Quote Originally Posted by ForresterModern View Post
Two things I noticed in my brief perview:

First, some of the "photorealistic images" are actually the original real photos from Dalgleish's old stock photo list (check out Black Douglas Modern), with creases and all intact.

Second, Forrester clan technically also does not have a Modern (or reproduction) version as, according to original clan documents, it is registered and woven only in ancient colors, despite what my screen name might imply (early kilt ignorance and naivety and no desire to change my screen name thereafter). It is often mislabeled as Forrester Modern in many tartan lists, even in Strathmore's website list (they are the only stock weaver of the original clan tartan and the Forrester Hunting as well, which actually IS in modern colors):

http://www.strathmorewoollen.co.uk/t...d=16&Itemid=35
Yes, we're still working out the best way to show images where a stock photograph also exists. Meanwhile it's defaulting to the stock version. I'd hope we will be able to show both in due course.

As for the Forrester point, that's doubtless the case. I'd simply point out that this would also have been true decades ago when all the weaving mills began to produce parallel Modern/Ancient/etc variants of any other historical tartan, most of which would only until then ever have been traditionally produced in one main style. This doubtless offended many traditionalists at the time, but now has come to be seen as an attractive and legitimate broadening of choice depending on individual preference. This doesn't in any way detract from anyone's ability to wear the traditional version.

One of the things that I myself love about Scottish cultural traditions (which is not always so for other 'ethnic costume') is that it's a living, breathing, dynamic tradition that continues to move with the times. I love that going out to a Ceilidh on a Friday night is still something that young people do for the fun of it, and don't no one cares too much about who is wearing what, or if the steps are done quite right. That makes it a living tradition, not a dead one. And likewise with kilts and tartans, few of us here (some perhaps?) would want to insist that the only valid way to wear the kilt is as a roughly tied blanket in coarse cloth. So similarly with tartan colours, why insist that the exact way it was done in the mists of time is the only way that's allowed?

My friends, we have many more plans to innovate in the years to come. I hope more of you will love what we do, than not!