Why are some plaids universal?

[figheadair]

In fact, Campbell / Blackwatch tartan is universal precisely because it was used by the military. During the Highland Proscriptions, the only tartans woven were those of military regiments, and the only kilts worn were likewise.

That was not the case. there are several portaits showing, and extant specimens of, tartan during the Proscription period that were not military. Nor is it the case that only the military could wear tartan. In addition to the Military the 1747 Act specifically exempted women, gentry, the sons of gentry and anyone who could command more than three servants. Thus the Act actually only affect the common/poorer stratum of society and excluded the very people that who have been instrumental in the Rising.

[Chas]

The Scottish Register of Tartans recognises 9 categories of tartan, but 'universal' is not one of them. The following is taken from the Scottish Register of Tartans Guidance Document.

Clan/Family
A tartan intended to be worn by a particular clan or family.

Name
A tartan intended to be worn by anyone of that name, or a personal tartan for a particular person and his/her immediate family.

District
A tartan associated with a particular geographical area, including towns, parishes, counties or countries.

Portrait/Artefact
A tartan taken from an illustration or an artefact.

Corporate
A tartan for a company or organisation whether profit-making or non profit-making.

Commemorative
A tartan to be worn to commemorate a particular event or person.

Fashion
A 'fancy' tartan for the fashion trade.

Military
A tartan associated with any branch of the armed forces, including volunteer regiments.

Royal
A tartan with a direct Royal connection.

There are tartans which have a restriction put on them at registration.

Restrictions
Traditionally owners of tartans have sometimes wished to impose restrictions on the wearing/use and production of their tartan. If you wish, you may express your preferences here, however the Keeper cannot be held responsible for enforcing any such restrictions.

Do you wish to restrict the wearing/use of this tartan?
Owners of tartans have sometimes expressed a wish to restrict their wearing/use to particular groups or individuals e.g. in the case of a Clan/Family tartan. Please note that although your wishes will be published in the Register, no rights can be conferred by the expression of these preferences. The Keeper accepts no responsibility for the enforcement of these preferences. For further information or to register a design right in the UK, please visit the UK Intellectual Property Office at www.ipo.gov.uk.

Do you wish to restrict who can weave this tartan
You may express a preference here to limit weaving of your tartan to a specific supplier. The Keeper accepts no responsibility for the enforcement of this preference. Should you wish to limit weaving to a particular company you should consider registering a design right with the appropriate Intellectual Property Office.

Do you wish to suggest any other restrictions?
If you wish the use of this tartan to be restricted in any other way, please indicate your preferred restrictions here.

Maybe we should be talking about 'un-restricted' rather than 'universal'. Just a thought.

Regards

Chas