I spent yesterday at the Costa Mesa Highland Games, and was surprised to see Alberta Caledonia, who for many years has fittingly worn the Caledonia tartan, wearing new kilts in a bespoke tartan

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...psf5c1611b.jpg

Here's what the band says about it

http://www.albertacaledonia.org/Albe...Tartan....html

This continues a modern trend. Recently Simon Fraser University created a special version of Fraser for the band by combining colours which traditionally would be seen in an "ancient colours" tartan and a "modern colours" tartan into a single tartan (putting dark blue in what otherwise would be an "ancient" tartan). Here's the article

http://www.sfu.ca/archive-pamr/media...zy-tartan.html

Field Marshal Montgomery devised a tartan, Drumalig, not dissimilar to the Royal Stewart which they wore for many years

http://m.pipesdrums.com/Article.aspx?sys-ID=13165

It's a growing trend in the pipe band world. Around here, the University of California Riverside Pipe Band wears a bespoke tartan. More and more bands are either inventing their own tartans or having an existing tartan woven in unusual colourings.

Interesting. I keep thinking about how much money would be involved in new kilts for everyone and having a new tartan designed and woven.
Here in Maine there is one pipe band I do alterations for that have kilts so old they can't match the sett size anymore unless they go through with a special weave which is expensive for new band members who may or may not stay....

I really admired those kilts! Had a great time watching the bands yesterday.