ANDERSON TARTANS
The Clans and Families of Scotland have long been proud of their distinct heritage and cultural identity which has often expressed itself in the nature of the garb worn by the Highlanders of old. Today, tartan is synonymous with, and at the very heart of Scottish culture and is present in all manner of situations where Scots would wish to display their heritage. Whether it be in the wearing of the kilt, tartan skirt, shawl, plaid, or any other form, the tartan is at the fore. It is not easy to state with certainty just when specific tartans patterns became associated with particular Clans or Families. It remains a tradition shrouded in the mists of time, which has become generally accepted during the last two or three centuries. In the early 19th century, there was a great upsurge of interest in tartans due in part to the visit in 1822 to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, by King George IV, mostly stage managed by Sir Walter Scott. This led to many Highland Chiefs adopting patterns (or setts) as a Clan tartan. It was in these times that the emergence of Anderson tartan setts first appeared with the recording in 1815 of a pattern by “The Royal Highland Society of London.” Strict uniformity in those days was not considered to be of paramount importance and many variations existed. However, as time has gone on, the standardisation of setts has been guided by the weaving industry and today we enjoy a more controlled and regulated situation.
A modern regular sett of “Anderson” can be seen here to the right (and down the left), which embodies the classic ‘Anderson’ motif of a broad white stripe with two narrower yellow stripes grouped on black. The pale blue or azure ground can sometimes be seen as grey or even deep blue with many shades in between. Nevertheless, this seven colour sett has been the mainstay for Andersons, MacAndrews and Gillanders throughout the majority of the twentieth century who wished to wear a tartan associated with their name.
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TARTAN HISTORY
