For over 300 years, regimental tartans have been woven into the identity of Scotland's most legendary military units. These patterns are not mere decoration, they are symbols of courage, belonging, and sacrifice, worn by soldiers from the glens of Scotland to battlefields across continents. Discover the stories behind the Black Watch, Seaforth Highlanders, and the tartans that honour generations of service.
Where ancient bloodlines meet battlefield glory in the heart of Scotland
Picture this: It's 1314, and Sir David Lindsay stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn, his sword still warm from the fray. The English are in retreat, and Scotland's freedom hangs in the balance. This wasn't just any knight; this was a Lindsay, and courage ran through his veins like the River Tay through his ancestral lands.
Fast forward to the 16th century, and meet David Lindsay of the Mount, not a warrior, but a wordsmith whose pen proved mightier than any claymore.
As Lord Lyon King of Arms and Scotland's greatest satirical poet, he fearlessly mocked corrupt clergy and championed the common people through works like "Ane Satyre of the Thrie Estaitis." Two Davids, centuries apart, both embodying the Lindsay spirit: bold, principled, and utterly unforgettable.
The Lindsay story begins with Sir Walter de Lindissie, who arrived in Scotland during the 12th century from Lincolnshire (the name derives from "Lindsey" in England). But don't let the Norman origins fool you - the Lindsays became more Scottish than haggis and heather.
By the 14th century, they'd secured their place among Scotland's most powerful families. Sir David Lindsay was rewarded for his loyalty to Robert the Bruce with lands in Angus and the title of Lord of Crawford. His descendants would become the Earls of Crawford, one of Scotland's premier earldoms, earning the nickname "The Lightsome Lindsays" for their charm and vivacity.
The Lindsay power base centered around Crawford in Lanarkshire and later Edzell Castle in Angus—a stunning Renaissance fortress with walled gardens that still whisper tales of courtly intrigue. The Earls of Crawford held sway over vast territories, their influence stretching from the Lowlands to the Highlands.
But power came with peril. The Lindsays were embroiled in feuds with rival clans, political machinations, and the ever-shifting allegiances of Scottish nobility. The "Tiger Earl" (Alexander Lindsay, 4th Earl of Crawford) earned his fearsome nickname through his fierce temper and military prowess during the 15th century—a man you'd want beside you in battle, but never as an enemy.
The Lindsay Clan's influence spread through numerous septs—family branches and associated names that owed allegiance to the chief. If you bear any of these surnames, Lindsay blood may flow through your veins:
These families fought under the Lindsay banner, shared their fortunes, and helped build the clan's legendary reputation across Scotland.
The Lindsay tartan is a striking pattern of red and green with bold blue and white lines—colours that reflect the clan's vibrant spirit and connection to Scotland's landscapes. Whether you're a Lindsay by blood or by sept, wrapping yourself in this tartan connects you to centuries of Scottish heritage, from Bannockburn's muddy fields to Edinburgh's grand halls.
Today, the Lindsay name carries weight far beyond Scotland's borders. From military heroes to artists, politicians to pioneers, Lindsays have left their mark on world history. But the heart of the clan remains in Scotland—in the ruins of Edzell Castle, in the poetry of David Lindsay, and in the proud descendants who still gather to honour their ancestors.
The Lindsays weren't just survivors of Scotland's turbulent history—they were shapers of it. Bold in battle, eloquent in court, and fiercely loyal to Scotland, they embodied the best of what it means to be a Highland clan.
So whether you're a Lindsay, a Fotheringham, a Downie, or simply someone captivated by Scotland's rich tapestry of clan history, raise a dram to the Lightsome Lindsays. Their story is Scotland's story, and it's far from over.
Interested in connecting with your Scottish heritage? Explore authentic Lindsay tartan products woven traditionally in Scotland's family-owned mills and discover how we keep these ancient patterns alive for modern generations.
