Caledonia Tartan

**Woot22** · 21st April 09, 04:13 PM

I plan on getting a new kilt made soon, very soon. I actually told myself that several months ago now and still have not gotten around to having one made. But with my upcoming trip to Scotland this summer I have no time to waist. I wanted a kilt made with a universal tartan. A tartan that was distinctly Scottish but not necessarily associated with a specific clan or family. I originally was thinking of getting a kilt made in Aberdeen district tartan. But after having stewed over it now for several months still have not made a decision. I plan on getting a 16 oz. hand made kilt, so I want to make sure it is exactly what I want. Now I am thinking of getting it made with the Caledonia Tartan. Does anyone have any info on it or possible have a kilt made with it? My understanding is that it is a universal tartan and not some organizations tartan. Here is an image of it for reference. Also want to point out that I have never posted an image before so I hope this works out.

**JolyStNicholas** · 21st April 09, 04:33 PM

That is a fine tartan! Do you not have a family tartan to use? Or am I mis understanding something? There are many fine non clan tartans out there to choose from. But it doesn't make the choosing any easier.

**Woot22** · 21st April 09, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by JolyStNicholas

That is a fine tartan! Do you not have a family tartan to use? Or am I mis understanding something? There are many fine non clan tartans out there to choose from. But it doesn't make the choosing any easier.

I could do that but I want something that is not so specific. I am an American with Scottish ancestry but my family did not emigrate from the highlands so I really want something that is just a little more, well, universal. It really boils down to the cost of a kilt. I am trying to investigate every possible option before making a purchase as I only want to buy the one kilt. I have in the past owned 2 kilts which have since "shrunk in the closet". So I am looking to buy the best kilt I can and have no regrets on my choice. I did not want to buy a particular clan or family tartan and realize later on that I really have no association or personal connection with that family. So really I think it just "easier"

to have one made in universal tartan.

**Mike in Dayton** · 21st April 09, 04:49 PM

That looks very similar to #43 tartan which was also called Caledonia and later associated in Wilson's book with Kidd.

Mike

**David H** · 21st April 09, 05:28 PM

Have you thought of getting one of the Tennessee Tartans? Go to http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/az.aspx?searchString=T
and check out the three they have.

**Woot22** · 21st April 09, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by David H

Have you thought of getting one of the Tennessee Tartans? Go to http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/az.aspx?searchString=T
and check out the three they have.

Definitely an option, thanks for the advice. The kilt maker I want to use does not list those tartans on their website but that does not mean they cannot have it made. May cost a bit more though, so I will keep it in mind.

**Riverkilt** · 21st April 09, 06:06 PM

Well, this isn't a wool Caledonia tartan kilt, but it might help you get an idea of what one would look like. Its my USA Kilts semi-trad polyviscose in Caledonia tartan.

Hope that's helpful.

I love the tartan and what it stands for. For some reason I struggle to coordinate colors with it, even though the tartan has many colors. Someone better at that than I may be able to help you with kilt hose colors and shirt colors.

Know you'll love the tartan too.

Ron

**Woot22** · 21st April 09, 06:15 PM

Thanks Ron the pictures are great. That does help quite a bit. One question for you though. You mention that you love what it stands for, meaning Scotland or something else? Just curious, is all, I tend to be the annoying type of person who needs to know every detail about things before I am happy. Thanks again for sharing the pics.

**Riverkilt** · 21st April 09, 06:23 PM

Just that its generic Scottish. My clans are Macdonald, Cameron, Keith, Gunn, Gordon, McMillan, Scott, Fletcher, Frazier, Gillis, Gray, and Smith.

The Caledonia tartan wraps them all up nicely I think - Highland, Island, Lowland - but all Scots.

Ron

**Woot22** · 21st April 09, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Just that its generic Scottish. My clans are Macdonald, Cameron, Keith, Gunn, Gordon, McMillan, Scott, Fletcher, Frazier, Gillis, Gray, and Smith.

The Caledonia tartan wraps them all up nicely I think - Highland, Island, Lowland - but all Scots.

Ron

Thanks, this is exactly what I was thinking and why it is at the top of my list.