Kilt Hire

A Brief History of Silver Mist

Silver Mist is a contemporary, universal tartan and is not connected or affiliated with any clan. Silver Mist was launched by MacGregor and MacDuff in 2009 and became the inspiration for creating our Mist range of tartans. The tartan is Exclusive to MacGregor and MacDuff which means it cannot be bought anywhere else without permission.

The tartan design was inspired by the enchanting mists and dramatic scenery found across the shorelines and valleys of Scotland. The dark hues of the tartan are perfect for matching with grey and black kilt jackets and accessories. The tartan is also subtle, making it a perfect choice for any event.

A Brief History of Scotland Forever

The Scotland Forever tartan isn’t connected to any specific tartan and was designed to reflect the pride of the nation. The colours of the tartan represent different aspects of Scotland. The blue and white are symbolic of the Saltire, the national flag of Scotland. The green and purple are to represent the fauna of the country, purples for the heather and thistles and green for the rolling green hills.

Scotland Forever is also one of Scotland’s best-known war cries, famously used by the Scots Greys during their ferocious charge at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Using Scotland Forever as the name of the tartan emphasises and emboldens Scottish pride.

Scotland Forever is a fantastic tartan steeped in symbolism and works well with both traditional and contemporary outfits. The tartan is also available in our hire range.

A Brief History of Red MacGregor

Clan MacGregor’s history is fraught with feuds and battles that made the clan one of the best known in Scotland. The clan’s motto is ‘S Rioghal Mo Dhream which translates to “Royal is my Race” which refers to claims of descent from Giogar, who was the son of the first king of Dalriada.

Clan MacGregor held lands in Argyll and Perthshire and had a longstanding feud with the neighboring Clan Campbell. In the early 1600’s the name MacGregor was outlawed by King James VI due to a series of events that tempered the king and any new child born into the Clan would either denounce their name or face death. The MacGregor name survived and the MacGregors became prominent in fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprising. It wasn’t until 1784 that the ban was lifted and the MacGregor’s were officially allowed to use their name and were restored to the rights of British citizens.

Possibly the most famous MacGregor is Rob Roy Macgregor (1671 – 1734) who’s notoriety came from being an outlaw with an unquenchable grudge towards the British. Stories and tales were written about Rob Roy MacGregor and you’ll find statues of him around the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park as well as at the foot of Stirling Castle.

The MacGregor tartans consist primarily of reds and greens and are available in modern, ancient, hunting and muted variations. A Rob Roy MacGregor tartan is also available in either Modern or Ancient. Red and Hunting MacGregor tartans are available in our hire range and are a popular choice for all occasions. Although clan tartans were historically worn only by clan members, today the MacGregor tartan can be worn by anyone who wishes to do so.

A Brief History of Oban Mist

In 2014 MacGregor and MacDuff launched their third exclusive Mist tartan, Oban Mist. The tartan takes its inspiration from the idyllic seaside town of Oban and the surrounding landscape. Oban Mist is a universal tartan which means it has no connection to a specific clan and hence, can be worn by anyone.

The tartan features grey hues which symbolise the towering Dunstaffnage Castle, rustic browns to represent the picturesque hills and rocky shoreline as well as a hint of blue as a nod to the waters surrounding the Little Bay. Oban Mist is a great tartan for matching with a range of jackets and accessories making it a very versatile tartan option.

A Brief History of MacKenzie Modern

Clan MacKenzie was a large highland Clan traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire. The MacKenzie Clan Motto is Luceo Non Uro (I shine, not burn) which makes reference to their drive to everything to the best of their abilities.

The Mackenzies gained exceptional political eminence between the 15th and 17th century but the Clan was divided during the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Three highland MacKenzie companies were raised to fight alongside the British and a large number of Jacobite MacKenzies were prevented from joining the Jacobite army at Culloden after an attack from loyalist MacKay and Sutherland Highland Companies during their march towards the battle.

Although the Clan’s history is full of interesting MacKenzies, Roderick MacKenzie is arguably the most notable. A son of a goldsmith and jeweler, Roderick MacKenzie lived a quiet life until Prince Charles returned to Scotland to raise an army against the British. Roderick MacKenzie was a staunch Jacobite and became an officer in the Prince’s Life Guards. He bore an uncanny resemblance to Prince Charlie and became the Prince’s personal bodyguard and decoy. Sources say that after Culloden, while the Prince was on the run, Roderick MacKenzie dressed as the Prince and made himself visible to British troops. He drew the Redcoats away from the direction of the Prince and refused to surrender. He was riddled with bullets and it’s said that his last words were “You have murdered your Prince”. Roderick MacKenzie’s final act of bravery was enough to fool even the Duke Cumberland who reported to London that the Prince was dead. Prince Charlie was eventually able to escape Scotland unscathed.

