Glen Affric Tartan: Experts recreate Scotland's oldest tartan

The Glen Affric Tartan dates from 1500-1600 AD and went on to be exhibited at the V&A Dundee.

Monday 22 January 2024 10:20, UK

The original Glen Affric Tartan laid on top of the newly recreated tartan
Image: The original Glen Affric Tartan laid on top of the newly recreated tartan
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Experts have recreated the oldest-known piece of tartan ever found, which was retrieved from a peat bog after being buried for centuries.

The tartan was discovered around 40 years ago in Glen Affric in the Highlands and underwent rigorous testing by the Scottish Tartans Authority last year to confirm it was the oldest surviving piece of tartan.

The Glen Affric Tartan dates from 1500-1600 AD and went on to be exhibited at the V&A Dundee.

Manufacturer The House of Edgar has now recreated the tartan under the guidance of historian Peter MacDonald for people to wear.

The Glen Affric Tartan dates from 1500-1600 AD and went on to be exhibited at the V&A Dundee
Image: The Glen Affric Tartan dates from 1500-1600 AD and went on to be exhibited at the V&A Dundee

It features the colours that dye analysis of the original tartan had confirmed - this included the use of green, yellow and red, which would have come from woad or indigo to create the green along with other natural dyes.

Emma Wilkinson, designer at The House of Edgar, and Peter MacDonald, head of research and collections at the Scottish Tartans Authority
Image: Emma Wilkinson, designer at The House of Edgar, and Peter MacDonald, head of research and collections at the Scottish Tartans Authority

Emma Wilkinson, designer at The House of Edgar who worked on the project, said: "I create new tartans every day but this project is truly special - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recreate a piece of history.

"Tartan is such an iconic piece of Scotland's identity and it has been a true pleasure to see this fabric come back to life to be enjoyed for generations to come."

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Mr MacDonald, head of research and collections at the Scottish Tartans Authority, said it was a "privilege" to examine the original specimen.

He added: "It is quite special to see the tartan remade as it could have been 500 years ago."

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