Of Irish Descent...Which tartan?

[Avonlea22]

You could tell your wife that it would be easier to just get it all at once than string it out in a couple of orders!

Yeah..not gonna happen. Already tried that approach. I'm lucky enough to be getting the kilt.

[bubba]

For the time being you can get away with using a fanny pack.

[GMan]

Good choice Brian!

After one kilt, they never stop, just ask anyone on the forum.

You could also follow the lead of others on the forum and make your own sporran. I may just try that myself.

[Mr. Kilt]

You will MOST DEFINATELY not want to do that as an Irishman.

Well that just makes things more difficult. hmmm.

I'm trying to stay with a not-so-expensive first kilt, which limits my choices for tartans. I've decided pretty much on either Bearkilts or USAK. I have to choose what they offer, and the Balck Watch is a true Tartan, unlike many of their other offerings at USAK. That is why I thought I'd go with that tartan. I certainly want to have a kilt that looks authentic in regards to the tartan, and don't want to end up with something bought off the shelf at Jo-Anne Fabrics.

Well, My last name is Wilson. My grandfather was born in County Tyrone. I would really appreciate any information you could provide me that may help me choose an appropriate tartan . Thanks

Brian

Forgive my ignorance, Brian, but is County Tyrone in N. Ireland or the Republic?
If it's Northern Ireland then the Black Watch tartan is just fine. My dad's family came from County Antrim in N. Ireland and I have a Black Watch kilt.

[Rufus]

Al, Tyrone Co. is in Northern Ireland, a part of the Ulster District.

Here's a map of the counties...
http://www.spirited-ireland.net/map/_counties/

[Avonlea22]

If it's Northern Ireland then the Black Watch tartan is just fine. My dad's family came from County Antrim in N. Ireland and I have a Black Watch kilt.

Just out of curiosity, what in the history of Black Watch entitles me to wear it? I had already decided on the Stewart Hunting, but if there is a historical reason for me to go with Black Watch, I may just change my mind.

[Colin]

There are several tartans which are general tartans for all to wear including Royal Stewart and Black Watch. It has been brought in the past that the Black Watch has more of a checkered past (being a British regiment) in the Republic of Ireland. Some have said "Never wear this tartan" and others have said "Go Ahead, who cares!". This is based on different experiences from different people

In my opinion, stick with the Hunting Stewart, it is a fine tartan.

[macwilkin]

Just out of curiosity, what in the history of Black Watch entitles me to wear it? I had already decided on the Stewart Hunting, but if there is a historical reason for me to go with Black Watch, I may just change my mind.

Over the years, a misconception has developed around one of the alternate names for the Black Watch tartan; orginally called "government" tartan, because it was designed for the Scottish Regiments of the British Army, it was also known as a "universal" tartan, because at one time, London wanted all Scottish regiments to wear it, although this was not achieved. I believe this classification has lead to the misconception that it is a "universal" tartan that anyone can wear.

Nevertheless, it has become a general tartan for anyone to wear because of precedent (the same with Royal Stewart) -- and Stewart Hunting is also a "general" tartan that started out as a military tartan as well -- in fact, the Royal Scots, the 1st Regiment of Foot, the oldest in the British Army (raised in 1633), still wear the Hunting Stewart, along with several Scottish Commonwealth units (Canadian Scottish, Pretoria Highlanders) and the 10th Princess Mary's Ghurkha Rifles.

Both are fine tartans, but I would stick with the Stewart Hunting.

Cheers,

T.

[bubba]

For Clansmen not on good terms with the Campbells the Black Watch was not thought highly of in the early days of the Regiment, considering it was pretty much a tool of the Campbells and English loyalists.
Of course, later the Clan hostilities did subside. The Black Watch proved to be a gallant unit in and out of battle. One of the most famous episodes in its history occurred in 1852 -- the sinking of the Birkenhead. Two platoons of recruits were on board to join the Regiment which was fighting in South Africa. Near Cape Town the ship struck a rock and broke in half. The troops were told by the ship's officers that their own hope lay in jumping overboard and swimming for the lifeboats. Their own officers, however, explained that this would endanger the women and children already in the boats. The men stood firm in their ranks while the ship sank and 357 of them were drowned. This kind of courage and honor is a rare thing.

[Colin]

The Black Watch played a huge role in the building of Canada. Perhaps episcopalscot could better fill us in, as he is a great source of historical knowledge. Another good source is the book Great Scot! by Matthew Shaw.