Can you combine tartans?

[Famous Graham]

Thinking of having a kilt made but have a minor dilemma. The two main branches of ancestry in my family are, on the Scots side, MacLennan and, on the Irish, Butler of Kilkenny. Both of which have their own tartans.

Is there a standard way of dealing with this, ie can you combine the two in a overlay fashion, or create a kilt that's half and half? Or does one have to go for a particular one, ie that which follows the male line or something.

[deevlash]

Famous Graham said:

Thinking of having a kilt made but have a minor dilemma. The two main branches of ancestry in my family are, on the Scots side, MacLennan and, on the Irish, Butler of Kilkenny. Both of which have their own tartans.

Is there a standard way of dealing with this, ie can you combine the two in a overlay fashion, or create a kilt that's half and half? Or does one have to go for a particular one, ie that which follows the male line or something.

IIRC you usually go for whatever your family name is, which in my case is unfotunately, irish so it then goes to your mothers maiden name which for me meant I was going to get a horrible tartan so went for a rather nice generic one. The best person to speak to are the people in the kilt shop. I got mine from the kilt shop in south queensferry high street, and the chap was very helpful in choosing it and makiing sure it was the right size and length etc.

[VetteG]

deevlash said:

I got mine from the kilt shop in south queensferry high street, and the chap was very helpful in choosing it and makiing sure it was the right size and length etc.

Yup thats Clan Albanach, I got all our kilts (me and 2 sons) from him plus jackets etc. He is very helpful and knows his stuff. And when it comes to jackets, ask him if he has any second hand stock. I got a beautiful worn once (honest Guv!) Prince Charlie from him for a fraction of the cost!

Without wanting to high jack the thread, does anybody know how you go about getting one of these stupid licences for an animal (in my case badger) sporran?

G

[KB_S1]

Me too from the the guy in S.Queensferry. Very helpful and very speedy in getting the kilt ready.

I wouldn't go mixing tartans. It will look all wrong.
Just be glad you don't have to wear City of Aberdeen.

[Famous Graham]

That's that narrow cobbled bit between the bridges isn't it?

[VetteG]

Famous Graham said:

That's that narrow cobbled bit between the bridges isn't it?

Yes the narrow cobbled bit, he is on the right coming from the rail bridge towards the road bridge about 25 yards before the cobbles end.

G
PS I havent been in for a while but he knows me as the guy with the old Corvette, (His old man collects buses!) give him my regards.

[Famous Graham]

Ta - will do

[dycecooper]

My family tartan was BOGGIN!! so I decided that if I'm spending all that money I will get a Tartan I like.

[TVR MAN]

dycecooper said:

My family tartan was BOGGIN!! so I decided that if I'm spending all that money I will get a Tartan I like.

I did the same. Ended up with Royal Stewart.

[Famous Graham]

I have a similar situation to Deevlash - the family name is Irish. Yet, it's the Scottish I identify with more.

I'd like to honour both but I'm struggling to find a way to do so.

Although I have had a few tattoo ideas tonight

[Rambo]

Famous Graham said:

I have a similar situation to Deevlash - the family name is Irish. Yet, it's the Scottish I identify with more.

I'd like to honour both but I'm struggling to find a way to do so.

Although I have had a few tattoo ideas tonight

There is a solution Graham but it will cost you about twice as much - you get one of each and keep everyone happy. You might even be able to negotiate a discount on 2 ?

I've heard the kiltmakers on the Royal Mile (opp Worlds End pub) have a good reputation ? You could also commission them to make your own tartan combining the principal colours from the Scottish/Irish tartans but that will probably be expensive ?

Just don't mix tartans at the same time - they will clash.

PS And whatever you do, don't go for the McConnell grey stripe - unless you want to look like a prize prat! You might stand an outside chance of becoming High Commissioner to Malawi though !!!

[Fume troll]

Doesn't really sort your problem, but rememeber there will be more than one tartan to choose from for each name.

http://www.tartanstore.net/tartan/MacLennan/20555....

Cheers,

Tom.

[AndyAudi]

A friend of mine has a custom made kilt with each pleat being a different tartan. (I think there is a kilt maker in his family)
It certainly is a talking point when he's out, looks good and is unique.

[Famous Graham]

Rambo said:

I've heard the kiltmakers on the Royal Mile (opp Worlds End pub) have a good reputation ? You could also commission them to make your own tartan combining the principal colours from the Scottish/Irish tartans but that will probably be expensive ?

I was avoiding them so far for fear of being tourist traps, given their location. If they're actually up to snuff though, I'll happily pop in (only 10 minutes walk from my flat)