New Tartan to Benefit Black Watch Heritage Appeal

**Monkey@Arms** · 5th January 10, 10:33 AM

A new tartan named in honour of the Black Watch is being unveiled today.

The Red Hackle Tartan takes its name from the distinctive red plume worn by the regiment’s soldiers.

Originally made from red vulture feathers, the red hackle has been worn by the Black Watch since 1822.

It is thought to have been first awarded to the regiment following their action at the Battle of Geldermalsen in 1795.

The new design incorporates the dark regimental tartan of the Black Watch overlaid with a series of overchecks in two shades of red.

It was designed by Perthshire-based House of Edgar, part of Macnaughton Holdings Ltd, with the final tartan approved by Black Watch officials.

*Snip*

“We hope it will appeal not only to anyone connected with the Black Watch – either at present or in the past – but also to the public who have no allegiance to any clan tartan.

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1548187

Best regards,

Jake

**davidlpope** · 5th January 10, 11:31 AM

You can see what the tartan design looks like when worn, here:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footbal...1466-25530690/

Cordially,

David

**Tobus** · 5th January 10, 11:36 AM

Oh my! I like it! The tartan AND the girl! She wears it so well...

Seriously, that is a nice tartan.

**Tim Little** · 5th January 10, 11:42 AM

Here's a link to the details from the Register of Tartans:
http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tar...aspx?ref=10124

The Red Hackle tartan has been designed as a tribute to the men and women of The Black Watch, both past and present. Originally used to identify troops in the midst of battle, there is doubt as to exactly when the Black Watch's unique Red Hackle was adopted by the Regiment. Whether it was first used during the American War of Independence or later during the battle of Geldermeisen campaign on January 5th, 1795, what is beyond dispute is that in 1822 the Army's Adjutant General confirmed the unique right of the 42nd Regiment (Black Watch) to wear the Red Hackle in their bonnets. In memory of Geldermeisen, the 5th January subsequently became the regimental day, and is now known as Red Hackle Day. The new tartan is based on perhaps the world’s most recognised textile design, the famous Black Watch tartan, to which a series of overchecks in two shades of red has been added. It was selected from a number of designs submitted to the regimental headquarters at Balhousie Castle in Perth. A proportion of all sales of the tartan will be donated to The Black Watch Heritage Appeal.

**muirkirkca** · 5th January 10, 12:56 PM

I like this tartan and hope it becomes readily available in a number of weights.
Good for those who may be sensitive about wearing a clan tartan but want one with a strong historical base.