A Question for the Experts: What are your favorite old setts?

**creagdhubh** · 14th December 11, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by figheadair

And there in lies the problem for me as a tartan historian. Unfortunately heresey without proof is little more than myth. The piece I posted is (incorrectly) claimed to be the Crubin plaid. My mistake earlier, the image you posted is of the Crubin plaid said to have been examined by DCS in 1947. Unfortunately he doesn't say where it was but I have seen other pieces that he examined and recorded completely incorrectly so I remain very sceptical about the supposed original piece.

I agree. It can prove difficult in distinguishing fact from myth, especially when so many people (the Macphersons) are in agreement in regards to the history of the Macpherson Crubin plaid. Unless the original specimen turns up, and is properly examined by the appropriate experts and historians, such as yourself, I'm afraid the original, 18th-century (perhaps pre-18th-century) Macpherson Crubin plaid, all but remains a myth.

As always, thanks for your expertise, Peter!

Warmest regards,

**figheadair** · 14th December 11, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by KD Burke

Recently, comments from figheadair and others have aroused my curiosity regarding really old tartans. I'm sure that there are many old, forgotten setts which haven't been woven in living memory, buth which exist as images labelled as "Unknown Scarlett #14" or similar in the STA or SRT archives.

So, Experts! Enlighten us rabble! What old tartans deserve more interest? Which are esthetically pleasing? Historically significant?

You get the idea. If it's old, and you think it's nifty, tell us about it!

I think you need to qualify old, forgotten setts which haven't been woven in living memory. That could mean anything before 1900, 1850, 1800, 1750 etc. I suggest pre-c1770 and the early industrialisation of tartan.

Oh dear. Where to start? There are so many. Unfortunately many of the graphics on the STA SRT sites etc are a poor interpretation of the originals which is why I've been running the Tartan of the Month for the past year. Not only is the aim to encourage others to look, learn and get into research but it also offers the opportunity.

I'd agree with Artificer about the Culloden (Coat) but also love the plaid from Culloden - http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/Pla...m_Culloden.pdf. Much depends on how one imagines using the tartan.

**KD Burke** · 15th December 11, 05:57 AM

Firstly, Gentlemen, thanks for the input! This is exactly the sort of thing I'm interested in!

Originally Posted by figheadair

I think you need to qualify old, forgotten setts which haven't been woven in living memory.

I suppose this was an unfortunate choce of words. I intended to be inclusive, rather than exclusive, here. My intention is simply to open the floor to discussion of old tartans that don't get the recognition they deserve.

Peter, your work on the MacDonald of Kingsburgh is wonderful. I have been considering the modern version of this tartan for my next kilt purchase, but your article has me reconsidering. I may have to consider another custom weave!

**BCAC** · 15th December 11, 06:03 AM

I thought perhaps Ron (riverkilt) might chime in here. He has an excellent kilt, sewn up by Kathy Lare, in this Tartan. He even uses his picture in this kilt as his avatar, IIRC.

**creagdhubh** · 15th December 11, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by BCAC

In the year of our lord thirteen fourteen, patriots of Scotland, starving and outnumbered, charged the fields of Bannockburn. They fought like warriors. They fought like Scotsmen. And won their freedom. British by birth, Scottish by the grace of God

"They fought like warrior poets."