Gordon Tartan

The history of the Gordon tartan, particularly its association with the Gordon Highlanders, is quite fascinating. The tartan was chosen by Alexander, the 4th Duke of Gordon, from three designs proposed by William Forsyth, a weaver and outfitter from Huntly. This decision occurred on April 15, 1793, as recorded in a letter by Forsyth, who suggested adding a small yellow stripe to the pattern of the 42nd Regiment plaid, believing it would look lively.

Interestingly, the two other tartan samples presented by Forsyth didn’t go to waste. According to a Gordon website, these were offered to different Gordon branch or cadet families. The Gordons of Hallhead and Esslemont chose the tartan featuring three yellow lines, while the Gordon-Cumming of Altyre and Gordonstoun selected the one with two yellow lines. This diversification of patterns within the Gordon clan demonstrates the flexibility and personalization in tartan selection among Scottish families.

The earliest known mention of this tartan dates back to 1798, based on a list compiled by D.C. Stewart from letters of Wilsons of Bannockburn. The adoption of specific tartan patterns by various branches of the Gordon family and its connection to a distinguished regiment like the Gordon Highlanders highlights the deep cultural significance and personal identity associated with tartans in Scottish history.