Tag: new tartan

New tartan will mark the Declaration of US independence

Celebrating 250 years of Scotland – US ties

Scotland’s relationship with the United States of America will be celebrated through a new tartan to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

A new design by Kaci McEwan, a student from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, has been selected as a symbol of the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.

The tartan, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government and was selected by a panel including the US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, focuses on the United States’ journey towards independence, with carefully numbered threads and colour sections symbolising key moments in early American history.  

External Affairs Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scots were at the heart of the United States’ emergence as an independent country. Ever since, those deep bonds of family and friendship have endured, with a diaspora of millions across the US. Celebrating 250 years of American independence strengthens the enduring connection between America and Scotland – bonds which act as a bridge between our past, and our future, as two proud nations. 

“The winning tartan commemorates significant moments in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries. 

“I warmly congratulate Kaci McEwan on this outstanding achievement, and commend all those shortlisted for their exceptional work in bringing this shared history to life. Each of the shortlisted designs reflected a deep appreciation of the historic ties between Scotland and the United States.

“As Scotland takes its place at the men’s World Cup, the Scottish Government will showcase the skills and expertise we can offer the US and wider world.”

Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design student Kaci McEwan said: “I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone and I’d misunderstood it.

“I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won. It feels incredibly surreal, but also really rewarding, because I put so much time and care into researching and developing the design.

“For me, the tartan was about telling a story. Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence — from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like the 4th of July. Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.

“Looking back, this opportunity really reflects the kind of experience I’ve had at Heriot-Watt. I’ve been encouraged to think creatively, push my ideas further and take on opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. This competition was something I was encouraged to apply for, and that support has made a huge difference.

“To now have my work recognised on such an international scale is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve had throughout my studies. It’s been an amazing journey, and this really feels like a special way to mark the end of it.”

Jennifer Condon, Executive Vice President of America250 said: “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and cultural connections that have shaped our nation’s story.

“This commemorative tartan is a meaningful tribute to the enduring friendship between Scotland and the United States, and Kaci McEwan’s thoughtful design beautifully reflects the shared history and values that continue to connect our two countries.”

Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean for the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Kaci, and I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on creating such a thoughtful and compelling design.

“The creativity, research and storytelling behind her work is truly impressive and it will be wonderful to see it play a part in such a significant international celebration.

“I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution of all the students who took part. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, reflecting the talent, dedication and innovation that define our School.

“Opportunities like this, working on a live international brief of genuine cultural significance, are incredibly rare, and they speak to the distinctive, real-world experiences available to Heriot-Watt students. We are immensely proud to see our students representing Scotland’s creativity and heritage on a global stage.”

The expert panel consisted of:

  • Mark Boyce, Head of Scottish Government USA
  • Leonie Bell, CEO of V&A Dundee
  • Marnie Collins, Programme Director at Heriot-Watt University
  • Alan Cumming, Design Director at Lovat Mill
  • US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens
  • Jennifer Condon, Executive Director of America250.org
  • Rep. Robert Aderholt, Co-Chair of the Friends of Scotland Caucus and Commissioner Co-Chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus
  • Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association
  • Camilla Hellman, Executive Director of the American Scottish Foundation

Students from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design were commissioned and funded by the Scottish Government to create a tartan symbolising the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States. 

Kaci McEwan’s tartan was selected from five shortlisted designs. Kaci will travel to Washington D.C. to formally present the tartan from Scotland to the America250 organisation on Independence Day, July 4.

The tartan will be officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the official commemorative tartan for the America-250th organisation. 

An initial commemorative run of tartan scarves will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.

Tartan Connection – Samaritartan launched by Samaritans Scotland ahead of Burns Night

A brand-new tartan has been created by Samaritans Scotland to raise awareness of suicide prevention and the charity’s services in Scotland. Named the ‘Samaritartan’, the new tartan was chosen by Samaritans volunteers across Scotland.

A preview of the tartan took place at the Scottish Parliament this week ahead of Burns Night, a time where people all over the world are connected through Scotland’s iconic music, poetry, cuisine, and tartan as they celebrate the National Bard. MSPs from across political parties joined together to support suicide prevention and Samaritans Scotland’s commitment to a world where fewer lives are lost to suicide, including the Minister for Health, Social Care, and Sport, Maree Todd.

As a charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide, the new tartan is a symbol of connection and weaves together the volunteers, branches, communities, and the wider organisation in Scotland.

Samaritans Scotland Head of Policy and Communications, Danielle Rowley, said: “The first Samaritans branch in Scotland opened in 1959, and we’ve been connecting with people ever since. We want the tartan to be a way to connect with the communities we work with, and a way for people to proudly show their support and passion for suicide prevention.

