Tartan is a patterned textile associated primarily with Scotland, where it has been used for centuries in Highland dress. Early forms of tartan date back to at least the 3rd century CE, as seen in archaeological finds such as the Falkirk Tartan. By the 16th century, regional and familial tartans were common among Scottish clans, with distinct patterns and colors used to signify identity. Following the Jacobite uprisings, the British government banned tartan through the Dress Act of 1746 to suppress Highland culture, but the ban was lifted in 1782. In the 19th century, tartan experienced a revival, especially after King George IV’s visit to Scotland in 1822, popularized further by Queen Victoria’s love of Scottish heritage. Today, tartan remains a symbol of Scottish identity and is used in both traditional Highland dress and modern fashion worldwide.
