The Scottish Tartan: A Timeless Symbol of Scottish Identity
What is Scottish tartan and why is it important?
Scottish tartan, or tartan, is a beautiful pattern of horizontal and vertical lines in different colours that has symbolised Scotland and its rich culture for centuries. At home, Scottish tartan plays a big role for us. Our family is fascinated by the beauty and meaning of this iconic pattern. Our trips to Scotland have brought us ever closer to the origins of tartan, discovering the charm and heritage of this beautiful country along the way.
At Mood Company you will find a wide range of tartan products, such as the beautiful tartan throws from Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon, which add a touch of Scottish history to any interior. Or how about the stunning tartan bags from Glen Appin, perfect for anyone who wants to take a piece of Scotland with them in everyday life?
Our family trips through Scotland
During our family holidays we have often discovered the beauty and history of Scotland. We still vividly remember our visits to Oban, a charming harbour town where the air is filled with the scent of fresh seafood and the sound of bagpipes. From Oban we crossed over to the Isle of Mull, an island full of breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages.
From Mull we travelled on to the peaceful island of Iona, known for its ancient abbey and spiritual atmosphere, and to Staffa, where we visited the impressive Fingal's Cave. It was during these trips that we first truly began to appreciate the power and beauty of tartan. The pattern seemed to be everywhere around us: in the kilts of the locals, the colourful throws in the shops and even the carpets of our hotels. It was as if tartan reminded us everywhere of the deep bond between the land and its people.
Inspiration at the Scottish Trade Fair in Glasgow
Besides our trips to the Scottish islands, every two years we also make the crossing to the Scottish Trade Fair in Glasgow. This fair is a celebration of Scottish creativity, craftsmanship and tradition. Here we meet local artisans and designers who combine classic tartan with contemporary styles. Every visit to the fair feels like getting reacquainted with the versatility of tartan.
This is where we came into contact with wonderful brands such as Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon, which we now proudly offer at Mood Company. Their throws and cushions are woven from the finest wool and embody Scottish tradition in every detail. The bags from Glen Appin, with their classic tartan designs, are always a favourite at the fair too.
The history of Scottish tartan
The history of Scottish tartan goes back a long way and is woven into the history of Scotland itself. Originally, each Scottish clan wore its own tartan pattern, which served as a symbol of its identity and origins. Tartans became especially popular during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, when they became a symbol of resistance and national pride.
During our visits to the Scottish Trade Fair we have learned a lot about the history and meaning of the different tartans. It is fascinating to see how each pattern tells its own story and is connected to a specific clan or region. Some tartans, for example, carry names such as MacLeod or Stewart, each with a unique combination of colours and lines representing a family or area.
Tartan in clothing and accessories
Scottish tartan is not limited to traditional dress such as the kilt, a garment we often come across on our trips to Scotland. Today the pattern is also used in modern fashion and accessories. The tartan bags from Glen Appin, for example, are a beautiful addition to any wardrobe and add a touch of Scottish flair to your everyday look.
At Mood Company we are proud to offer these beautiful products. The tartan throws from Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon bring a piece of the Scottish Highlands into your home, while the bags from Glen Appin are perfect for going on adventures, whether in the Scottish hills or simply in town.
The meaning of colours and patterns
On our travels we have also learned that the colours and patterns of tartan often have a deeper meaning. They can symbolise the natural surroundings of a region or important events in family history. Red, for example, can refer to the bloody battles of the past, while green symbolises Scotland's vast fields and forests.
It is this combination of history, symbolism and craftsmanship that inspires us time and again to return to Scotland and to keep expanding our range at Mood Company with authentic tartan products.
Tartan in pop culture
Tartan is also a well-known motif in pop culture. Who doesn't remember the outfits in films like Braveheart and series such as Outlander, where tartan plays a crucial role in telling stories of Scottish courage and identity? Even in the music world tartan has found its place, as with the Bay City Rollers in the '70s.
Why does Scottish tartan remain such an important symbol?
For us as a family, Scottish tartan is more than just a beautiful pattern; it is a reminder of our adventures, of the friendly people we have met and of the rich history and culture we discover again and again on our trips to Scotland. At Mood Company we want to share this love of tartan and everything it stands for with our customers.
With the beautiful tartan throws from Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon and the stylish tartan bags from Glen Appin, you bring a piece of this special culture into your own home. Whether you love traditional or modern styles, there is always a tartan that suits you.