your choice has been made, we will then get your design ready for registration with The Scottish Register of Tartans and will arrange for your tartan to be woven. We can have a number of different products made from your tartan. From kilts to trews, tartan hip flasks to handfasting ribbons, the choice is yours. There is a minimum of 10m required by the mill for custom weaving but this will produce enough material for a kilt as well as other products like ties, flashes and waistcoats.
The time it will take from the initial chat with our tartan designer to the completion of your products will depend on how long you decide to spend on each step of the design process, as well as the time it will take to weave the cloth and make the products. You should allow at least 8 weeks for this process but it’s important to understand that during busy times of the year, things can take longer. Designing your own tartan is a great way to leave your mark on history and stand out from the crowd. Get in touch to book your initial consultation with us today by emailing tartandesign@macgregorandmacduff.co.uk
