Thankyou very much Steve, I think both the information you and Figheadair provided are of great benefit to my brother & I've suggested he joins the forum to get access to the considerable knowledge base here.

What is the process for registering for membership with the Scottish Tartans Authority and The Register Of Tartans and would there be any cost in joining them?

I have also suggested approaching the local woollen mills and asking them, but wasn't sure if they would provide a thread count for someone who would weave it themselves.