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.
Carrick was formerly a county area of Scotland, which today forms part of South, East, and North Ayrshire on the West Coast. It has been home to many clans throughout Scottish history, including Kennedy and Ferguson, and even saw some involvement during the Scottish Wars of Independence under 'Robert the Bruce'. The Earldom of Carrick was home to the Bruce family, with King Robert I of Scotland, more often known as 'Robert the Bruce', earning the Earldom as a result of his marriage in 1274 to the widow, Marjorie of Carrick. The title Earl of Carrick is currently one of the lesser titles to the heir of the throne, presently being Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. Scotland's National Bard, and certainly one of our favourite Scots, Robert Burns, made his living along the coastline of Carrick in the late 18th century. Amongst many celebrations of Robert Burns in Scotland today, the Burns' trail is a popular attraction in the district of Carrick, especially you want to walk in the steps of Burns himself.
The Carrick tartan dates back to 1930 and is a predominantly red and black tartan with a touch of blue throughout. The tartan was designed for Councillor John Hannay by Arthur Galt of Hugh Galt & Sons Ltd, of Barrhill, Girvan.
Carrick Castle is a striking old tower house found on the banks of Loch Goil. Dating all the way back to the late 14th century, it is believed the castle was built by the Campbells of Loch Awe. It was also a major staging post for journeys between the Clyde and Loch Fyne. Mary Queen of Scots visited the castle and even spent a night there in 1563.
Carrick Castle Estate offers a scenic and enchanting experience with luxury self-catering lodges, holiday cottages as well as rustic barn wedding venues. If you love a traditional Scottish wedding just as much as we do, this is certainly the perfect venue to plan your dream day filled with tartan!
Carrick stems from the Gaelic "A' Charraig" meaning Rock or Rocky Place.