Arizona tartan

**Retro Red** · 27th April 06, 11:21 AM

Calling all Zonies...

Say, I'm in discussions with M.A.C. Newsome about getting a kilt made in the Arizona tartan.

Anyone ever seen this tartan before?

I think it'll be fairly unique... of course, to match this color scheme that'll mean getting a brown leather sporran & belt & some new hose &...

**macwilkin** · 27th April 06, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Retro Red

Calling all Zonies...

Say, I'm in discussions with M.A.C. Newsome about getting a kilt made in the Arizona tartan.

Anyone ever seen this tartan before?

I think it'll be fairly unique... of course, to match this color scheme that'll mean getting a brown leather sporran & belt & some new hose &...

Yep, sure have. I'm pretty sure the Caledonian Society of Arizona had something to do with it:

http://www.arizonascots.com/

On their web site is a wee "blurb" about the tartan:

The “Arizona State Tartan” was officially recognized in December, 1995, by a proclamation by the Governor. Colors in the Arizona tartan are green, tan, white, red, black, yellow, and azure, all significant to the state’s history. Many Arizona citizens were involved in creating this newest symbol of our State with the common goal of celebrating a part of our Scottish heritage.

You might contact the society or the governor's office to get a copy of the proclomation.

I rather like the tartan, and I'll be curious to see it "in person" rather than just a computer graphic. I'd like to get a tie in it for my Dad, since he is the Arizona native.

Cheers,

Todd

**Aggie** · 27th April 06, 11:53 AM

If Matt is doing it then you must be interested in a box pleat. It's very good looking and if you decide on it, I'd like to see a pic when your done. You'll also be covered for St. Patricks Day. I have an old college friend in Tucson. Next time I talk to him I'll have to throw the "Arizona kilt idea" out and see what he thinks.

**Kilted KT** · 27th April 06, 12:21 PM

Reminds me of some of the thompson hunting tartans. The kilt should look really good!

**Alan H** · 27th April 06, 12:42 PM

I think it's a handsome tartan, myself...

**Bill** · 27th April 06, 06:25 PM

Having grown up in Arizona I think a great deal of this tartan and hope one day to have a kilt made in it. It is quite beautiful.

Bill

**Prester John** · 27th April 06, 07:01 PM

I'll have to see this one in real life.

With apologies to everyone who likes it, this tartan does nothing for me.

But that's just me.

**macwilkin** · 27th April 06, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Prester John

I'll have to see this one in real life.

With apologies to everyone who likes it, this tartan does nothing for me.

But that's just me.

Father,

With all due respect, it's not so much the tartan that does it for me, but the symbolism behind it. My father was born in Prescott, Arizona. My grandparents used to live there, and I spent a lot of time there, exploring the state and its history. Only later did I discover that the Scots were in Arizona as well -- Scots like General Thomas MacGregor, a native of Paisley, who served in the Apache wars -- and his son Rob Roy MacGregor, a cowboy in Southern AZ. Or a good friend of mine, Marshall Trimble, the state historian of AZ who taught me that history belongs to the people -- and that lesson has stayed with me ever since.

It's not an old tartan by any stretch of the imagination, but it stands for something for me -- my connections to Arizona, my father, my grandfather (may he rest in peace).

Sorry to get sappy, but I think that's why I like it.

Regards,

Todd

**Beertigger** · 27th April 06, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

With all due respect, it's not so much the tartan that does it for me, but the symbolism behind it. ....

Only later did I discover that the Scots were in Arizona as well

Don't forget that Tucson was founded by an Irishman: Don Hugo O'Conor, a member of the Wild Geese who ended up a conquistador. The impressively titled son of Erin - Commandant Inspector General of the Interior Provinces of New Spain - started a presidio (Spanish fort) here in 1775.

Bringing it back to kilts: a number of the Wild Geese who fought for the French are said to have worn kilts. Wonder if any who saw service for the Spanish crown were so attired, and if any of 'em ended up here?

-- Almost forgot, that tartan doesn't do much for me, based on the graphic. I'd like to see a photo, though, if anyone out there's got one....

**macwilkin** · 28th April 06, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by Beertigger

Don't forget that Tucson was founded by an Irishman: Don Hugo O'Conor, a member of the Wild Geese who ended up a conquistador. The impressively titled son of Erin - Commandant Inspector General of the Interior Provinces of New Spain - started a presidio (Spanish fort) here in 1775.

Bringing it back to kilts: a number of the Wild Geese who fought for the French are said to have worn kilts. Wonder if any who saw service for the Spanish crown were so attired, and if any of 'em ended up here?

-- Almost forgot, that tartan doesn't do much for me, based on the graphic. I'd like to see a photo, though, if anyone out there's got one....

Yes, I did forget Don Hugo, didn't I? :mrgreen:

As far as the "Wild Geese" wearing kilts, I've never heard that one before. In fact, the Scots who served with the French wore standard French uniforms; the only thing distinguishing them as Scots was a "guid blue bonnet" (with white cockades) -- and don't forget Allen Breck Stewart in "Kidnapped" in full French kit.

Besides, I don't think any of the Irish regiments in the Spanish Army ended up in the Southwest -- I'll have to look at McLaughlin and Hennessy's books on the Wild Geese and see if I can find anything.

Cheers,

Todd