Tartan proliferation -- good or bad?

[Tim Little]

Some time ago I signed up to receive e-mail notifications when new tartans are logged with the the Register of Tartans. Over the past couple of months I've naturally received numerous e-mails saying that a new tartan has been added. Many -- though by no means all -- of these seem to be "personal" tartans, designed by and for one individual and his/her family.

So, my question is: What are we to make of this flurry of tartan design -- (aided and abetted no doubt by wonderful tools such as TartanDesigner.com)? Can there possibly be too many tartans?

On the one hand, it's wonderful to see people take to the idea of tartan as a medium for individual expression -- to create a unique work of art honoring one's heritage that can be bequeathed to future generations. Of course, it also natural that businesses and organizations may want a unique tartan as part of their "brand" identity, and obviously commercial ("fashion") tartans will be created wherever there is a market for them.

On the other hand are all these new tartan designs really a good thing? I feel one of the (many) positive aspects of tartan is the sense of camaraderie when a familiar sett is spotted across a crowded room. (Ah, Mackenzie! ) Does the proliferation of tartan design dilute this in any way? There are currently over 6000 tartans on the Register; at what point do we have enough?

I obviously have mixed feelings; what do you think?