Tartan Tales - BBC TV series

**Troglodyte** · 28th February 26, 03:06 AM

Some of you may have already seen this new series, but it is a gem.

Tartan Tales is a fly-on-the-wall documentary which follows an Ulster-Scot kiltmakers with a show-it-like-you-see-it approach, that takes the viewer along with the family firm of kiltmakers as they take on a new trainee, kit-out clients for their weddings, and support their local pipe-band as they cross the water to take part in the world pipe championships in Scotland.

Be warned - the programmes may contain scenes that some views will find upsetting... Well, those who are sensitive to the kilt and Highland dress being worn in accordance with the would-be 'rules'. Kilt cops should look away..!

Only two episodes are available, but there seems enough material to make a whole series following just one of the characters to be seen. Several months' footage has been condensed down into short screen-time, so guessing at what has been eddited-out leaves you wanting more. Hopefully more will follow.

See it here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episod...y/tartan-tales

**OC Richard** · 1st March 26, 07:49 AM

That sounds really cool. I'm especially going to like the Pipe Band part.

Unfortunately that link gives "not available in your region".

Hopefully the show will make it to BritBox, PBS, or something here in The States.

**Troglodyte** · 2nd March 26, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

That sounds really cool. I'm especially going to like the Pipe Band part.

Unfortunately that link gives "not available in your region".

Hopefully the show will make it to BritBox, PBS, or something here in The States.

Have you tried using a VPN to view the programmes..?

**OC Richard** · 2nd March 26, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by Troglodyte

Have you tried using a VPN to view the programmes..?

I haven't. It's something I should look into.

**figheadair** · 7th March 26, 03:05 PM

I've yet to watch this.

Screenshot_20260307_220214_Chrome.jpg

**jsrnephdoc** · 8th March 26, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

I've yet to watch this.

Perhaps your screen grab provides an additional clue why those of us in the USA cannot see the videos. There's a "sign in" link. Does the BBC charge for access?

Only peripherally related, but yesterday it was too windy for me to bicycle outside; in my retirement community's fabulous exercise facilities, the stationary bikes are internet-connected, and I watched you being interviewed in the Tartan Museum in Dundee. It will be a MUST SEE visit on my next trip to Scotland!

Of course, I also watched YouTube videos hosted by Scots that pronounced with absolute certainty that family tartans blossomed in the 15th and 16th centuries!

And I never knew previously that one could determine where 16th century sheep called home from DNA testing. I fancied myself a biologist, but of course one nurtured more than 50 years ago. Do you have a link understandable to the common dolt that discusses that (the DNA testing, not my impoverished education)?

**figheadair** · 8th March 26, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by jsrnephdoc

Perhaps your screen grab provides an additional clue why those of us in the USA cannot see the videos. There's a "sign in" link. Does the BBC charge for access?

I believe that many be the case even with a VPN.

Only peripherally related, but yesterday it was too windy for me to bicycle outside; in my retirement community's fabulous exercise facilities, the stationary bikes are internet-connected, and I watched you being interviewed in the Tartan Museum in Dundee. It will be a MUST SEE visit on my next trip to Scotland!

The V&A Tartan Exhibition ran for a year with loans from elsewhere, both private and public, it is not a permanent feature of the museum

Of course, I also watched YouTube videos hosted by Scots that pronounced with absolute certainty that family tartans blossomed in the 15th and 16th centuries!

Which was of course, not the case, family tartans are post 1815.

And I never knew previously that one could determine where 16th century sheep called home from DNA testing. I fancied myself a biologist, but of course one nurtured more than 50 years ago. Do you have a link understandable to the common dolt that discusses that (the DNA testing, not my impoverished education)?

Not DNA but Isotope Analysis. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/cou.../0/steps/67901

**Jock Scot** · 9th March 26, 02:53 AM

Doc.. As I and others, have pointed out a few times before on this website, one needs to be careful when listening/reading and sadly, believing, what some of the tourist industry peddles as fact. WE call it "biscuit tin" history.

**Pleater** · 9th March 26, 03:27 AM

I just watched the programs and did wince a few times.
It is the same with many things though - morris dancing and folk music suffer from similar claims and there are not a few charlatans who perform rather than simply sing and/or play, and as for English smocks and traditional knitting patterns - tales for tourists.

Anne the Pleater

**jsrnephdoc** · 9th March 26, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Doc.. As I and others, have pointed out a few times before on this website, one needs to be careful when listening/reading and sadly, believing, what some of the tourist industry peddles as fact. WE call it "biscuit tin" history.

Which was PRECISELY the point of my own post. Sorry you didn't catch the irony literally dripping from my terminal "!".