Quote Originally Posted by Cawdorian
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The Black Watch Tartan is the modern version of the Campbell Clan Tartan, it is not endorsed by the Clan Cheif, the ancient verion is endorsed by the Clan Cheif.
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Actually the Government or Blackwatch sett dates to at least 1739, well before any known clan tartans. Legend says that it was a Campbell tartan, adopted because so many Campbells served in the Regiment. Legend also says that it was a Grant tartan, adopted because so many Grants served in the regiment!

It is far more likely that it was adopted by Campbell and Grant (and at least four additional clans) because so many of their members had served in the 42nd. And probably all of them have the legend.

"Ancient" refers to the color intensity, intended to resemble the old vegetable dyes after they'd faded from a few years wear. It displays the sett much more clearly, which is specifically why the present Chief of Grant specified Ancient colors both for Grant and Grant Hunting (aka Black Watch).

My own clan, Grant, is one of the few where any hint exists of there being any specified tartan for the clan prior to the 19th century. In 1704 the Chief specified that his men were to wear "red and green broad sprigged" when serving him. In 1714 two portraits were painted of his "Champion" (i.e. body guard) and his piper wearing it, and it bears no resemblance at all to the present Grant sett. Reconstructed thread counts from the portraits vary slightly, and the reconstructed setts are known as "Grant Champion" and "Grant Piper".

Will Pratt