Minimalist?

**Chas** · 11th July 13, 03:42 AM

Like many of you, I get the updates about new registrations on the Scottish Register of Tartans. I received this today -

Staines (2013)

Reference:	10857
Designer:	Staines, Terence Anthony
Tartan date:	25/06/2013
Registration date:	11 July 2013
Category:	Name
Restrictions:
Registration notes:	Designed by Terence Anthony Staines and intended to be worn by anyone bearing the Staines surname.
Registrant details:	Mr Terence Staines

Is it just me, or is there just not enough of this tartan? Just because it has an overcheck, does it qualify as a tartan at all?

**cessna152towser** · 11th July 13, 04:01 AM

Well if the Scottish Register of Tartans has accepted it for registration, I guess that qualifies it as a tartan.

**Chas** · 11th July 13, 04:11 AM

In truth, Alex, I don't know whether I like it or not, but at this moment I am glad that my name is not Staines so I don't have to make a decision.

**artificer** · 11th July 13, 04:52 AM

The MacGregor is also a two colour tartan, but obviously more balanced than this one.

Not really my cuppa, but then again I'm not a Staines either, so it's also not my problem.

While I generally do like minimalism, I don't think that particular design philosophy lends itself to tartan design.

ith:

**Jordan** · 11th July 13, 05:24 AM

I get the emails from the STA too, I don't really look at them unless the name catches my attention. This one didn't but I quite like the black with a blue over check. Don't know if it's good enough to be a tartan (or if it could be a good one), I'm also glad that I don't have to make the decision to wear it.

**mookien** · 11th July 13, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

... Is it just me, or is there just not enough of this tartan? Just because it has an overcheck, does it qualify as a tartan at all?

I certainly can't get enough of that tartan. But, look on the bright side - it won't show stains.

As for your second question, I defer to Alex.

**figheadair** · 11th July 13, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Jordan

I get the emails from the STA too,

A point of correction. The emails come from the STR not the STA which is a completely different organisation.

**figheadair** · 11th July 13, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Well if the Scottish Register of Tartans has accepted it for registration, I guess that qualifies it as a tartan.

I sit on the STR Working Group and whilst I cannot speak for other members and do I intend to comment on all applications in public I will on this one which caused me concern. It's not so much whether or not it's a tartan, technically it is, but I was more concerned that being so simple it's very likely to exist already as a 'fashion check' somewhere and it's quite likely that it will be found not to be unique and original at some point. To that end I felt that it should have been rejected and amendments sought however I was in a minority. And so it stands.