Tartan name

**LPF** · 5th March 14, 06:50 PM

Would anybody be able to name this tartan, I have a chance at purchasing it and would like to known what it is. Thanks for all the help. Attachment 17131 Sorry I can't seem to get the picture to load straight.

**OC Richard** · 5th March 14, 07:14 PM

this

That fellow, I'd guess, had no name whatsoever for the pattern of his outfit. It was probably just 'my green outfit'.

Nowadays we call it MacDonald Lord Of The Isles (hunting). There's also an Allen Brothers 'MacDonald of the Isles' tartan.

**LPF** · 5th March 14, 07:18 PM

Thanks, would you happen to know the tartan name?

**Domehead** · 5th March 14, 07:34 PM

What OC Richard is saying...
The tartan is known as "MacDonald Lord of the Isles sett".
However, it can be had in two colourways:
(1) Sage green Ground and Dark Green over check - as in the example you (LPF) sourced
(2) Sage Green Ground and Blue over check - as in numerous tartanological MSs, notably D.W. Stewart's Scottish Tartans Old & Rare, 1893

Domehead

**LPF** · 5th March 14, 07:38 PM

I thank you both very much, it pays to go to the experts.

**figheadair** · 6th March 14, 02:59 AM

It's called MacDonald Lord of the Isles Hunting or often more simply Lord of the Isles Hunting. This cloth looks to be the version in Lochcarron's Strome weight.

There is some disagreement over whether the darker colour should be green or blue. The Chief wears the green/blue version which he regards as his own and that the green/green version should be for his clansmen, which is how it's usually woven commercially. Having viewed the original c1760 portrait from which the sett is taken I believe that the blue/green setting is the historically correct one i.e. that given by Stewart in his Old & Rare. I have a rather fine (colour not weight) plaid in the b/g setting that I wove from naturally dyed yarn and which I'll post for comparison when I get a moment..

**Nathan** · 7th March 14, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

this

That fellow, I'd guess, had no name whatsoever for the pattern of his outfit. It was probably just 'my green outfit'.

Nowadays we call it MacDonald Lord Of The Isles (hunting). There's also an Allen Brothers 'MacDonald of the Isles' tartan.

Sorry, just to clarify, who exactly is depicted in this portrait?
(edit: Never-mind, I think it's Sir Alexander Macdonald 1744-1795. 9th Baronet of Sleat and 1st Baron Macdonald of Slate)
Also, his kilt looks to be pleated in the front. Was this ever common?

**Riverkilt** · 7th March 14, 07:18 AM

Thanks for the band pic O.C. Some years ago at the Phoenix games some self appointed expert in the clan tent informed me that ONLY Prince Charles was authorized to wear this tartan. Told him Lochcarron would be real sad to hear that since they sell so much of it. I'd had a necktie in this tartan for some 30 years. I was so irritated I called the Clan Donald USA guru's and they all assured me there was no problem with wearing this tartan. I knew that, but nice to have the official word.

So, next games I went looking for him to tell him what for but couldn't find him. Lady at the clan tent told me he was so rude and stupid to everyone that they asked him to please not come back this year. So, never got to give him what for, but did get it clear about neckties and high school bands, and Lochcarron being able to wear and sell this most lovely tartan.

**figheadair** · 7th March 14, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

Sorry, just to clarify, who exactly is depicted in this portrait?
(edit: Never-mind, I think it's Sir Alexander Macdonald 1744-1795. 9th Baronet of Sleat and 1st Baron Macdonald of Slate)
Also, his kilt looks to be pleated in the front. Was this ever common?

Nathan - you've answered your own question on the sitter's identity. He was also the younger of the pair of MacDonald Boys in the c1750 portrait.

Pleating all around was not common, especially by then but was not unknown earlier see below Lord George Murray c1745.