Strathearn?

[figheadair]

I'm guessing that the OP refers to the first sett in which case it is a 'Royal District Universal' tartan.

[Domehead]

Which begs the question "Why is it not restricted?"

In the Gordon Teall of Teallach & Dr. Phillip D. Smith, Jr. work, District Tartans, 1992, Strathearn is one of only three setts, among 56 Scottish District setts, which give no specific indication it is available to everyone. The others being Dunblane & Rothesay

As well, James D. Scarlett, in Tartan: The Highland Textile, 1990, Appx. F, p189 includes the following note from Wilson's themselves, regarding samples they sent James Logan for his 1831 work, which he subsequently omitted:
"Earl of Strathearn. Tartan worn by the Royals by order of the Duke of Kent"

Scarlett also includes a wonderful note on the artistic / thematic construction of the pattern itself, which Figheadair, Mr. Newsome, et al or O.C. Richard might comment on.

As with many "Royal" tartans, the cat is well-and-truly out of the bag. But, it seems this particular sett, save for the Pipe Band in central Perth, has nothing but Royal pedigree.

Ryan

[Benning Boy]

It's the Strathearn Royal that got my attention.



When looking at the tartans available for Burnett's & Struth $199 kilt sale I noticed Strathearn Ancient available. Not knowing it I decided to research it. Using both Google and Bing to search images I've found a handful of versions. Also looked at the Tartan Registry and Tartan Authority sites, and Scotweb. The Dalgliesh versions don't have royal in the name. I haven't found Strathearn Ancient specifically attributed to Lochcarron, but have asked James at B&S if he can send me a picture of it. It's not even listed on the Lochcarron site. I did find a House of Edgar version I really like. It's listed as a district tartan. They all remind me of prairie flowers, especially some that grow more commonly west on the High Plains.

It's depicted on the actual Strathearn District web site, suggesting to me it may be considered a district tartan. But of course there's the royal affiliation. I did find a picture of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a tartan scarf said to be Strathearn, but to my eye it doesn't look quite the same as other examples.

[Domehead]

As Mr. MacDonald (Figheadair) said, it is a District Sett. The image of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the tartan scarf is most likely associated with that made by D.C. Dalgliesh Artisan Weavers in Selkirk, a favorite of myself and others on XMTS. They featured her image wearing said article, re-introducing the sett to the public.

I was referencing that except for the Balmoral, many of the "Royal" tartans have gone the way of "universal". I'm not necessarily sure that they should. If we are to balance the actual history of "named" tartan phenomena with the significance attached to "clan" tartans through wont-&-use, then such respect should be observed in both directions.

Ryan

[BCAC]

As Mr. MacDonald (Figheadair) said, it is a District Sett. The image of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the tartan scarf is most likely associated with that made by D.C. Dalgliesh Artisan Weavers in Selkirk, a favorite of myself and others on XMTS. They featured her image wearing said article, re-introducing the sett to the public.

I was referencing that except for the Balmoral, many of the "Royal" tartans have gone the way of "universal". I'm not necessarily sure that they should. If we are to balance the actual history of "named" tartan phenomena with the significance attached to "clan" tartans through wont-&-use, then such respect should be observed in both directions.

Ryan

Like you said, it's a district sett. It's not restricted. He can wear it if he wants to.

[Domehead]

And here we go again. BCAC, you've a tendency toward curt responses which drives me nuts.

I didn't say the sett wasn't a "District" sett.
I didn't say the OP couldn't wear it.

The OP clearly stated, "I don't know quite where it fits in"
That is an inquisitive statement which invites conversation / education.
I've actually deferred to expert input from others.

But, please, peer surface deep & participate with an ice pick.

Ryan

[Benning Boy]

Thanks for the comments. I would like to know more. I said above B&S listed Strathearn Ancient on the sale list. I apparently had ancient on my mind, as I was just looking at it before making that post. Clearly it's Strathearn Modern on the sale list.

[BCAC]

And here we go again. BCAC, you've a tendency toward curt responses which drives me nuts.

I didn't say the sett wasn't a "District" sett.
I didn't say the OP couldn't wear it.

The OP clearly stated, "I don't know quite where it fits in"
That is an inquisitive statement which invites conversation / education.
I've actually deferred to expert input from others.

But, please, peer surface deep & participate with an ice pick.

Ryan

OK. You stated (my bold):-

As Mr. MacDonald (Figheadair) said, it is a District Sett. The image of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the tartan scarf is most likely associated with that made by D.C. Dalgliesh Artisan Weavers in Selkirk, a favorite of myself and others on XMTS. They featured her image wearing said article, re-introducing the sett to the public.

I was referencing that except for the Balmoral, many of the "Royal" tartans have gone the way of "universal". I'm not necessarily sure that they should. If we are to balance the actual history of "named" tartan phenomena with the significance attached to "clan" tartans through wont-&-use, then such respect should be observed in both directions.

Ryan

In which you are saying "I don't think that they should". Basically, with that, people could understand that you're telling him not to wear it. If he's a newbe to this world, then he might just no longer wear the tartan that he likes because you said you don't think that he should. My gut reaction to that is who on earth are you to tell him what or what not to wear? People telling other people what to do on here is driving ME nuts. It is nothing against you, Ryan. I would have typed the same answer whoever posted that.

It is difficult to get messages across on the internet with only words. Jock Scot himself, who has a way of using words, would say something like "It's just not done, old chap" or "I've never seen it worn like that here in Scotland" or "people around here wouldn't do it like that" but at the end he would always say, but if you like wearing it that way, it's yours, wear it how you like.

In the light of Peter's latest post it would appear that it's not a Royal tartan anyway, so it's a moot point.