Originally Posted by
figheadair
The RS was almost certainly designed and certainly named during the early Highland Revival period (c.1780-1840) and its name owes much to the rehabilitations of the Highlanders and romance about Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Do you reckon RS is a Wilsons of Bannockburn design?
They did seem to use that basic structure for a number of their designs.
Originally Posted by
figheadair
George IV wanted to emphasis his Stuart connections/descent and so chose the RS on the recommendation of either his tailor, or Sir Walter Scott. It was also very popular as a fashion tartan due to the King wearing it and it has been a staple fashion tartan ever since.
I could be wrong, but I think one thing that helped spread and support the popularity of RS is the fact that it was worn by the pipers of The Black Watch, The Scots Guards, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Royal Scots, The Kings Own Scottish Borderers, and even (for a time) The Cameron Highlanders. These pipers were seen the world over.
Not to mention RS was extremely popular for civilian pipers and pipe bands as well.
The chocolate-box image of Scotland known the world over is a piper resplendent in Royal Stewart tartan.
Last edited by OC Richard; 29th January 24 at 01:05 PM.
Proud Mountaineer from the Highlands of West Virginia; son of the Revolution and Civil War; first Europeans on the Guyandotte
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