"Tartan - Cloth of a Nation" DVD

[Hamish]

David Freelander Sporrano, I think it was, recently mentioned seeing a reference to a new DVD entitled "Tartan - Cloth of a Nation". This is available from The Scottish Tartans Authority and several other retail and on-line outlets.

I cannot find David's original thread so am opening this one.......

I responded by saying that I had just taken delivery of the DVD, but had not had time to view it.

Well, having overcome some problems with my DVD player, I have now watched it, and here are my thoughts:

Firstly, it is made in the style of a TV documentary, although I am not aware that it has been shown on TV yet, and it runs for only 55 minutes.

It is well filmed and well edited. It is interesting and informative and, I believe, everyone of us can learn something by seeing it. The history of tartan is clearly debated by those who should know: James D. Scarlett, author of "Tartan, the Highland Textile" and Brian Wilton of The Scottish Tartans Authority, and many of the myths are debunked. The importance of tartan in the past, the present and the future is examined.

We see the spinning, dyeing and weaving processes from the sheep's back to the finished fabric, both at historical domestic and current industrial levels.

There are not many kilts to be seen (!), but this is all about tartan, not kilts.

I am very pleased to have this DVD and will, I know, look at it many times. It is kind on the eye and the ear.

Highly recommended. Rating: *****

[Freelander Sporrano]

Thanks for the Review Hamish.
I was waiting to hear what you said about it.I'll put it on my ever Growing "wants list"

[macwilkin]

Given the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound, it's on "hold" for right now, but I do want it for the library! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

T.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Brian Wilton sent me a copy of this DVD and I thoroughly enjoyed it. To my knowledge it is the only documentary that has been produced solely on the subject of tartan.

I did chide Brian a bit about not wearing a kilt in the video, as I know he owns at least two.

Very well done.
Aye,
Matt