• 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
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    A kilt is a piece of tartan, worn around the waist, however, a "proper" kilt is usually accompanied by:

  • A sporran - a small bag worn around the waist, over the kilt. Sporran is the Gaelic word for purse
  • A kilt pin - a heavy pin affixed to the outer flap of the kilt
  • Sgian dubh (pronounced skee-an doo) - a small dagger which sits in the sock
    •      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!
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