Doune Tartans
1 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- Dress
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
Helpful Advice
Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Helpful Advice
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
Helpful Advice
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
Dress Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the Start
Doune Tartan Origins & History
Explore the history
How it all started
Doune is a village in Scotland which lies northwest of Stirling. The history of Doune goes back to as far as the Romans, who most definitely had a fort in the area which was later occupied by Doune Castle. The village owes much of its recognition to the castle itself, in whose shadow it originally grew. Over the years the centre of the village migrated steadily westwards, towards the major transport line from the Highlands to the markets of central Scotland. Doune Castle now stands a little apart from the village and to its east.
It is believed that Doune Castle was built during the 13th century, but was later damaged during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was the son of King Robert II, Robert Stewart, Earl of Menteith, who was granted the land in 1361 on which Doune Castle now stands. During his time at Doune Castle, Robert was appointed the first Duke of Albany, a peerage title that carried great prestige and was highly regarded. During the 15th century, the castle became a royal possession and was used as a hunting lodge and for retreats by Scottish monarchs, Mary, Queen of Scots was a regular visitor to the castle staying on several occasions, as well as King James VI.
What's in the tartan?
The Doune tartan is a color variation of Stewart of Bute. It is muted tartan which is predominately a marled grey, with hints of black and light blue.
Doune Castle
Today, you can marvel at the impressive Doune Castle, by walking in the footsteps of infamous monarchs and rulers, both real and fictional. Doune is a highly popular filming location and has featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander as well as Game of Thrones!
Doune's great hall is hugely impressive, with the cathedral-like room has a minstrels’ gallery and a distinctive central hearth. Standing inside, you can see why the Duke of Albany was noted for his ‘large tabling and belly cheer’. As well as the regal structure you can also admire the views from battlements over the River Teith towards Monteith Hill and Ben Lomond.
The name Doune derives from "dun", meaning stronghold.
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