Lochaber Tartan

[DWFII]

In another thread, Matt Newsome posted a swatch of the Lochaber tartan dyed with 18th century dyes. I thought it probably the most beautiful tartan I've ever seen.

I wonder about the associations for the Lochaber...is it a family tartan? Which? Is it a district tartan? Putting aside the "there's no kilt police" philosophy for a moment, who can wear the Lochaber?

[macwilkin]

In another thread, Matt Newsome posted a swatch of the Lochaber tartan dyed with 18th century dyes. I thought it probably the most beautiful tartan I've ever seen.

I wonder about the associations for the Lochaber...is it a family tartan? Which? Is it a district tartan? Putting aside the "there's no kilt police" philosophy for a moment, who can wear the Lochaber?

It is a district tartan:

http://www.district-tartans.com/lochaber.htm

Wilson's of Bannockburn is listed as the source, with a date of 1797.

The STA's notes state that the tartan may have been a Fencibles tartan. Fencibles were the Napoleonic-era equivalent of the Home Guard, with many companies raised across the British Isles in case of a French Invasion. A number of fencible units in Scotland were kilted.

Being a district tartan, a connection to Lochaber would be ideal, but I would daresay anyone could wear it.

Regards,

Todd

[Scotus]

And... being of Clan Cumming (Comyn), Todd, there is a clan connection to this tartan. As you know, the chief of the clan at one time was not only the Lord of Badenoch, but the Lord of Lochaber too.

[Downix]

Out of curiosity, how much would that run per-yard? (My future Bro-in-law is a Davidson and IIRC, Lochaber was the region his clan dwelled)

[Derek Conley]

It does look good...

[Donnie]

That IS a beautiful tartan!

[DWFII]

I don't know if you all are looking at the photo in the link above but that one is modern colors. Look at this one if you want to see it in all its beauty:

[RockyR]

Out of the different Lochaber tartans from the different mills, Strathmore's version (I believe that's the one shown in DWFII's post) is the nicest IMHO, followed by Lochcarron's:

http://www.usakilts.com/store/tartan...16&gaz_from=40

[DWFII]

Rocky,

Yes, the Strathmore looks to be the same although I just copied Matt's link.

The 18th century dyes in this tartan are the colours of the forest and the land and the sky at dusk. Not many can come close to the effect it invokes...in me at least. I wish I could claim some sort of connection...almost any connection no matter how feeble.

[Bugbear]

Rocky,

Yes, the Strathmore looks to be the same although I just copied Matt's link.

The 18th century dyes in this tartan are the colours of the forest and the land and the sky at dusk. Not many can come close to the effect it invokes...in me at least. I wish I could claim some sort of connection...almost any connection no matter how feeble.

I think you just did, DWFII. It invokes something in your spirit, and that is a strong connection.