Black Stewart: What is the back-story?

[Fit2BKilted]

It has its own STA number, 1061; but, who wears it? Does the branch of the Clan still exist? Is it generally considered a 'universal' like Royal Stewart; or, is it more exclusive... Any interesting anecdotes would also be welcome.

http://scotweb-objects.com/images/ta...dga_hw1630.jpg
http://www.stillwaterkilts.com/Resources/swk-bshw.jpg

[St. Amish]

It's a Stewart sett with a black field. The "Royal" is the same sett with a red background, and the "dress" has a white background.

I don't know if it's related, but there is a story about the "Black Stewart". Maybe, in addition to changing his name, he changed the field of his tartan as well.

"The Stuarts of Bute are descended from John Stewart, a natural son of Robert II, who was granted the lands of Bute, Arran and Cumbrae by his father. He was known as the 'Black Stewart,' to distinguish him from his brother, John of Dundonald, who became known as the 'Red Stewart.'

The grant of lands on Bute was confirmed in 1400 by a Charter from Robert III, along with his becoming Hereditary Sheriff of Bute. Following the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, the family adopted the alternative spelling. Sir James Stuart of Bute became a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1627. He supported Charles I, who appointed him Royal Lieutenant of the West of Scotland, but following the King's execution, fled to Ireland. His estates were confiscated and he was forced to pay a substantial sum of money to have them returned to his family.

The Stuarts of Bute supported William of Orange and Queen Mary, and in the reign of Queen Anne, Sir James' grandson, another Sir James, was one of the Commissioners for the negotiation of the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England. In 1703, he was created Earl of Bute.

During the 1715 Jacobite Uprising, the Stuarts of Bute supported the Government. John, 3rd Earl of Bute was a close friend of George III and was appointed First Lord of the Treasury. In 1763, he concluded the Treaty with France which brought the Seven Years' War to an end. John, 4th Earl of Bute was created Marquess of Bute in 1796."

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Years ago I was told, and I always thought it was hogwash, that Royal Stewart was changed from red to black to mourn the passing of Queen Victoria's son, the Duke of Clarance.

I actually believe it to be a fashion tartan originally created for ladies who found the red Royal Stewart tartan too garish.

So there you have it: A Hannoverian Marquis, a dead Duke, or ladies fashion. Take your pick.

[Fit2BKilted]

Thanks, gents!

I was curious because there're some available from Stillwater in their Heavyweight Wool line for $130.00 which is within my budget for the 'beater-kilt' I've been seeking, and it was the only tartan option besides Black Watch at the moment...

Do any of you know if it is standard practice at Stillwater to offer one generic and one 'random' (bargain priced wool?) tartan among their Heavyweight Wool kilt line along with the solids? I've only just reviewed their wares, and I'm guessing from the way the the Black Stewart has recently been labelled 'Limited Availability' that such practices are <<de rigueure>> at Stillwater...

[heilanner]

you asked who wears it... the only people i have seen wearing it in anything like an official capacity is the Grampian Police Pipe Band

[Fit2BKilted]

you asked who wears it... the only people i have seen wearing it in anything like an official capacity is the Grampian Police Pipe Band

Thanks! If I may ask, where is that Police Pipe Band based?

[raibeart_dubh]

Thanks, gents!

I was curious because there're some available from Stillwater in their Heavyweight Wool line for $130.00 which is within my budget for the 'beater-kilt' I've been seeking, and it was the only tartan option besides Black Watch at the moment...

Do any of you know if it is standard practice at Stillwater to offer one generic and one 'random' (bargain priced wool?) tartan among their Heavyweight Wool kilt line along with the solids? I've only just reviewed their wares, and I'm guessing from the way the the Black Stewart has recently been labelled 'Limited Availability' that such practices are <<de rigueure>> at Stillwater...

Jerry is very upfront and up to date about what he has. If it's not on the website or it disappears from the website it means he doesn't have that item at the moment. As soon as he does have it, it will be back on the site. As far as your question about the limited availability in the wool kilt line, it's always been that way to my knowledge (I seem to remember that the first time I went to the site he had the Black Watch and the solids and in limited availability the weathered Lamont.) I imagine it's hard to find a variety of tartans that he can offer for the $130 price point, so when he can get kilts in a particular tartan and be able to sell it at that price he does it.

Jerry offers up some of the best service you will receive anywhere! Buy from him with the utmost confidence!

[Fit2BKilted]

Jerry offers up some of the best service you will receive anywhere! Buy from him with the utmost confidence!

I suppose I should just send Jerry an email asking what the next tartan he's planning to offer in the Heavyweight Wool line is... ;-) I fully intend to buy one of those kilts from him... even if I have to settle for Black Watch. (There don't seem to be any Black Stewart kilts left in my size, anyway.)

[piperdbh]

duplicate post

[piperdbh]

If Jerry doesn't have a particular item in stock, give him 20 minutes and he'll get it for you.

http://www.pdcpd.org/wand/
Here's a link to the Wake and District Pipes and Drums, which are located in and around Raleigh, NC. They wear the Black Stewart, and you can see different shots of the pleats.

A few months ago there was a thread about different ways to pleat that tartan. Does anyone know where that thread is now?