Are these real tartans?

[Jock Scot]

Government? As in before England took over?

I hope you don't mind, but perhaps a spot of Anglo-Scottish-British history may assist your thinking here.

In the context of your question and without going into minute detail there are two dates that you need to consider 1603 and 1707.

In 1603 King James 6th of Scotland was INVITED by certain elements of the English establishment to also become King of England too and as such, he became James 1st of England as well. Thus creating the United Kingdom(UK as it is still known today).

In 1707 the Scottish Parliament VOTED to join the English Parliament thus creating the British Parliament and a British Government.

Whilst neither event met with universal enthusiasm and one can hardly say that the "common man" had much say in the matter, it is worth noting however, that neither event was achieved at the point of a sword. In some respects some might say that Scotland took over England rather than the way that you suggest, but its best if we do not follow that particular train of thought here!

I cannot tell you the exact date( I ought to know!) that the British Government tartan came into being but I think, soon after 1707. So the idea of the English Army defeating Bonnie Prince Charlie's army in 1746 is quite wrong. It was the British Army that defeated him and in fact, more Scots fought in that dreadful battle for the British Government Army than fought for the Young Pretender. It is also worth noting that the Black Watch did not partake in the Battle of Culloden.