Family: Wescott

[Prester John]

Thanks all.

We are gearing up for our Service of Thanksgiving to God and Kirkin' O' the Tartans.

I'll have more on the forum shortly, PLUS we will actually be able to broadcast it live on the net.

Mark your calendars. More soon.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Derek,

I haven't looked too extensively into what sparked the interest in Welsh kilt wearing, but from what information the Scottish Tartans Society and Scottish Tartans Authority have in their notes on the tartan, a society was formed in Cardiff in the late 60's to emphasise Welsh bonds with other Celtic countries. Since the kilt and the tartan were such good visible symbols, easily recognizes as something "Celtic" (and they *were* trying to represent their ties with other Celtic people -- i.e. the Scots) it was decided to adopt a tartan. So the first Welsh National tartan was born. From what I can tell, I don't think it has any actual status with the Welsh government.

Some people disagree with the Cardiff society origins of the tartan -- but I haven't heard any other theories. And the STS has record of at least one other "Welsh Tartan" that is brown, yellow and pink(!) that seems to be somewhat of an enigma.

The Welsh Tartan Centre has really seemed to popularize the tartan in Wales, and I beleive this is because they are, first and foremost, a commercial venture. The Cardiff society was not, and so did not have the same kind of marketing and advertising for their tartan as you see undertaken by the Welsh Tartan Centre. Nevertheless, until the WTC took off, their Welsh Tartan was what those of Welsh descent wore who wanted a "Welsh kilt!" (I suspect it was probably more seen in America than in Wales!).

I've nothing against the WTC, so long as their customers realize that the tartans they are selling are new tartans, of their own design, created and given a name strictly for their business. (Note: this is just how many of our beloved Scottish clan tartans got started, so in 200 years time, who is to say these Welsh family tartans won't enjoy the same status!) What I am afraid is happening, though, is that people are (intentionally or unintentionally) being misled into thinking these are old, traditional designs. I've posted on it months ago in my blog, commenting on some of the "history" being passed on at the WTC web site.

Aye,
Matt

[Derek]

Thanks again Matt for all that info. Well at least I know I'm at the forefront of what could be a bit of furture history. I feel quite proud of that. I'll just carry on crusading .. Iechyd Da
Derek