The Earl of St Andrews tartan is predominantly blue and white and according to the Scottish Register of Tartans was designed specifically for the use of Prince George, the Duke of Kent, who bore the title Earl of St Andrews. The tartan is a relatively modern one registered in 1930.
Each tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
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.
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.
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.
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
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.
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where is St Andrews, Scotland? St Andrews is a small seaside town, located on the east coast of Fife, approximately 30 miles northeast of Edinburgh. It is well known as the home of golf in Scotland and is most famous for it's stunning golf courses as well as being home to Scotland's first university, that was founded in 1413.
The Earl of St Andrews tartan is a district tartan and therefore does not have a Clan Chief.
The Earl of St Andrews tartan is predominantly blue and white and according to the Scottish Register of Tartans was designed specifically for the use of Prince George, the Duke of Kent, who bore the title Earl of St Andrews. The tartan is a relatively modern one registered in 1930.
It is claimed that the famous British retail institution Marks & Spencers used the tartan in a sales promotion in 1973 which resulted in the Earl of St Andrews tartan becoming the District tartan for the town of St Andrews and surrounding area, but it is hard to tell if this is correct! Due to the golfing reputation of St Andrews the tartan has become popular among the golfing fraternity and always features in our in stock golf trousers collection.
It is said that the first game of Golf was played back in 1552, or this is at least when the Archbishop Hamilton granted permission to those who wanted to play the sport. Although there are a total of seven golf courses in St Andrews, the most famous is the Old Course, which has been home to the Open Championship many times since 1873.
The old course is considered by many to be the ‘home of golf’. The sport was first played on the links in St Andrews in the early 15th century. Golf was a very popular sport in Scotland – however, in 1457, James the second of Scotland, banned the game, because young men were playing too much golf and not practising their archery. In 1750, a group of 22, noblemen, professors and landowners, founded the well-known Society of Saint Andrews golfers which is still around today. The old course is the home of the open championship which is the oldest of golf major championships. The old course is full of challenging aspects that even the most professional golfers struggle with. The terrain boasts 112 bunkers, endless hills, and hollows- to the true golf enthusiast these challenges have their own names and legends.
The monument stands tall and is a beacon of religious freedom and tremendous courage, but what is the history behind it? In the mid-16th century, ideas of Renaissance humanism, critical of aspects of the established Catholic Church, began to reach Scotland, particularly through contacts between Scottish and continental scholars. The work of Patrick Hamilton was especially influential in promoting Protestantism as a reaction to the misgivings and abuses of the Catholic Church. It would land him in very serious trouble. Patrick Hamilton was one of the first critics of the Catholic Church in Scotland to be tried and burnt at the stake, in 1528, for promoting the doctrines of Martin Luther. Others who followed in his footsteps are commemorated by this monument.
The pier at St Andrews is one of the most peaceful places to visit and one I never miss on a trip to the east coast of Fife. The line of the present North Pier at its shoreward end dates back to the 16th century, although the present form of the pier is largely the product of 18th and 19th century rebuilding. The University take part in the traditional Pier Walk along the harbour walls of St Andrews before the start of the new academic year. Every Sunday, after Chapel Service, students in their iconic St Andrews red gowns walk down to the end of the pier, climb up the ladder and walk back along the highest part of the pier wall. They do this to commemorate a former student- John Honey. On the 3rd January 1800, John Honey, rescued members of the crew of the Janet of Macduff which had run aground off the East Sands of St Andrews. He helped save the crew by relentlessly swimming from the wreck to the shore with one man at a time; he did this 5 times before eventually collapsing on the beach. Sadly many years later John Honey died as a result of unresolved health issues following the accident. Students of The University of St Andrews commemorate Honey’s courage in a variety of ways, one being the annual pier walk before term starts, which is one of the Universities oldest traditions.
The idyllic seaside town is mainly known for its grand golf courses, historic sites, acclaimed University and the home of the café, Prince, William and Kate Middleton had their first date. Join us as we explore the history of St Andrews, through a tough recovery from the Scottish reformation and war of the three kingdoms, to what today is a thriving coastal town with an international reputation.
The first female golfer on record was Mary Queen of Scots. She first played at the Links at St Andrews after her husband Darley died. She became a dab hand at the sport and enjoyed many friendly games during her reign. However the first all female golf tournament wasn't until 1811, at Musselburgh. 55 years later the famous Golf club was formed, known as The Ladies Club St Andrews. An exclusive golf club just for women who played the sport, as time has gone on more and more women have picked up the sport and have become professionals who compete.
If you have the slightest interest in golfing, you will love the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa in St Andrews Scotland! Join Ellen as we have the pleasure of speaking to Front of House Concierge Niall Campbell. Mr Campbell tells us of his great connections with Scottish clan tartans, Campbell being one of the largest and most powerful highland clans, he also has connections to clan Murray, Munro and MacPherson.
Cill Rìmhinn is gaelic for St Andrews.