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.
Situated on the heart of Scotland's longest river, the River Tay, Aberfeldy is a small market town with some fascinating hidden gems, none more so than the Birks of Aberfeldy. Does that name ring a bell? Well, the natural beauty spot managed to captivate our national bard, Robert Burns, as he was inspired to compose his poem "The Birks of Aberfeldy" in 1787. Did you know that the area was actually called the Den of Moness and renamed after Burns' lyrics were put to a pre-existing melody and became a popular song? If you're a whisky enthusiast, like many Scots are proud to be, then you can learn all about John Dewar & Sons, who have grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Perth, to a globally renowned and celebrated blended Scotch Whisky. Why not take a tour of Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery and discover your favourite wee dram?
The Aberfeldy district tartan dates back to 2008 , and was originally designed for use by the choir at the 2008 Royal National Mòd in Falkirk, a Gaelic festival filled with traditional music. The choice of colours within the Aberfeldy tartan reflect the traditions upon which the town proudly represents. The prominent colour of blue evokes the River Tay, with the green signifying the heather and the hills which surround the town of Aberfeldy. Black is a sumptuous addition to the design and epitomises the town's strong association with The Black Watch Regiment, a senior Highland outfit. The tartan is tied together with a delicate white stripe, representing the prehistoric ley lines around Aberfeldy, which are commonly suggested to be the reason for the area attracting a wealth of creativity and energy.
Discovering historical Scotland might just be top of your list. Castle Menzies (also known as the Palace of Weem) is a spectacular 16th century stronghold situated on the outskirts of Aberfeldy and is the home of the Menzies Clan. The Menzies held the Castle as their seat for over 500 years and it was restored twice during its tenure, ensuring it remained suitable for its cause. A thrilling example of renaissance, the Castle has transitioned from an early rugged Highland fortress to spectacular mansion houses in more recent times.
Aberfeldy is derived from the Gaelic "Obar Pheallaidh", which translates to mouth of the stream.