Kilts & tartan

• It's a fabric made up of horizontal and vertical stripes in different colours, on a coloured background
• The interwoven stripes are known as a sett
• It originated in the Highlands
• The first mention of tartan in Scotland was in 1538
• Originally, clanspeople used local plants, mosses and berries to dye the wool

Some fun facts about kilts

• The kilt also originated in the Highlands
• Originally it was an untailored, 5 metre-long piece of cloth
• It was known as the fèileadh-mòr in Gaelic (pronounced philamore), meaning the "big kilt"
• It was worn around the waist, similar to a modern kilt, but the remaining fabric was also draped over the shoulder and pinned
• This upper portion could be adjusted according to the demands of weather, temperature or freedom of movement needed
• It grew in popularity after being chosen by Highland regiments serving with the British Army
• It quickly became sought after south of the border as the British aristocracy considered all things Scottish a fashion statement. Today it features prominently in Vivienne Westwood designs

Where are kilts worn today?

• At weddings, by the wedding party and guests
• At Highland games, by athletes and spectators
• At ceilidhs, by dancers and the band

How else can tartan be worn?

• A traditional tartan plaid, wrapped over a plain piece of clothing
• A tartan dress or skirt
• A tartan bow tie or tie
• A tartan ribbon
• Tartan shoes
• Tartan bags
• Tartan trousers
• And much more!