Busy Tartan

**KenB** · 18th January 10, 09:44 AM

I am wondering if the MacDonald of Prince Edward Island tartan is "too busy" . And should I have a kilt made in this tartan , what difficulties will a kiltmaker have in working with this particular tartan? Any thoughts?

**piperdbh** · 18th January 10, 09:55 AM

You mean this one?

I think it's a very handsome tartan, and would make a fine kilt. If it were for me, I think I'd want it pleated to show the blue, which would make the red flash as the pleats opened.

**Tobus** · 18th January 10, 10:14 AM

With that much going on in the tartan pattern, I wonder what the sett size would be. That may be an issue for kiltmakers.

**KenB** · 18th January 10, 10:16 AM

Yes, that is the tartan.
Thanks for the observation and input.
Since I would need to have the tartan woven, it would be nice to predict the possible finished kilt.

**Pleater** · 18th January 10, 10:31 AM

GoooooD Heavens!!

Whoever designed that seems to have decided to have some of everything, twice, and with twiddly bits.

I'd be tempted to say have it pleated to the sett, as it is so unusual, but it might be rather nice pleated to one of the white stripes - though it would depend on how strongly the red bands showed against the blue, as that could create a deck chair effect. It would depend upon the relative intensity of the two colours.

Anne the Pleater

**BroosterB1** · 18th January 10, 08:03 PM

Saw this tartan this summer at the local highland games. Very good looking in person, and as I recall was pleated to the blue with the red flashing, a neat look.

**figheadair** · 19th January 10, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by KenB

Yes, that is the tartan.
Thanks for the observation and input.
Since I would need to have the tartan woven, it would be nice to predict the possible finished kilt.

This is a variation of Wilson of Bannockburn's 'Flora MacDonald' which itself appears to be a combination of the Clan Donald and 42nd (Government) setts. If you are going to have it made might I suggest opting for the orginal Wilsons' shades - so much nicer. PM me if you want further info.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 19th January 10, 08:48 AM

Just as a point of casual interest, is this a fashion tartan, or an actual Clan Donald tartan? I only ask because I've never heard of a "MacDonald of Prince Edward Island" in the same way as one might be familiar with, say, MacDonald of Sleat.

**KenB** · 19th January 10, 12:43 PM

My understanding of this tartan - it was created to commemorate the scots landing on Isle St. Jean (Prince Edward Island) under the assistance of Capt. John MacDonald of Glenaladale. It is reputed to have been designed by a Flora MacDonald (not the FM that assisted Bonnie Prince Charlie). It appears to date back to around 1792 the same year as the migration from Scotland's Western Isles to Canada.
I hope this history is correct - if not, then it is still a clourful story.

**Tim Little** · 19th January 10, 01:14 PM

From the Register:

STA ref: 1973
STWR ref: 1973
Designer: MacDonald, Flora
Tartan date: 01/01/2002
Registration date: This tartan was recorded prior to the launch of The Scottish Register of Tartans.
Category: Portrait/Artefact

Restrictions:

Registration notes: Not known if this is a Fashion tartan or a Clan/Family. Scottish Tartans Society records say that it was designed by a (not THE) Flora MacDonald and the proportions are 'to sample' which suggests that they had a woven sample in their possession.