Scottish National Tartan.. Jock and other Scots?

**Mickey** · 12th May 12, 09:08 PM

After reading Leo's post,
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-church-73934/

I had a question about this tartan and it's appropriateness. It is the first kilt my wife bought for me as she thought it would look good on me. After a quick research on it, I decided that I probably shouldn't wear it in public, ever, based on my own ignorance and desire not to offend.

For the real Scots, does this tartan actually carry the political tone that I've been lead to believe based on online research, or is it really a non issue (Think Bushmills vs Jameson whisky).

I'm not sure this kilt will even fit me these days, but I am very curious to know how folks in the UK feel about this tartan.

**Jock Scot** · 12th May 12, 11:18 PM

I have to confess that I have no idea what the Scottish National tartan looks like and I have even less idea of any "connections" attached to it. You have to remember that generally speaking the Scots wear their one clan tartan and care little about any other, so I doubt that my lack of knowledge about the tartan in question and many others, would be uncommon.

**MacSpadger** · 13th May 12, 12:26 AM

After some thought, I'd decided I can't get my napper round this one either. What political context does a modern tartan launched on St Andrew's Day 1993 by Lochcarron in order to sell more kilts, actually have?

We are talking about the "Scottish National Tartan", yes?

**PEEDYC** · 13th May 12, 12:31 AM

From what I was led to believe when growing up you can wear any tartan you want. It is only when you "claim rights" to said tartan that it becomes a political issue. (Whatever those rights are I do not know) I wear Campbell tartans but only because I have Campbells in my family tree. I can wear and claim rights to the McKinnon's as my mother was one but I have worn Fraser and McBeth with pride too as a boy. (Availability and cost for my parents)

Jock is right. Most Scots assuming they do care will only have knowledge of their own family tartan and care little for any other. I posted some time ago about the kilt I wore to Gambia last / this year. It was supposed to be an authentic tartan but when it arrived some of the colours were too bright but as it was a very cheap one I wore it instead of sending it back. I was only asked once (by a Scot) if it was an authentic tartan and when I told them the story they were very understanding and agreed with me.

Get your kilt out and wear it with pride.

**Chas** · 13th May 12, 03:15 AM

Only 0.1% of the total population of the British Isles would know what the tartan is. They only know because they are in the industry.
Of that 0.1%, only 0.2% care. Again, they care because they are in the industry.

The rest of the population neither knows nor cares.

Make your own mind up and don't bother what others think.

Regards

Chas

**MacRobert's Reply** · 13th May 12, 07:14 AM

I can’t think of any political or potentially offensive associations with this tartan. I thought it was just a fashion tartan. I wonder if this is being confused with the Scottish National Party tartan which, I guess, could imply that the wearer is a member or supporter of the SNP.

**Mickey** · 13th May 12, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by MacRobert's Reply

I wonder if this is being confused with the Scottish National Party tartan which, I guess, could imply that the wearer is a member or supporter of the SNP.

That is what I gathered, hence my reluctance to wear it. Thanks guys! Assuming it still fits, I may start wearing it, though I have others that I like so much more anyway.

**JohntheBiker** · 13th May 12, 12:53 PM

I've worn the Scottish National tartan in Scotland (it's a knock-about kilt) and the only person who commented on and recognized the tartan was a fellow in a kilt shop - clearly in the industry.

It is fairly common as a kilt for hire tartan in this neck of the woods.

**chrisupyonder** · 13th May 12, 04:09 PM

Then there is the Scottish National Dress and the Scottish National Hunting variants, Flower of Scotland, Pride of Scotland and a few others.
There is nothing political about these tartans, they were designed for anyone to wear and many Scots, even though their ancestors go back 100's of years, don't actually have a clan name.
The Flower of Scotland is a popular hire tartan up here in Caithness for weddings etc.

Chris.

**Jock Scot** · 13th May 12, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by chrisupyonder

--------
The Flower of Scotland is a popular hire tartan up here in Caithness for weddings etc.

Chris.

Hummm, I am wondering here. I can well imagine that these non affiliated "fashion" tartans are standard issue for hire companies Chris, I cannot imagine many locals up your way, would have their own kilt made in these tartans. Any thoughts Chris?