“The symbolism of the lines in the tartan crossing over and the weave of the tartan highlights the importance of connection, and how our lives touch the lives of others. 

“Something as simple as saying ‘hello’, or having a coffee with someone can be enough to make a difference. We hope that the Samaritartan, as something bright and visual, will act as a conversation starter and help to address the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.”

The officially registered Samaritartan was designed in partnership with International Tartans’ Retweed, tartan weavers House of Edgar, and was brought to life through the creation of Samaritartan kilts, ties, and scarves by local business, Kinloch Anderson, close to the charity’s central hub in Leith.

Angela Merola, Marketing Coordinator at Kinloch Anderson, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the creation of this brand-new tartan for Samaritans Scotland. We know how valuable the work of the charity is, with volunteers across the country supporting people in some of their most difficult times.

To help bring this bright and vibrant tartan into the world and connect the groups that help so many people every day was special for us.”

Award-wiining Scottish poet and current Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen, has also written a beautiful and unique poem around the tartan and the meaning of connection.

Speaking about Samaritans Scotland and his involvement with the charity’s new tartan creation, Pederson said: ‘I’m in admirative awe of all the vital, life-altering, and deeply courageous work Samaritans do.

“The people they reach, the lives bolstered, the minds fortified, and the connections nurtured, forged and fostered because of their compassionate and mettlesome presence is, quite frankly, astounding.

“Suffice to say, Scotland, and the world, is a better, less lonely, more sentient place because of them. To have written a poem to champion them and help celebrate the arrival of their stunning new Samaritartan range is a supreme privilege. Long live the Samaritans (and Samaritartan).’

The poem can be heard as part of a new video unveiling the tartan, which will be released on Burns Day this weekend.

The tartan is expected to feature at this year’s Tartan Parade in Edinburgh on the 10th May, and it is hoped that the tartan will soon be available through a variety of merchandise for people to buy.

The preview event was held at the Scottish Parliament on the 22nd January, alongside an event highlighting the latest research undertaken by Samaritans in partnership with Strathclyde University, ‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’.

The report highlights the impact of employment and financial insecurity on suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Participants shared their experiences of feeling the pressure of insufficient pay and poverty, of the stigma placed on them when reaching out for financial support, and of the sense of being trapped in debt.

Since the first Samaritans branch in Scotland answered its first call for help in 1959, there are now 19 branches and nearly 1,000 volunteers stretching from the Borders to the Highlands & Islands.

Volunteers are available every day and night through the helpline, with the charity also providing community outreach support in Scottish prisons, schools, hospitals, and on the rail network.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org. 

‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’ research can be found here.

Paid_Yesterday_Broke_Today_ReportDownload

A New Tartan for Scottish Borders

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the lives of everyone in Scotland, but the ways by which it affected each community were unique. Remembering Together is a national project which seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities their own way to remember and mark their experiences of the pandemic. 

On 31st May, the Scottish Borders Remembering Together project will unveil the new Borders Together tartan marking the varied experiences of the Covid pandemic on the Scottish Borders area. Commissioned artists Two Destination Language worked with around 700 Borderers across an 18 month period to develop the idea and design.

The unveiling event celebrates the weaving of the tartan for the first time along with its use in creative projects across the area as it begins its distribution to community spaces across the Scottish Borders.

Since the Scottish Borders Remembering Together project began last autumn, over 700 contributions have helped shape the decision to create a new tartan, and what that looks like. These resulted in two designs which draw on the experiences that Borderers shared as well as the particular colour and design ideas they contributed. Borderers voted on the final design at the end of 2023.

During the process, many people in the community spoke about Borders landscapes: the sea, rivers, lochs and reservoirs; the brilliant skies of 2020’s spring and summer; and the brightness of gorse, broom, heather and forests.

There were also references to the uniforms of health and care workers, the masks and warning signs of the pandemic. People shared loss, grief and guilt as well as the challenges of isolation, while others spoke of hope and a new-forged community. 

The design draws on colour combinations selected by contributors and incorporates a reference to the five localities of the Borders with many participants wanting the tartan to be something that joins people across the whole region.

Lead artist Katherina Radeva said: “When I saw the new tartan on the loom for the first time, I burst into tears. For me, the design is layered with the hundreds of stories which people have shared across the project.

“It honours lives lost, it respects the extraordinary labour of those whose work filled with new challenges, and it contains the multitude of ways people moved forwards individually and together.”

Following the public vote to select the tartan, a callout was made for community groups to apply for grant funding for creative proposals which enhance the tartan’s accessibility.

Ten groups have now been chosen to develop their ideas.

More information of the selected groups from across Scottish Borders can be found here:  https://www.twodestinationlanguage.com/rtb