I must pipe in and correct something Cajunscot wrote when this thread first began in 2007 in regards to the 79th / Cameron of Erracht / The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders Tartan being based off the 42nd Government Black Watch Tartan. Not true ! In fact, here it goes :
The 79th (Cameron of Erracht) Tartan was unique among Scottish Regiments owing to the fact that it was not derived from the 42nd Government (Black Watch) Tartan. It was created by taking the MacDonald sett, omitting three red lines and imposing the yellow line of Clan Cameron.
The 79th Tartan was a source of jealousy guarded pride to the Cameron Highlanders. In 1881, when the linking of battalions was taking place, the War Office considered linking the 42nd Royal Highlanders with the 79th Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. The problem was that both Regiments would have to wear the same Tartan and obviously the 42nd had precedence. The Camerons were asked by telegram, "Will your Regiment adopt the Tartan of the 42nd Regiment ?" Risking disbandment or amalagamation, the curt reply in the negative left the War Office in no doubt that no one interferes with the 79th Tartan.
The Tartan worn by the 79th Regiment was known as the Cameron of Erracht. It was designed by Sir Allan Cameron's mother upon his request. She was the daughter of Ranald MacDonnell of Keppoch. She based the design on a mixing of the MacDonnell of Keppoch and Cameron Tartans using local Lochaber dyes.
Another source states: When the Regiment was raised by Sir Allan Cameron of Erracht, his mother designed the Tartan. It happened that Sir Allan's mother was a MacDonald of Keppoch and she wished to respect the sentiments of both Clans, she blended the Tartans of the MacDonalds with that of the Camerons.
And lastly from the Scottish Tartans Authority :
Worn by the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (79th). When asked if the Regiment would adopt the Tartan of the 42nd Black Watch, the reply was an emphatic "NO!" and the Cameron of Erracht Tartan in fact, owes it's origins to the MacDonald Tartan.
Sorry if this was boring to some. I'm a Representative for Clan Cameron in my region and part of my duty is to preserve and promote our Clans proud History. This is something I take seriously. Now that has been taken care of, on with the kilts .
Yours Aye,
Sean