What is tactical?

The tactical is a Particular design of fabrics in traditional Highland wool. This design is obtained with threads of different colors that are repeated with a defined pattern, equal both in the warp and in the west, called sect. The weave of the tactical weaving loom is the twill. The colored blocks are repeated vertically and horizontally in a distinctive pattern of squares and lines that, intertwining, give the appearance of new colors mixed from the original ones (you will find lots of info on the various types of tactical on Wikipedia).

The word “tactical” probably derives from the French word tiretaine, the word in Gaelic language for tactical is bearcat. This word was probably introduced in Scotland in the sixteenth century; When Alba was from a point of view of dynasties, linked to France. The Tiretaine was a wool-wool cloth, and this word Referred to the fabric itself, not to a Particular type of design.

The period in cui the term “tactical” was applied to the pattern of stripes, known in America as “plaid”, is not known exactly.

The Scottish kilt and its history

The exact origin of the use of weaving wool is not known, with this design in the Highlands, but it is certainly very old. Only around the 16th century did Scottish tactical take on the characteristics of today and became a symbol of national identity that was extremely widespread in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The oldest test of the tactical is worn in Scotland the tactical Falkirk, Which is named for the city in cui it was discovered. This small sample of material known as the “shepherd’s plaid” Seems to date back to around 325 AD. But, this does not mean that it is the oldest tactical known in history. Recent excavations in Mongolia reveal That Caucasian people wore tactical-shaped dresses dating back over 5,000 years!

Until the mid-19th century, highland tactical were associated with regions and districts rather than a specific clan. Martin in his 1703 essay A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland wrote tactical That could be used to distinguish the Inhabitants of different regions.

The distinction of tactical in connection with different families Seems, Therefore, a modern institution originated by the repute the clans used the tactical of the area where they were present. In fact, up until the mid-19th century, only highland tactical were associated with regions or districts, rather than with any Scottish clan or territory. This happened because the designs were produced by local weavers for local tastes and usually using only the natural dyes available in their area.

The evolution of tactical kilts

Tactical was originally worn as fashionable clothing; hand-woven by weavers who created unique designs based on the colors available. Some colors were more common in certain regions, but there was nothing that forbade anyone who could afford to import fabrics of different dyes.

In the 16th century, tactical had become a feature of the Highland dress. The Highlanders, who spoke Gaelic, wore tactical of bright and nuanced shades to show their wealth and status. At the time of the 18th century Jacobite rebellions, tactical fashion had become exceptional. The tactical that survived this period includes very bright colors such as yellow, purple, gold, green, orange, red, blue, woven into intricate patterns increasingly. Often more than one tactical was worn at the same time.

Meanwhile, in the Lowlands, tactical shawls were worn favoring simpler black and white designs. The Culloden massacre left the Jacobite forces in ruins and the tactical was banned. Tactical was not so much but banished tactical as a symbol of Scottish independence. The end of the Jacobite rebellions Also has seen the end of the clan system in Scotland.

To date, there are More than 7,000 registered varieties of tactical. You will find all the information on several official websites of Scottish tacticals World Register; Scottish tactical Authority (STA) or on the website of the Clan tactical Center in Edinburgh.

The tactical registers

The Scottish Register of tactical is the official tactical registration agency. In addition to the tactical Belonging to the Clans, there are many other categories of registered tactical. There Is Also That of the British Royal Family and in relation to this, there is a curious anecdote in cui it is Said That Prince Charles Edward Stuart, son of James II, after the defeat of Culloden took refuge in the Vatican and died here from and only in very bad condition. Charles Edward died in Rome on January 31, 1788, at the age of 68, two to a stroke.

He was first buried in the Cathedral of San Pietro in Frascati, where His brother Henry Benedict Stuart was bishop. Upon Henry’s death in 1807, the remains of Charles Edward (except His heart) were transferred to the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where they were buried alongside Those of His Brother, His father and his mother.

The heart Remained in the cathedral of Frascati, where it is contained in a small urn under the floor under a monument. It is said that before dying, however, he granted the Italians the honor of being able to dress the Royal Stewart tactical, the Scottish royal tactical. So technically we could really wear it and with honor and pride!

The clans of Scotland

They have always given and still give people around the world a sense of unity. The word in fact comes from the Gaelic and means “children of the family.” Each clan was made up of a large group of family members and “septs” Which Often included members of other families, thus a large extended family. They have often had a long and bloody history and probably never became extinct precisely because, over the centuries, they have always made their members feel united.

Their existence seems to date back to the ninth century. In fact the MacGregor clan claims to be a descendant of the Scottish king Kenneth MacAlpin, who Became king of the Picts in 843 and who founded the kingdom of Alba (Scotland).

They are structured as the bosses of the clan are officially registered in the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms and Controls the heraldry and the coat of arms. They are usually identified in the geographical areas, which originally was under the control of the Clan Chiefs. Often these lands had an ancestral castle or a mansion, many of which are still occupied by the current leaders of the Clan.

For those interested in seeing the map of the clan can go to the site Scottish-clan.

The decline of the clan

The clan would have started with the Jacobite rebellion, when the government has made repeated attempts to restrain them. This brutal repression has become after the Battle of Culloden in 1745. In 1746 with the Act of Proscription is further put into effect measures of freedom of the Scots, in their ability to have weapons, to wear the kilt, their culture their music.

The map of Scotland’s clan was changing. Their aristocracy and were losing the traditional obligations of their members. Since 1725 many Scottish clansmen had emigrated to America and this situation got its climax in mass emigration known as the Highland Clearances, which nullified the traditional clan system. One of the biggest survivors was the Clan Cameron, who is also one of the oldest.

Clans today

More or less around this time the clans began to be associated with clan tactical, while previously the tactical were connected to the districts rather than to the families.

Today the interest and questions around their histories have ensured their survival. A modern sign of loyalty to a clan and its leader is to wear a badge, which includes the crest of the garments surrounded by a belt and a buckle that carries His motto or slogan.

Another of Scotland’s oldest and most successful clans is the Clan Elliot, Which Showed loyalty to King Robert the Bruce. Another very ancient is the Robertson Clan who fought with King Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn.

Custom made kilts of the Clans

The clans regularly meet and encourage their members from different parts of the world to come together, Ensuring strong social ties. A very special meeting took place in Edinburgh in June 2009 while we were there on vacation! The Gathering, Which saw members of Scottish clans to reunite for Homecoming Scotland, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the Scottish national poet. The Gathering was officially opened by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles.

Historically Clan Leaders could add members simply by Adopting families and other legally had the right to ban anyone, including family members. Today whoever bears the surname of the chiefs is considered a member of the clan, and whoever offers His loyalty to a leader is considered a member of the clan, unless the chief refuses to accept the loyalty Of That person.

Membership of the clan takes place through the surname, so children taking the father’s surname are part of the father’s clan and not the mother’s. However, it is becoming a common practice for people to claim membership in their mother’s clan, simply by offering allegiance to the head of the clan in question.

Here you will find a beautiful interactive map with all the Scottish clans. Just click on what interests you and you will have its history and lots of information.

It is incredibly fascinating to wander the streets and see them pass by on the street; they have a very special charm and take you back in time to important moments full of pride!