Disclaimer: I know this topic has been brought up before in some degree, and I wasn't going to post it, but was encouraged by someone "who kens tartan" that it would be a worthwhile discussion. Since originally writing I've lost the links that I originally put in- sorry. I'll see if I can dig them up again or maybe someone can make an addendum to the sighted articles and tartan swatches etc...

I'm curious if anyone has more detailed information/history on what is commonly called "Hunting MacGregor" by the weavers, but which Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor says should be MacGregor of Cardney (and only worn by that family). It seems at odds with the generally naming of tartans that the so called Hunting MacGregor is the exact same set as the Clan or Red MacGregor tartan, whereas virtually all other "hunting" tartans have their own set/pattern apart from the formal "clan" tartan (as far as I can tell). Given the convoluted nature of Clan tartans, I suppose this may not necessarily be as noteworthy as it may seem.

The crux of my perplexity is the Chief declaring that MacGregor of Cardney "...should only be worn by that family" where this tartan is, and probably has been, widely available from a multitude of weavers and is greatly popular with clan members at large. I suppose also it should be enough that my chief says it is so, but it is not so easy for me in this particular case. I am not questioning my Chief's authority on this per se, and certainly mean no disrespect, but simply want to better understand what from my estimation goes against common tartan practice. To wit: most clan tartans are only nominally associated with their actual clan/family, though most folk seem very keen to find/have an actual historical connection etc; so when there is a very personal and close connection with a tartan as per Sir Malcolm's story of the "hunting" MacGregor (see Chief's Letter above), it would seem logical for the clan to embrace this (even more). Sir Malcolm's letter states that the Cardney family wore this tint of the tartan ever after it was accidentally died so, but it is not made clear that no one else wore it. Given that the garments created from the Cardney's original weaving of this particular shade of the Clan tartan likely lasted multiple generations (kilts being past down from father to son etc), this seems not out of the ordinary. Being his great uncle, would that also put it at a time when folk still commonly had their tartans custom woven (as opposed to picking their tartan out online :P)? Of course wanting to use their own wool it would have to be "custom" etc.

The "accidental" nature of this tartan is what creates the initial loophole (no pun intended) in my mind, at least, to this being a "private/reserved" tartan because its invention was seemingly not meant to be set apart from other MacGregor tartan (initially at least). It could very well be that Sir Malcolm is simply upholding what became a unique family tradition within the MacGregor heritage at large, as opposed to an explicit rule of this tartan's creator to be "Cardney family wear only" (and I'm very curious to know...). I can't find the reference now, but I remember reading that someone stated Sir Malcolm's Great Uncle (who instigated the wine coloured tartan) wore the clan or Red MacGregor tartan at his wedding as opposed to his Cardney Tartan. I could be mis-remembering this story, and not remembering the source I would have no idea if it was accurate or not (which is one reason I am petitioning this forum... ). This "tale" also goes toward my impression contrary to Sir Malcolm's declaration on the matter of the "hunting" tartan only being worn by the Cardney family, so it would help (comfourt me) to know if there were any truth in it.

In any case it would be very interesting to know more about this tartan's colourful history (pun intended).

Cheers,
Wesley


Submitted while wearing Lochcarron Weathered MacGregor 4-yard box pleat from Matt Newsome.