Roxburgh Red

**Noel Christian Riddell** · 27th January 10, 01:19 PM

Just wondering how many forumites are wearing this old, old tartan.

As it's my family's tartan, I'm naturally biased, but it always seems to draw attention when I wear it out.

I prefer the ancient version, but hope to get a modern and hunting/weathered eventually.

**O'Callaghan** · 27th January 10, 09:04 PM

It's a nice tartan, and, on paper at least, is associated with my actual surname, and with a lot of other English surnames found in that part of Scotland. The problem is, most people with those names really are English (or of English descent) and aren't of Scottish descent atall, and AFAIK I'm no exception!

I'm tempted, but ...

That's not to say that I even know where the name Riddell comes from. I wasn't talking about your family tree, just mine. I wasn't trying to say that you aren't entitled, only that I doubt I am, even though my name's listed.

However, Callaghan is one of only about 20 officially recognised Irish clans, and I can claim that through my mother. I think Roxburgh Red looks nicer, though, but that's because I like bright colours, and the Callaghan tartan is rather dark (and no, I don't have it either).

**Noel Christian Riddell** · 27th January 10, 09:39 PM

doh, double post

**Noel Christian Riddell** · 27th January 10, 09:50 PM

The Riddell family has a long, long history in Roxburghshire and thus we wear the Roxburgh (red) tartan -though our old rivals, the Douglas clan, have their own Roxburgh tartan.

Lots of names are associated with the Borders, as you point out. It has been a crossroads, home, and blood-soaked battlefield for generation upon generation.

Could you share a picture of the Callaghan tartan?

**derosa** · 27th January 10, 11:25 PM

Haven't gotten one yet, it was indicated as an appropriate tartan for two of my family lines and one of my wife's so there is one in the future.

**O'Callaghan** · 28th January 10, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by Noel Christian Riddell

The Riddell family has a long, long history in Roxburghshire and thus we wear the Roxburgh (red) tartan -though our old rivals, the Douglas clan, have their own Roxburgh tartan.

Lots of names are associated with the Borders, as you point out. It has been a crossroads, home, and blood-soaked battlefield for generation upon generation.

Could you share a picture of the Callaghan tartan?

Not sure how to do that, but it's number 7299 (so, not old atall!). You should be able to find it by the number either on the Tartan Ferret or in the official register.

**KFCarter** · 28th January 10, 09:43 PM

Ah yes... one of my immigrant ancestors (James Veitch) was born in Roxburghshire although the family was originally located near Peebles. It's a beautiful tartan and I, too, prefer the ancient colors.