National Park Service Kilt USA

[A Lenape Scot]

Hello everyone,

I have been wanting to pursue the idea that the National Park Service should have its own tartan just as many other federal, state, and local government organizations do. Since John Muir, the father of the park service was born in Scotland it only seems fitting and long overdue. I think it should be a variation of the Muir clan tartan. California has already beaten the park service to getting this done but it is better late than never. I know there will be some push back from the upper levels of the NPS but that should not stop anything that might be a good idea. What do you folks think? Any other park service people out there that would support the idea? Anyone who could help design the tartan?

[Chas]

Have a word with Todd, user name - cajunscot.

I am sure he will have some thoughts.

Regards

Chas

[creagdhubh]

Have a word with Todd, user name - cajunscot.

I am sure he will have some thoughts.

Regards

Chas

***

My recommendation as well.

Cheers,

[RockyR]

One of our favorite local customers is a park ranger and has thought about the same thing (he approached us about designing one for him 6 months ago and hasn't brought it back up since then, though he may still be 'percolating' on the idea). There may be some support for the idea. If you can get a group together, I'd be willing to help with the design if needed.

[McElmurry]

A tartan for National Park Service employees, their children, and park volunteers and enthusiasts is a nice idea. It would be terrific if the tartan was official but it doesn't have to be. The US Air Force tartans are unofficial although they either were or are currently worn by US Air Force pipe bands.

As a US Forest Service brat I can say that the USFS had a big impact on my upbringing as we moved from forest to forest. While my father's training was in recreation he spent a lot of time on forest fires and his last post was at the Boise Interagency Fire Center. I have a firefighter memorial tartan kilt on order.

It might be easier to go through a park volunteer organization. In some instances a single branch of an organization has registered a tartan and then suggested it is open to all to wear. Good luck with your project.

[Riverkilt]

Ummm...not NPS but sure am surrounded by them and the staff that protect them. Guessing a Park Service tartan would be green, gray, and brown (or is it black leather)...for the uniform colors...some gold for the badge...

[RockyR]

SNIP... The US Air Force tartans are unofficial although they either were or are currently worn by US Air Force pipe bands.

Actually, I'm relatively positive the US Air Force Pipe Band wears the Mitchell Modern tartan, NOT the US Air Force (aka Lady Jane) tartan.

[A Lenape Scot]

Thanks RockyR will see what interest there is and I will get back with you.

[A Lenape Scot]

The brown would be a copper color like the arrowhead I guess. The leather work with it should be cordovan. I was think it could be a variation of the Clan Muir tartan since John Muir is the father of the NPS. Think the blue could become grey and the green could be made darker like the NPS pants.

[macwilkin]

PM sent.

With the USFS, I would suggest a variation on the Maclean tartan, since the most famous USFS'er of Scottish heritage was the noted author Norman Maclean of A River Runs Through It. USFS is of course, part of the Dept. of Agriculture and not the Dept. of Interior and NPS. I used to hear that all the time.

I think McElmurry's suggestion of an organization like the Association of National Park Rangers (US) or the National Parks Conservation Association is a sound one. I'm not sure how the folks in Washington would react to the idea. The Border Patrol does have its own pipe band, and there might be some interest among the LE/Protection types.

Rocky, if your customer does bring up the idea again, please give him my contact information.

T.