Time for a New York State tartan?

**Brian K** · 26th April 10, 08:58 PM

Wompet,

I forgot to mention in my reply to you that I considered a darker grey for my design, but I thought it was too dark. In any event, slate grey is not a standard color at Scotweb (and since they have a vary large selection of standard weaver's colors it's perhaps the case with most weavers) and a special color makes a tartan more expensive. Besides, the grey I was looking to match was that of concrete, which is a much more common grey in today's cities than are those of slate or other natural stones.

Regards,

Brian

**Woodsheal** · 27th April 10, 05:31 AM

So, what's the next step? It seems to me: registering the tartan, then going after the legislators to introduce a bill or resolution, and Scottish societies to lobby in support of the effort....

**Brian K** · 27th April 10, 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

So, what's the next step? It seems to me: registering the tartan, then going after the legislators to introduce a bill or resolution, and Scottish societies to lobby in support of the effort....

I like your enthusiasm, Brian, but so far there have been 10 responses from members besides you and me and I've had one private message dealing with the issue of using the Scotweb tartan designer. Of the 10 posts supporting the idea only 7 were from New Yorkers. Is that enough support to proceed and are we sure mine is the design to go with?

Assuming this is the design to go with, the next step would be to try to drum up some support and get someone in the legislature to sponsor a bill. The Scottish register of tartans will not accept a registration for a tartan for an organization or political entity (or a clan or family, for that matter) unless the registrant is actually entitled to decide that said tartan represents them. If that were not the case anyone who decided to design and register a New York State tartan could do so and there would probably be a dozen of them.

I presume that if the legislature approves the tartan then only the Secretary of State of the State of New York would have the standing to actually register the design as the official NYS tartan.

One hurdle could be that members of the legislature might want to see some of the actual cloth woven -a request that would be reasonable - and I can't even afford a kilt, let alone having special order cloth woven.

If there's anyone here who's been involved with this process it'd be nice to hear from them

Regards,

Brian

**Seumas52** · 28th April 10, 01:15 PM

[QUOTE=Brian K;878455]I like your enthusiasm, Brian, but so far there have been 10 responses from members besides you and me and I've had one private message dealing with the issue of using the Scotweb tartan designer. Of the 10 posts supporting the idea only 7 were from New Yorkers. Is that enough support to proceed and are we sure mine is the design to go with?

I am a New Yorker and I like it, and would be proud to wear it. I say go for it.

**ccga3359** · 28th April 10, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Brian K

I like your enthusiasm, Brian, but so far there have been 10 responses from members besides you and me and I've had one private message dealing with the issue of using the Scotweb tartan designer. Of the 10 posts supporting the idea only 7 were from New Yorkers. Is that enough support to proceed and are we sure mine is the design to go with?

I'd think if just one person wanted it and with the support of a enthusiastic legislator then you could get it passed. I would think this is how the Ontario tartan was passed a few years ago. The ensign of Ontario was designed in 1967 and it seems was was the unofficial "official" tartan of Ontario all this time. It's even shown as that on government websites*.

As a proud New Yorker do you not have a right to have a tartan to show that pride? In short go for it, if no one else is submitting a design you might as well get yours adopted. A description of the meanings, an acknowledgment of the Scottish heritage and contributions of New York. It'll cost you nothing to submit (except time and effort) and mere moments to pass. Perhaps I shouldn't be throwing in my opinions but I wish to support my closest neighbours.

*It appears that they've recognised the new official tartan but they still show Ensign of Ontario.

**BruceK** · 28th April 10, 07:40 PM

I want a kilt in this! I preferred the first version but have liked all of the modified ones I've seen. Sign me up!!

**Brian K** · 28th April 10, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by BruceK

I want a kilt in this! I preferred the first version but have liked all of the modified ones I've seen. Sign me up!!

Well, Bruce, as Nick has waived his rights it looks like we'll go with the original, or a variation of it.

I spoke with my County Legislator today and she knows each of the 4 Assemblymen whose districts cover our county and she'll see what she can find out about the way we need to approach this to have it work.

I've also contacted another X Marks member who has designed and registered a few tartans, and whose judgment I trust implicitly. I think I have only once disagreed with her over a design element and, believe me, we have critiqued a lot of each other's tartans. If she says there's a way to improve this design for our purposes I'll post her suggestions.

In any event, Bruce, if the project falls through, I am sure Nick at Scotweb would be happy to have cloth woven and, if you'd like, have a kilt fashioned for you. This would, of course, apply to anyone else who'd like a kilt in this tartan. Nick may have waived his rights, but if it remains a private design I would prefer that those who wish it would go through Scotweb.

Regards,

Brian