The MacKenzie tartan consists of predominantly blues and greens and is available in ancient and modern variations. There is also a hunting alternative that consists of earthy colours which would have been used to blend into the terrain while out hunting for game. Modern MacKenzie tartan is available in our hire range and is a great choice for any occasion.

A Brief History of Lomond Mist

Lomond Mist is a contemporary tartan that is Exclusive to MacGregor and MacDuff. In 2009 it became the second tartan to enter the Mist tartan range and has been a very popular tartan ever since. It is a universal tartan which means it has no connection to any clan or Scottish surname.

The Lomond Mist tartan takes inspiration from the iconic Loch Lomond and its dramatic surroundings. The tartan features greys which represent the morning mists over the water, browns to represent the earthy banks of the loch, and a flash of pink for the purslane flowers that decorate the shores. Lomond Mist is a versatile tartan that will match a wide range of jacket colours, styles, and accessories, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

A Brief History of Jura Mist

Jura Mist was launched in 2024 and became the seventh Mist tartan to enter the range. Exclusive to MacGregor and MacDuff, the Jura Mist design is inspired by the nature and untouched scenery of the Isle of Jura. As a contemporary tartan, it has no affiliation or connection to any clan and is instead a celebration of one of Scotland’s most iconic islands.

The brown of the tartan pays homage to the island’s rich and fertile land that not only sustains the wildlife but also gives the island’s world-famous whisky its distinctive peaty flavour. The shades of green are designed to represent the dense forests that blanked much of the island and the lines of red symbolise the deer that roam freely across the island, honouring Jura’s untamed beauty.

A Brief History of Islay Mist

In 2019 Islay Mist was launched and became the fifth exclusive tartan to enter MacGregor and MacDuff’s Mist tartan range. Islay Mist is a contemporary universal tartan, meaning that there is no association with a Scottish clan and can be worn by anyone.

Islay Mist is a versatile tartan that celebrates and pays homage to the breathtaking beauty of the Isle of Islay. The tartan has been woven with ocean shades of grey and blue, deep purples, and expertly lifted with a line of rosewater for a unique and contemporary design. Islay Mist is arguably one of the most versatile tartans in the Mist range as it can be styled with a huge range of jackets and accessories.

A Brief History of Hunting MacGregor

Clan MacGregor’s history is fraught with feuds and battles that made the clan one of the best known in Scotland. The clan’s motto is ‘S Rioghal Mo Dhream which translates to “Royal is my Race” which refers to claims of descent from Giogar, who was the son of the first king of Dalriada.

Clan MacGregor held lands in Argyll and Perthshire and had a longstanding feud with the neighboring Clan Campbell. In the early 1600’s the name MacGregor was outlawed by King James VI due to a series of events that tempered the king and any new child born into the Clan would either denounce their name or face death. The MacGregor name survived and the MacGregors became prominent in fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprising. It wasn’t until 1784 that the ban was lifted and the MacGregor’s were officially allowed to use their name and were restored to the rights of British citizens.

Possibly the most famous MacGregor is Rob Roy Macgregor (1671 – 1734) who’s notoriety came from being an outlaw with an unquenchable grudge towards the British. Stories and tales were written about Rob Roy MacGregor and you’ll find statues of him around the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park as well as at the foot of Stirling Castle.

The MacGregor tartans consist primarily of reds and greens and are available in modern, ancient, hunting and muted variations. A Rob Roy MacGregor tartan is also available in either Modern or Ancient. Red and Hunting MacGregor tartans are available in our hire range and are a popular choice for all occasions. Although clan tartans were historically worn only by clan members, today the MacGregor tartan can be worn by anyone who wishes to do so.

A Brief History of Highland Granite Grey

Highland Granite is a contemporary tartan with no Clan connection. The tartan was designed as an ode to the scenery of the Scottish Highlands. With granite being the predominant composition of the hills and mountains in the area, the Highland Granite tartan reflects those same grey characteristics.

Highland Granite is a versatile tartan as its greys match many different jacket colours and styles. With it being a contemporary tartan, it works especially well with contemporary tweed outfits.

A Brief History of Hebridean Heather

This is a universal tartan which means it is not associated with any Clan or district. Universal tartans are a great choice as many of the designs are bright and contemporary.

Centuries ago, highlanders would wear the tartan of the Clan they were associated with. It was a way to show allegiance to a Clan and acted as a way of identifying friend vs foe in battle. This is no longer the case, today anyone can wear whichever tartan they desire. Often people from outside of Scotland are wary of wearing a Clan tartan as they don’t want to offend anyone. In reality, wearing a tartan that isn’t connected to your heritage is seen as a sign of respect and friendship towards the family/clan.

