Reliable Scottish Clan and Tartan information
A family member asked what our Scottish Clan and Tartan pattern was. Does anyone know of any good sources about what the Scottish Tartan is?
I fear that most of the information about tartan patterns really isn't correct and is just there to sell stuff. Some of the patterns were just to sell stuff rather than any historical accuracy. I saw I a Williams tartan but Williams is a Welsh name and not a scottish name.
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I suspect that there is no definitive list. Tartans are both ancient and modern.
However, this shop is the most comprehensive I have found: https://www.scotlandshop.com/tartan-finder
They have this tartan finder and lots more helpful information in their FAQs. I hope this is of use.
Kind regards,
Jill
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by reliable I mean Universities or Genelogical Societies that track tartans. I am suspcious of most commericial websites that sell tartans considering that I saw a tartan for the Williams clan and the Williams is a welsh name.
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At a quick glance the Scottish Register of Tartans on https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/index seems to look pretty plausible given that it comes from the National Records of Scotland (joint sponsors of ScotlandsPeople). Yes, it has a Williams tartan but I suspect that is a function of the fact that anyone can register a tartan. It includes registration/historical notes - or it does for my Bruce tartan.
Bear in mind that a lot of this Scottish paraphernalia was created to sell stuff to gullible Sassenachs - even the old stuff - so it gets difficult to establish the truth. Whatever that means!
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Googling the History of the Scottish Tartan will get you several good articles. According to this one, the wearing of tartans started in the 3rd century AD. I was surprised by that, but I find the information fascinating. My Bruce line has several plaids attributed to it. That tells me there is some sort of methodology involved there. "https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/scotland-tartan-plaid-real-history"
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Here is a comment that might help:
"Welsh tartans have only been introduced recently, with the first Welsh tartan being registered not long ago in the year 2000."
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The Truth of Tracing Tartans: Scottish Clan Research
If you’ve ever stopped into a Scottish goods store, you may have been given the impression that finding your Scottish clan or tartan is as simple as finding your surname on a long list of options, and picking out the corresponding kilt, crest, or other merchandise proudly displaying your clan name. If only it were so easy! In reality, only about 20% of Scottish surnames have a clan connection, and it can be very difficult to trace those connections. In this lecture, expert Kim Mannisto will discuss the historical context of clan and tartan research, key terms, strategies, and resources for researching your clan connection.
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I am finding that ChatGPT can be helpful. This is what it returned when I asked for Universities or Genealogical Societies that track Scottish tartans.
From ChatGPT:
Several universities and genealogical societies track Scottish tartans, as well as organizations dedicated to Scottish heritage and clan history. Here are some key institutions and groups involved in preserving and researching tartans:
1. Scottish Register of Tartans (SRT)
- Description: The Scottish Register of Tartans, operated by the National Records of Scotland, is an official government database that preserves and promotes the unique designs of tartans.
- Website: Scottish Register of Tartans
- Functions: You can search registered tartans by name, designer, and date, as well as register new tartans.
2. University of Edinburgh - Centre for Scottish Studies
- Description: The University of Edinburgh has a well-regarded Centre for Scottish Studies, which includes resources related to Scottish cultural history, including tartans, clans, and heraldry.
- Website: University of Edinburgh - Scottish Studies
- Functions: Provides access to a variety of Scottish historical records and may assist with genealogical research and historical queries about tartans.
3. National Museums Scotland
- Description: The National Museums of Scotland maintains a significant collection of textiles and tartans, along with resources on Scottish culture and history.
- Website: National Museums Scotland
- Functions: Contains an extensive archive of tartan history, including famous and clan-specific designs.
4. Scottish Tartan Authority
- Description: A charity dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting Scottish tartans, the Scottish Tartan Authority offers research services and has an extensive database of tartan designs.
- Website: Scottish Tartan Authority
- Functions: Offers a public tartan database and tartan weaving history, in addition to providing resources for genealogy enthusiasts interested in finding clan tartans.
5. Clan Societies
- Description: Many individual Clan Societies also track their specific clan tartans. These societies often maintain records related to genealogy and family histories.
- Examples:
- Clan MacLeod Society
- Clan Campbell Society
- Clan MacDonald Society
- Functions: Each society typically maintains a detailed database of tartans associated with their clan, and they are often involved in genealogical research for their members.
6. The Scottish Genealogy Society
- Description: The Scottish Genealogy Society provides extensive resources and assistance with Scottish family history research, including clan associations and tartans.
- Website: Scottish Genealogy Society
- Functions: While primarily focused on genealogy, the society may be able to assist in identifying tartans associated with specific families.
7. The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
- Description: The Standing Council works with clan chiefs and keeps records on clan histories, including tartan patterns.
- Website: Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
- Functions: Provides resources related to Scottish clan heritage, including tartan information, and helps connect individuals with their clans.
These institutions and societies are invaluable resources for those looking
Hope this is helpful.
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