Hmm?!

I'm not pretending that the "World Register" (www.tartans.scotland.net) is an accurate source, but I guess to the layperson it'll do as a starter...

Scottish Pride Commercial Tartan WR2348
(Sold as a universal tartan. Woven by Lochcarron Weavers.)

Scottish National Universal Tartan WR2154
(Designed originally for the Scottish National Party but now manufactured and sold without the political association.) *This is the one I was thinking of for my own purchase - think Black Watch with red and white overlapping lines.

Pride of Scotland Universal Tartan WR2469
(This tartan is a Registered Design under the Design Act. It was created for all who aspire to an association with Scotland and might not have a clan or family connection that would enable them to wear a tartan of their own. The colours represent:- Blue and White for Saltire. Purple and Green for the hills.)

National Universal Tartan WR1775
(This sett was designed by the National Association of Scottish Woollen Manufacturers in 1934.)

So, there are no Freedom or Heritage designs registered.

I can understand "Wizard of BC"s irritation at the antics of the Gold Brothers, but if you wanted to protect your reputation/commercial rights etc, why didn't YOU register a Freedom tartan? Indeed, you could still do so now as there doesn't seem to be one. You could always use a cotton version of it as a lining for your kilts (instead of plain material) and that would make them totally distinctive? If they are copying your design of unbifurcated garment, then that's a different matter and I guess international IP law comes into play.

I also understand our natural disinclination towards folks who hit others - that WAS inexcusable and, if I remember rightly, the court issued its punishment accordingly, but I can't help thinking that some of the anti-Gold Brothers discourse that appears on these forums is prompted by deeper feelings that have little to do with their commercial activities.

We have a bloke in our village who is the only successful RETAILER in the village. He gets things done. Not always with as much subtlety as he could, nor with as much consultation, and often to his advantage somewhere down the line, but in the end they get done. Some of his commercial practices, especially the manner in which he treats his longer-serving staff, concern me and I would never work for him, but that doesn't justify the degree of abuse that he gets in some quarters of the village. I'm afraid their resentment reflects their own baggage, and it's helpful sometimes to remember that.

So, thanks for the pointers, guys... You've reinforced my inclination to the Scottish National, now I just need to decide where to get it from (Gold or otherwise).

Cheers, Graham.