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For centuries the iconic scarlet plumes of the Red Hackle have inspired generations of Scotland’s Black Watch soldiers both on and off the battlefield. Now the spirit and glory of the distinctive head-dress of the world’s most famous regiment is to be embodied in a brand new tartan bearing its name. The Red Hackle Tartan was launched on January 5th, Red Hackle Day, at a special unveiling at the regiment’s Balhousie Castle museum in Perth. Designed by The House of Edgar, the new tartan features the instantly recognisable dark colours of the famous regimental tartan, with a series of overchecks in two shades of red, signifying the Red Hackle. Blair Macnaughton, managing director of Macnaughton Holdings, said “I have been wanting to create a Red Hackle tartan for several years and we’re all delighted with the final result. I feel sure the Red Hackle Tartan will have widespread popular appeal not only to those connected with The Black Watch – past or present – but also to the general public who have no allegiance to any clan tartan.” He continued, “The new tartan has already proved popular with our retailers within Scotland, and it will be available in a wide range of merchadise, including scarves, ties, kilts, trews and waistcoats, as well as fabric in a variety of weights.” 
The final tartan was chosen from a number of designs submitted to members of the Black Watch Heritage Trust for approval. Assistant Regimental Secretary Major Ronnie Proctor praised the design and said it had already won the approval among the old soldiers of the Black Watch Association that he had shown it to. “The Red Hackle is something that Black Watch soldiers have always been proud to wear, and they will be equally proud to wear the new tartan as I hope many others will.” He continued “The House of Edgar is to be congratulated on designing a tartan that is both true to the traditional Black Watch roots and the spirit of the scarlet plume.” A proportion of the sales of the new tartan will be donated to The Black Watch Heritage Appeal – set up to secure the museum and its collection for the benefit of future generations. 
Alfie Iannetta, chief executive of The Black Watch Museum Trust, said the donation from the sale of the new tartan was a creative and innovative way to raise both funds for the Appeal and the profile of the museum. “The Red Hackle tartan will feature on a range of merchandise available across the world and through our own museum and online shops,” he said. “It’s a great looking tartan and I’m confident it will endure for generations.” |
