Black Watch tartan

**fhpdo** · 20th December 06, 01:04 AM

How heavy is the pv maple leaf tartan that the walmart up there sells? If it's kilting wieght I may have to call ina favor from a friend in Kitchener.
John

**Jerry** · 20th December 06, 03:34 AM

Black Watch, or so called government sett, is considered to be a generic tartan. I see it worn all of the time at festivals and such. Should anyone ask, just say that you do not have a family tartan, and that you wear the Black Watch to honor the regiment, since it is now just a part of Scottish history. There are also lots of generic Scottish tartans such as Scottish National. I believe that Rocky at USA kilts has some of them. His casual kilts are still custom made and cost between 100 and 140 dollars (American). Here is the link:

http://www.usakilts.com/casual_kilts.php

**macwilkin** · 20th December 06, 04:02 AM

Originally Posted by JerMc

Black Watch, or so called government sett, is considered to be a generic tartan. I see it worn all of the time at festivals and such. Should anyone ask, just say that you do not have a family tartan, and that you wear the Black Watch to honor the regiment, since it is now just a part of Scottish history. There are also lots of generic Scottish tartans such as Scottish National. I believe that Rocky at USA kilts has some of them. His casual kilts are still custom made and cost between 100 and 140 dollars (American). Here is the link:

http://www.usakilts.com/casual_kilts.php

Actually, Government Sett is the correct name for the tartan, JerMc. And really, it is only a de facto "generic" tartan because of its widespread use. Also at one time, it was known as "universal" tartan, meaning that it was worn by a number of Scottish regiments at one time. (for example, the Royal Scots wore trews in Government Sett before adopting the Stewart Hunting tartan) -- I think this designation of "universal" has caused some of the confusion that it is a "generic" tartan over the years.

Black Watch is now the tartan of the new Royal Regiment of Scotland.

http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/govermt.htm

I'm not saying someone shouldn't wear it, but as always, "know your tartan".

Regards,

Todd

**flairball** · 20th December 06, 08:45 AM

There is really only a couple of addopted rules kilt wearer have been gravitating to.

First, what ever tartan you choose to wear, learn a little about the history of the clan. You needn't be a member of that clan, but clan members want correct information being passed about their clan when one is asked.

Second, wear the tartan respectfully. Of course the definition of respectfully is open to interpetation, so just remember, you still represent the clan of the tartan you wear to a small degree, so act accordingly.

The reality is that with very few exceptions there are no laws which prohibits anyone from wearing any tartan they wish. The "Tartan Police" is but a myth.

BTW- you've come to the right place for advise. Straying from Xmarks is not advised.

**Splash_4** · 20th December 06, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by flairball

Straying from Xmarks is not advised.

Very true words!

**starbkjrus** · 20th December 06, 11:33 AM

You may also wish to contact MacHummell here on this board. He is a kiltmaker in Fergus, Ontario and may well have ready access to Canadian tartans in Poly-Viscose.

Good Luck!

**ccga3359** · 20th December 06, 02:29 PM

Slohairt you have really got me thinking now. I have glanced at the xmarks kilt perhaps I should look at it in more depth. I did some sewing in high school but that was twenty odd years ago. Should my first kilt be a home-made job? Now I know here to go for support if I go that route. Thanks to all for their information on Black Watch, and yes rest assured any tartan I wear I shall do so with pride and respect.