Help Me Choose a Tartan!

**macwilkin** · 10th February 10, 08:59 AM

1. More family research on my end is definitely in order. There are Moirs, a variation on Muir, on my fathers side a few generations back. There's also the California tartan (I grew up in and still love CA, even if I love Scotland more) which is based on the Muir tartan, as John Muir did a lot of conservation work in CA.

Just my twa bob, but if it were me, I'd go with the California State tartan, given what you've written above.

T.

**guitarmatt** · 10th February 10, 09:03 AM

I shouldn't be snarky, but it does sound better sung than spoken. In any event, my intention here is not to deepen some link to my own genetic background, but to display how important Scotland is to me. So for me, the kilt as a Scottish garment is more important than the tartan it's made from. If I had an obvious family connection in Scotland that would be different, I'm sure.

**davidlpope** · 10th February 10, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by guitarmatt

Have you ever heard the Welsh language?

Sure. There's been an increase in spoken Welsh in Wales, as compared to a generation ago. As devolution increases, I hope that Scots Gaelic makes a similar comeback. I think it's wonderful that the unique and distinct cultures of Wales and Scotland are becoming more visible.

Cordially,

David

**davidlpope** · 10th February 10, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by guitarmatt

In any event, my intention here is not to deepen some link to my own genetic background, but to display how important Scotland is to me. So for me, the kilt as a Scottish garment is more important than the tartan it's made from. If I had an obvious family connection in Scotland that would be different, I'm sure.

In that event, I'd heartily recommend a proper Scottish kilt in a proper Scottish tartan!

If you don't have a family connection then I'd recommend the Caledonia or Hunting Stewart tartans. Both are commonly worn by those lacking a "clan tartan" and both predate many of the modern "clan tartans", being Wilsons of Bannockburn patterns.

Best of luck!

Cordially,

David

**guitarmatt** · 10th February 10, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I think it's wonderful that the unique and distinct cultures of Wales and Scotland are becoming more visible.

I agree. The thing is, aside from Doctor Who, I don't have any interaction with Welsh culture at all. I've been living and breathing Scotland for years now, and want to figure out how best to display that.

**Jock Scot** · 10th February 10, 09:43 AM

If it were me, I would go with your Welsh connection and tartan. So what if they are new? All tartans are not really that old, are they?

**Tobus** · 10th February 10, 09:43 AM

2. I've looked through the Welsh tartan swatch book, so I know I like the look of the Price tartan in person. However, I've seen Welsh kilts (that is, made from tartan from the Welsh mill) next to Scottish kilts (tartan from Scottish mills) and just don't look near as good. The fabric doesn't have the weight and body it needs to really look good as a kilt. If I went with the Price tartan, I'd want to take a look at a swatch from Bately, which leads to the next point...

If you like the tartan but don't like the weight of the fabric from the Welsh mill, maybe you could get it custom woven at a Scottish mill? That would be expensive, I'm sure, but it would get you what you want.\

I don't have any interaction with Welsh culture at all. I've been living and breathing Scotland for years now, and want to figure out how best to display that.

Then maybe just one of the universal Scotland tartans would be the answer?

**guitarmatt** · 10th February 10, 09:56 AM

Re: Universal tartans. I think I'll save those for further down the line, perhaps for casual or pv hiking kilts. I'd like to finds something to adopt as our family tartan, whether it's ancient with a genealogical connexion, or modern for reasons all our own.

**guitarmatt** · 10th February 10, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

If it were me, I would go with your Welsh connection and tartan. So what if they are new? All tartans are not really that old, are they?

I read your post about how it seems everyone should be able to find an appropriate tartan to call their own at this point, with all the options available. I agree with that sentiment. It does make choosing THE tartan a big decision though.

**Dixiecat** · 10th February 10, 11:08 AM

So for me, the kilt as a Scottish garment is more important than the tartan it's made from. If I had an obvious family connection in Scotland that would be different, I'm sure.

I've read all the posts here and have a comment (or two) of my own to add.

1) As you've noted, you have family connections with Wales and England. There's already a tartan for this connection. Royal Stewart. Considered by some to be a universal tartan, but I believe the King gave permission to all his subjects to wear it. As your family were once English or Welsh subjects of His Majesty you have a strong connection to this tartan.

2) You've mentioned many, many times how much you love Scotland and the area in which you live. Why not choose a tartan such as Pride of Scotland, Scotland the Brave, Flower of Scotland or one of the city of Edinburgh tartans?

You don't have to dig way, way into your past to find connections to Scotland or to a specific family tartan. Royal Stewart will probably be the oldest tartan you'd be able to connect to anyway.

I'm sure whatever tartan you chose, you'll be proud to wear. Good luck in finding your special tartan.