A Brief History of Harris Mist

In 2023, Harris Mist was launched and became the sixth tartan to be entered into the Mist tartan range, which is exclusive to MacGregor and MacDuff. Harris Mist is a contemporary tartan and has no connection to any specific clan history.

The tartan’s design takes inspiration from the beauty of the Isle of Harris. Its sandy beaches, clear blue waters and rocky mountains all contributed to each element of the tartan. Harris Mist has a mix of both warm and cool shades of greys, blues and greens with the addition of burnt orange yarn which is intended to reflect the natural warmth of a Harris welcome.

A Brief History of Arran Mist

In 2016 Arran Mist was launched and became the fourth tartan to be entered into the Mist tartan range, which is exclusive to MacGregor and MacDuff. Arran Mist is a contemporary tartan and has no connection to any specific clan history.

Arran Mist was inspired by the famous landscapes of the Isle of Arran. Arran is often referred to as “Scotland in Miniature” due to its rich history and Island scenery. Deep navy blues honour the sea that surrounds the Island, and accents of grey and brown represent the granite peaks and deep glens. Arran Mist is a fantastic tartan to wear and is easily paired with a range of jackets. Arran Mist works particularly well with brown accessories and our exclusive Arran Tweed jacket and waistcoat.

A Brief History of Black Watch

Although the Black Watch are not a traditional Scottish clan as such, they have been known as a Clan of service within the British Army. The regiment was originally created in the 1700’s to police the highlands of Scotland and to stop clashes between rival Clans. The name The Black Watch was derived from the dark colour of the tartan and its original role of the regiment to watch the Highlanders. The name remained over time and was officially recognised within the British Army.

The Black watch was originally meant to be a Scottish force that would stay in Scotland but soon after its formation, in 1743, the regiment was ordered to march to London to be inspected by the King. During their march to London, rumour got round the troops that they weren’t to be inspected by the King but instead they were being shipped to the West Indies. This resulted in over a hundred men turning away and walking by night back to Scotland. These men were captured and court-martialled with three of the men who instigated the mutiny being shot. The rest of the men were indeed shipped away, but to Flanders to fight the French and not the West Indies. To this day there is still speculation that if The Black Watch had stayed in the Highlands, they may have been able to stop the Jacobite rebellion before the battle of Culloden.

The Black Watch regiment has been involved in every major British war from the Napoleonic Wars in the 1800’s to the Iraq war in the 2000’s. Today The Black Watch is officially known as 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Originally the regimental Black Watch tartan kilts would have been with 12 yards of material but 7 or 8 yard Black Watch kilts are much more common today. The modern Black Watch tartan consists of mainly dark blues and blacks with the ancient variant being slightly lighter. Black Watch tartan is available in our hire tartan range and is a very common choice for all occasions.

A Brief History of Blue Ramsay

Clan Ramsay is one of Scotland’s older Clans with the name first being documented in 1124 when Simon de Ramsay travelled north with the Earl of Huntingdon. Simon de Ramsay was granted lands in Lothian but the Clan over time spread throughout Scotland.

The Ramsay Clan Mottos is “Ora Et Labora” which means “Pray and labour”. The Ramsay Clan has a history of being loyal fighters and helped maintain Robert Bruce’s seat on the Scottish throne. Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie became a renowned knight of the fourteenth century for raising the siege of Dunbar in 1338, and for orchestrating sneak attacks against the English.

The Ramsay Clan has two main variations to their tartan. There is the traditional Ramsay modern and ancient tartans which are red and black and there is the Blue Ramsay variation which consists of Blue and black. Blue Ramsay is an available tartan in our hire range which works very well with a navy blue jacket like our Arran jacket, which is also available for hire.

A Brief History of Douglas Modern

Clan Douglas was one of the most powerful clans in Scotland but never powerful enough to be a threat to the Scottish monarchy. Clan Douglas was originally a lowland Clan with land in Lanarkshire but the Douglas territories extended throughout Scotland and even as far as France and Sweden. The Douglas Clan Motto is “Jamais Arrière” which means “Never Behind”.

During the War of Independence in the late 13th century, The “Good” Sir James Douglas or “Black Douglas” became King Robert The Bruce’s most esteemed companion. Before the King died he requested that Black Douglas carry his heart to Jerusalem as a token of his unfulfilled ambition to go on crusade. Folklore says that on his way to the Holy Land, Black Douglas joined the Spanish in their fight against the Moorish and during one battle he threw the silver casket that contained Bruces’ heart and shouted “Lead on, Brave Heart. Douglas will follow thee or die!”. Black Douglas died in battle during his quest and his bones as well as the King’s heart, were sent back to Scotland.

The Douglas tartans mainly consist of blues and greens in the modern and ancient variations. There are however grey, dark and weathered alternatives to the traditional tartan colours. The Modern Douglas is available in our hire tartans and is a very popular tartan for all occasions.