Posted by Maris on 15th Jan 2024
THE HISTORY BEHIND 5 FAMOUS TARTANS
As everyone knows, tartans look great when worn with kilts, trews, and even waistcoats. But did you know that many tartans have an interesting past, including the clan from which they originate and their historical uses? Come along as we examine the background of five of the most well-known and often-worn tartans.
Royal Stewart
Royal Stewart, derived from the Stewart royal house, is arguably the most well-known tartan in Scotland. King Robert the Second, descended from a long line of Scottish monarchs and queens, established the royal Stewart family. The fact that Queen Elizabeth the Second, our current monarch, wears the Royal Stewart Tartan as her personal tartan could account for the tartan's enormous appeal over the years. The tartan is officially forbidden from being worn without the Queen's consent, but because of its immense popularity, anyone can now choose to wear it. In the 1960s, the Scottish Formula One racer Jackie Stewart utilized the Royal Stewart tartan, which made an appearance on shortbread biscuit tins and in certain motor racing circles.
Black Watch
The notorious infantry unit of the Scottish regiment is the source of the Black Watch tartan. Black Watch was originally known as "The Government tartan and Grant Hunt Tartan." Other theories suggest that the name Black Watch refers to the "black hearts" of the pro-government militia who had sided with Scotland's real enemies. However, the name may have originated from the dark tartan uniforms that the battalion was forced to wear. Considering that the Black Watch battalion first donned the tartan in the 1700s, the Scottish warriors have been donning it for almost 300 years! Like the Royal Stewart tartan, Black Watch was once only meant for warriors to wear, but more recent times have seen a change in this regard.
Ramsay Tartan
The Ramsay tartan is the next item on our list. The Ramsay tartan originally existed in red, black, and white; however, the variation we have is in blue and black with white lines. The Ramsay clan, who lived in the lowlands of Scotland, south of Edinburgh, is the source of the Ramsay tartan. The clan was crucial to the outcome of multiple Scottish conflicts, such as the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Anglo-Scottish War, and even a number of internal conflicts. Brechin Castle in Angus and Dalhousie Castle in Midlothian were the two castles that the Ramsay family was pleased to call home. Famous Ramsay's include easily angry chef Gordon Ramsay, Scottish poet Allan Ramsay and John William Ramsey a Scottish politician.
Hamilton Grey
The Hamilton Grey Tartan is descended from the Hamilton clan, who, despite their initial allegiance to the English, later turned into devoted followers of the well-known Robert the Bruce. The Hamilton family was given the town of Cadzow after the Battle of Bannockburn, which they quickly renamed to "Hamilton"—a name that is still in use today! The Hamilton family lived in Hamilton Palace in this town, which at the time was the biggest non-royal home in all of Europe. Due to Hugh Hamilton's relocation to Sweden and enlistment in the Swedish army, the Hamilton Clan also has some Swedish ancestors. Hugo and Malcolm, his two half-Swedish boys, are the products of his marriage to a Swedish woman. Hamilton Palace was the home of the Hamilton family in Hamilton.
Mackenzie Modern
The Mackenzie Modern tartan, descended from the Mackenzie family, is the last item on our list. Originally, the Mackenzie family lived in the Kintail Mountains in Scotland's highlands. Similar to the Hamilton clan, the Mackenzies were known for their feuds with the Munro and MacDonald clans, but they were also noted for their support of Robert the Bruce. There was a great deal of internal strife among the Mackenzies, notwithstanding their backing for the Jacobite rising. Nevertheless, the clan persevered and is still in existence today; Mackenzie, the clan chief, still resides at Castle Leod.