Emblems

The Tartan

There are two different versions of the Elliot tartan available today. Although very similar, the two vary slightly. The modern tartan and the ancient tartan vary in the intensity of the colors.

The ancient version uses lighter colors, as the dyes were made from plants and berries. The dark stripes appear to be a dark burgandy or brown, and the blue is a lighter shade.

The modern version (pictured at right) makes use of the stronger, modern chemical dyes and therefore result in a brigher, bolder color. On this one, the dark stripes appear almost black, and the blue is almost a saphire blue.

Also, the width of colored bands differs, with the ancient tartan being more condensed, with finer lines.

History of the tartan

“Regarding the tartan, the truth must come out. Scottish people have been associated with plaids for centuries. However, very few of the plaids were associated with specific families, regions or regiments historically, with notable exceptions such as the Black Watch tartan. Plaids were chosen on the basis of individual taste and not based on family affiliation, much as you would buy a suit today.

Following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie in ’45, the wearing of kilts and tartans was banned by the Haoverians except for Scottish Regiments. Scottish culture was not only out of fashion, it was largely illegal. Later, these restrictions were repealed. In the early nineteenth century, there was a revival of interest in Scottish culture which was romanticised by Sir Walter Scott and Robbie Burns. Scott particularly emphasized the history of the Borders. (Historically, the Clan Scott were our immediate neighbours.)

During this time of “Scottish revival”, George IV made a tour of Scotland. Although grossly obese, he liked fancy clothes and proudly wore the Royal Stewart tartan. He held a great ball for the leading families of Scotland, who all wore traditional Scottish dress. Most family tartans are the plaids that were chosen by the Clan Chief to wear to this famous ball. In our case, the tartan is the one that was worn by the Earl and Countess of Minto. While not the Chief, the Earl held the highest aristocratic rank. Therefore, it is not very ancient, but it is official and now registered as our clan’s tartan.

The tartan displayed here is the “modern” colour, the “ancient” being a much lighter blue and the red more scarlet. Lady Eliott, the mother of our current chief, opines that the modern is more pleasing to our tastes, but vanishes at night. The brighter ancient colouring is therefore better suited for evening wear. However, there is no “official” shade of blue: as in the old days, you get the shade that the manufacturer provides. There are few other blue tartans.”

Historical tartan information was graciously provided by Mr. R. D. Elliott, former Central Ontario Chapter Chair.