A RED, white, and blue tartan has been created to mark the 250th anniversary of independence for the United States.
The tartan, commissioned by the Scottish Government, will be presented to the official America250 organisation in Washington DC on July 4 – the US independence day.
It was designed by Kaci McEwan, a student from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, and selected from a shortlist of five by a panel including the US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens and Republican representative Robert Aderholt, the co-chair of the Friends of Scotland caucus.
McEwan said: “For me, the tartan was about telling a story. Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence – from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like July 4. Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.”
The Scottish Government said the tartan had been “selected as a symbol of the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States”.
McEwan added: “I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone, and I’d misunderstood it. I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won.
“It feels incredibly surreal, but also really rewarding, because I put so much time and care into researching and developing the design.”
Scottish External Affairs Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scots were at the heart of the United States' emergence as an independent country. Ever since, those deep bonds of family and friendship have endured, with a diaspora of millions across the US.
“Celebrating 250 years of American independence strengthens the enduring connection between America and Scotland – bonds which act as a bridge between our past and our future, as two proud nations.
“The winning tartan commemorates significant moments in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries.
“I warmly congratulate Kaci McEwan on this outstanding achievement, and commend all those shortlisted for their exceptional work in bringing this shared history to life. Each of the shortlisted designs reflected a deep appreciation of the historic ties between Scotland and the United States.
“As Scotland takes its place at the men's World Cup, the Scottish Government will showcase the skills and expertise we can offer the US and wider world.”
The expert panel who selected the tartan consisted of:
- Mark Boyce, head of Scottish Government USA
- Leonie Bell, CEO of V&A Dundee
- Marnie Collins, programme director at Heriot-Watt University
- Alan Cumming, design director at Lovat Mill
- Warren Stephens, US ambassador to the UK
- Jennifer Condon, executive director of America250
- Rep. Robert Aderholt, co-chair of the Friends of Scotland Caucus and commissioner co-chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus
- Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association
- Camilla Hellman, executive director of the American Scottish Foundation
The tartan will be officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the official commemorative tartan for the America250 organisation, which was set up by Congress a decade ago to prepare non-partisan celebrations of the anniversary.
Jennifer Condon, the executive vice president of America250, said: “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and cultural connections that have shaped our nation’s story.
“This commemorative tartan is a meaningful tribute to the enduring friendship between Scotland and the United States, and Kaci McEwan’s thoughtful design beautifully reflects the shared history and values that continue to connect our two countries.”
An initial commemorative run of tartan scarves will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.
