Scottish tartan and kilts

Where did tartan come from?

Despite its close association with Scotland, the earliest sample of tartan was actually found in China from around 3000 BC. Its Scottish roots run deep though, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century. We’ve been using it to make kilts, bagpipes, rebellions, and fashion statements ever since.

The Jacobite Rebellion

Fast forward a few centuries and we start to see tartan really exploding on the scene. Picture windswept romantics in the Highland countryside swathed in glorious Scottish tartan from head to toe. This is a popular conception of Scottish clans and their tartan, but it was the result of some clever Jacobite propaganda that’s added to myth and legend over the years.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, Scotland’s roguish Jacobite hero, arrived on Scottish soil fully clad in tartan in 1745, using fashion to draw together the ancient strength of the Scottish clans to fight for the throne. Although the Jacobite rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, tartan became so powerfully interwoven with the idea of Scottish identity and rebellion that it was banned by the British Government following the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Learn more about The Jacobites

Tartan today  

Tartan isn’t just about the past; it continues to weave its story across Scotland and the globe.

It has always been at the forefront of modernity – the first ever colour photo was of a tartan ribbon, and it’s even travelled to space! Tartan is just as easily found on a high fashion runway and as part of school uniforms. In more recent years, some of the world’s biggest names in fashion have gravitated towards this fabric for its bold look and history of rebellion, from Chanel and Dior to Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

Its uncanny ability to express tradition or undermine it – sometimes even at the same time – means it’s been powerfully adopted by causes and groups to represent their values and social conscience. It has connected LGBTQ+ communities with a shared identity, a tartan design was registered to represent the climate change summit COP26, and it’s been used to raise awareness of MND in honour of the legendary rugby player, Doddie Weir. There’s even a Homeless tartan – 20% of all sales of this fabric go to the charity Shelter Scotland.

Tartan is a fabulously diverse and playful material for everybody.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games lands in the city this summer, bringing with it talent, sportsmanship, athletes from across the globe, and a welcoming community for everyone to enjoy.

Did you know that a new tartan is set to launch at the games? A combination of blue, pink, and purple tones will feature on the official tartan for Glasgow 2026, which was created by award-winning Scottish fashion designer, Siobhan Mackenzie. No detail has gone unnoticed in creating this tartan, which you’ll be able to see on the new mascot as well as in official tartan merchandise.