Is Black Watch a "Generic" Tartan?

**Sir Robert** · 14th September 05, 05:28 AM

The Gordon tartan is "generic" for exactly the same reason that Black Watch is, Government use for a kilted regiment had made it a multi-clan and no-clan tartan. As a member of clan Gordon this works out for me as I can get kilts in "my" tartan on the cheap.

**macwilkin** · 14th September 05, 05:42 AM

Originally Posted by Sir Robert

The Gordon tartan is "generic" for exactly the same reason that Black Watch is, Government use for a kilted regiment had made it a multi-clan and no-clan tartan. As a member of clan Gordon this works out for me as I can get kilts in "my" tartan on the cheap.

The Scottish Military Historical Society's article about Scottish regimental tartans has this to say about the Gordon tartan:

One of the best examples of how a purely regimental tartan can become accepted as a "clan tartan" is demonstrated by a study of the origin of the one worn by the Gordon Highlanders. In 1794, the 4th Duke of Gordon raised a regiment first numbered 100th, becoming 92nd in 1798. The Gordons had no family tartan of their own and when the Duke raised his first fencible regiment in 1778 they wore regulation Black Watch tartan, but when he raised his second fencible corps in 1793 a yellow line was added to the Government tartan. This was the result of a desire, it is believed, of the Duchess to see a distinctive sett instead of the universal military pattern. An application was made to William Forsyth of Huntly to carry out experiments, who in correspondence with the Duke suggests that "the yellow lines will appear very lively". This tartan was also given to the 92nd and is Gordon tartan only by reason of the military connection.

-- http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/dispatch.htm

Cheers,

Todd