RAF Tartan

[Arnot]

The RAF tartan was only produced by Strathmore Woollens of Forfar. Originally called "Air Force" tartan it was introduced by the late Arthur Mackie, a retired RAF Fighter Pilot who became leader of a Scottish ATC (Air Training Corps) squadron and who had a family connection with Strathmore Woollens. Was worn by an ATC pipe band and later adopted as the official tartan of the Royal Air Force, when the prefix "Royal" was added to the name of the tartan.
My dad served in the RAF but although I was an ATC cadet I never joined the RAF. In later years I became a volunteer at an aviation museum and approached the RAF about wearing their tartan at the museum. Scarves, cummerbunds and ties are readily available but I could only order the kilt through Strathmore Woollens and needed approval from RAF Leuchars (which has since closed). Eventually I was refused permission to buy the unfinished fabric, but Strathmore Woollens would make me a completed kilt. The kilt was however part of RAF dress uniform for dining in evenings and so I could not have it pleated to the stripe as a military kilt as I had not served in the RAF. They agreed I could have a RAF tartan kilt provided that it was pleated to the sett. I do wear it to the air museum but when I wore it to an RAF open day in Scotland I got some odd looks because of the different pleating.
That said, Strtahmore Woollens did agree to supply the fabric to one of my American friends whose dad had served in the RAF and he now has a RAF kilt pleated to the stripe. Kilt built by Kathy Lare if I remember correctly.
I suggest you contact Strathmore Woollens to see what they are able to offer.

Many thanks, Alex.