Is Isle of Skye considered universal?

[OC Richard]

Yes with Isle Of Skye Mrs Samios owns the rights, and only Lochcarron (1993) and Marton Mills (not sure of date) are authorized to weave it.

But I don't think there's ever been any restrictions on wearing it.

Not that the restrictions on weaving IOS have stopped people from illegally weaving and selling it! The so-called Singh brothers were brought to court by Mrs Samios over it, due to some or all of their 19 different organs selling it. The half-dozen Sweeney organs also sell pirated IOS, woven with slight changes.

Besides that, IOS is woven in ribbon and taffeta and perhaps silk (I've seen wedding dresses made out of it) but I don't know whether these uses are authorized.

I suppose IOS should be considered a district tartan due to its stated purpose being to commemorate the island.

The Isle Of Skye Pipe Band (perhaps the only pipe band on the island) switched to the IOS tartan, and several other bands around the world also wear it.