Military tartans

**Geoduck** · 3rd February 05, 04:25 PM

I have been struggling with this issue lately as well. I have limited options with my family tartan's availability in the less expensive models. Unfortunately I don't feel right wearing another families tartan.

One of the most common tartan options is, obviously, the black watch. Here in the U.S. it seems to be available any time you see a tartan. My understanding is that the Black Watch has a strong connection to Aberfeldy, in Perthshire, as do the Menzies. That connection would make me feel comfortable wearing the tartan, but I wonder if I would be offending those who have served in the Black Watch.

Any thoughts?

**Barb T** · 3rd February 05, 04:31 PM

To my knowledge, the Black Watch is considered a universal tartan, and anyone can wear it. The same is true of the Hunting Stewart.

What about the USA (St. Andrew's)? You certainly would have a right to wear that one!!

Barb

**Geoduck** · 3rd February 05, 04:41 PM

I'll take a look into the St. Andrews tartan. Do you know where I could find it? I have seen both Washington State and Seattle tartans, which, in my opinion, are rather unfortunate looking.

I lucked out with my family tartans (Menzies) having such a range of options (I've found about 12 or so options). I just don't have the financial ability to invest a whole lot into each one. Given time though...

**Barb T** · 3rd February 05, 05:07 PM

Hi

It's predictably red, white, and blue, and you can see a pic at the Scottish Lion web site at http://www.scottishlion.com/usastantar.html

I like it, although I know some who find it too colorful.

Cheers!

Barb

**macwilkin** · 3rd February 05, 05:51 PM

The Black Watch Tartan's association with Perthshire is because the regimental HQ of the Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch) is located at Perth, and Perthshire was (and still is) the traditional geographic recruiting area for the regiment.

The tartan, whilst readily available today, was a "universal" tartan for the Scottish regiments of the British Army (It's official name is "Government" or sometimes "Universal"), until many of those regiments, Highland & Lowland, adopted their own distinctive tartans in the 19th century.

There is nothing wrong with wearing the Black Watch tartan with civilian dress, since you are not wearing British Military uniform and claiming to be a member of the regiment. Also, it is a fitting tribute to the Scottish regiments, which preserved so much of Scottish culture, including the kilt, after the Jacobite Rebellions in 1745-46, when the Act of Proscription forbade Scots to wear Highland dress, play bagpipes, bear arms, etc. We kilt wearers today owe a great deal to the first Scottish soldiers for keeping these things alive, since the army was exempt from the Act.

Cheers,

Todd

**Geoduck** · 3rd February 05, 06:36 PM

Great information. That will ease my mind in ordering and wearing the Black Watch proudly. Thank you,

George

**beerbecue** · 4th February 05, 06:15 AM

Both my grandfather and uncle served in the Navy. Would it be inappropriate to honor their service (WWII and Vietnam) if I were to wear the Navy tartan?

**macwilkin** · 4th February 05, 06:37 AM

Both my grandfather and uncle served in the Navy. Would it be inappropriate to honor their service (WWII and Vietnam) if I were to wear the Navy tartan?

I don't see anything wrong with it. Again, you are not wearing a uniform and claiming to be in the Navy, and since none of the US Military tartans are "uniform issue", then why not?

I wear on occasion a small lapel badge of the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre Patch that I wear on occasion in honour of my grandfather, who served with the 14th Air Force in WWII. Every other CBI veteran that has seen me wearing it and talked to me thinks its great that a "young person" wants to honour someone who served.

I think your grandfather & uncle would be proud of you wanting to pay respect to their service.

Cheers,

Todd

**MACKAY** · 16th February 05, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Geoduck

.

One of the most common tartan options is, obviously, the black watch. Here in the U.S. it seems to be available any time you see a tartan. My understanding is that the Black Watch has a strong connection to Aberfeldy, in Perthshire, as do the Menzies. That connection would make me feel comfortable wearing the tartan, but I wonder if I would be offending those who have served in the Black Watch.

Seems to me that Ralph Lauren hijacked the "Black Watch" tartan long ago

... I'm waiting for the day that we start calling it the Laren Tartan

**kiltie as charged** · 18th March 05, 10:09 PM

As I have posted in the past, I am a re-enactor in the French and Indian
War in 1756-58 time period. My unit is the 78th Highlanders of Foot.We wear the Government Sett( black watch) We wear this uniform to comemorate our Highland ancestors.As most in the unit are of Scottish decent.
I myself am Mckenna. The only time that anyone has given us any grief about it ,was someone from the Canadian 78th Fraser's
they said that they would not reconize us for who we are.

They said that we do not exist and therefore do not deserve reconition from them

.
Other than that we are the only Highland unit that wears the great kilt
and had nothing but good compliments about being true to our ancestors.

I am proud to wear my black watch great kilt! And honour my Scottish heritage!