District
Hebrides Tartans Page
The Hebridean range of tartans are classed as "fashion" as they are not based on any particular clan and were designed relatively recently in 2005. The Hebridean tartans can be worn by anyone and if you are looking for a grey based tartan you are sure to love this collection.
Hebrides Tartans
11 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
Hebrides Tartan Origins & History
Explore the History
How it all started
The Western Isles, also know as the Outer Hebrides, is a chain of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland. They can also be referred to as 'long island' as they stretch for over 100 miles across the coastline and include the isles of Lewis and Harris, which are the biggest in the group, as well as the likes of North and South Uist, Bara and St. Kilda. It is believed the islands were inhabited as early as the Middle Stone Age after climate conditions bettered to sustain human life. After the Vikings invaded in the late 9th century, the Hebrides became under Norse control when Edgar of Scotland recognised the claim of Magnus III of Norway. However, at the Battle of Largs, while not taking place in Lewis, Scotland's defeat of the Vikings led to the islands being rightfully ceded to Scotland in 1266, with the Lordship of the Isles came to the fore as the most important power in northwestern Scotland going into the 14th century.
The islands have been, and continue to be, an area of huge interest to archaeologists and offer a vast amount of information about Scotland throughout history. Neolithic structures, medieval churches, and even mummies and all been found in the Western Isles with many archaeological sites open for the public to explore. You can even get up close and wander around the ancient Neolithic Callanish Stone Circle on the isle of Lewis. The Celtic origins are deep rooted through the Western Isles and can be clearly seen and heard today in the language, arts, and music on the islands. The Celtic stamp is apparent in the everyday lives of the islanders who are undeniably very proud of their heritage.
Gaelic
The Hebridean Islands are one of the only places where Scottish Gaelic language and cultures are still upheld, while the language has almost vanished from mainland Scotland.
The Isle of Barra
There is so much to see and do across all the islands in the Outer Hebrides, and the visit nothing but a magical experience if you ever get to explore the Western Isles. There is so much to see and do across the isles; from historical attractions, exploring the Gaelic culture, wonderful wildlife, white sandy beaches, adventurous boats and so much more! One of the much loved islands in the group is the Isle of Barra which is renowned for its boasting beaches, hills, machair, and moor all in a very small island - it truly is a special place to visit, especially if you choose to arrive by plane. The airport is one of the most surprising in the world with the flights landing on the beach itself at Cockle Strand in between tides.
The island was the stronghold of the Clan MacNeil, and you can take a five minute boat trip from Castlebay to the archaic Kisimul Castle, also known as the 'Castle in the Sea', which sits impressively on a shoal in the bay. This three storey tower is the ancient seat of the Clan MacNeil and gives astounding views from the fortifications. Barra has the most beautiful white sandy beaches, such as Traigh Mhor and Tangasdale, and you can enjoy the spectacular scenery by cycling or walking around the small, but wonderful island!
Hebrides
The Hebrides is an archipelago comprising hundreds of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland. Divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides groups, they are home to rugged landscapes, fishing villages and remote Gaelic-speaking communities.
Over the Sea to
The Isle of Skye
Visit Scotland say "Skye is a truly magical place". In 2020 we sent Emily to see if one island could really live up to these claims, we are delighted to say it did and with hills and heather, wind and waterfalls, mist and mountains, clans and Cullins it's easy to understand exactly where the beautiful colours in the Isle of Skye tartan come from.
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