The Complete Guide. Expert corporate custom tartan design matching your logo and brand colours. 100% success rate, 30+ years experience. Traditional Scottish weaving with modern colour matching.
In a marketplace saturated with interchangeable logos and fleeting trends, bespoke corporate tartans offer something competitors cannot replicate: a registered, protected design that becomes a powerful brand asset for eternity.
At Great Scot, we don't just create patterns; we build strategic heritage assets that differentiate your business, deepen customer connections, and deliver measurable brand value across every touchpoint.
Once registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans, your corporate tartan becomes uniquely yours, a protected design that no competitor can duplicate. This exclusivity creates:
A bespoke corporate tartan allows you to create heritage instantly, particularly valuable for:
Your corporate tartan is brand equity intellectual property that enhances valuation and provides distinctive marketing collateral for generations. It signals:
Creating a meaningful corporate tartan requires a deep understanding of brand strategy, market positioning, and commercial application, not just aesthetic sensibility.
Led by Margo, who spent 20 years building brands in Manhattan's intensely competitive market, our team brings strategic sophistication that is unmatched in the world of tartan design. We understand:
We don't simply produce a pattern; we guide you through a transformative process that enriches your understanding of your own brand:
Deep brand exploration: Uncover your organisation's essential truths, values, story, aspirations and translate them into visual form
Strategic colour selection: Every hue chosen for psychological impact, cultural resonance, and brand alignment
Symbolic integration: Meaningful elements woven into the pattern structure, creating layers of storytelling
Commercial guidance: Maximise tartan value across all brand touchpoints, from product development to experiential marketing
We handle the complexity of mill partnerships, weaving specifications, registration protocols, and commercial production—transforming what could be overwhelming into an enriching, enjoyable experience.
We structure payment to align with your budget and timeline, whether you're a start-up, managing cash flow or an established corporation with different procurement processes.
Once your tartan is created and registered, applications are genuinely limitless:
Digital Assets (immediate, minimal investment):
Websites, social media, presentations, email signatures, virtual backgrounds
Print Applications (cost-effective brand integration):
Business cards, brochures, packaging, stationery, promotional materials, point-of-sale
Woven Textiles (premium, traditionally crafted):
Corporate gifts, uniforms, interior furnishings, product lines, exclusive merchandise
Licensing & Revenue (your tartan as an income stream):
Partner licensing, collaborative product development
Experiential Applications (memorable brand moments):
Event décor, exhibition stands, retail environments, corporate spaces
Product Integration (heritage-driven collections):
Tartan-branded product lines, limited editions, special collections
Step 1: Contact us to discuss your brand, vision, and objectives
Step 2: We outline a tailored approach fitting your timeline and budget
Step 3: Collaborative design process begins (as little as one week to completion)
Step 4: Official registration with the Scottish Register of Tartans
Step 5: Deploy your tartan across chosen applications, digital, print, or woven
In an era of quarterly thinking, a bespoke corporate tartan represents a refreshingly long-term investment, a brand asset serving your organisation for decades, creating recognition and differentiation that digital marketing cannot replicate.
The question isn't whether your organisation can afford a bespoke corporate tartan but whether you can afford not to;
At Great Scot, we unite Scotland's finest traditional weaving heritage with world-class branding expertise to create corporate tartans that are strategic assets, storytelling tools, and enduring symbols of your unique identity.
Email: margo@greatscotscotland.com
Consultation: Complimentary brand discovery call - absolutely no obligation.
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When we think of tartan, we often picture Highland warriors in kilts. But tartan's story is incomplete without celebrating the women who wore it as daily armour against the elements and as a proud declaration of clan and community. From the 17th century, Highland women wore the arisaid—a draped tartan wrapper that served as cloak, shawl, and statement piece. Today, the Great Scot Highlander Ruana continues this centuries-old tradition, connecting you to the very first Highland women who understood the power and practicality of woven tartan draped across their shoulders.
