What is a tartan? In its structure, a tartan is essentially a checked pattern. In Scotland the earliest surviving example is the so-called Falkink sett, which dates from the 3rd century AD used for centuries, both in the Lowlands and the Highlands, by shepherds for their plaids and "mauds"or "wraps", and came known as "the shepherd´s plaid". Originally, the tartan was worn as a single piece of cloth, drawn in at the waist and thrown over the shoulders. The kilt did not become popular until the beginning of the 18th century.
Each clan has its own tartan. The Gaelic word "clan" means "family" or "descendants" and the great clans of the 16th and 17th centuries were indeed very similar to enormous families, ruled by powerful chiefs. Sometimes there were fierce battles between different clans but nowadays they all live in peace with each other. Modern tartans have been issued for many diverse reasons such as the commemoration of historical events, the promotion of corporative names, sport teams and also to raise funds for worthy causes. The international scope of new tartan designs strengthens and promotes Scottish culture around the world.
