Scottish Hunting Tartans: Tradition in Earthy Tones
What Are Hunting Tartans?
When most people imagine tartan, they think of bold reds and bright patterns, like those seen in Highland dress or kilts in movies. But Scottish Hunting Tartans are different. Designed for the rugged outdoors, these tartans use muted greens, browns, and blues earthy tones that blend into the landscape.
The Origins of Hunting Tartans
Hunting tartans emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, when clans created alternative patterns to wear in the Highlands. While traditional tartan prints were symbolic and ceremonial, hunting tartans were practical.
They allowed Highlanders to move through forests, glens, and hills without drawing attention—a subtle camouflage long before modern outdoor wear existed.
This practicality echoed the crofters’ resourcefulness celebrated in Scotland’s history, similar to the resilience found in Irish famine survival stories.
Hunting Tartans vs. Clan Tartans
Every clan had its own distinct tartan, often featuring bold and striking colours. But clan hunting tartans offered a subdued alternative. For example:
- MacLeod Hunting Tartan uses green and blue instead of the clan’s famous yellow.
- MacDonald Hunting Tartan tones down the red into darker hues.
This distinction is key: where regular tartans expressed identity, hunting tartans balanced identity with functionality in the field.
Why Earth Tones?
Hunting tartans adopted greens, browns, and greys to mirror forests, moors, and rocky Highlands. Just as Celtic stone carvings reflect the environment, so too do hunting tartans embody Scotland’s natural palette.
The choice of colour wasn’t just aesthetic, it was about survival, blending in during hunts, and moving through landscapes unnoticed.
Hunting Tartans in Modern Times
Today, hunting tartans remain a popular choice for kilts, jackets, and accessories. They are often favoured for autumn and winter wear, weddings in outdoor settings, and Highland gatherings like the Highland Games.
Much like Scottish tartan shawls, they offer elegance with a practical heritage.
The Legacy of Hunting Tartans
Hunting tartans are a reminder of Scotland’s adaptability: the ability to weave identity into cloth while also respecting the natural world. They carry the same weight of heritage as traditional clan tartans but stand out for their quiet strength.
Final Thoughts
Scottish Hunting Tartans are more than subdued versions of clan patterns, they are woven reflections of Scotland’s landscape and lifestyle. Whether on the Highland hills centuries ago or in modern ceremonies, they remain an enduring link between nature, identity, and tradition.
For more explorations into Scotland’s fabric heritage, visit our CeltGuide Blog.
