Edward VII at Balmoral

[The Wizard of BC]

Well Peter, All I can say is that i posted a direct quote from the site.

Here is the description from The Scottish Tartans Authority. Again a direct quote. They list the same designer and the same date.


This is the conventional Ghillies version with light grey replaced by white. Origin not known. The basic Balmoral tartan was designed by Queen Victoria's husband. Prince Albert in 1853 and, while predominantly grey with overchecks of red and black the background contains a thread of black and white yarns twisted together to achieve the appearance of the rough hewn granite so familiar in Royal Deeside. It is worn by HM Queen herself as a skirt and several members of the Royal Family but only with the Queen's permission. The only other approved wearer of the Balmoral Tartan is the Queen's personal piper. (The Estate workers and Ghillies wear the Balmoral Tweed). D.W.Stewart wrote in his book, 'Old and Rare Scottish Tartans' (1893), ''Her Majesty the Queen has not only granted permission for its publication here, but has also graciously afforded information concerning its inception in the early years of the reign, when the sett was designed by the Prince Consort.'' The grey threads are flecked to give an impression of granite from which Balmoral is built.