Tartan Tales of Clan Sutherland

Throughout December we have been celebrating all things Clan Sutherland. We have met some famous faces, visited many sites, and gained great insight into the history of this ancient clan. Finally, we called upon the valued Clan members to share their stories and we had a wonderful response; read the blog to find out more!

Catriona and her husband

We received some lovely photos from Catriona. She says,

"This is my husband and I getting married in December 2019 at Castle Leod. You made my custom bolero jacket so I could surprise my husband Iain with matching his old ancient Sutherland tartan. It was the most perfect day!"

Thanks, Catriona, we are pleased we could help you!

Earlier in the year we ran our Best Dressed Tartan Dog Competition as part of New York City Tartan Week, the winner of which was Jeeves the Pug from...Sutherland in Scotland! His prize was a custom made tartan dog kilt outfit which was made in the Sutherland Old Ancient tartan. 

Jeeves the Pug in Sutherland

His human, Naomi, tells us more about him:

"Meet Jeeves -  lifelong Sutherland resident, tartan enthusiast, and very good boy.

Now 13 years young, Jeeves has spent his entire life in Sutherland, where remote Highland living suits him perfectly. He shares his home with his mum and dad, his cat brother Alfie, a small flock of chickens, and his newest companion, Woody - a 9-year-old rescue pug settling beautifully into Highland life.

Wearing his Sutherland Tartan kilt, Jeeves reflects the spirit of the region: loyal, grounded and deeply connected to the land. From woodland walks and mountain views to quiet glens and unspoilt beaches, this is tartan made for roaming.

Jeeves is also the host of #TartanThursday, a weekly celebration bringing pups together (via Instagram) from around the world - with regulars joining from across Scotland, Australia, the USA, Brazil, France, Canada and England -  united by their shared love of tartan.

Jeeves in his Sutherland tartan dog kilt outfit

Life in Sutherland moves at its own pace, and that suits Jeeves perfectly. Filled with fresh air, shared adventures and time well spent outdoors, it’s a life rooted in nature, tradition and belonging.

The Sutherland Tartan feels right at home on Jeeves - a design born of the Highlands, worn with pride, and telling a story of landscape, loyalty and home."

Thank you, Jeeves and Naomi! We think Jeeves looks fabulous in his tartan dog kilt outfit. What a handsome boy!

We were delighted to connect with Ron Sutherland, who popped into to our Duns Showroom for a chat and photo with his coach, Henry Gray (Gray being a sept of Sutherland as well as a Clan!). Read on to find out more!

Henry Gray (left) and Ron Sutherland (right)

"Like most people of “a certain age”, it has been interesting in my 81st year to reflect upon my personal background and family heritage as a proud member of Clan Sutherland – all prompted by recent contact from ScotlandShop’s lovely Marketing Executive Carrie and International Brand Manager Emily.

As a youngster in Fife, originally from Aberdeen, with strong Highland connections, I enjoyed wearing my much-admired first kilt out and about on formal and family occasions – most attractive in the soft green and blue hues of the Ancient Sutherland tartan.  Some years later I had another kilt in the more vibrant Modern Sutherland tartan - perfect for pursuits including hill-walking, fishing, deer-stalking and formal social or sporting occasions.

Ron at graduation in 2010

After school, I trained to become a Chartered Accountant, thereafter working in Edinburgh’s famous financial and investment sector, before heading north in 1978 to join the Highlands and Islands Development Board, seeking to play some part in restoring the economic and social fortunes of the area.  Over 12 wonderful years with “The Board”, based in Inverness, dealing with hundreds of businesses, organisations and community groups of all shapes and sizes, of every imaginable type - it was a pleasure to meet and work on a major project with Alistair, Lord Strathnaver, who subsequently succeeded his mother to become the 25th Earl and Clan Chief.  Numerous unique consultancy assignments later, it was satisfying to have met the challenge of successfully reviving the failing fortunes of a famous independent school near Edinburgh, as Bursar and Company Secretary.

Adult life had become a fascinating kaleidoscope of business, academic and sporting activities - principally rugby, which I played for several prominent clubs and various Scottish representative teams until my 50’s.  Amongst other rugby memories I recall being a member of Amsterdam’s Heineken Sevens-winning Edinburgh Wanderers squad during an entertaining weekend in the mid-1970’s.  After rugby became openly professional following the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, which I had attended, I was fortunate to be offered a senior frontline executive position with Scottish rugby’s governing body, initially as CEO at the game’s heartland in Scottish Borders and subsequently also in Edinburgh, etc.

Ron participating in a race

Having previously attended Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Cranfield Universities, in my mid-60’s I followed my daughter to Stirling (Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence) where I gained a Masters in Sports Management in 2010.  This led unexpectedly to a part-time professorial role at Edinburgh University’s Moray House College lasting some 5 years.  By then I was competing with a few successes as a “veteran novice” in handicap sprint races at Border and Highland Games meeting all over the country, and more widely in Masters Athletics versus competitors of similar age.  Right now, we have set our sights on achieving at the top levels.  By huge coincidence, my excellent “kenspeckle” coach, Henry Gray, whose innovative training methods have transformed my track performances is a member of Clan Gray, itself closely associated with Clan Sutherland!  Sans Peur – such fun being a Sutherland!"

Thanks so much Ron and Henry, it was a delight meeting you both!

Unfortunately December has come to an end, that certainly doesn't mean our love for Clan Sutherland is over, so be sure to get in touch with us if you fancy chatting all things Sutherland!