Torn Between Two Tartans

**Cygnus** · 21st June 10, 11:45 AM

I'm looking to get my first (and probably only, at least for a LONG while) kilt and have essentially narrowed it down to two. My surname is Swan, and I like the Swan tartan:

I know it's from the Affleck slides, it's just as "authentic" as a fashion tartan but has a direct connection to my family name.
Before anyone says to go with a Gunn or MacQueen kilt, I'm not sure that my forbears were associated with either of those clans and family records are few and far between. I know that I could go with either of these clans, but it just doesn't seem proper for me to do so without more solid evidence of their clan affiliation.
The second is the Holyrood Tartan, which I like and which has some significance for me as the last of my Swan ancestors to live in Scotland had a shop in St. James Place in Edinburgh, which is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Holyrood palace (yes, I know the tartan wasn't around when my ancestors were, but it is still a connection to my roots). The benefit and the downside of using the Holyrood tartan are one and the same: it is common. While it is (somewhat) connected to my family heritage, it is a universal tartan and you see it quite frequently. I like to be more original than that, but common tartans are a lot cheaper than those that require a custom weave.
The Swan tartan's pattern is a bit large for a kilt, but I still like the simple trichromatic scheme and the bold blue it uses. It is, however, quite expensive and looked down on by some traditionalists who question its origins.

So, put yourself in my ghillie brogues and let me know what you would do.

Thank you for your advice!

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 21st June 10, 01:01 PM

I personally like Holyrood better and if the Swan tartan is custom weave that always adds to the expense.

I do like large sett sizes for mens kilts so that shouldn't be an issue.

**piperdbh** · 21st June 10, 01:10 PM

I'd recommend the Swan tartan, and since it will be a custom weave, why not have the weaver replace the thin black stripes with red or green or some other color, thereby making it "yours"? Or, consider having it woven with the ancient colors. That would be really pretty, methinks.

**BoldHighlander** · 21st June 10, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

I'd recommend the Swan tartan, and since it will be a custom weave, why not have the weaver replace the thin black stripes with red or green or some other color, thereby making it "yours"? Or, consider having it woven with the ancient colors. That would be really pretty, methinks.

Oooo .....now there's a thought!

Personally, I'd go with the Swan tartan. I know a custom weave adds to the price tag, however it's your family name, heritage, and that will make it all the more special in the long run. And if it's going to be the only kilt for a looong time, well, you just might as well go for that very special one

Besides, a nice blue kilt just stands out in a sea of green, red, & brown (weathered) based ones!

**xman** · 21st June 10, 02:43 PM

I suggest Lochcarron's Holyrood Gold in their heirloom colours. It's a beautiful tartan and on my long list if I ever get all the kilts on my short list. I hope Buckskin will not mind me reposting his picture.

**Spc. Scott** · 21st June 10, 02:46 PM

Wow I can't really help you out too much on this one as I have always liked, and yet to own, a kilt in Holyrood. On the other hand that Swan tartan looks great! Would be a tough one for me.

Of course there is always the option of having one of each...

And in that case I would go with the Swan first.

**Cygnus** · 21st June 10, 05:25 PM

Thank you, everyone, for your feedback - it is greatly appreciated! I think I may have let my bias toward the more expensive option show, but the Swan is certainly the one I prefer. Part of the appeal to me is the royal blue colour, so I don't think I'd go with an "ancient" version.

Originally Posted by xman

I suggest Lochcarron's Holyrood Gold in their heirloom colours. It's a beautiful tartan and on my long list if I ever get all the kilts on my short list. I hope Buckskin will not mind me reposting his picture.

I do like the Holyrood Golden Jubilee, but it seems that particular tartan is nearly as expensive as the Swan (in which case the Swan wins out).

Originally Posted by Spc. Scott

Of course there is always the option of having one of each...

And in that case I would go with the Swan first.

After twisting my arm, you've convinced me

- eventually I think I'll get a four- or five-yard kilt in the Holyrood tartan for more casual events. Like I said, though, it will be quite some time.

Unless someone comes in and convinces me otherwise, I'm saving my pennies for a Swan tartan eight-yard kilt and a few accessories.

Thanks again, and keep your thoughts coming!

**piperdbh** · 21st June 10, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Cygnus

Unless someone comes in and convinces me otherwise, I'm saving my pennies for a Swan tartan eight-yard kilt and a few accessories. Thanks again, and keep your thoughts coming!

Alright, here's another thought. What if you got a box-pleated kilt, which only uses around 4 yards of fabric? That would bring the price down a little, and you'd have something truly unique.

**McElmurry** · 21st June 10, 06:44 PM

Yes, now I remember. It’s a Mary Macgregor song.

Torn between two tartans, feelin' like a fool
Lovin' both of them is breakin' all the rules

**piperdbh** · 21st June 10, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by McElmurry

Yes, now I remember. It’s a Mary Macgregor song.

Torn between two tartans, feelin' like a fool
Lovin' both of them is breakin' all the rules

No, it was the Oak Ridge Boys:

Torn between two tartans
Is like a ball and chain.
Tryin' to choose between 'em
Is drivin' me insane!
One has pretty colors,
The other's got my name.
It's a long, hard grind
And it tires my mind.