I found the last few paragraphs of Matt's article very interesting regarding how tartan "traditions", even within Scotland, developed.

"People assumed this (clan tartans) was a traditional practice, and they were more inclined to change history to suit their views than to change their views to suit history."

There is indeed a danger that this will lead some people, often with commercial motives, to read things into history that are not really there.

But that is, and should be no bar to, future developments. Just as tartans continue to develop and proliferate, so the kilt has broken out of its origins as a belted plaid in the Highlands of Scotland to have a wider Celtic and masculine appeal.